Rob Edwards talked up Luton’s character after Elijah Adebayo’s 90th-minute winner secured a 2-1 Championship victory over Stoke at Kenilworth Road.
The Hatters had to come from behind after Tom Cannon’s sixth-minute opener.
The hosts had not found three points since their 1-0 win over Hull on November 23, a run of three matches, but a header from skipper Carlton Morris made it 1-1 before Adebayo’s flicked finish at the death stole all three points.
The win moved Luton five points above the relegation zone, relieving some pressure on Edwards.
He said: “We had more of a purpose, you can see they’re trying to take on and make an overlap, we got more numbers in the box, they’re trying to do the right things.
“We created good chances and should have scored more than two but it was enough for us, they were brave, they didn’t go under at 1-0 and showed good character which we struggled with at times this year, it was pleasing.”
Morris’ 24th-minute equaliser and Adebayo’s winner both came from set-pieces.
“It was really good,” Edwards added when asked about the execution of Morris’ header.
“One of the messages at half-time was quality in the box could have been better, but it was a brilliant cross and a well-timed header and that was a fantastic equaliser, we know we’re a threat from set-pieces.
“It was finely balanced, we had more of a threat, there was a danger there for them as well, there’s a good buzz in the changing room.”
Stoke’s winless streak extended to six matches, including three consecutive losses.
Manager Narcis Pelach said: “What I tried to do is not let them control what they want to do and be competitive with second balls, we wanted to keep the ball on the ground and play our game.
“The dressing room is disappointed, we defended a lot and were more aggressive than the previous games. We find ourselves in this bad run, it’s six without a win but we’re a young side, we have exciting players and I’m sure we’ll have a good run soon.”
