Abebayo scores on his return as Luton seal draw with Everton

Draw is not enough to move above Nottingham Forest, who take on already-doomed Sheffield United today, or to prevent Burnley from over-taking them should they succeed against Newcastle.

SECURES THE DRAW: Luton Town's Elijah Adebayo scores on his return. 

Premier League: Luton Town 1 (Adebayo 31') Everton 1 (Calvert-Lewin 24' (P))

The return of Elijah Abebayo was a welcome sight for Luton, not least when he cancelled out Dominic Calvert-Lewin's penalty opener, but a draw was not enough for the Hatters.

Not enough to move above Nottingham Forest, who take on already-doomed Sheffield United today, or to prevent Burnley from over-taking them should they succeed against Newcastle.

None of this concerns Everton of course; they are already safe and can concentrate on solving their myriad off-field problems.

Luton started energetically with Tahith Chong appealing for a penalty, presumably for goalkeeper Jordan Pickford's challenge. Referee Tim Robinson was not interested however and nor was VAR.

James Garner was booked for hauling Chong down before referee Robinson was required to adjudicate in the Luton penalty area, when Teden Mengi challenged Dwight McNeil and once again said no foul. Again VAR did not attempt to suggest he was wrong.

Hatters goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski had to make a smart save when Mengi diverted a McNeil cross towards his own goal but the defender was in the right place to block Garner's follow-up shot.

VAR David Coote finally got involved, recommending Robinson take a trip to the monitor in the 22nd minute to see that the reckless Mengi had wrapped his arms around Jarrad Branthwaite off the ball. A penalty was inevitable and Calvert-Lewin stuck it away, down the middle as Kaminski dived to his right.

Luton were back in it straight away thanks to Adebayo triumphantly smashing in an equaliser on the half-hour mark. Albert Lokonga swung a cross to the back post where only Ashley Young, booed for his Watford connections, had a hope of stopping him. That did not happen as the striker chested the ball down, shrugged off his challenger and fired low across Pickford.

It was Adebayo's 10th of the season, joining Carlton Morris as top-scorer. Not since 1986-87 had the Hatters had two in double figures in the top flight, and Morris came close to adding another before the break only for Ben Godfrey to not off the line at the back post.

Gabriel Osho curled wide from distance early in the second period as Luton again took the initiative. Mengi headed the free-kick over however.

Kaminski kept Luton in the game with a superb reflex save to deny Calvert-Lewin. McNeil headed across goal for the striker to nod goalwards but the Hatters goalkeeper was able to palm it over.

Sub Luke Berry twice went close deep into added time but the Hatters had to settle for a point and hope.

Luton (3-4-2-1): Kaminski 6; Burke 6, Mengi 5, Osho 6; Onyedinma 6 (Woodrow 70, 4), Lokonga 6, Barkley 7, Doughty 7; Morris 6, Chong 7 (Berry 87); Adebayo 7 (Townsend 80).

Subs (not used): Shea, Berry, Mpanzu, Clark, Krul, Hashioka, Johnson.

Everton (4-4-1-1): Pickford 7; Godfrey 7, Tarkowski 6, Branthwaite 7, Young 6 (Coleman 67, 5); Harrison 6, Gueye 6 (Chermeti 79), Garner 6 (Onana 55, 5), McNeil 7; Doucoure 6 (Gomes 55, 5); Calvert-Lewin 7 (Beto 79).

Subs: Virginia, Keane, Danjuma, Dobbin.

Referee: Tim Robinson 6