Graham wants Luton wall of sound at Eastlands

DEFENDER Luke Graham is hoping Hatters fans turn Eastlands into a wall of sound on Saturday as Town look to defeat AFC Wimbledon and make their return to League Two, writes Mike Simmonds.

The 25-year-old has previous experience of a play-off final when with York City last year, they came up against Oxford United at Wembley.

That day, just over 42,000 fans were in attendance, the majority from Oxford and with Hatters more than likely to outsell AFC Wimbledon, Graham appreciates the advantage it will give Luton.

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He said: “That’s what makes the difference. No disrespect to the York fans, 10,000 came all the way from York to Wembley, but Oxford bought 35,000 and they packed out their end.

“When you walk out and you see half your side empty and you see the other side packed, you hear it when you walk into your half and even when you’re out there playing, that can only help can’t it.

“I think if we can do that, the final will feel more like our day.

“Oceans of Luton fans outnumbering the Wimbledon, singing loudly, can only help.”

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Unfortunately Graham’s experience of the play-off final ended disappointingly, as the Minstermen went down 3-1 on the day.

He still loved every second of the occasion though and plans to do the same on Saturday.

Graham said: “It’s definitely a game you enjoy.

“When you see the fans waving the flags, it makes the experience and with people dancing all over the place.

“It doesn’t affect just you, it’s your partner, family, friends, everyone wants to join in the experience.

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“You always get a friend who gives you a text wanting tickets, and it’s an amazing day out for every club involved.”

Although Dons finished above Town this season, Graham is confident it will be Luton picking up the winners’ trophy come the final whistle.

He said: “ I believe if we perform on the day, we will win.

“I honestly believe we’ve got a better squad of players, you only have to see with the lads we’ve got left out.”

Unfortunately for Graham, it looks like he will be one of those players forced to make do with a place on the bench, as he has been unable to break the formidable defensive partnership of George Pilkington and Zdenek Kroca since arriving from Kettering in January, making just 14 appearances.

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He added: “It’s disappointing when you’re not playing, but I’d never complain and have got to be grateful to be part of it.

“Even people like Charlie Henry, Shane Blackett and Freddie Murray have all joined in because they know, we win together.

“It’s on your CV. You’ve got to be part of that whether you’re playing, on the bench or whatever.

“You’ve just got to make sure you win, you don’t want to lose, it’s not even worth thinking about that.

“That’s the way you’ve got to approach it.

“We’re all excited and all getting focused for what is going to be a big occasion.

“We want to make sure we get over the final line.”

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