Colchester United have shown they do not shirk a challenge.
West Bromich Albion have been despatched by the U's in the Carling Cup and Southampton have also been given a tough time by Phil Parkinson's charges.
Luton Town, top of the Coca-Cola Leauge One, stood proud with only one defeat at home were pushed all the way on their own turf yesterday as Parkinson's charges looked to turn round a recent poor patch.
The U's have struggled in their last two outings in the League with defeats against Barnsley and Hull City and the prospect of Luton would not be too welcoming for a team not in the best of form.
However, as the dedicated Layer Road following have seen this campaign a challenge is something Parkinson's troops can rally round and take on.
Luton looked like a side top of the table. They were strong in their challenges and creative in their football. Former U's striker Rowan Vine struck first to give the Hatters a deserved lead.
On the 34th minute he found the net, striking from close range after goalkeeper Aidan Davison was out of place following his save from Steve Howard's earlier effort.
Colchester came back, Craig Fagan skipping down the left side to deliver the ball towards the goal on 37 minutes. Richard Garcia appeared to get a touch on the end of it and the ball ended in the bottom right hand corner.
In the second period Luton attacked from the off. They peppered the Colchester goal and Davison was finally beaten on 49 minutes. It was Vine again who pounced at the near post after Liam Chilvers clearance had not made it any further than the striker.
However, Colchester's dogged defending saw them eventually get the upper hand. Gavin Johnson and Sam Stockley delivered balls into the box as the U's put on a creative display of football. However, it was new boy Neil Danns that helped secure a point for the visitors in a very route one fashion.
Danns, who signed just before Christmas from Premiership side Blackburn Rovers after a successful two month spell earlier in the season, flicked on Davison's goalkick to Greg Halford on the edge of the area.
Halford went up for the header and beat his marker to loop the ball over the Hatters goalkeeper.
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Published Wednesday, December 29, 2004
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