Luton see off Forest Green to proceed to FA Cup second round

Luton navigated their way into the FA Cup second round after seeing off National League side Forest Green Rovers 2-0 at Kenilworth Road.

The Hatters needed just four minutes to take the lead, with Emilio Lawrence playing a one-two with Jordan Clark and the Manchester City loanee slipping his shot underneath advancing keeper Ethan Ross.

Jayden Clarke tried to bring the teams level from range, as Town stopper Josh Keeley clung on, before Sean Etaluku curled into the side-netting on 17 minutes.

Luton went close on 36 minutes when Dan Gore’s free kick was tipped over by Ross, before they doubled their advantage on 41 minutes as Gore won the ball back high up and picked out Jordan Clark to score his third goal in a week via a deflection.

The second period saw Town almost get a third on the hour mark when Callum Marshall teed up Lawrence and his low shot was repelled by the legs of Ross.

Rovers did not give up, with Kyle Kelly and Sean Abrefa seeing attempts deflect wide – the latter also slamming off target with 20 minutes left.

Late on, D’mani Bughail-Mellorine’s cross shot skimmed the bar, but the Hatters had done enough to put their name in the hat for Monday’s draw.