Ryan Tunnicliffe played down his long-awaited maiden Luton strike insisting it was just a bonus that his goal beat Middlesbrough.
The midfielder converted Dan Pott’s inviting cross on 17 minutes at the Riverside Stadium and it proved the winner.
It moved Town to within four points of safety and that, was the focus of Tunnicliffe’s delight.
“It’s the three points that are the most important but it’s a bonus that I can score the goal that wins the game,” he said.
“It was a great cross from Dan and I think we worked it well out towards him. I think Bezza’s got a little flick on it which could’ve put me off, I think it’s hit my toes and rolled in the bottom corner. I’ll take it as they come.”
The victory was Luton’s second successive 1-0 victory, having despatched Sheffield Wednesday at home three days earlier.
“Three points away from home at a place like this (Middlesbrough) gives everyone a massive lift, especially after the win in midweek,” said Tunnicliffe.
His first Hatters goal also put an end to an 11-game losing league run on the road. Asked if that away form had been on players’ minds, he said: “I don’t know, maybe subconsciously, but we’ve got a great group of lads, great squad and the belief has never wavered.
“We all believe every away game that we can pick up points and the win in midweek has given us some momentum and we’ve carried it on.
“We have picked up, performance-wise, we have been playing a lot better. We’re more competitive, especially away from home, so it has been coming, but you can say that every week and if you don’t win, then it still keeps coming.”
