THIS fairytale victory for Cherries was more like a scene from Alice in Wonderland for Luton - the Mad Hatters' tea party, perhaps.

Sean O'Driscoll's boys were given an open invitation to boost their goal tally as the generous visitors showered them with gifts.

And although the hosts' warm hospitality extended to returning the compliments, every time Luton threatened to gate-crash Cherries' big night they fell flat on their faces.

Cherries took the lead following their first attack when Steve Fletcher planted a firm header past Luton goalkeeper Rob Beckwith.

But the lead lasted just three minutes when Purches inadvertently turned a speculative centre from Courtney Pitt past Neil Moss.

Hughes put Luton 2-1 up, but substitute Brian Stock made an immediate impression when he fired Cherries back on level terms with a free-kick from 20 yards out.

Luton found themselves in arrears when Garreth O'Connor opened his account for the season by nodding home from close range. And Cherries extended their lead in first-half stoppage time through Steve Fletcher.

Adrian Forbes threw the Hatters a lifeline with a headed goal, but the visitors' hopes of clawing their way back were short-lived when Stock bagged his second and Cherries' fifth with just an hour gone.

And the rout continued when Elliott bundled the ball home from close range for number six.

Cherries 6 Luton 3