Classy Frenchman Claude Gnakpa declared that brave Luton deserved victory for their heroic defensive performance at Priestfield on Saturday.

And the former Racing de Santander defender, who believes Town have the ability to battle their way out of the relegation zone and survive despite their 30-point penalty, was buoyed after the Hatters recorded thier first league win of the season thanks to Sam Parkin's fine third minute header.

He said: "We defended very, very well today I think. We scored a goal soon and I think we deserved victory.

"It was difficult because the pitch was very slow so we couldn't play football like we played against Plymouth. We like playing football. It was difficult because we couldn't keep the ball and pass it.

"We have good communication in the team. We are all concentrating on what we have to do.

"I'm very confident we will stay up. We are good players, that's why we are here. The most important thing is to win games and you never know what can happen."

On his move to Kenilworth Road, Gnakpa, 25, said: "I'm very happy to be here in Luton. It's a big, big, club. It's a Championship side I think – they won the cup. My first game at Kenilworth Road was a big occasion to see all the fans."

For full story see tomorrow's News/Gazette.