Hatters boss hails side’s performance against Cats
ROB Edwards said his Luton team deserved their Sky Bet Championship play-off victory over Sunderland.
The Hatters won 2-0 on Tuesday night, overcoming a 2-1 first-leg deficit to progress 3-2 on aggregate amid joyous scenes at Kenilworth Road.
Defenders Gabe Osho and Tom Lockyer grabbed the first-half goals which turned the tie around and left Edwards full of pride.
He said after the game: “I thought over the two games we deserved it.
“Sunderland had their moments and they have some really good players.
“We could have been better on Saturday -they won the game but we limited them to few chances there- but tonight we were exceptional.
“We have to stick to what we are good at and we did that tonight.
“I’m so pleased for the supporters and everyone at the club.
“To do it here at Kenilworth Road is really special. We knew where our advantages lay, we scored a couple of good goals but I think we could have had a lot more as well. It was a really strong performance.”
The Hatters can look forward to a Wembley showdown against the winners of last night’s semi-final on May 27, with a place in the Premier League the prize to the victor.
Luton have not played top-flight football since 1992 and Edwards continued: “It was not about us doing a job on Sunderland, it was about us being really good.
“We limited them to shots from distance, one save Ethan Horvath made over the 94 minutes.”
Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray was frustrated a season of such promise ended in defeat.
The Black Cats were promoted to the Championship via the play-offs last May and Mowbray said: “I am frustrated but very proud of the players, the team and the city of Sunderland.
“We will get stronger and we will be back next season.
“I have only been here nine months and these players have given everything they have.
“I am proud of these young lads who week in, week out have given what they have.”
He added: “We came out of League One and maybe consolidation is what people were thinking about.
“We have managed to punch above mediocrity. We have come close but unfortunately we have fallen short tonight.
“I think the league will be stronger next season.
“We have to keep building and growing and getting better.”