Nahki Wells Scores Twice In Luton Defeat
Nahki Wells scored twice in Luton Town’s 5-2 defeat to Mansfield Town, with the Bermudian footballer recording two goals after he was brought on in the 62nd minute as a substitute.
The club’s match report said, “The Hatters’ 13-match unbeaten run in League One came to an abrupt end following a heavy defeat at Mansfield.
“Jack Wilshere’s side, who had trailed in both of their opening league games, found themselves 3-0 behind at half-time.
“But there was to be no comeback this time.
“Nathan Moriah-Welsh scored twice in an 11-minute spell to put the hosts in control, his second a fine arrowed finish across goal from the edge of the penalty area.
“The Town were struggling to create clear-cut opportunities, but Emilio Lawrence spurned their best chance of the first half when shooting over the crossbar following Izzy Jones’ cross.
“But the home side were good value for their lead and Nigel Clough’s men extended their advantage on the stroke of half-time when Moriah-Welsh’s cut-back was knocked in by Louis Reed.
“Wilshere made three changes at the break in an attempt to rescue the situation with Harrison Ashby, Benny Benagr and Joe Johnson joining the fray.
“But the trio had barely enough time to get to grips with the hosts before Mansfield added a fourth goal barely two minutes into the second half when Jon Russell slotted home from 12 yards.
“Before the Town knew it four became five just before the hour when Russell scored a second on 57 minutes, hooking home after the ball had bounced into his path 10 yards from goal.
“Debutant Jamie Donley, given his first start after joining on loan from Tottenham on Saturday, and Callum Marshall made way on 62 minutes with Gideon Kodua and Nahki Wells handed the task of adding some respectability on the scoreline.
“Wells did so within 15 minutes of his introduction when he was upended in the box Kyle Knoyle before converting coolly from the spot.
“And the striker added a second to reduce the Stags’ advantage to three in stoppage time when lashing home a venomous first-time drive from 16 yards.
“However, it was too little too late for the Town whose focus now turns to back-to-back home games at Kenilworth Road this week with Stockport County first up on Wednesday night.”
