Carlton Morris earns Luton win over promotion rivals Sheffield United

Posted Sunday, March 12, 2023 by PA

Luton earned a vital three points in the Championship promotion race with a 1-0 win against high-flying Sheffield United.

A second-half goal from Carlton Morris secured the victory that solidified the Hatters’ place in the play-off places.

After a quiet opening 15 minutes, it was the hosts who had the first chance. Max Lowe’s cross found Jayden Bogle at the far post but he could only head the ball into Ethan Horvath’s hands.

Bogle received the first yellow card of the match when he pulled down Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu, who was on a good run towards the Sheffield United box. The foul forced the Hatters into a very early change, with the injured Mpanzu coming off for Luke Berry.

In a half of few chances, the visitors almost went in front with 10 minutes to go before the break. Gabe Osho’s cross fell to Berry in the Blades’ box but the Luton man fired over the bar.

Frustrations grew within both sets of supporters, with neither side able to keep possession as the first half drew to a close.

Sander Berge had the chance to give United the lead before the interval, but his effort in the Luton box was deflected behind. Oliver Norwood’s corner found Anel Ahmedhodzic, but the defender’s header was caught by Horvath.

Luton made the perfect start to the second half.

On 53 minutes, Elijah Adebayo worked his way brilliantly down the Blades’ left-hand side before firing in a cross. It was converted by Morris, who beat keeper Wes Foderingham to the ball, from close range to delight the away supporters behind the goal.

Paul Heckingbottom opted for a substitution to find the equaliser. Midfielder John Fleck was replaced by Billy Sharp, giving United another forward on the pitch with half an hour to go.

Lowe had the chance to draw the game level soon after. He was found by Oli McBurnie’s cross but was unable to strike a clean effort at goal from the left side of the box.

As the game entered the latter stages, Luton had to dig deep to hold on. McBurnie got on the end of a Berge cross but once again the shot was straight at Horvath.

Substitute Cauley Woodrow had a golden opportunity to secure the points for Luton. He found himself through on goal but fired wide from close range to keep United in the game.

Despite the miss, Luton held on to take the crucial points home to Bedfordshire while the Blades missed a golden chance to extend their lead on the play-off positions.