Russell Slade upbeat despite more home misery for Grimsby

Grimsby boss Russell Slade has vowed to keep “knocking on the door” after 10-man Luton inflicted a fourth straight home defeat on his side.

James Collins grabbed the only goal in a 1-0 victory for the Hatters, who had Jordan Cook sent off for two bookable offences.

Luton are nine points clear at the top of Sky Bet League Two, with Grimsby now looking for a first win in 10 when they head to Yeovil on Tuesday night.

Slade said: “It was a strong performance without the result.

“I thought we did enough to win the game. We were still the better side in the first half an hour, and we continued to take the game to them.

“There were some very good performances out there. We did everything but score.

“We’re disappointed, but we have to take heart and positivity from the performance.

“If you keep knocking on the door, you will pick up results. I would have liked some better quality at times. That’s been our Achilles heel.

“In terms of the game plan and in terms of the game, we did what we set out to, but they were always a threat on the counter as they are going to be at the top of the league.”

Luke Summerfield rattled the crossbar inside five minutes, before Jamille Matt and Charles Vernam went close with strikes from the edge of the box.

At the other end, a header from Johnny Mullins forced Ben Killip into a fine save.

Luton were soon made to do it the hard way, too, as Cook saw red for two bookable offences, both rash challenges.

But they held firm until the break before edging into the lead when Collins followed up a curling Luke Berry free-kick to prod home from close range.

Grimsby sent on Siriki Dembele and new signing Mallik Wilks in response, and it was the new loan signing, Wilks, who went closest to forging an equaliser.

However, his reverse pass was cut-out as Luton held on for the three points.

Hatters manager Nathan Jones added: “It’s a massive win. It was a huge win in the context of things.

“I was delighted with the way we dug in and grafted after going down to 10 men.

“We said that if we get one opportunity then we are going to have to take it, which we did.

“We then showed a real grit and a desire to defend. It’s all about results these days. It wasn’t pretty by any means. But I would have taken that result all day long.

“Jordan was lucky not to go for the first one, if I’m honest. So to do what he did after that was not a good decision.

“I expect better from my players.”