www.lutonfc.com - By Luton Fans, For Luton Fans

Please note that below this report is a comprehensive photo gallery of the day. The photos are also with the kind permission of Luton Town Football Club and their excellent photographer Gareth Owen.

A Luton Town Legends side defeated an Arsenal XI 2-1 at Kenilworth Road in a highly entertaining match to mark the 20th anniversary of the Hatters’ famous 3-2 win over the Gunners at Wembley in the 1988 Littlewoods Cup final.

In front of an attendance of over 4,500 people (which also included Arsenal legend and now TV presenter Ian Wright), Luton legends like Mick Harford, Ricky Hill, Tim Breacker, Scott Oakes, Marvin Johnson, Kingsley Black and David Oldfield featured amongst others – all of whom rightly deserve their status as a Luton legend. Perhaps the two most surprising aspects of the day were substitute appearances by Kevin Nicholls and Tony Thorpe. With Nicholls still contracted to Preston North End, it was a shock to say the least to many Hatters fans to see him enter the fray in his usual central midfield role. It has certainly left many Luton supporters wondering whether he’ll be returning to Kenilworth Road. It was also rumoured that he stated at the end of the clash that it “was not his last game for Luton” and that he “really hopes he’s coming back.”

When asked officially by journalists on the chances of a return to Kenilworth Road, Nicholls said, "You never know do you. I had six fantastic years here but for now I'm a Preston player and thankfully they let me play here today.

"Luton is a fantastic club. I adore the fans and they've been fantastic to me. They were a big part of why I was so successful as a player here, I can't speak highly enough of them. It was good to run out at Kenilworth Road again."

Nicholls also had a word of praise for current Luton boss Mick Harford, saying, "I was at Luton with him under Joe Kinnear and he was fantastic. Obviously it's been a very unfortunate time with two relegations but I think he's the right man to take the club forward. He'll bring his own players in and I believe they'll be ready for next season and I hope they have a fantastic campaign."

Harford has already stated that he has a hit-list of players he would like to bring to Luton when the shackles of administration are off but he wouldn't be drawn on whether Nicholls is a name that occupies his thinking.

"He wanted to come and play in the game," said the manager. "He got permission from Preston and he showed what a good footballer he is. The game had a slow tempo but his touch was very good and I'm just delighted to see him again."

The most pleasing aspect of the day was that the proceeds from the event went to charity and four charities will be donated money to the tune of five figures each - a tremendous achievement.

The family of Luton legend David Preece, who sadly passed away, were also in attendance and it was a fitting moment when at half-time, the club announced that the New Stand (Family Stand) would be renamed "The David Preece Stand" from now on.

Like David "Mini" Preece, it was also good to remember other legends from the 1988 Cup final squad who are no longer with us - goalkeeper Les Sealey, manager Ray Harford and Arsenal's David Rocastle.

In addition, the appearance of Tony Thorpe – who left to join Queen’s Park Rangers under highly controversial circumstances in 2003 – was also seen as somewhat of a surprise. After initially being booed on entering the action, the groans quickly faded and Thorpe looked every bit the great player he was, his quick feet causing the Arsenal defence all sorts of problems. With his family in the crowd, it was good to see that perhaps what happened can now finally stay in the past. After all, there can be no question that Thorpe is a Luton legend – he is the only Luton player EVER to top the professional scoring league for the whole of Europe when he scored over 30 goals in 1996.

As well as 1988 heroes Steve Foster, Darron McDonough (who didn’t actually feature in the match due to neck and ankle injuries respectively, but were both in attendance), David Oldfield, Mick Harford, Ricky Hill, Rob Johnson, Kingsley Black, Mark Stein and Tim Breacker, other Luton legends were also in attendance – from 1990s heroes like Scott Oakes, Phil Gray, Julian James and John Dreyer – to older stars like Godfrey Ingram, Mitchell Thomas and Wayne Turner.

Luton triumphed with goals from Mark Stein and David Oldfield as the Luton Legends rolled back the years.

Wayne Turner fired in a volley after just two minutes, while Rob Johnson should have given the Hatters the lead on five minutes, but he couldn't quite force Scott Oakes' near post cross home.

Kingsley Black's floated ball into the box picked out Ricky Hill at the far post seconds later, but the skilful midfielder could only head just wide.

The high temperatures, coupled with the players' ageing limbs, meant the pace of the game was slow, but the class and skill of the ‘88 team was clear for all to see.

Luton again went close on nine minutes when Black's curving cross was spooned goal wards by Mark Stein, but the ball bounced off the top of the bar and behind for a goal-kick.

However, Arsenal took the lead against the run of play on 12 minutes when Dmitri Kharine was left completely exposed and Giles Alderson was left in acres of space to tap home at the far post.

The Hatters should have been level seconds later. Some Stein magic on the right completely opened up the visiting defence but Mick Harford’s shot deflected off the left-hand upright and behind.

The Luton Legends, though, deservedly levelled after a quarter of an hour as Mitchell Thomas' through ball picked out Stein, and his curling finish from the edge of the box beat Vince Bartram and rebounded off the left-hand post and in.

Bartram produced a decent stop low to his left to deny Stein on 22 minutes, after a good break by Tim Breacker, before former Luton skipper Kevin Nicholls made a surprise appearance as a 32nd minute substitute, fuelling the rumours that he could be set for a return to Kenilworth Road in the summer.

Kingsley Black produced some more magic four minutes later to waltz through the Arsenal defence, but could only blaze his shot over from just inside the box.

A mazy Marvin Johnson run almost opened up the visitors on 41 minutes, but he could only fizz a wayward effort well wide, before the classic rendition of “Marvin For England” was heard from the stands!

Arsenal crashed an effort against the left-hand upright with two minutes of the half left, but both sets of red-faced players were relieved to hear the referee's half-time whistle.

John Dreyer, Phil Gray, David Oldfield, Godfrey Ingram and Tony Thorpe were all given run outs for Luton, with the latter initially generating a chorus of boos from the Kenilworth Road faithful.

Julian James was introduced in place of Thomas on 55 minutes, while Nicholls' floated effort seconds later was headed behind.

2020 director Godfrey Ingram and youth team product Edward Asafu-Adjaye provided some fresh legs for the Hatters, while Oldfield lashed an effort over the bar on 57 minutes.

The heat began to take its toll in the second-half, with both sides struggling to break out of a canter.

Thorpe almost scored a brilliant individual goal with 13 minutes left. Having weaved Arsenal's defence into a knot, Bartram got down well to deny the evergreen striker, with Ingram just unable to pounce on the rebound.

The game suddenly burst into life with 10 minutes left when Thorpe's delightful through ball sent Oldfield clear. Having rounded Bartram, Oldfield was felled in the box and the referee had no hesitation pointing to the sport.

Bartram may have saved John Dreyer’s trademark two-step penalty, but Oldfield was on hand to slide the ball home.

Typically nervy Luton just about managed to hold out in the closing moments to claim another memorable victory over their illustrious London rivals and lift the cup (again!).

Luton’s starting line-up was: -

Dmitri Kharine
Tim Breacker (Kingsley Black (came back on), 79)
Marvin Johnson (Edward Asafu-Adjaye, 63)
Mitchell Thomas (Julian James, 45)
Rob Johnson (George Beavan, 69)
Scott Oakes (Godfrey Ingram, 53)
Wayne Turner (Kevin Nicholls, 40)
Ricky Hill (John Dreyer, 42)
Kingsley Black (Tony Thorpe, 53)
Mick Harford (Phil Gray, 47)
Mark Stein (David Oldfield, 47)

Also in attendance: -
Steve Foster
Darron McDonough

The Arsenal side included former Gunners players Vince Bartram, Andy Linighan, Martin Hayes, Brian Hornsby and Eddie McGoldrick, as well as actors Robbie Gee (star of 'the Desmonds' and Guy Ritchie film 'Snatch') and Ralf Little (who plays Anthony in 'The Royle Family'. They also had former record goal scorer and England international, now turned TV presenter, Ian Wright supporting them from the stands.

Luton legend Ricky Hill said after the match, "It's lovely to be back. It's heart-warming to come back and it's nice that the fans showed me a lot of love. I'm very appreciative and I'm glad that I could be here to be part of the day.

"It's another generation, maybe even two, from when I was playing. I started my career here in 1975 but it seems like the memories have been passed on by parents and grandparents.

"It's nice to see the young kids out there supporting the club and coming to support the cause.

"It's good to see my old team mates. We don't see enough of each other really. From time to time we get together for a reunion every couple of years. People are in different parts of England, some are out of England but when we get back together there's a common bond like we've never been away. It's an uncanny football thing, it's a dressing room thing where you just pick up where you left off five, maybe 15 years ago.

"I can only wish the club and the supporters every success.

"Ever since I've been associated with this club there have always been ups and downs. I remember back in 1975 they had to sell Peter Anderson to stop from going into liquidation. Luton Town have always survived and I believe they will continue to do so and hopefully they can thrive again."

Meanwhile, wing wizard Kingsley Black, who looked in top condition and impressed throughout the match, said, "I'm a Luton Town fan so I'm hoping we can build from now on and I think there will be some good times ahead.

"I think you have people in charge who have Luton Town Football Club at heart and that bodes well.

"Today was a magnificent occasion and, certainly for me, it brought back memories. It was just nice that we marked the 20 year anniversary with something for charity."

Striker Mick Harford - voted as Luton's best-ever player - said, "The day went very well, there was a fantastic crowd and a feel-good factor with the fans turning out in their thousands. I'd just like to say a big thank you to them.

"They (the fans) are the most important people at the Football Club. Without the supporters we wouldn't survive.

"There was a great turn out from the lads. Obviously some people couldn't make it and Fozzy (Steve Foster) and Darron McDonough couldn't play because they've go injuries but it was a great day.

"Of course I miss playing still but the legs won't work anymore. The mind still works but the legs can't carry me. It seemed a bit strange to be on a big pitch again but I thoroughly enjoyed it."

Former Hatters player and now 2020 Director Godfrey Ingram signs autographs pre-match.

Julian James, David Oldfield, Scott Oakes, Kingsley Black and Darron McDonough enjoy the occasion.

Mick Harford, Steve Foster, Darron McDonough and Tony Thorpe salute the fans before kick-off.

All smiles: David Oldfield, Mick Harford and Darron McDonough share a joke.

Two great and skilful midfielders: Scott Oakes meets former Hatters and England international Ricky Hill.

Ricky Hill and Tim Breacker deep in conversation, with Wayne Turner in the background.

Wayne Turner and Tony Thorpe share a joke in the tunnel before the match.

Captain Steve Foster shakes hands with the Arsenal players before leading the Hatters Legends out onto the field.

Steve Foster leads the Luton Town Legends out onto the field with the Littlewoods (League) Cup trophy.

Winners: The Luton Town Legends parade the Littlewoods (League) Cup trophy as they take to the pitch.

Some of the Luton Town Legends Squad

Back Row Left to Right:

Darron McDonough, (Unknown), Mick Harford, Mitchell Thomas, Tim Breacker, Steve Foster, Marvin Johnson, Dmitri Kharine.

Front Row Left to Right:

Mark Stein, David Oldfield, Rob Johnson, Ruby Preece (David Preece's daughter and mascot), Ricky Hill, Scott Oakes, Wayne Turner, Kingsley Black.

Wing Wizard: Kingsley Black, who looked far from past his best, back in action for the Hatters.

Striker Mark Stein, who scored the Hatters' opening goal, spreads the play.

Mitchell Thomas and Wayne Turner in action for the Luton Town Legends.

Legendary Hatters midfielder and former England international Ricky Hill rolls back the years.

Former Russia international goalkeeper Dmitri Kharine, now Luton's goalkeeping coach, played between the sticks.

Super Mick: Former England international Mick Harford, who was voted Luton Town's greatest-ever player.

Defender Mitchell Thomas fires in a shot at the Arsenal XI goal, closely watched by Wayne Turner.

Midfield Legends: Super Kevin Nicholls (left) and Scott Oakes (right) back in Luton Town shirts.

Former Northern Ireland international striker Phil Gray came on as a second-half substitute.

Tony Thorpe, who came on as a substitute, runs at the Arsenal XI defence with his usual trickery.

Substitute striker David Oldfield nets the winner after John Dreyer's penalty had been saved by Vince Bartram.

Former Hatters defender John Dreyer shares a joke with actor Ralf Little, star of 'The Royle Family'.

Winners: David Oldfield and Godfrey Ingram are all smiles at the final whistle after their victory.

Scott Oakes and the other Luton Town Legends receive their medals.

Tony Thorpe receives his medal, with other Luton Town Legends waiting in the wings to collect theirs.

Mick Harford is presented with the winners trophy after the Luton Town Legends 2-1 victory.

Winners Again: Kingsley Black holds aloft the Littlewoods (League) Cup trophy.

Full-Back Tim Breacker leaves the filed, with Godfrey Ingram all smiles at the end of the 90 minutes.