Nahki Wells is feeling inspired after making a bright start to the 2026-27 season.

The Luton Town striker opened his season account at the first opportunity and played the entire 90 minutes in the Hatters’ convincing 3-0 win away to League Two side Gillingham in the first round of the Carabao Cup at Priestfield Stadium on Saturday.

“To get 90 minutes in the tank and to get off the mark is exactly what I would’ve wanted,” Wells told The Royal Gazette.

“Should’ve had a couple more I think. But to start the season off a lot more positive than last is encouraging.”

The Bermuda striker had the distinction of scoring the Hatters first goal of the 2026-27 season when he caressed club debutant Jayden Luker’s perfectly threaded pass into the far corner of the net as the home side finally capitalised on their dominance two minutes before the break.

He also had a hand in Luton’s second goal after his low shot was parried by Gillingham goalkeeper Owen Mayson and Hatters debutant Benny Benagr poked the loose ball over the line from close range to double the hosts advantage.

Wells had an opportunity to add to his tally but ballooned Jordan Clark’s cut-back high over the bar when well-placed.

Gideon Kodua put the match farther beyond reach after nodding substitute and Luton debutant Harrison Ashby’s cross from the left that was spilled by Mason into his path home from close range in the latter stages of the match.

“Very happy to get our season up and running with a solid victory and with our performance as a whole. A few young bloods got opportunities and done really well and had a big impact,” Wells said.

“Should’ve had a more convincing scoreline. But to win 3-0 away from home in our first game is positive and helps build us for the real deal, which is next weekend in our league campaign.

“As a whole this is exactly the start we would’ve wanted as a team to take us into the real deal next weekend in the league campaign, and we will be ready — away to Reading — to kick off the season.”

Luton’s resounding victory did not come without cost as Luker pulled his hamstring early in the second half and was replaced.

Wells and his team-mates will now face Premier League side Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the second round of the Carabao Cup on August 24.

The experienced player and former Bermuda captain earned a runners-up medal in the competition with then League Two side Bradford City after losing to Premier League opponents Swansea City 5-0 in the final at Wembley Stadium in 2013.

Elsewhere last Saturday, Wells’ compatriot Nathan Trott and his Cardiff City team-mates came from behind to edge ten-man Swindon Town 3-2 at Cardiff City Stadium to also advance to the second round of the Carabao Cup.

Hosts Bluebirds prevailed on strikes from Yousef Salech (2) and substitute and debutant Jack Moylan, who drilled the former’s pass into the top right corner with what ultimately proved to be the winner with just under 20 minutes to play.

Louis Millard and Paul Glatzel were on target for the visiting Robins, who were reduced to ten men early in stoppage time when James Debayo picked up a second yellow card after a rash challenge on Cian Ashford.

The Bluebirds will now host Sky Bet Championship rivals Norwich City in the next round of the Carabao Cup.

Trott and his team-mates enjoyed a good run in the competition last season, reaching the quarter-finals where they lost 3-1 at home to Chelsea.