After a quiet first half, Danny Hylton came off the bench to give the Hatters their third win of the week.
The victory sees Town leapfrog Sheffield United into sixth place, and the final play-off spot in the Championship.
Nathan Jones made one change from the win at Stoke City during midweek. Henri Lansbury came into the Town starting line-up, with Hylton dropping to the bench. New signing Robert Snodgrass was amongst the substitutes after joining the club yesterday.
Derby were the first side to have a sight on goal. Nathan Byrne broke into the Town area and found Colin Kazim-Richards, whose effort was well over the crossbar.
The first half saw chances at a premium, with the Hatters registering their first opportunity just after the half hour mark. Kal Naismith’s cross into the box was met by the head of Elijah Adebayo, but his header didn’t find the target.
Town were forced into their first substitution five minutes into the second half, after Lansbury was unable to continue, with Hyton coming on as a replacement.
A superb save from Jed Steer kept the game level. Max Bird’s curling effort looked destined for the top corner, but the goalkeeper got fingertips on the ball to tip it onto the crossbar.
Cameron Jerome was introduced as the Hatters made a second switch, coming on in the place of Harry Cornick and to great effect too.
Town would go in front through Hylton. Jerome’s header was perfect for Hylton, who found the bottom corner with a fantastic finish.
Reece Burke was next to threaten for Luton. Amari’i Bell’s cross found the defender, whose volley hit the side-netting.
Fred Onyedinma was Town’s third and final substitution, replacing Adebayo with just over ten minutes to go.
The lead should’ve been doubled when Onyedinma found James Bree with time and space in the Derby area. His shot, however, was straight at Ryan Allsop.
Allsop was called into action again from the resulting corner, keeping out Jerome’s headed flick.
Town were able to see out the game and record their third victory in a week, climbing into the Championship play-off places.
Goals:
Town: Hylton (67’)
Att: 10,070 (1,032 away)
