LUTON TOWN 1 CITY 2
League Cup 3rd Round
23rd September 1980
Attendance 10,030
Scorers
City Bennett(11), Henry(42)
Luton Antic(25)
Ref S Bates
City Corrigan, Ranson, Reid, Booth, Caton, Henry, Bennett, Daley, Palmer, Power, Reeves – sub Sugrue(unused)
Luton Findlay, Stephens, Donaghy, Grealish, Saxby, Price, Hill, Stein, West, Antic, Moss – sub Smith(unused)
Despite the headlines all being about the Blues’ expensive signings, such as Kevin Reeves and Steve Daley, it was the young players who had come through the youth team who battled hard at Kenilworth Road to win a place in the 4th round of the League Cup.
City took the lead in just the 11th minute, Dave Bennett picked up a pass from Kevin Reeves, held off three defenders to score past Findlay from eight yards.
Luton’s equaliser came in the 25th minute, when Yugoslav, Raddy Antic scored an excellent free kick goal.
City’s winner came just before half-time, an excellent header from another young player, Tony Henry.
Under-fire manager Malcolm Allison was proud of his young side: “The result has certainly done them good. My players worked very hard in a very difficult game.”