Matt Bloomfield is encouraged that an identity is forming in his relegation-threatened Luton team after they secured back-to-back away victories.
After winning 2-1 at Cardiff, Luton took a 1-0 success at Hull following Alfie Jones’ freak own goal – meaning they have 10 points from their previous five games.
Luton manager Bloomfield said: “Away from home, our supporters haven’t had a huge amount to cheer about this season – and we’ve had two away wins on the road. For them to follow us up here, for a lunchtime kick-off at the other end of the country, needs to be really commended and thanked. They were amazing behind the goal.
“They’ve not had a huge amount to believe in and to cheer – and I believe they are starting to see the players play with an identity consistently.
“I’m delighted with the result and many aspects of the performance. We got a slice of luck with the goal obviously. But the defending of our goal, the shape, working together, I’m extremely proud of our players.”
Discussing the relegation battle’s pressures, he said: “It’s about concentrating on your work as much as you can. Everyone understands the situation, everyone is aware of the situation and what all our clubs are fighting for and that’s not lost on me. The responsibility of my job is not lost on me, I understand it and I live it. It’s a 24-7 job, you can’t escape it.
“The only way to live the life is to stick to your principles, morals and values, live your life properly, treat the boys properly and concentrate on your work.”
Hull manager Ruben Selles admitted that his team were a “little bit paralysed” and “shocked” after the own goal they conceded.
Selles said: “In the first half, we showed what we wanted. It was more about finishing the actions. The goal was the moment that changed the rest of the game. We need to be our true selves all the time and continue doing the things that we know work. I don’t like when we lose our identity.
“We were a little bit paralysed, a little bit shocked. That sometimes happens. It took time for us to react.
“It’s not just for them, it’s also for me to find the strategies to change something, to reduce the damage. It’s a learning for all of us. I’m not going to let that game define us or what we can be.
“Today it was in our hands and we didn’t do what we wanted. Now we just need to be focused on Sheffield Wednesday.
“The game was more a ‘draw’ game, if it needed to be something. But it is what it is. Sometimes you get those situations on your side, sometimes they go against you.
“The fans created a very good atmosphere, coming from two victories at home which gave us good momentum, but it was a defeat and we need to continue analysing and be the best version of ourselves.
“The team has been in a good space. Games like today stay in the body for a couple of days. You need to reset and react. It’s a really good group, we just need to keep growing together.”
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