TALK of a rivalry between these two sides had been played down by Stanley boss John Coleman before the game but anyone who was at Kenilworth Road can be in no doubt that these sides don’t see eye to eye.

A year ago the Reds celebrated a last minute winner on their way to beating Luton to the League Two title. This time it was the Hatters who were celebrating as a Danny Hylton hat-trick inspired them to a 4-1 win.

But the scoreline tells only part of the story after a full-blooded encounter that saw a half-time fracas, a yellow card for each dug-out and numerous flashpoints on the pitch.

The home fans created a raucous atmosphere that made for an enthralling contest which started at a frantic pace and didn’t let up.

Luton opened the scoring inside the first five minutes. The hosts broke quickly from a Stanley free kick and swept forward with Hylton putting the finishing touch to a flowing counter-attack, volleying in from close range.

Stanley’s first chance came on the quarter hour when Offrande Zanzala met Sam Finley’s curling cross but James Shea was able to claw away the effort.

It was Zanzala who levelled though when he met Callum Johnson’s excellent delivery at the back post and his header squirmed through Shea, who should have done much better.

The first half had been an entertaining watch and the action continued as the players and staff made their way across the pitch at half-time.

Both sides were involved in pushing and shoving, but as they reappeared for the second half the two managers exchanged friendly words and a hug and, after a yellow card to each dug-out, we were on with the action.

It was the hosts who sprung out of the traps, scoring two quickfire goals to put the game beyond Stanley.

On both occasions the visitors were the architects of their downfall. A misplaced pass allowed Andrew Shinnie to drive in to restore the home side’s lead before more Stanley dallying conceded possession and Luton and Hylton capitalised.

The Reds responded and Sean McConville was denied by a fine Shea save before Justin James brilliantly blocked Jordan Clark’s follow up.

McConville was denied again on the hour after fashioning space for himself on the edge of the box before Hylton completed his hat-trick with a back post header 20 minutes from time.

Stanley tried to respond and Zanzala hit the bar with a close range header but the Hatters held out to take the points and win this particular battle.

Roll on the Good Friday rematch at the Wham Stadium.

STANLEY: Jonny Maxted, Callum Johnson (Connor Hall 74), Mark Hughes, Michael Ihiekwe, Nick Anderton; Jordan Clark, Sam Finley (Scott Brown 60), Dan Barlaser, Sean McConville; Billy Kee, Offrande Zanzala (Andy Mangan 87).

Subs not used: Ross Sykes, Piero Mingoia, Matty Platt, Tony Warner Luton: James Shea; Justin James, Sonny Bradley, Matty Pearson, Jack Stacey; Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu, Glen Rea, Jorge Grant (Harry Cornick 76), Andrew Shinnie (Alan Sheehan 85); Danny Hylton (Kazgenga Lua Lua 81), James Collins.

Subs not used: Alan McCormack, Elliot Lee, Aaron Jarvis, Harry Isted.

Attendance: 8,454 (64 away) Referee: Chris Sarginson