Hatters boss David Pleat, whose side started one place inside the relegation zone and one point below City, selected the following team for the crunch match:

TOWN: Godden, Stephens, Goodyear, Horton, Elliott, Donaghy, Hill, Aylott, Walsh, Turner, Stein. Sub: Antic

John Benson's hosts, who started the day in 19th position and just needed to avoid defeat to stay above the drop line, kicked off with the following line-up:

Williams; Ranson, McDonald; Reid, Bond, Caton, Tueart, Reeves, Baker, Hartford, Power. Sub: Kinsey

REFEREE: Arnold Challinor