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Luton resilience pleases Still

Image: John Still: First class showing

Luton manager John Still praised his side's determination after they saw off Carlisle at Kenilworth Road.

Striker Mark Cullen netted the only goal of the encounter after 39 minutes, but the Hatters had to play the final 24 minutes with 10 men after Luke Wilkinson was sent off. Still said: "They are a big, big side and got it wide and knocked lots of balls in. But by and large we dealt with it well. "The first half we played really well and had some opportunities to score a few more, obviously it's a little bit more difficult when you go down to 10. "But the resilience of the team was first class, there were a few scrambles, but Tyles (Mark Tyler) hasn't really had to make a save when you consider that Wilko was off and (Steve) McNulty wasn't playing, so I was really pleased." Cullen took Matt Robinson's astute pass in his stride before drilling a left-foot shot past goalkeeper Dan Hanford. Victory was well deserved for Town as they had the better chances early on. Scott Griffiths dragged an effort wide, while Cullen saw another shot deflected over after Hanford fumbled. Luton's leading marksman then put his side in front, and in the second period, tested Hanford again from long range. The hosts had centre-half Wilkinson sent off in the 66th minute after he brought down Antony Sweeney while being the last man. It was his second red card of the season. Andy Drury almost put the result beyond doubt, firing a stunning volley against the woodwork. The rebound was turned in by Cullen but the flag had gone up for offside. Carlisle fashioned two late chances, with both David Amoo and Danny Grainger both blazing shots over the crossbar from good positions. Cumbrians boss Keith Curle had no complaints about the result. He said: "Were a little bit flat. The preparation and planning was good to start the game, we knew what we wanted to do and I think we didn't get the impetus that we needed. "We didn't get ourselves camped in their half, our balls forward weren't hitting the right areas with enough quality and we got out-manoeuvred slightly in midfield. "Overall, I think we've competed very well against a very good team that's got good strength. "The front two for this division are excellent and they've got threats in other areas as well, and a good game management. We've played a very capable squad."

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