In the Vertu Trophy final at Wembley, Jack Wilshere’s Luton defeated Stockport, with goals coming from Emilio Lawrence and Nahki Wells. This marks Wilshere’s first piece of silverware as manager, as Stockport’s troubles at Wembley continue. Highlights and match report are included.
Following Luton’s 3-1 victory over Stockport in the Vertu Trophy final, Jack Wilshere won his first award as a manager.
Former Arsenal and England midfielder Wilshere, who won the FA Cup twice as a player, earned a trophy in his first season as a manager thanks to goals from Emilio Lawrence and a double from Nahki Wells.
Following Luton’s fall from the Premier League in 2024 to 10th position in League One as a result of several relegations, Wilshere’s goal is to restore the cheer to the team.
Additionally, Luton’s 10th Wembley match added yet another wonderful memory to put alongside their Championship play-off final victory over Coventry in 2023 and League Cup final win against Arsenal in 1988.
Stockport’s home of English football had another letdown day, as they haven’t defeated Luton in 18 games since 1968 and have only won once in seven outings.
In addition, Stockport has lost all three EFL Trophy finals, including the previous two in 1992 and 1993.
When he refused Luton a penalty in the second minute, referee Martin Coy had a difficult decision to make.
Isaiah Jones fell to the ground after being pushed in the back by Josh Stokes, and replays revealed that the contact was rather severe.
Stockport capitalized on their fortune to score the opening goal in the eleventh minute when Adama Sidibeh beat defender Mads Andersen to the ball from Odin Bailey and then fired a shot into the ground that bounced over goalkeeper James Shea.
Sidibeh has scored eight goals for Stockport since joining from St. Johnstone in January. He has also scored in each of his last four games.
Stockport defender Ethan Pye headed the ball against his own upright in an attempt to block Kal Naismith’s cross, as Luton responded.
When Jordan Clark’s diagonal pass let Lawrence out in the 22nd minute, the Manchester City loanee smashed a powerful, low shot between Corey Addai’s legs to tie the score.
Wells, a 35-year-old seasoned striker, then finished the turnaround in the 39th minute by putting Luton ahead, having executed a superb touch to bring down Naismith’s cross before turning well and firing past Addai.
Right before the break, Jones may have broken free and scored a third goal for Luton, but Ben Osborn made a last-minute, game-saving tackle.
In the second half, which was not nearly as exciting as the first 45 minutes, Clark came close to scoring a third goal for Luton, which ultimately occurred in the first of the extra 10 minutes.
Wells, who was named player of the match, scored his ninth goal of the season when he latched onto Shayden Morris’s cross and avoided a marker to fire home from six yards.
