Hat’ll do for Jones in promotion push

NATHAN JONES is convinced Luton’s late leveller may be crucial.

The Hatters remain fourth and on course for the play-offs after twice coming from behind against Millwall.

Elijah Adebayo cancelled out Tom Bradshaw’s opener and Lions skipper Jake Cooper put through his own goal after Benik Afobe had pounced at the other end.

Hatters manager Jones said: “It was a good point in the end. If we get to a certain points tally we’ll achieve our goal.

“Coming back twice showed we have great character.”

Bradshaw fired Millwall, who remain on the fringe of the play-offs, into a 25th-minute lead.

Jed Wallace set up the striker outside the box for a thumping first-time drive that eluded goalkeeper James Shea.

Luton were level eight minutes later, however, thanks to a superb passing move.

Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu looked in trouble of the middle of the pitch but Henri

Lansbury’s backheel allowed Bell to play a one-two with Adebayo, who scored in style.

Luton were caught out in the 81st minute as Afobe volleyed home to take his goal tally for the season into double figures.

But the home side sent on Robert Snodgrass and were back level with just three minutes left.

It was credited as a Cooper own goal after the Lions skipper went up with Adebayo at the back post and headed Snodgrass’ free-kick past his own keeper.

Lions manager Gary Rowett said: “It is disappointing. But I’m not saying we threw it away because that’d be unfair on Luton.”

Shea 7; Bree 6, Lockyer 6, Naismith 6, Potts 6 (Snodgrass 83rd), Bell 7; Lansbury 7, Mpanzu 5 (Jerome 83rd), Campbell 6; Cornick 6 (Onyedinma (64th) 6), Adebayo 7

MILLWALL: Bialkowski 6; Ballard 6, Cooper 6, M Wallace 6; McNamara 6, Mitchell 6, Saville 6, Malone 7; J Wallace 7 (Kieftenbeld 90th); Afobe 7, Bradshaw 7 (Burke (73rd) 6)

STAR MAN: Henri Lansbury

REF: G Scott