Nathan Jones jubilant after Luton secure promotion

Luton manager Nathan Jones hailed “a wonderful day for Luton Town” as he watched his side clinch promotion to Sky Bet League One with a 1-1 draw at Carlisle.

The Cumbrians threatened to spoil Luton’s party in the early stages and took the lead from a Danny Grainger penalty in the 13th minute after goalkeeper James Shea had tripped Richie Bennett.

However, the Hatters came right back into the game and Olly Lee grabbed a 62nd-minute equaliser, sweeping the ball home after Jack Bonham had parried Danny Hylton’s effort.

That proved to be enough for the visitors, and Jones added: “We are back where we belong and it would have been a travesty if we had not been able to do it automatically.

“There will be an orange party on the way home down the M6. I have a mix of emotions – delight and pride, relief and euphoria, the whole range.”

He said: “Credit to Accrington, who have been outstanding this year. The fact we have kept pace means we are a very good side and we are ready for the next league and that is the best thing about it.

“Carlisle are a good side at this level and have some very good players. But apart from the first 20 minutes we played well and had the better chances.

“We knew a draw was good enough and saw the game out. We recruited players this season for a higher league and the problem was to get there. We have been a breath of fresh air and I’m proud of every part of this club.

“A lot of this has to go to John Still for getting us out of the Conference. He started something and we have taken it on.

“Today has been brilliant for the players and the fans. It’s probably the best day of my life. The fans deserve this. We learnt a lesson from last year and signed well. We weren’t good enough to finish in the top three then, but we learnt from our mistakes.”

Carlisle manager Keith Curle admitted his future at the club remains uncertain, but said: “I’m not scared of not being manager here. I want to work in football and my aspirations are to be successful.

“I am prepared to honour my contract to the end of June and my application and dedication will not change.

“It is important that the board identifies who they want as manager. If someone else comes into the building they will want clarity.

“The club I inherited had hardly won a game and I have changed things.

“You have to say ‘well done’ to Luton. We competed well and matched them without finding that little bit of quality.

“I asked the players to watch their celebration and understand what promotion means. That’s what I want.”

Carlisle’s late push to reach the play-offs has finally fizzled out, and Curle added: “We needed to turn all those drawn games into wins. Draws are not enough.

“The players are disappointed because they have not achieved their targets, but at least we have the foundation to build on. It’s business as usual and it’s my ambition to improve things.”