Luton boss Nathan Jones details response needed as Sheffield United handed play-off initiative

Luton Town boss Nathan Jones is hoping his side can move quickly to put their 7-0 defeat to Fulham behind them ahead of a huge final game of the season. Luton, along with Sheffield United, Middlesbrough and Millwall are all competing for the final two spots in the top six with just one match still to play.

The Hatters’ heavy defeat at Craven Cottage means United are now in pole position to finish in one of the final two play-off positions thanks to their far superior goal difference. Paul Heckingbottom’s side know if they match Luton’s result against Reading they are guaranteed a top six finish regardless of Middlesbrough and Millwall’s results.

Luton, though, after looking very comfortable just a week or two ago, are now the most in danger of dropping out. If they fail to beat the Royals, then a Boro win at Preston would mean they overtake them thanks to goal difference.

Sheffield United handed major boost in play-off pursuit as Luton Town hit for seven by Fulham

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Luton boss Jones was in a defiant mood despite the 7-0 loss, claiming they would have taken this position if it had been offered to them at the beginning of the campaign.

He said: “It’s a tough day for us today, it’s not going to come down to goal difference I’m pretty sure of that. We’ve got one game to make sure that we win it, we would’ve taken that at the beginning of the season.

“Now we’ve got to dust ourselves down and make sure we’re ready for the home game and we’ve got to win one home game. That’s basically what we have to do.”

Jones then added: “Yeah absolutely, it’s exciting. We would’ve taken that in terms of being mix, today is a tough one to take. Everything about it didn’t go right but that’s football