An unfortunate late Ryan Johnson own goal gave Luton Town a fortunate and hard-fought 1-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon in the League One opener on Friday night at Kenilworth Road, settling a game of very few chances with just five minutes remaining.
It was the first game back in the third tier for both clubs. Luton had returned to League One after successive relegations from the Premier League and Championship, while AFC Wimbledon arrived having been promoted from League Two through the play-offs.
Two clubs, two contrasting journeys
These two sides were two leagues apart just three months ago, and three leagues apart just over a year ago, but the playing field was levelled at Kenilworth Road. Luton are one of the favourites for promotion despite losing 47 of their 84 league games over the past two seasons.