Luton boss Kevin Blackwell sang the praises of veteran striker Paul Furlong as he notched his fifth goal of the season against Port Vale.

The 38-year-old displayed his clinical finishing inside the area to sweep home a corner from David Bell.

Furlong, who was released by QPR in the summer, was one of nine summer signings made by Blackwell and the Luton boss believes the striker has become a real success story at Kenilworth Road.

Blackwell said: "His hold up play is so good. Because it is good it allows the three midfield players to get forward.

"It was a quality display from Paul and I have been saying for many weeks now that he is a tremendous acquisition for this Club.

"I don't think people understand the role that he plays, but today people have seen quality hold up play. He also took his goal superbly."

However, Blackwell was furious at the manner in which his side were forced to hold on for victory as Luke Rodgers grabbed a late goal after David Bell's wonder strike had doubled Luton's advantage.

"I think once again with the chances we had and the dominance of possession, we should have won by a greater margin.

"I was very disappointed to have conceded late on and the lads know how I feel about that. When that ball goes into the box you have got to want to die to get it clear. I'm just trying to instil these things into the players.

"Some of the football we played was first class, but we are still disappointed with our overall performance.

"We have been talking with the players and I'm not sure if they think that the game is becoming too easy. We are taking teams apart in the first half.

"Nearly all the games we have played should have been over by half time. We are talking about four or five great chances.

"The good thing is that we are playing decent football and getting goals but I do want us to be able to kill teams off. "