Hatters boss Jones criticises self-discipline after draw

Luton boss Nathan Jones criticised goalscorer James Collins for “self-destructing” as the Sky Bet League Two leaders dropped points at Cambridge.

Jabo Ibehre’s header seven minutes from the end earned the U’s a 1-1 draw, six minutes after Collins was sent off for Luton for a second bookable offence after giving the Hatters the lead in the first half.

“I’m disappointed again,” Jones said. “We had the three points, we had absolutely no problem whatsoever.

“We were cruising in the game really, without being brilliant. We were just effective. We couldn’t get the second goal.

“James (Collins) was silly getting a yellow card, then when you’re on a yellow just don’t get involved. The referee I felt could have handled it better and I’ve spoken to him already, he’s thanked me for my attitude, but it was clearly a goal kick.

“They’ve given a corner so he’s irate about that but he’s gone about it the wrong way. Apparently, the letter of the law, if you go arms open to the referee you get a booking.

“That changed the game. We had to defend for a point, whereas we were absolutely in control of the game. I didn’t feel we had any problems.

“We wouldn’t have lost that game if we hadn’t gone down to 10 men. It’s a lack of self-discipline. We keep self-destructing.”

The 1-1 draw means Luton are now four points above second-placed Accrington, who have a game in hand.

In contrast to Jones, Cambridge boss Joe Dunne was delighted with his side’s response to going behind.

He said: “It was a good local derby that had a bit of everything, good play from both teams, a sending off, a rousing finish by the home team and we were probably unlucky not to nick it in the end.

“However, on the whole balance of play it was probably a fair result.

“It was a great start, but do you know what I’m really happy about? When we had a dodgy spell after about 25 minutes, the last time we played them we went 4-0 down.

“The whole thing about today was never be out of the game and we stayed in it as long as we could, but they key was that 25 minutes when they started to get hold of what they’re good at, and that’s why they’re top.

“I felt it was a great response by the team and it showed in the second half. I know they went down to 10 men and they’d probably say it changed the game but sometimes you can go down to 10 men and not really do anything and that’s where I was really pleased with it.

“We got it right, got some width in our play, did really well and could have won the game.”