Luton Town 3 Sheffield Wednesday 2

Last updated : 01 May 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Steven Howard's last minute strike sealed all three points for Luton in a remarkable come back in a 3-2 win against Sheffield Wednesday at Kenilworth Road.

Trailing by two goals at half-time, the Hatters came out fighting to take victory in their final home game of the season.

The win confirmed a top-half finish for Luton, while Wednesday are safe from relegation after other results went their way.

Luton started the better of the two sides and Howard saw his close range effort deflected onto the post by Richard Wood.

Howard then headed Kevin Foley's cross into the arms of Kevin Pressman but it was the Owls who took the lead in the 23rd minute.

The visitors captain Paul McLaren floated the ball into the box and Jon Shaw rose above the towering Emmerson Boyce to head past the motionless Dean Brill.

Luton immediately went on the attack and Steve Robinson, Foley and Howard all went close to unearthing an equaliser.

However, a Luton defensive error let Wednesday in for their second goal on 33 minutes.

Chris Brunt's cross field ball was left by both Sol Davis and Brill, making his first start since November in place of the dropped Morten Hyldgaard, allowing Terry Cooke to roll the ball into the empty net.

The Hatters were offered hope after the interval when Howard side-footed home in the 54th minute after impressive work by Steven O'Leary.

Pressman denied Howard on two more occasions but Luton eventually forced an equaliser in the 79th minute.

Howard headed Foley's cross against Dean Smith and O'Leary reacted quickest to slot home the rebound despite the desperate efforts of Pressman.

The veteran Owls goalkeeper produced a sensational save from Howard late on as the game looked to be ending in a draw.

But in injury time Substitute Enoch Showunmi ghosted past Brian Barry-Murphy before crossing for Howard. The giant striker turned the ball home to send the home crowd into raptures.