Fine margins cost Wilshere’s Luton side on managerial debut

Jack Wilshere managed his first game with Luton Town against Mansfield Town on Saturday, but a costly missed penalty meant the match ended in defeat.

Photo via LutonTown.co.uk

Following his recent appointment to his first job in senior management, Jack Wilshere was in the dugout for Luton Town’s League One match against Mansfield Town on Saturday afternoon.

The former Arsenal player and youth coach would have wanted to get off to a good start with his new club, but Luton have been on a mixed run so far this season.

With as many defeats (five) as wins in their first 11 league games, Luton certainly hadn’t found any consistency prior to Wilshere’s appointment. It was never going to be easy to hit the ground running.

Photo via LutonTown.co.uk

In the end, Wilshere will be reflecting back on some fine margins on the day. Luton’s Jordan Clark was wheeling away in celebration when his early effort bounced back off the post at 0-0, and the team had an even better chance to take the lead when Clark was subsequently fouled for a penalty.

Yet Nahki Wells’ shot was saved, and the game seemingly turned on that moment.

Five minutes later, a dreadful wayward pass from Wells put Rhys Oates in on goal to score for 1-0, and a second-half handball in the area allowed Mansfield to consolidate their advantage with a penalty of their own. Tyler Roberts converted for 2-0 and three points.

Photo by Leila Coker/Getty Images

Whatever the circumstances of the result, Luton Town fans remain unhappy. The Observer report that pockets of boos could be heard after the game, and one fan could be heard saying in the early stages “we should have got Richie Wellens” instead of Wilshere.

It’s probably good news that the games are going to keep coming thick and fast. Luton face Northampton Town in another league game next Saturday, then Brighton’s u21s in the EFL Trophy the following Tuesday, then Forest Green Rovers in the FA Cup that Friday.

The team won’t have to sit with any one bad result for too long, and they’ll hope they can string together a few good games to build some momentum now.