Luton 0 Leeds United 1: Tyler Denton's strike decisive after United hold out

Tyler Denton celebrates with Leeds United substitutes after scoring what proved the only goal of the game against Luton Town (Picture: Bruce Rollinson).

IT may have started off in fraught and somewhat depressing fashion, but the month of August is starting to take on a bit of a rosier hue for Leeds United.

Back-to-back away wins will be received as warmly by Whites supporters as this week’s welcome return of the summer weather, even if last night’s passage into round three was not without its imperfections.

Leeds were pushed all the way by League Two Luton during a second half that saw the hosts hit the accelerator in a town associated with the motor industry.

But the night ultimately belonged to Dewsbury-born Tyler Denton. Part of a starting line-up that was changed completely from the weekend derby win at Sheffield Wednesday, he fired home a stunning 23rd-minute effort, which ultimately settled the tie.

It proved an early birthday present for the young left-back, who turns 21 early next month.

This was the proverbial game of two halves Leeds turning in a very presentable attacking showing in the first half, only to beat a retreat during a frantic final half-hour from the hosts.

It was hairy stuff at times just as it had been in the previous round at Fleetwood.

But Leeds managed to avoid the fate that befell their Championship rivals Aston Villa in the previous round at Kenilworth Road, with a little thanks to the misfiring Jack Marriott.

After spurning an excellent chance to cancel out Denton’s exquisite strike before the break, the Hatters forward then fluffed an even more glaring opportunity 11 minutes from time, firing wide with the goal at his mercy.

Leeds were afforded the rub of the green and manager Garry Monk will be making no apologies for that with momentum, a priceless quality in football, beginning to build.

After changing his midfield four ahead of the weekend derby at Sheffield Wednesday, Monk took things to a different plane by switching his entire line-up from the one that stepped out at Hillsborough.