David Artell’s first game in charge of Crewe Alex ended in defeat as 10-man Luton Town spoiled the party at Gresty Road on Saturday.

The afternoon started in fine style when a much-improved first-half display was capped with Ryan Lowe’s ninth of the season.

But a goalkeeping error allowed Jack Marriott to level against the run of play on the stroke of half-time.

Crewe appeared to have been handed the initiative early in the second half when Alan Sheehan was sent off for a second bookable offence.

However, Luton got the winner when Jake Gray found the net and the Railwaymen are now eight games without a win.

That makes it just two wins in 22 for the side still 18th in League Two.

As season defining moments go, Luton Town's 10-men, come from behind, 2-1 victory at Crewe Alexandra could be right up there. 

The visitors', who had fallen behind to Ryan Lowe's neat finish on 28 minutes, hit back to level moments before the break through Jack Marriott's ninth of the season. 

Defender Alan Sheehan then saw red for what was a ridiculous lunge when he was already cautioned with nine minutes gone of the second half, but rather than try to hold out, Luton went again. 

They were rewarded for a display choc full of passion, commitment and no little skill, thanks to Jake Gray's second strike in as many games on 69 minutes, before keeping their hosts at arms length for the remainder, to climb back into the play-off places, recording only a second win at Gresty Road in their history. 

Roared on by a vocal following from Bedfordshire, boss Nathan Jones gathered his side for an impromptu huddle in front of their travelling hordes at the final whistle, to further emphasise the important of this first league win of 2017.