A HALF TIME dressing down played its part in Luton Town reaching the semi-finals of the FA Trophy with a 1-0 win at Guiseley on Saturday, writes Mike Simmonds.
Leading scorer Matthew Barnes-Homer 50th minute strike, his 14th of the season, but first in Hatters’ colours for nine games was just enough, as the plucky Blue Square North opponents fell to only their fourth defeat of the season.
Town had been poor in the first period though, and it was only after some strong words during the break and the introduction of substitute Danny Crow, that saw them through to face either Darlington, Gateshead or the winners of Mansfield versus Chasetown in Monday morning’s draw.
A relieved Brabin said: “The result was a great result. It’s a tough place to come, so to go away with a 1-0 victory is fantastic and we’re in the next round, but to say we were disappointed with the first half performance would be an understatement.
“We’ve had some harsh words at half time but I thought the lads responded well second half and we’re in the next round of the cup.”
Midfielder Alex Lawless had to go off after just 12 minutes of the clash, and is a major doubt for the Blue Square Premier trip to Forest Green Rovers on Tuesday night.
Brabin added: “We don’t know the extent of it at the moment, but hes hurt his hip and he’s in a bit of pain. So we’ll see how that is over the next couple of days.”
For the full story and interviews with both Matthew Barnes-Homer and Jake Howells, see this weeks Luton News/Dunstable Gazette.