Smith left touched by standing ovation

Jonathan Smith gets a kiss from Andre Gray after coming on against Hyde

Midfielder Jonathan Smith admitted he never expected the standing ovation he received on returning to the Hatters side against Hyde on Saturday.

With minutes remaining, Smith took the field for the first time since his horrific leg break against Barnet on Boxing Day.

The Hatters fans who occupied all four side of the ground rose as one to acclaim him, as Smith said: “I expected a few people to maybe clap, but that was probably one of the most touching moments of my life.

“To get that sort of standing ovation was unbelievable.

“I’d like to thank the manager for giving me the opportunity to come on. He’s stood by me all the way and I’ll never forget that.”

Smith had been back in training for the past few weeks as a return to the side had always been in his mind the second the injury happened.

The former York midfielder’s appearances was just as pleasing for the rest of the team according to both striker Andre Gray and John Still.

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