Adebayo: You dream about this when playing non-league

Elijah Adebayo says it is a dream come true to score a Premier League hat-trick after his journey from non-league football.

The 26-year-old played for non-league clubs Slough Town and Bognor Regis Town on loan from Fulham, before representing a number of League Two sides, firstly on loan and then after being released by the Cottagers. In 2021 he earned a move to Luton Town, who were in the Championship, climbing the pyramid themselves having been a non-league team as recently as 2014.

Last night Adebayo became the first Luton player since 1990 to score a top-flight hat-trick, while it was also the first treble of his career, as the Hatters thumped Brighton & Hove Albion 4-0 to move out of the relegation zone.

Adebayo's climb up the pyramid

"Through my whole career, you dream of nights like this when playing non-league," he told BBC Sport. "For many of us who have been on such a journey, we thrive and wish for nights like this. I couldn’t be happier for the group of lads that are in there, who have been on an incredible journey.

"It’s a fantastic night. This group is special. I’m delighted with how everyone performed tonight."

While Adebayo took the plaudits for his scoring feat, he paid tribute to his team-mates, with a special mention for captain Tom Lockyer, who returned to Kenilworth Road on Tuesday six weeks after suffering a cardiac arrest during December’s abandoned match against AFC Bournemouth.

"I could go through the whole team, everyone that’s been a part of this journey – including Locks, who was here tonight. The whole 11 was fantastic, and the subs that came on," added Adebayo.

"The gaffer said we need to start sharply and get the first goal. From then it’s always going to be difficult to carry on, but credit to the lads for doing that. It was just about getting more [goals] and making it a comfortable night."

Luton manager Rob Edwards hailed his hat-trick hero, and believes that there is even more to come from Adebayo.

"I'm really pleased for him, he's been working so hard," Edwards told the club's official website. "His pressing is brilliant, his all-round game is really coming on - he's becoming so much more reliable when the ball is coming in to him.

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"He is becoming a real goal threat as well, so he deserves all the praise he is going to get over the next few days."

Having moved out of the bottom three at the expense of Everton, who dropped to 18th spot following a 0-0 draw at Fulham on Tuesday night, Edwards wants his players to kick on from their win.

Relegation battle

Position Pos	Club	Played Pl	GD	Points Pts
17	Nott'm Forest NFO	37	-19	29
18	Luton LUT	37	-31	26
19	Burnley BUR	37	-36	24
20	Sheffield Utd SHU	37	-66	16

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"We've got to keep our foot down and keep doing the right things because when we do, we can see what we can achieve," he said. "It's been a good period for us really, we're picking up good points, performing really well and getting better and better.

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"We've got to make sure that we enjoy it, but the hard work starts again tomorrow."

Luton are next in Premier League action on Saturday when they visit a Newcastle United side buoyant following their 3-1 midweek win at Aston Villa.

The Hatters will be looking to complete a Premier League double over Eddie Howe's side, having won 1-0 in the reverse fixture in December.