Nathan Jones believed a draw was a fair result between Luton Town and Huddersfield Town yesterday in the Championship play-off semi-final first leg. 

Danel Sinani gave the visitors the lead just 12 minutes in, before Sonny Bradley levelled on the half hour mark.

Luton looked more lively in the first half, whereas the Terriers enjoyed more of the ball in the second. Jones had this to say to BBC Three Counties Radio...

  • Two very different halves of football

“I thought we were excellent first half, really were front-footed and controlled the game. We got hit on the counter attack but I thought we were excellent, had some real good chances and just a little bit disappointed we didn’t have a lead.

Embed from Getty Images

“Second half they came into it, controlled the play a little bit more in front of us without causing us masses of problems and I thought we defended our box fantastically well. Could have changed things a little bit earlier to be honest with you to combat that but, odd as evens, pretty fair result and we move on.”

Embed from Getty Images

  • Thoughts on Luton penalty shout

Cameron Jerome was brought down in the first half by Naby Sarr, looking to be through on goal. Referee Robert Jones was unmoved much to Jones' dismay. 

“It’s nailed on. Its clear. Because they had half an appeal in the first seconds of the game he hasn’t given it. They don’t have that, he gives it. And it’s a red card. Its last ditch he’s brought him down – he’s gonna shoot. It’s a terrible decision, a real terrible decision.

Embed from Getty Images

"The fourth official has said there’s contact. There’s contact just before he shoots – what more do they want?"

  • Strong performances across the pitch for the Hatters

Reporter Simon Oxley looked to start conversation about consistent players James Bree and of course goal scorer Sonny Bradley. However, Jones' praise spread wider than just the two key men. 

“Yeah look, I think they’ve all put in a massive massive shift tonight. They’ve done it all season. We’ve had to contend with the most horrific injury crisis which means we haven’t been able to freshen up. We haven’t had pace or power – if I was able to call on Pelly, Gabe Osho, Fred Onyedinma, Elijah Adebayo tonight as well as what we’ve got.

Embed from Getty Images

"Luke Berry with his goals - we’d be in a wonderful place. But we cant cry over spilled milk, we’re still getting results with all these problems and that shows the mark of a wonderful football side.”

  • Looking to Monday, an  Adebayo return?

Before this fixture, Luton fans were desperate to see Elijah Adebayo back in the line-up following injury. A big player this season, the forward has weighed in with 16 goals in 40 league games. Jones reinforced the importance of timing the former Walsall man's return.

“Lets just wait and see. Its day to day with him, we’ve felt we couldn't risk him today because that means if something happens you don’t get him for the second leg and then obviously the final.

Embed from Getty Images

"Now its kind of winner takes all, so if there is a chance then it'll be worth the risk.”

VAVEL Logo
About the author