Hatters humble poor Preston

Luton Town continued to shock the established Championship powers as they produced a rampant first half display to beat Preston North End 3-0.

The Hatters are continuing their unlikely promotion charge after winning the League One title last year and cast aside last season's play-off finalists with an exciting brand of attacking football.

Strike duo Steve Howard and Warren Feeney both netted along with Croatian star Ahmet Brkovic as Mike Newell's men moved into third and condemned North End to the bottom half of the table.

Northern Ireland international Feeney opened the scoring after just four minutes as he collected from Howard and slotted home with a composed finish past Carlo Nash.

The Hatters continued to delight Kenilworth Road as centre back Chris Coyne floated in a cross that prolific winger Brkovic headed in on 11 minutes.

Brkovic went close again as Nash blocked at his feet before Howard grabbed a deserved strike on 37 minutes as he drilled in from 25 yards.

The giant hit-man continued to threaten and was proving a handful for Preston, although the visitors did have a good chance as Dickson Etuhu drove wide.

However, Newell's men continued to impress as they have done all season, and should have made it four when Coyne rattled the crossbar on 68 minutes.