Hylton hits hat-trick as Hatters hit 4 past Accrington
A Danny Hylton hat-trick helped Luton Town record a 4-1 win over Accrington Stanley at Kenilworth Road as they moved into the play-off positions.
Hylton had opened the scoring only for Offrande Zanzala to equalise just before the half-hour. But the game swung in Luton’s favour as two goals in quick succession from Andrew Shinnie and Hylton put the home side 3-1 up, before Hylton made sure of the result late on.
With Doncaster losing at home to Sunderland, the result was enough to lift Luton into the League One play-offs ahead of Saturday’s trip to struggling AFC Wimbledon.
Luton struck inside the opening five minutes when a swift counter ended Hylton volleying in James Justin’s cross.
The visitors began to grow into the game, and after Zanzala had one effort saved, the Accrington man would equalise when he headed past James Shea.
Luton did end the opening half stronger, with Jonny Maxted making saves to keep out Justin and James Collins.
Two goals in quick succession then tilted the game in Luton’s favour. First, Shinnie was able to fashion space and strike home a low effort from outside the area.
He would then be joined on the scoresheet by Hylton, who struck his second goal of the game when he swept in Shinnie’s delivery.
Accrington did try to press to get back into things, with Shea making denying Sean McConville and Justin blocking the follow-up, before McConville would be denied again.
However, Luton would grab a 4th with 20 to go when Hylton turned in Sonny Bradley’s flick-on.
Accrington did still have a late chance, as Zanzala hit the bar, while Collins had a header denied in added time.
But it was still game, set and match for the hosts, as they retained their unbeaten run in all competitions at Kenilworth Road.