I've mentioned previously the curious rivalry between supporters of York City and Luton Town. Back in 2012, Luton and York were battling it out in what is now the National League following Luton's massive points deduction and eventual demotion into Non-League oblivion in 2009. The Hatters (Luton's nickname due to historical links to the local hat-making industry) landed in Non-League and, as is often the way, seemed to have decided that they would simply be "on loan" to the new lower level of football for a season before retaking their perceived rightful place back in the Football League. Except that it wasn't that easy. In fact it took five years before Luton eventually made it back to League 2 following several Play-Off heartaches. So much for the entitlement that Luton's fans seemed to have! What made things doubly satisfying at the time was that York seemed to spoil Luton's party every time the two clubs met. In nine previous meetings with York as a Non-League side, Luton had managed to beat York only once.
And so it was in the FA Trophy Semi-Final of 2012. Luton's fans, seemingly expecting a comfortable win over York followed by a nice little trip to Wembley in May, had a rude awakening. The match burst into life in the 14th minute when Luton's Jake Howells received his marching orders for a goal line handball. I have to say that the video replay suggests that the red card was harsh (see the video attached to my blog) but who cares? The resultant penalty was slammed home by Jamie Reed and 1-0 was the way that it remained until half time despite chances for both sides. Five minutes into the second half and a high challenge by Luton's Keith Keane left Jamal Fyfield on the floor. Jamal went down far too easily for Luton's liking and you can guess the rest. Luton were now down to nine men with 40 minutes still to play. Surely now there would be a goals avalanche? Well actually no. York went into their shell and failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage. Luton defended as if their lives depended on it and, come the final whistle, it was Luton who would perhaps have been more satisfied with their afternoon's work. Many a York supporter was left rueing the failure to make the second leg a formality. One week later it would be "game on "at Kenilworth Road and another match that would live long in the memory. I've covered the events at Kenilworth Road on 17th March 2012 previously in my blog but you can search on Luton Town to enjoy it again!
CRB Match No. 1881
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