On This Day – 24th April
Luton Town were giantkillers on this day back in 1988, beating the holders Arsenal 3-2 to win the League Cup.
Arsenal were strong favourites going into the game but fell behind when Brian Stein scored from close range in the 13th minute.
The game sprang to life in the final 20 minutes when four goals were scored and Luton goalkeeper Andy Dibble saved a penalty. Martin Hayes equalised for Arsenal in the 71st minute before Alan Smith gave Arsenal the lead three minutes later.
In the 80th minute, David Rocastle was fouled in the penalty area and Nigel Winterburn took the resulting penalty. If he had scored then he surely would have put the game beyond Luton’s reach but Andy Dibble got down to his left to push away Winterburn’s effort.
A minute later, Danny Wilson nodded in from less than six yards out to level the match. Arsenal defender Gus Caesar stumbled when trying to clear the ball in the penalty area and a goalmouth scramble followed. Eventually the ball pinged up to Wilson who had the easy task of putting the ball in from close range.
As the game looked to be going to Extra Time, Luton completed their comeback and won the game thanks to Brian Stein, scorer of their first goal. Ashley Grimes crossed the ball low into the box from the right wing and Stein got ahead of Nigel Winterburn to prod in Luton’s winner.
The League Cup win was Luton’s only major trophy to date and with the club down in the Championship, it may be a long time until they have the chance to win another piece of silverware.
Andy Dibble describes his memories of the day in the phone interview that I did with him a few months ago. You can hear that interview by clicking here.
About Author
2 thoughts on “On This Day – 24th April”
Comments are closed.