Luton boss Kevin Blackwell described his side's performance as 'heroic' as they claimed an unlikely draw against Bristol Rovers

The Hatters held out despite being reduced to eight players after Chris Coyne, Steve Robinson and Anthony Grant were all dismissed.

But despite the huge numerical disadvantage, Dave Edwards' second goal in as many games cancelled out a penalty from Andy Williams.

Blackwell said: "It would be wrong to single anyone out. The lads ran themselves into the ground. It was a performance of heart, determination and passion."

On the dismissals, Blackwell added: "The lads felt that the player had run across Coyney and his ankle caught his knee.

"We knew we had to get to half-time with the score at 1-0 and we could maybe shake one or two things up.

"We felt when we down to ten men we were the better side for a spell. Because we are not being run well as a club at the moment everything seems to be going wrong.

"We couldn't come out and expose ourselves otherwise we were going to get punished.

"It certainly made for an entertaining game.

"You weren't sure if another one was going to get sent off or another goal was going to be scored."

"It was fantastic for everybody who came here today. It will live long in the memory. Whatever the fans paid for their tickets they got 10 fold in value. To be a manager of a team like that and coming through I'm very proud."

Blackwell was delighted with the way some Rovers fans clapped his side off the pitch and was of praise to them.

He added: "They recognised a team that wasn't dirty. There was hardly a tackle for a sending off. I'm very proud of the Bristol Rovers fans today. They have a reputation for being fair minded.

"I think every Luton fan today has seen something that will live long in the memory for a lot of people.

"That's one defeat in 11 or 12 now, but January worries me what with the situation we are in. We will go on and keep fighting."

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