Luton Secures League One Win Over Wimbledon via Late Own Goal

Luton Town secured a 1-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon in their 2025-26 League One opener thanks to a late own goal by Wimbledon defender Ryan Johnson. Despite Luton's Premier League credentials from just over a year ago, they struggled to create clear chances against a resilient Wimbledon side freshly promoted from League Two. The decisive moment came in the 85th minute when Johnson misjudged a clearance from a Nahki Wells pass, heading the ball over his goalkeeper and off the crossbar into the net. Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson praised his team's defensive performance and structure but lamented the cruel nature of the own goal. Luton manager Matt Bloomfield acknowledged his squad is still evolving and welcomed the addition of new players like Jerry Yates to bolster their campaign after consecutive relegations. The match highlighted the contrasting resources and trajectories of the clubs, with Luton aiming to bounce back to the Championship and Wimbledon embracing their underdog status in League One.