91Èȱ¬

Luton Town moved into the top three with a battling victory over Newport County that ended the visitors' nine-match unbeaten run in League Two.

Luke Wilkinson found space to head home an in-swinging corner after just five minutes to give the Hatters the lead.

Luke Rooney doubled their advantage after half-time with a skilful finish to punish a mistake by County goalkeeper Jamie Stephens.

In injury time Jake Howells added a close-range third to seal victory.

Luton first team coach Hakan Hayrettin told 91Èȱ¬ Three Counties Radio:

"It wasn't all roses at the start. They may have had the best of the first half in patches. As the game went on I think we got stronger and stronger, and better and better.

"To keep a clean sheet against them is a wonderful experience really, because of how big they are and how strong they are. Fair play to the boys, they worked very, very hard. There was some good saves at vital moments by our goalkeeper.

"It's all well and good us getting these results but we can't just win at home. To have the support that we've got is just unbelievable. In times, previously, they've stuck by us and pushed us on and that could be a factor in our home form. This has got to be a fortress now and the players know that."

Newport County manager Justin Edinburgh told 91Èȱ¬ Radio Wales:

"I don't think the scoreline was a fair reflection but credit to Luton, they were ruthless when the chances came their way.

"That's what we'll look at: we lost concentration in our own box and we weren't ruthless enough in Luton Town's box.

"We had enough chances to get something out of the game, that's for sure."