Pearson’s first Luton goal denied Sunderland victory

Posted Sunday, August 12, 2018 by PA

Luton defender Matty Pearson scored his first goal for the club to earn a 1-1 draw against Sunderland at Kenilworth Road.

The summer signing from Barnsley pounced after the break to equalise for the Hatters, who deserved a point for their second-half endeavours.

There were few chances in the first period, the best of them falling to Lynden Gooch who was inches away for an opener for the visitors when he sent a left-footed shot narrowly wide on the half hour.

Sunderland had the lead on the stroke of half-time, with Gooch slipping the ball through for Josh Maja who found the bottom corner.

Luton looked brighter in the second half as they sought a leveller, but saw Dan Potts’ drive deflect behind before Pearson’s header was off-target.

Gooch almost made it 2-0, with his curling shot slipping through the hands of Marek Stech but going over.

Luton were level after 67 minutes when a short corner routine saw Alan Sheehan cross for Pearson to steer his effort past Jon McLaughlin.

Moments later, Chris Maguire hammered against the bar from eight yards out, but Town had chances to win it, with Danny Hylton putting a free header wide and Potts nodding over in stoppage time.