Luton Town 0-0 Bolton Wanderers: Visitors earn FA Cup third-round replay

Luton were left frustrated as League One promotion-chasers Bolton earned a replay in the FA Cup third round with a goalless draw at Kenilworth Road.

Captain Carlton Morris had Luton’s best chance but his header was too close to Bolton goalkeeper Nathan Baxter, before Alfie Doughty struck the post with a fierce left-footed strike late on.

While a home goal always seemed more likely, the visitors threatened in the closing stages and almost snatched a winner when Luton keeper Tim Krul mistimed a punch and sent the ball backwards and only just over his own crossbar.

Luton had a chance in the final seconds after Baxter came for a cross and failed to gather but Bolton’s defenders came to his aid to crowd out Chiedozie Ogbene and secure a rematch back at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.

Ian Evatt’s side acquitted themselves well, particularly in the first half, with Paris Maghoma firing their best effort just over the bar after Ross Barkley had been dispossessed in midfield.

Luton struggled to muster much better before the break as Albert Sambi Lokonga fizzed a shot just wide while a pair of long-range efforts from Barkley were easily saved.

Lack of cutting edge costs Luton

For the first 20 minutes of the second half, a Luton goal seemed inevitable.

Having found themselves restricted by a confident Bolton team in the first half, Rob Edwards’ side showed their superiority against a side two divisions below them.

However, for all that they pegged Bolton back and sent cross after cross into the box – both from set-pieces and open play – they could not find a way past Baxter.

The Bolton keeper was not overly busy, though. He made a sharp reaction save to keep out Morris’ header from inside the six-yard box but was not tested by Elijah Adebayo, who had a decent headed chance early in the second period.

On the one occasion he was beaten, Doughty’s shot came back off the upright and, despite Luton’s protests, both the on-field referee and the video assistant referee judged that the wing-back was not fouled when the ball came back to him.

While the FA Cup may not be a priority for either side this season, the hosts will be disappointed not to have secured their place in the fourth round having had more than enough chances to win the game.