Sunderland, without coming close to reproducing the fluent, penetrative football that has characterised their season, still progressed to their first cup semi-final in six years last night.
Two late goals from Michael Bridges and Niall Quinn gave the score-line a gloss Sunderland barely deserved but then, in a curious game, it did reflect their domination even if it was sluggish and incoherent.
Their goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen did not make a save until the 89th minute, when he tipped Paul McLaren's 30-yard shot over his crossbar. But at least Luton had an excuse for their bluntness because they were reduced to 10 men after only 35 minutes when their player-coach Mitchell Thomas was harshly sent off for a second bookable offence.
It was only after Thomas's dismissal that Sunderland went ahead, Andy Melville's glancing header taking a deflection off the otherwise steadfast Marvin Johnson. It took the home side until two minutes from the end to translate that numerical superiority into further goals.
Flabby midfield play combined with casual finishing was responsible, although Luton's Kelvin Davis made three impressive saves as the visitors tired.
Yet the Wearsiders still scored three times, taking their tally to 62 goals in 27 games with Bridges and Quinn once again on the score sheet after getting two each at Sheffield United on Saturday. Quinn, being watched by the Leeds manager David O'Leary, now has nine goals. After the red card Luton's pain increased when they fell behind, Johnson being credited with an own-goal. Sunderland's failure to capitalise on that, however, was frustrating. Their normal urgency was missing, yet Davis was still kept busy, mainly by Quinn.
Sunderland: Sorensen, Makin, Scott, Ball, Melville, Butler, Summerbee, Clark, Quinn, Bridges, Johnston. Subs Not Used: Craddock, Marriott, McCann, Dichio, Williams. Booked: Ball, Quinn. Goals: Johnson 40 og, Bridges 89, Quinn 90.
Luton: K Davis, Alexander, Thomas, Spring, S Davis, Johnson, McKinnon (McLaren 71), Evers, Douglas (Doherty 63), Gray, McGowan (White 75). Subs Not Used: McIndoe, Abbey. Sent Off: Thomas (35). Booked: Alexander, Thomas, McKinnon, Doherty.
Referee: E Lomas (Manchester).
