It's hats off to Luton Town's goal hero Mark Cullen
Mark Cullen has taken on the role of Luton’s number hit man this season after playing more of a supporting role to Andre Gray and Paul Benson last term.
The 22-year-old still made a useful contribution as the Hatters’ reclaimed their league status and was rewarded with a new three year contract in the summer.
And, following Gray’s departure to Brentford before the start of the season, Cullen has more than repaid the club’s faith with a string of goals and devastating performances.
None more so than in the recent 3-1 win against Dagenham and Redbridge when his 26-minute hat-trick took his league tally for the campaign to eight - just two behind Oxford’s Danny Hylton.
Last month Cullen, who began his career with Hull City, was also on target in the league wins against Hartlepool and Southend as Luton brief claimed top spot.
After his three-goal heroics against the Daggers, manager John Still said: “He took his goals brilliantly. I'm so pleased for him because he works hard in training. It was the perfect performance.”
Having seized his opportunity with both hands this season, after securing a long-term contract, Cullen certainly seems to have settled in Hertfordshire after a string of loan moves.
Still has been delighted with his progress and added: “With good players, the cream rise to the top. Some have got to find a different route as it was last year when Andre (Gray) didn’t start.
“We did play Cully wide a couple of times which he’s comfortable doing and got to the stage where by and large, those attacking players almost did pick themselves a little bit. He’s a terrific all-round player.
“He was very unfortunate, yet whenever he played, his contribution was valuable, not least of all, the goal at Cambridge. We know Cully can score and when we see him in training, technically his finishing is first class.”
Cullen just edged out the division’s leading scorer Hylton to claim the monthly award, although the Oxford striker can be proud of his achievements as he has scored ten of his side’s 18 goals to date.
Wimbledon pair Matt Tubbs and Ade Akinfenwa (with 16 goals between them) were also in the hunt, but the award rightly went to Cullen who has also been nominated for the League One player of the month award.
Source: DSG
