A controversial goal eight minutes before half-time gave Luton the lead against Crawley at Kenilworth Road tonight.

Midfielder George Pilkington fired home from 15 yards after goalkeeper Nick Jordan appeared to have been impeded by Adam Newton as he came to claim a cross.

On the balance of play it was no more than the hosts deserved but Crawley's 4-5-1 formation had done its job in frustrating the hosts until Pilkington struck.

Steve Evans gave debuts to two of his loan signings with Dominic Collins partnering Karl Broadhurst in central defence and Kieran Djilali operating on the right of midfield.