Luton Town v Middlesbrough - Hatters revive Boro promotion memories

Back in 1994-95, Boro’s final game at their much-loved former Ayresome Park home saw Bryan Robson’s side take a giant step towards automatic promotion to the Premier League after a 2-1 win over the Hatters, thanks to a brace from John Hendrie.

The 26th anniversary of that iconic day in the club’s history arrived on Friday.

Going much further back to March 30, 1974, Boro – then managed by the late, great Jack Charlton – also clinched a return to the top-flight for the first time in 20 years after a 1-0 victory at Kenilworth Road, courtesy of a goal from David Mills.

It was a season when the Teessiders broke all manner of records and won the title by a record margin of 15 points during the two points for a win era. Luton were also promoted.

Boro’s aims in the latest encounter are far less grand as they seek to seal a top-10 finish in a season when they were in play-off contention for much of the campaign.

Neil Warnock’s side head in to the game on the back of successive wins over Rotherham United and Sheffield Wednesday, where the performances of two youngsters in striker Josh Coburn and midfielder Connor Malley has provided added gloss.

Warnock, keen to hand goalkeeper Sol Brynn some game-time before season’s end, said: “It has given everyone a lift.

“I have always said if you’re good enough, you are old enough.

“Players like Josh (Coburn) have been training with us for a good few weeks now and he’s put in a lot of hard work, but it is great when young lads do that and come in without any fear.

“It is great to be able to give them an opportunity, even if it’s just for a few minutes of a game.”

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