Jack Wilshere saw his life as Luton manager get off to a losing start as the Hatters were beaten 2-0 by Mansfield at Kenilworth Road.
Rhys Oates and Tyler Roberts struck either side of half-time to hand Wilshere a defeat in his first match since replacing the sacked Matt Bloomfield.
The visitors almost led after three minutes when an unmarked Tyler Roberts shot too close to goalkeeper Josh Keeley.
Town were denied an opener after 32 minutes as Jordan Clark’s curling effort was brilliantly tipped on to the post by Liam Roberts.
The hosts then won a penalty 60 seconds later when Clark was fouled by Kyle Knoyle, but Wells’ spot-kick was saved by Liam Roberts.
Mansfield went ahead in the 40th minute when Wells gave the ball away and Oates netted brilliantly from the edge of the box.
Tyler Roberts hit the bar from a tight angle as the visitors pushed for a second.
But he did find the net in the 59th minute when the Stags were awarded a penalty for handball against Mads Andersen and the former Leeds attacker sent Keeley the wrong way.
