Luton Town secures promotion to Premier League after 31-year absence

Luton players celebrate as Coventry miss a penalty to send them into the Premier League during the Championship Play-off game at Wembley Stadium, London. Photo Credit: Imago [David Klein / Sportimage]

FOOTBALL Luton Town secures promotion to Premier League after 31-year absence

Shafic Kiyaga • 20:37 - 27.05.2023

Having suffered relegation in 1992, just before the inception of the Premier League, Luton Town's journey back to the elite level has been a long and challenging one.

Luton Town Football Club is set to make a triumphant return to the top flight of English football after a remarkable 31-year absence.

The Hatters earned their promotion to the Premier League for the upcoming season by defeating Coventry City 6-5 on penalties following a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Wembley Stadium in the Championship play-off final.

Despite losing captain Tom Lockyer early in the match when he collapsed off the ball, Luton Town dominated the first half, and Jordan Clark's well-executed strike on the 23rd minute gave them a deserved lead.

In the second half, Coventry made adjustments by introducing Matty Godden, which paid off as Gustavo Hamer found the equalizer in the 66th minute.

This marked the first equalizing goal scored in a Championship play-off final in over a decade.

With neither team able to break the deadlock during extra time, the match proceeded to a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.

All 10 penalties were successfully converted, leading to sudden death. Luton Town's Luke Berry calmly slotted in their sixth penalty.

Eventually, former Chelsea player Fankaty Dabo's miss from the spot sent Luton's supporters into a frenzy and secured their place in the Premier League.

Having suffered relegation in 1992, just before the inception of the Premier League, Luton Town's journey back to the elite level has been a long and challenging one.

Merely three years ago, Luton Town was competing in League Two, the fourth tier of English football.

Their resurgence has been truly remarkable, as they now become the first team to experience relegation from the top division to non-League football and make their way back to the Premier League.

On the other hand, Coventry City's hopes of returning to the Premier League were dashed, extending their 22-year wait for top-flight football.

Nonetheless, their achievements throughout the season, led by manager Mark Robins, have been nothing short of exceptional, as they experienced their own remarkable rise.