Josh Magennis has called it "an unbelievable week" for Stevenage after the striker got on the scoresheet in a 2-1 League One victory over Luton Town. The result, confirmed on 10 September, extended what is shaping up to be a significant run of form for the Broadhall Way club in the third tier.

What happened on the pitch

Stevenage took the three points against their League One neighbours, with Magennis netting for the hosts in a contest that Luton ultimately could not recover from. The visitor did pull one back to make it 2-1, but Stevenage held firm to collect what may prove to be a valuable set of points as the division begins to take shape.

For Magennis, it is the kind of afternoon strikers live for: a goal, a win, and a local rivalry settled in your favour. His reaction afterwards was unguarded. "An unbelievable week," he told Three Counties Radio, and given recent results it is difficult to argue with that assessment. Stevenage had already thrashed Barnsley 5-1 in a stunning away performance, and following that up with a home victory over Luton suggests this is not merely a purple patch built on one freakish scoreline.

Context in the table

Four games is four games, and nobody in League One is getting carried away in September. But the evidence is beginning to accumulate. A 5-1 win at Barnsley, a 0-0 hold against Peterborough United and now a 2-1 defeat of Luton — Stevenage have recently shown they can grind as well as score. The fixture list will offer sterner examinations before the winter, and the squad depth that has been assembled through a busy transfer window will be tested accordingly.

The club signed striker Matt Smith on a free transfer, brought in West Ham defender Casey on loan, added Aston Villa teenager Broggio and secured Turkish midfielder Turhan from Basaksehir. Losing goalkeeper Marschall to Millwall and Jack Taylor to Exeter on loan represented outgoings that needed managing. On the basis of recent Saturdays, the balance looks about right.

What it means for Luton

From Luton's perspective, this defeat arrives at an awkward moment. Josh Wilshere's side were already apologising after a 5-2 hammering at Mansfield, and a loss to local rivals Stevenage does little to ease the pressure. The switch to a back three, covered in our earlier analysis, has not yet produced the consistency the manager would want. Luton have added loan signings from Manchester United, Tottenham and Ipswich during the window, so the raw material is there, but September is already asking questions.

A relegation scare is too strong a word at this stage; League One campaigns are long, and teams with Luton's resources tend to find their level. But Stevenage have done them no favours this week, and the home faithful at Kenilworth Road will want answers when their side next take the field.

Looking ahead

For Stevenage, the mood is buoyant and, on the evidence of recent weeks, probably justified. Magennis is finding the net, the defensive record has shown resilience alongside the attacking output, and the dressing room sounds united. Whether that translates into a genuine promotion push is a question the fixture list will answer. For now, an unbelievable week is exactly what it says on the tin.

Frequently asked

What was the score in Stevenage vs Luton?
Stevenage beat Luton Town 2-1 in their League One fixture on 10 September 2026, with Josh Magennis among the scorers for Stevenage.
Who scored for Stevenage against Luton?
Josh Magennis scored for Stevenage in their 2-1 victory over Luton Town, describing it as part of an unbelievable week for the club.
How are Stevenage doing in League One this season?
Stevenage have been in strong form, including a 5-1 win at Barnsley and a 2-1 home victory over Luton, suggesting a promising start to their League One campaign.