Hotshot striker Sam Parkin apologised for a rush of blood to the head that cost the Hatters victory against Notts County on Saturday.

The experienced striker inexplicably handled an innocuous corner early in the second half, moments after loan striker Chris Martin had given Luton the lead with his first goal for the club.

Parkin, 26, said: "It was a coming together. I didn't mean to handball it. If it had happened at the other end, we would have been appealing."

Super Sam, who suffered a cut to the head while challenging Notts County keeper Kevin Pilkington in the second half, also missed out on a glorious opportunity to win the match for Town with five minutes left when his header went too close to Pilkington.

He said: "Unfortunately I had the head gear on by that stage and couldn't generate much power. On another day the penalty wouldn't have mattered, it just means we have to win at Exeter."

However, he had nothing but praise for strike partner Martin who netted his first goal for the club.

He said: "I think Chris (Martin) has shown what he can do in the first four games and I thought it was only a matter of time before he would get his first goal.

"I'm sure he will go on and get many more goals as he has been smashing them in in training."

Parkin has been impressed with the squad that manager Mick Harford has been able to assemble and is confident they will be able to bounce back from Saturday's setback.

He said: "From the first day of pre-season you wouldn't have believed what kind of side we were able to put out for the first game of the season.

"Playing with the new lads, it's exciting. I think the fans are excited by the way we are playing.

"We haven't quite had the return of points.

"We could quite easily have had nine out of nine.

"Every game at the moment is a must win. We've dropped another two points today.

"I think we all know we have enough in the dressing room to play in the league above with the quality we've got there.

"I'm sure we will generate enough points to have had a good season, but with the penalties, it's up to the gods.

"We will have to try and go to Exeter and come away with a good victory like we did at Gillingham."

And he admitted the players are desperate not to look at the table, bearing in mind Luton's 30 point deduction.

He added: "I think we all do and it's probably the same with the Bournemouth and Rotherham lads. We won't take any notice till Christmas time or after.

"It's important we need to turn the draws into victories."

For the full story see the News/Gazette.