Nathan Jones was beaten in his final Luton game as Stoke produced one of the most comfortable football scores of the weekend in the Championship. To meet with Southampton about replacing Ralph Hassenhuttl as manager of the struggling Premier League club, Jones has been given permission. If he is successful, he may manage his first Premier League match on Saturday against Liverpool. If so, this was a disappointing finish to his second tenure as manager at Kenilworth Road as Stoke gained their first home victory in four tries thanks to two goals in the opening 13 minutes. The strain on Potters manager Alex Neil was reduced by goals from Nick Powell (his second of the season) and Town captain Tom Lockyer (his own goal).
The Welshman, who was frequently jeered by the home crowd, faced a more typical conclusion at his former managing home in three minutes. Powell was given the opportunity to head in Morgan Fox’s first assist of the evening from inside the penalty area, giving City a three-point lead. Ten minutes later, Lockyer, a Wales World Cup prospect, went past Harry Isted after Fox teased over another center from the left. As Stoke attempted to secure this much-needed home victory, Powell came dangerously close to punishing timider for defending but was unable to hit the target from close range. Jordan Clark was easily saved by goalkeeper Jack Bonner, who was recalled in place of Joe Bursik for his first appearance since September 13.
After 58 minutes, Luton, who was attempting to go unbeaten for a fourth game, came close to scoring. Instead, Lockyer’s sidefoot attempt from James Bree’s corner struck a post during his difficult evening, which also included a first-half yellow. The next shot was fired wide by Harry Cornick. Eventually, Luton ran out of options, and Liam Delap’s amazing late third goal for the Potters was prevented by Isted’s fingertips. At the last siren of his conceivably final appearance, Jones led the ovation from the visiting supporters.
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