Injury-hit Hatters had to win today according to Luton boss Mick Harford.

The Town manager was proud of the way his young side battled, but was left to lament his ever-growing injury list.

He said: "I think it has been well documented that we have a young team. The majority of our experienced players are out through injury.

"That's a massive, massive thing to deal with and I just think they are young kids who will be good players but unfortunately they've been thrown into a situation where they deserve a bit of guidance."

On the result and winning goal, Harford said: "I don't think we deserved to lose today but to give two goals away in the way we did is very disappointing. You've got to be vigilant and hang in there when you come into the last minutes of the game.

"We've been sloppy defending a throw-in and the guy has got in there."

And Harford revealed if he had had any option he would never have played with just one striker up front.

He said: "We've got one striker who is fully fit. If we had had two who are fully fit we would play two. If Ryan (Charles] had played games he would play, but he is not 100 per cent fit."

Harford also once again praised young left-back Jake Howells who put in a phenomenal performance for a 17-year-old, but was left to rue his side's inexperience.

He said: "Young Jake Howells was exceptional today. He was the best player on the pitch, but the position we are in we need to win games.

"It's irrelevant what age they are and what experience they've got. At a vital stage of the season we've got a calamitous injury list.

"We've got to cut giving sloppy goals away - we created enough chances.

"We had to win today. It sets us back a bit, but we will bounce back."

Harford also praised the vocal support from the Hatters faithful, adding: These fans are brilliant. They've been through a lot of shit the last couple of years. They deserve better and we are trying to give them better."

Meanwhile, Harford was set to discuss Shrewsbury loan player Marc Pugh's future at the club after the game when his loan period ends.

He also admitted he is still yet to secure the services of a loan striker who he feels will be good enough for the club.