The Hatters can confirm the club will be defending their totesport.com Combination reserve league title next season despite dropping out of the Football League.

Coaching duo Alan Neilson and Kevin Watson took over the reserves in January, overseeing a 12-match unbeaten run that cumulated in a winner takes all clash with Watford in which the Town crushed their local rivals 4-0 to take the East Division crown.

Last season four Conference sides - Salisbury City, Stevenage Borough, Lewes and Forest Green Rovers - took part in the Combination's three regional divisions.

The Town's involvement is in stark contrast to Norwich City and Southampton who, following their relegation from the Championship, won't be a fielding a second-string side at all next season.

Manager Mick Harford is pleased the Hatters will be able continue fielding a side in the Combination following last season's success.

"I'm delighted that we're continuing in it," he said. "I see the reserves as a stepping stone for the young players at this football club to make their mark.

"It also gives us the opportunity to experiment and nurse those players back who are returning from injury.

"As we are the holders, I'm glad we've got the opportunity to defend the title so we can attempt to win it again."