Dance: Fitness not an issue for Town

Having battled their way into a two-goal lead, Luton seemed set for victory.

Second half though, Town were continually on the back foot and even struggled to threaten on the break late on as Fleet’s barrage eventually sunk Luton’s victory hopes.

Stand-in central midfielder Dance said: “It’s always disappointing not to hold on to a 2-0 lead.

“We will pick ourselves up but it’s not a nice feeling letting a two-goal lead slip.

“We pride ourselves on our fitness. You can’t play for a club like Luton and not be fit as a team or as individuals.

“I would like to think not (that their fitness let them down).

“I just think every team always has a spell in a game and that goes without saying.

“You always know they will have their spell. We started to get deeper and deeper as a team and when that starts it’s hard to rectify.

“The gaffer spoke before and at half time about keeping a high line.

“Whether teams do that instinctively, get a lead and drop off, I’m not sure. But something’s gone wrong.”

Fleet’s equaliser was a wonder strike from Michael West, who netted both their goals, his second thudding in off the bar.

Dance continued: “I was right behind it. It’s dropped to him, he has taken the strike well.

“To see it bounce off the bar and in, it’s the worst feeling.”

On his own goal, that put Town 2-0 up, Dance said: “It was good work off the throw, good movement and Curtis (Osano) spotted that. The finish was more of a tackle.

“I joked with the lads, which goal was better mine or Morgs (Amari Morgan-Smith)?

“It came at a good time. The first half we probably edged it, although it was even. It’s great to score just before half time, but we weren’t great first half.”

Although playing in the centre of midfield is still fairly new to him, Dance was aided by the experience of Jamie Hand and first team coach Paul Carden alongside him.

Dance said: “I’m enjoying it. I think I’m more involved in the game there. It’s a fairly new experience for me.

“The gaffer knows I can play there, I played a lot there at Kettering, but it’s a new team and new style of play.

“I had two experienced guys in Paul Carden and Jamie Hand telling me where to run and I’m happy to play wherever.

“I remember when I came down to speak to him (Brabin) one thing he liked was he had seen me play a couple of positions and I think you need that to win the league.

“If you put your best XI out each week it’s an ideal world but you need people you can put in there.

“I like to think I bring my contribution in there.”

Manager Gary Brabin praised Dance’s contribution and felt he thoroughly deserved his goal, adding: “He works his socks off to be fair to him.

“He keeps probing and getting forward.”

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