Derby Day hero James Collins praised the entire team for their superb performance in yesterday’s 1-0 win against promotion-chasing Watford!
The Republic of Ireland international came off the bench to score the winning goal from the penalty spot with his first touch, writing himself in Luton history books as the first man to inflict defeat on Watford for 18 years.
But the headlines weren’t the strikers' first thought as he spoke post-match, admitting: “The gaffer asked me if I wanted to take it and of course I said yes, so fortunately for me today, I managed to get the headlines. But I think I shouldn’t get any credit for today really, because all the hard work was done before I came on the pitch. I think all the lads were absolutely outstanding today and by far the better team.”
His teammates produced a wonderful display in the first 45 minutes, putting the second-place Hornets to the sword and the only thing missing was the elusive goal, which finally arrived in the 78th minute.
“I think we could have been one-up after the first minute," the 30-year-old believed. "Bez had a chance but I think the whole game from first till the last minute, I thought we were outstanding today and it was a pleasure to watch from the side.
“Everyone to a man today was outstanding and I think it shows how far we have come because Watford are a great side and it looks like they are going to go up. For us to be the best team on the pitch today player for player I think shows how far we have come.
“It is a derby and I think it showed today that our lads wanted it more than theirs. Maybe a few of their players haven’t seen a pitch or stadium like this before, no disrespect, that is the truth. I think some of them didn’t fancy it today, we took advantage of that and won the game.
Yesterday’s result was also confirmation that the Hatters will be playing Sky Bet Championship football once again next season, a feat that doesn’t surprise Collins in the slightest.
"We are where we are for a reason and I think we thoroughly deserve it. We have five games left and we go into every game wanting to win them all. No footballer likes losing games so if we can show the performance that we did today and that mentality to go and get three points then who knows where it will take us."