Gray caught up in the emotion of Dartford winner

Striker Andre Gray admitted it was an emotional moment for him to score the winner against Dartford on Tuesday night, writes Mike Simmonds.
Hatters striker Andre GrayHatters striker Andre Gray
Hatters striker Andre Gray

After Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu had levelled on 83 minutes, Gray then powered home a header with time running out to seal a vital three points.

He tore his shirt off while running towards the hordes of Luton fans and picked up the standard booking, but afterwards, said: “I’ve seen Pelly score that goal and thought if we get the win now and I score, I’m going to take my top off.

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“I think the emotion of it and the way we’ve come back from it, the three points is massive.”

Scoring for Gray was no surprise, with the striker now on 27 for the campaign, but the way in which he did came as a shock, as he rose highest to direct Ronnie Henry’s pinpoint cross past Alan Julian.

It was thought to be his first headed goal since against Macclesfield during Paul Buckle’s reign, but Gray pointed out otherwise.

He continued: “Forest Green (February 9, 2013), I think it was at home. I don’t really score headers, I haven’t scored one all season and it was just one of them where I tried to get my head on it.

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“It was a great cross from Ronnie, I saw it quite late and managed to direct it towards goal.

“It’s got a chance of going in if it’s on target and fortunately for me it’s gone in.”

According to Ruddock Mpanzu too, he always felt Town would get a winner after his strike, as he said: “I knew we would get one more, I told Andre there would be one chance for you and luckily we got the win.”

Despite the second goal coming so late on, Gray felt it was no more than Town deserved, adding: “It was very tough, we dominated the game from the start and they scored off a set-piece which is unlike us as that’s two games we’ve conceded from then.

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“We were always in control of the game and was just a matter of us getting clear-cut chances.

“I had one first half, the keeper made a good save, and we skimmed the bar.

“It was just a case of waiting for something to drop to us and get the luck I think we deserved.”

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