Harry Cornick hailed goalkeeper Simon Sluga’s most commanding performance yet to help Luton beat Barnsley 3-1 for their first win the Championship.
The Hatters hit the Tykes for three in the first half, with two in four minutes and Cornick adding the third just after the half hour mark.
But Barnsley rallied in the second half and Sluga pulled off blocks and saves to keep the hosts at bay and win a personal battle with Mamadou Thiam.
There was nothing he could do about Mallik Wilks’ consolation in the 72nd minute, so his search for a clean sheet goes on.
“Slugsy saved a few shots, came for a few crosses and relieved the pressure when he needed to, so he was brilliant,” said Cornick.
“It’s not just the saves, it’s the crosses he came out and claimed. I thought this week he was much better when he had to slow the game down. He just relaxed and I felt comfortable behind him.
“Sonny (Bradley) and Matty (Pearson) as well, I know they want a clean sheet, but they were brilliant today and won every header.”
After the game Jones said: “I think the two centre halves and the goalkeeper deserved a clean sheet. They really did, but James Bree goes down injured, so Ryan Tunnicliffe is in the left back position, when the cross gets pulled back, instead of being in the cutback zone, and we get done. I don’t think today is a day to be picky over anything.”
Jones had labelled criticism of the Croatian international goalkeeper as ‘unfair’ in the build-up to Saturday’s game, but the club record signing took the praise of the travelling Town fans after the final whistle as they chanted his name while he walked off the pitch.
You need your goalkeeper at times,” said Jones, adding: “I’ve not doubted Simon, but the settling in period for any foreigner is really, really difficult.
“Within the games he’s grown. He’s getting an understanding of the game, his starting position and reading the tempo of the game, for his team.
“The Championship is brutal league, you have to really understand it and learn quick, but he has the equipment in every area and he showed that.”
