
Ryan Johnson's own goal gifts Luton all three points in League One opener
It was the first time since 2019 Luton had played at this level and an immediate return to the Championship looked like being anything but straightforward as Johnnie Jackson's visitors, fresh from victory in the League Two play-off final, contained them with relative ease for much of the match.
The opening 45 minutes saw the teams muster two shots on goal between them, both off target and one of which landed on the roof of the Oak Stand behind Wimbledon goalkeeper Bishop.
Visiting defender Joe Lewis might have been lucky to escape harsher punishment when he halted a clear run on goal for Wells, receiving just a yellow card for tripping the Hatters debutant when seemingly the last man.
Reuell Walters finally had Luton's first shot on target after 63 minutes, drawing an outstanding one-handed save from Bishop with a drilled half-volley from range.
Wimbledon looked to have done enough to earn a point, but then came Johnson's unfortunate wayward header to gift the Hatters victory.

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