Hatters boss feels his side have broken psychological barrier

Craig Mackail-Smith’s late winner saw Hatters register just a fourth home victory of the campaign in League Two, the first of Jones’ reign and a first since November 14.

The Town chief said: “We could have made it far, far easier for ourselves, but at the minute we’re not doing that so we’ve had to do it the hard way.

“Full credit to the players though because they showed a lot of character and I really think we’ve overcome a psychological barrier of being here.

“They had a couple of opportunities, Tyles (Mark Tyler) made a great save, but I felt we had enough opportunities to win the game comfortably.

“We got Cameron McGeehan into situations where he likes to be, put in some wonderful balls first half, had some opportunities from corners, and again, we’ve just got to learn to be a bit more clinical.

“I thought we moved the ball well, got into good areas, created enough to win the game, just that we could have made it a bit easier for ourselves.”

Striker Mackail-Smith, who came off the bench to net the winner with only his fourth goal of the campaign, hopes his side can now build on the long overdue home victory, saying: “It’s been a long time coming as it’s been difficult, I think boys have known that and it’s made for a bit of edginess in the team performance.

“When we’ve conceded or when teams get on top, we kind of get a little bit nervy. This kind of performance wasn’t brilliant, but it was a battling performance and we got the result we needed.

“Hopefully it gives us the confidence to show we can win games here.”

Winger Danny Green was in agreement too, knowing full well the side should be doing far better in front of their own supporters.

He said: “Three wins was not good enough at all especially for a team like this in front of the fans. Nine to 10,000 every week come here and they’ve been frustrated this season and we understand that, we’re frustrated as well.

“We own them performances and are hoping to repay them now with performances and wins.”

Jones was also pleased with the way Hatters bounced back from the 4-1 drubbing they received at the hands of AFC Wimbledon last time out.

The boss added: “We’re taking steps and that’s been part and parcel of it. Its great to celebrate a win because we’ve had a tough week.

“I didn’t see last week coming in terms and it’s been a long long week to get that out of the system.

“I felt we did get that out of our system, I felt we looked a lot tighter, a lot stronger, they had one or two opportunities, but that will happen.

“I’m really really pleased, pleased for the football club and happy for the players too.”