Watkins retains belief in Luton’s title charge

Hatters climbed to third in the table on Sunday after hammering Kettering 5-0, but still languish 11 points behind Wrexham and nine off Fleetwood.

There are still 20 games to play though and Watkins said: “I think we’ve set a way of playing and it’s working at the minute. If we keep playing like that, hopefully Fleetwood and Wrexham will slip up if we keep putting on the pressure on.

“We’ve got two massive games coming up next week though, Newport and Stockport. They’re going to be tough games even though they’re a bit further down the league but we’ve got to go out and do the business again.”

After defeating the Poppies 5-0 on Boxing Day, Watkins and his team-mates were aware of the wounded animal syndrome, but once the youngster had doubled up Jake Howells’ early goal, there was only going to be one winner.

He said: “The gaffer said we’ve got to come out and do the same. They know what we’re about, so we have to go and try to work even harder.

“We’ve had a spell first half where we’ve nicked two goals. I think we let our foot off the gas, but second half, once we got the third goal, we were worthy winners.

“They’re going to have their little spell which is always going to happen. I thought we rode it well enough second half, didn’t concede, so credit to the lads at the back for another clean sheet, long may that continue.”

With five different scorers on the day, it was a real team display from the Hatters, which impressed Watkins as he continued: “To win 5-0 away from home, everyone’s come away happy.

“I’m just delighted for the lads, we’ve scored a few goals and have just got to keep going now.

“As long as we’re creating the chances, its a good thing. Five different scorers for the side, it’s a team performance and we’ve all chipped in.”

There were over 2,000 Hatters fans in a crowd of 3,247 and being a supporter himself, Watkins was delighted they made the surroundings into a home game.

He added: “We appreciate the support so much. I know it cost them a lot of money, hopefully we’ve repaid that. They act as the 12th man when we’re on top and they were different class.”

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