Hatters Matters

The table-topping Greens have a chance to quickly bounce back from their midweek defeat to Oxford United, with another tricky fixture against a Luton side at their often-intimidating stomping ground. 

“They’ve got a very good support,” said Derek, “and over the years they’ve been a very good football club, so we understand what we’re going to. 

“It’s a difficult venue to go to. It’s a tight, enclosed ground, and there’s going to be a good atmosphere because they get very good crowds. That will probably change the game – I imagine it will be quite frenetic. You don’t get to pass the ball as much in that atmosphere, and that’s what happens.” 

John Still’s Hatters sit 13th in the Sky Bet League Two table, with five wins and five defeats to their name, but Derek is preparing diligently for a demanding test this weekend. 

“John has changed his team about a bit this season – they’ve changed formation,” said Adams. “They have got very good experience. It’s one that’s going to be a tough test for us. 

“We would hope to try and go there and be positive, and try to get enough creative players in the team to try and create openings and score goals. We go into every game trying to win it. 

“We look at the analysis of previous games, and look at how they’ve conceded their goals or scored their goals. We look at everything before the game, then see how we can cause them problems, and deal with the good players that they have.” 

With two lengthy away trips in the space of five days, the time for Derek to prepare his team for the Town test is limited, but the boss is confident that they will be ready come Saturday. 

“We have to be aware of the travelling time,” said Derek. “We didn’t get back until 2:45am last night. Sleep is important, then you’re out of that sleep pattern, and now we’ve obviously got to go away to Luton.

“I have to try and prepare the players in a different way to get them fit and raring to go on Saturday.”