ALDERSHOT TN 2,

LUTON TN 1

HAD they not been struggling with a massive 30-point deduction, Luton would have been neck-and-neck with Aldershot in mid-table and this close match would have accurately reflected their positions.

The Hatters, who had beaten Aldershot 3-1 in the earlier fixture, are unlikely to avoid slipping out of the Football League and there seemed to be an air of resignation about Mick Harford's men as they trooped off the field on Saturday.

A top-flight side 20 years ago, famous for their exceedingly unpopular plastic pitch, Luton have suffered an altogether too familar lurch into insolvency and a change of owner, manager and backroom staff has surely come too late to save Eric Morecambe's old club.

Aldershot, who know all about losing Football League status, were relieved to register their second win of 2009.

And there was plenty for Gary Waddock to enthuse about. It was a second clean sheet for his side and the win was secured by an outstanding goal from Kirk Hudson, one of Aldershot's brightest prospects.

"This was a massive three points," said the manager. "Luton are a good side, fighting for their lives at the bottom. That was more like us and the manner in which we played will give the players confidence again."

There were other plus points: Mikhael Jaimez-Ruiz, Nikki Bull's understudy in goal, had a much more assured game after his erratic performance against Shrewsbury, and Dave Winfield, after an uncertain start, gave a solid display in defence.

Winfield, called up to replace the injured Rhys Day, looked short of confidence early on, but by the finish the gangling centre-back was earning applause for his trademark pressure-easing headers that carried half the length of the field.

Up front, however, John Grant was still not firing on all cylinders and Aldershot failed to provide a good enough service for their their most potent attacker, Jake Robinson.

Grant's strength on the ball and positional sense were again impressive, but the old clinical touch was missing. He should have scored after 13 minutes when Hudson, showing great control and pace on the right, delivered an inviting cross. Grant scooped the ball high over the top, and that summed up his afternoon.

Aldershot's main goal threat was provided by midfielder Scott Davies who converted a penalty – albeit on the follow-up – and terrorised Luton with a couple of long-range belters, one of which shook the woodwork.

The Hatters, loudly supported by 793 travelling fans in the all-ticket lunchtime crowd of 3,098, began brightly enough and Tom Craddock took a return pass from Kevin Gallen to shoot into the side-netting.

Soon after missing his early chance, Grant earned Aldershot a penalty when a weaving run ended with him being tripped by Sol Davis.

Dean Brill, Luton's very able keeper, guessed right and made a superb parry, but Davies followed up to knock in the rebound.

One-nil after 15 minutes and Aldershot looked comfortable, yet Luton equalised from only their second decent attack of the half.

Ian Henderson, who looked their best player (he was puzzlingly substituted late in the game), chipped the ball across the goalmouth after some trickery on the right and Asa Hall played the ball back in for Craddock to ram home from eight yards.

From the start of the second half, Hudson and Anthony Straker – no doubt under orders – exploited their pace wide on the flanks to expose Luton's ponderous defence.

Just four minutes in, Aldershot regained the lead with a goal to savour. Lewis Chalmers, just before being barged off the ball, played a raking crossfield pass out to Hudson on the right. The number 17 darted in with obvious intent as Luton failed to close him down and, from the right corner of the area, rifled the ball across Brill and into the far corner.

Aldershot were suddenly playing with a swagger and the visitors were fortunate to escape further punishment as Davies unleashed two 30-yard howitzers – the first swerving just past the anglebar, the second smacking against the crossbar.

Luton eventually hit back and it was Aldershot's turn to have a slice of luck when Straker was adjudged to have fouled Henderson outside the box, when it certainly looked to be inside.

There was a glimpse of the predatory striker of old when Grant turned sharply to bring a fine save from Brill. At the other end, Michael Spillane nearly scripted a thriller, heading over from a quickly taken Kevin Nicholls free-kick.

But Aldershot were worthy winners and almost grabbed the third goal their efforts deserved when Andy Sandell's inswinging corner hit the upright and Robinson's follow-up shot was deflected wide.

Aldershot: Jaimez-Ruiz, Blackburn, Charles, Winfield, Straker, Hudson, Chalmers, Davies, Sandell, Grant, Robinson (Morgan 90). Subs (not used): Soares, Hylton, Newman, Cochrane. Booked: Chalmers, Sandell, Winfield.

Luton: Brill, Asafu-Adjaye (Nicholls 73), Bower, Keane, Davis, Henderson (Parkin 80), Hall (Emanuel 60), Spillane, Martin, Craddock, Gallen. Subs (not used): Button, Pilkington.

Attendance: 3,098.

Referee: Grant Hegley (Hertfordshire).

* Two goals from John Grant were enough to earn Aldershot a 2-1 win at Rotherham on Tuesday night.