Hatters’ lowly league position a real worry for Benson

Luton lost their third league game in a row and fourth in all competitions on Saturday, going down 4-3 at home to Northampton Town.

It means that Town are now way back in 17th place, which after a summer of big-name signings, including Craig Mackail-Smith, Paddy McCourt and Cameron McGeehan, left Benson mystified.

Ahead of this weekend’s visit to Exeter City, he said: “It is worrying, we’re at the wrong end of the table from where we want to be.

“We all realistically thought promotion was a realistic aim this year.

“Call me stupid, I still think if we can put a run together, we’ve got all the elements to still go up, I really do.

“I’ve played in teams who were not as technically good as the players we’ve got here and got promotion out of this league, so I know it can be done.

“But it’s no good saying it can be done and go to Exeter and lose again, something’s got to change.

“We’ve got to start being responsible for our own performances and at the moment I don’t really think we are.

“I think we’re too easily making excuses, pointing fingers at other people and not really taking responsibility for our own performances.”

Although Benson remained confident Town can still win promotion this season, he’s aware if it was to happen then it would more than likely have to be through the play-offs now.

Hatters’ defeat on Saturday saw them fall 14 points behind third-placed Plymouth and when asked if hopes of a top three spot had now gone, the 36-year-old said: “Yes, I think realistically so.

“We’re very fortunate in this league that there are seven places available for going up, or giving you the chance to go up.

“I’d say lets try and put a winning run together, try and get into those play-offs and then maybe in March time, if we’re in there, see where in relation to the top three.

“First and foremost, let’s try and go on a run and see where that takes us, let’s not be ridiculous and say we’re going to get in the top three.

“It’s putting a winning run together first and then try and get in the top three if we can.”