Nathan Jones seeks ‘big’ draw as Luton progress to FA Cup third round

Luton boss Nathan Jones wants a “big” draw in the FA Cup third round after his side eased to a 1-0 second-round win at League Two side Bury.

Harry Cornick bagged the only goal of the game at Gigg Lane as League One outfit Luton progressed despite an impressive effort from the hosts.

Jones said: “I just hope it’s a real good draw.

“I really want a big tie. Let’s give the people of Luton something to really get behind and something to get excited about.

“It was a wonderful result and a wonderful performance after the first 15 minutes. Once we stuck to the game plan we were comfortable for most of the afternoon.

“We had to show different facets and we know that if we want to go to the next level, that part of our game has to be right at it.

“For all Bury’s possession, we had the better chances and maybe should’ve killed the game off earlier.

“They missed their best chance but apart from that I thought it was a reasonably comfortable afternoon.

“Bury aren’t a lower-league team. I wouldn’t be surprised if they have a Championship budget, it’s definitely a top end of League One budget and the players they’ve got aren’t League Two players.

“If Bury don’t win League Two I’ll be very surprised. They’re the best side in it by a mile. They’ve been out of sight in games and doing to sides what we’ve been doing in League One.”

Bury’s Nicky Maynard should have struck early on when he side-footed straight at James Shea.

At the other end, James Collins flicked a header inches wide.

Bury skipper Neil Danns should have notched when he drove a shot wide from 15 yards with only keeper Shea to beat.

The Hatters struck the decisive goal shortly before the break when Cornick bundled home Collins’ cross from close range.

Eight minutes from time Bury’s Callum McFadzean saw a shot bounce back off the post.

Bury boss Ryan Lowe rued missed chances as the League Two side exited the cup at the second hurdle.

Lowe said: “To be honest that wasn’t as tough as I thought it would be, and I say that with the utmost respect for Luton.

“We had the better chances over the course of the 90 minutes, and I believe we played the better football.

“We created more than enough chances to have won the game, so because of that I am disappointed and the lads are frustrated.

“The winning goal was a disappointing one to concede. We could have defended it better.

“Luton are a well-organised team, they are strong, and they punished us.

“Sometimes you don’t always get what you deserve in football. I think that was the case today.

“It’s not very often I say ‘well done’ to all the players after a home defeat, but that’s what I’ve just done.”