Huddersfield 1 Luton 0 (2-1): ‘Tinge of disappointment masked with masses of pride,’ says Jones – Report and reaction

Luton Manager Nathan Jones saw his Hatters suffer late play-off heartbreak at Huddersfield as their Premier League dream was snuffed out, but admitted afterwards that pride was his overriding emotion after a remarkable campaign.  

Jordan Rhodes struck in the 82nd minute, beating Amari’i Bell to Sorba Thomas’ back post free-kick and that was enough to take the Terriers to Wembley, 2-1 on aggregate after a 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road on Friday.

It was a gut-wrenching way to end a season in which Luton finished sixth in the Championship but Jones said: “I’m really proud, I’m gutted and disappointed as we were the better team tonight, we were outstanding, the performance we put on, we had more opportunities, more clear-cut opportunities, more corners, it’s just one thing we switch off from.

“We should have cleared it, we didn’t, we give the foul away, then they score, they do it well, fair play to them and credit to them, but we were the better side tonight and we were outstanding.

“So, I’m really proud of my group, proud of how we’ve gone about everything, it’s just tinge of disappointment, but that’s masked with masses of pride.”

Talking of his players, Jones said: “They’re absolutely on the floor. You can imagine it. Certain ones will be disappointed for roles they’ve played, but I know them. They’ve given me everything. They’ve been the best group you could ever imagine and they deserve better tonight.” 

Luton did everything but score in an electric first half at the John Smith’s Stadium, as they couldn’t make their first half dominance pay, with Harry Cornick going closest, but firing straight at Lee Nicholls from point blank range. 

Huddersfield had a goal ruled out in the second half as Tom Lees headed in after an infringement in the build-up.

Jones said: “Apart from a goal, it’s a top performance. They’re a difficult side to play against, they’re tactically very aware, the manager gets lauded for being outstanding tactically.

“We were better tonight, all over the pitch we were better, created more, more set-plays, it’s just they provided one bit of quality which we didn’t and in terms of manager, in terms of tactically, in terms of everything, we were outstanding.

But Town’s injury-hit end to the campaign was highlighted when Jones threw on top scorer Elijah Adebayo in the 90th minute, but despite undergoing cryotherapy to try to recover quickly from a hamstring injury, it was clear the striker could barely move. 

But Town have had to contest the final few months of the campaign with so many of the players out injured and Jones said: “We’ve had to contend with so, so much, we’ve had eight players out, pace, power, game-changers, they bring Sorba Thomas on and, to be fair, he makes the difference.

“If we have Fred Onyedinma, if we have Elijah fit, if we have Luke Berry, if we have Pelly-Ruddock (Mpanzu), Gabe Osho, you’re talking about top end atheltes there.

“Maybe we could have overpowered them, but that’s the thing we’ve had, but I’m so proud of the group.”