Luton begin post-Jones era with point in top 3 battle with Sunderland
Luton Town picked up a point in their first game since losing manager Nathan Jones as they drew 1-1 with Sunderland.
In a clash between the sides who began the day second and third, Sunderland took the lead through Chris Maguire.
But Luton thought back and saw James Collins equalise after half-time. The striker scored from the penalty spot to bring the visitors level.
Both sides would end the day a man light, with Luton having Danny Hylton sent off before Sunderland’s Maguire was sent off in added time.
The draw keeps Luton ahead of the Black Cats in the table, with the gap between the two sides remaining at one point.
As far as the teams around them goes, the gap to 4th place Charlton reduced to 3 points after they beat Shrewsbury, while leaders Portsmouth are now just 4 points ahead after the South Coast side lost at home to Blackpool.
After a week that saw Luton manager Jones depart for Championship side Stoke City, it was Sunderland-born Mick Hartord who took charge of the Hatters for the clash in the North East.
The visitors had early opportunities as Elliott Lee hit one wide and Jon McLaughlin denied Andrew Shinnie, before Maguire rifled the home side in front after he was first to Lynden Gooch’s initially blocked attempt.
Luton would force McLaughlin into another first half intervention when the keeper denied Collins.
But it was Collins who would bring Luton back level after the break, with the striker scoring from the penalty spot after Hylton was fouled by Tom Flanagan when trying to reach a Collins effort that had cannoned off the post.
Hylton however would not see out the game, as within minutes of the equaliser being scored, the striker was dismissed for a tangle with Jack Baldwin before the game moved into the final 20 minutes.
Late on, Aiden McGeady crashed a strike against the bar before Charlie Wyke put the rebound in the stands.
But there were no more goals and Sunderland would ultimately end the match with 10 men as well, with Maguire dismissed for a stamp.