Albion boss Carlos Corberan had already been pressured into two adjustments from the 0-0 residence draw in opposition to Cardiff Metropolis by damage – however he opted to make two extra in his frontline.

With out each Semi Ajayi and Paddy McNair, Callum Kinds got here in for less than his second begin at left-back, permitting Torbjorn Heggem to maneuver into the center alongside Mason Holgate, making his first begin since his August return to the membership on mortgage from Everton.

Corberan additionally introduced again membership captain Jed Wallace and Karlan Grant greater up, rather than John Swift and Mikey Johnston.

Luton’s two adjustments had been each brought on by the lack of Tom Holmes and Alfie Doughty by way of suspension following final Saturday’s loss at Coventry, providing recollects on the again for Amari’i Bell and Teden Mengi.

Digesting the crew information appeared the one factor of curiosity in a desperately poor first half lengthened by 5 minutes of damage time brought on by a hold-up in play when there was concern concerning the well being of a travelling supporter – a very poignant second within the wake of the loss of life of Albion fan Mark Townsend after he fell sick at Hillsborough simply over a month in the past.

But it surely was truly within the fourth minute of that added time when Albion scored – with their first second of attacking endeavour.

Grant took on his marker, squared throughout a low left-foot move and Maja, going through away from objective, cheekily flummoxed the Luton defence with a right-foot Cruyff flick that brushed Jordan Clark’s ankle because it spun slowly into the unguarded bottom-right nook of the online.