GARY Bowyer felt City emerged with a lot of credit from their loss to leaders Luton.

The Hatters stretched their unbeaten record to 24 games with a 1-0 win at Valley Parade.

But Bowyer was pleased with his side’s battling display against opponents who have not lost since October.

He said: “We’ve had a right good go. They are top of the league and we’ve got lots of positives to take away from it.

“The disappointing thing was that we didn’t quite work their goalkeeper enough.

“First half, we had (Nathaniel) Knight-Percival’s chance from a well-worked corner. I thought he might have gone with his head instead of trying to kick it in.

“Then Hope (Akpan) had the shot second half. We got into great areas and played well.

“We played how I wanted, we passed the ball and moved. We’ve had two sessions on the diamond – they’ve been playing it for three years.”

Jack Stacey gave Luton a half-time lead before City pressured the visitors in the second period without managing to seriously trouble keeper James Shea.

The defeat left City in 23rd spot, although the gap to safety is still four points.

Bowyer added: “You look at the quality of the players Luton have got on the bench and the ones in the squad who weren’t involved.

“We knew it was going to be a good challenge and I’ve learned more about the team tonight. I was pleased with the character.

“The supporters stayed with us again and played their part. Unfortunately, we couldn’t quite do it.

“But even at the death, Luton are making substitutions and taking strikers off for more defensive-minded players.

“You saw how they reacted at the end. That tells you.

“It was a big win for them and I wish them all the very best. But that’s credit for us.”