Mick Harford felt his side deserved more than the point they earned at Underhill despite having captain Kevin Nicholls sent-off 11 minutes from time.

After going behind just before half-time the Hatters came back to gain a 1-1 draw thanks to Rossi Jarvis's equaliser four minutes into a second half

And after a sluggish first-half showing Harford believes the Town's second half display merited more than a point.

He said: "In the first half we didn't play particularly well and we were disappointed with the goal we gave away just before half-time.

"We had a chat at half-time about it - there were no harsh words. Just that we didn't really threaten them much in the first half. We had a lot of possession first half without really hurting them.

"I think in the second half we totally and utterly controlled the game and could have run out winners.

"I think in the second half we created the better chances."

The Town were indebted to goalkeeper Dean Brill's fine penalty save from former Luton striker Paul Furlong with 15 minutes left which was awarded after Sol Davis tripped Albert Adomah.

And Harford was adamant referee Dean Whitestone had made the wrong decision.

He said: "It was never, ever, a penalty in a millions years, it was an outrageous decision made by the official. The boy's fell over, he's cheated but Brill's made a fantastic save.

"It was ironic it was from Paul. They're good pals. Paul's a great player but it was a fantastic save."

The manager was also perplexed with referee Whitestone's decision to send off Nicholls for a second booking for an off-the-ball incident with the Bees' winger Yannick Bolasie.

"It was nothing," he said. "The two players shook hands as they got up. There was no malice to it. There was a bit of pushing and shoving but as this stage of the season to send someone off was an absolutely outrageous.

"The lads shook hands and got on with the game."

With the skipper already facing the prospect of sitting out five matches it means Harford will be without the influential midfielder for Tuesday's match against Wycombe at Kenilworth Road.

Harford said: "We don't know what's going to happen with the five match-ban, but he'll be suspended for the Wycombe game.

"It's another game he's going to miss. He just wants to play football. He's devastated in there as he feels he's been harshly treated."

Harford concluded by thanking the 1,059 Luton fans who made the trip who ahead of Sunday's open-top bus parade of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

He said: "I'd like to say a big thank-you to the fans who have turned up today.

"We're not celebrating the trophy as it's a bit underpinned with the relegation - we just want to go on an open-top bus to let the fans know what we think and how much we appreciate their support, this season and at Wembley.

"It won't be a massive celebration, just a big thanks to the Town and the council.

"We want to let people know that Luton Town is still alive and kicking."