Missed chances cost Hatters as they are held by Blues at Kenilworth Road

Luton were left to rue missed chances and an inspired display from visiting goalkeeper Neil Etheridge as they extended their unbeaten run to four games, held to their third successive 1-1 draw at home to Birmingham City this evening.

The hosts dominated large chunks of what was a highly entertaining second half of football, play going from end-to-end at times, but try as they might, and boy did they try, they couldn't beat Etheridge again, striker James Collins the main culprit.

City's Philippines' international stopper had stated in the build-up to the game that he expected Town to be battling at the bottom again this year, but based on that 90 minutes, although the spoils were shared, Hatters chief Nathan Jones need not worry about a relegation fight materialising, particular with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in such mouthwatering form.

Town made two changes from the 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, Collins back for his 150th Luton appearance, Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu also included, as Martin Cranie and George Moncur dropped to the bench, while Luke Berry reached his century of games.

An even opening saw Luton look the more threatening, Etheridge having to punch Dewsbury-Hall's corner away, the Leicester loanee making another impressive start following on from his efforts at the weekend.

With 12 minutes gone, Town had the best chance of the early exchanges, Berry's cross from the right glanced narrowly wide by Collins.

Despite having the better of things, Town then conceded a penalty on 23 minutes when Sonny Bradley opted against clearing his lines effectively allowing City to win the ball back and Maxime Colin's cross hit the outstretched arm of the sliding Elliot Lee.

Lukas Jutkiewicz, so often a thorn in Town's side from the air, scoring in both wins for the Blues last season, then showed he was just as capable on the ground, hammering low beyond Sluga.

Dewsbury-Hall had a pop from range, not testing Etheridge, Ivan Sunjic doing the same at the other end, his drive always rising.

Etheridge did have to work when Lee tried to make amends for his earlier indiscretion, forcing the keeper into a fairly routine stop at his near post.

The visiting custodian made a fine save on 36 minutes though when Mpanzu escaped on the left, his cross flicking off skipper Harlee Dean, Etheridge adjusting to tip over impressively.

From the set-piece, Luton were back on level terms, Berry's corner met by Glen Rea and Matty Pearson swivelling to shoot goalwards, Etheridge unable to keep it out this time, despite getting two strong hands to it, parrying against the post and over the line.

With their tails up, Town pushed for a second, a confident Pearson whizzing over from 25 yards, while after the break, Berry almost put Town 2-1 in front, his cross-shot cleared off the line.

The frantic nature was then to start and show no signs of stopping, Collins dropping a shoulder to beat his man with ease, drilling low for Etheridge to repel, while fortunately for Town, Jutkiewicz selfishly went for a second, rather than pick out the unmarked Sunjic.

The Blues scorer had another attempt, putting it out for a throw, as Dewsbury-Hall, who is showing signs of being a top, top player, set off on a barnstorming run through the middle, a move ending with Mpanzu's effort bobbling tamely to Etheridge.

Visiting defender Colin was inches away from putting Blues back in front on 68 minutes, slamming a shot past the post that had Town's hearts in their mouths for a moment.

Then came the opportunity for the Hatters on 72 minute, when substitute George Moncur burst forward and found Dewsbury-Hall overlapping, his low cross weighted perfectly for Collins to slam into the roof of the net from a matter of yards.

The leading scorer went for the sidefoot though, Etheridge producing his own personal Superman moment, pulling off a superb save and somehow clinging on to the ball, although he relly shouldn't have been given a sniff by Town's leading scorer.

Etheridge was to continue his one-man resistance three minutes later too, flipping sub Jordan Clark's blast from 18 yards over the top.

You just knew it wasn't Collins' night as with five minutes to go, he had another glorious chance, found by Norrington-Davies' cross this time but although he connected well enough, a last-ditch block prevented him from finding the net.

As the hosts tired, Birmingham looked to have a threat in the latter stages, Dewsbury-Hall showing his defensive duties, nicking the ball away from Riley McGree as he went to shoot and then Jeremie Bela volleying straight at Sluga.

Town's stopper was to have his own moment of heroism in stoppage time as Sunjic went clean through to win it for the visitors.

The Croatian international stood up well and managed to turn his shot over the bar, ensuring the Hatters picked up a point that was the very least they deserved.

Hatters: Simon Sluga, Matty Pearson, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Glen Rea, Sonny Bradley ©, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Luke Berry, Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu, Elliot Lee (George Moncur 60), Harry Cornick (Jordan Clark 70), James Collins.

Subs not used: James Shea, Ryan Tunnicliffe, Tom Lockyer, Sam Nombe, Joe Morrell, James Bree, Martin Cranie.

Blues: Neil Etheridge, Maxime Colin, Marc Roberts, George Friend, Scott Hogan (Jeremie Bela 75), Lukas Jutkiewicz, Harlee Dean ©, Jake Clarke-Salter (Riley McGree 75), Mikel San Jose, Gary Gardner (Ivan Sanchez 60), Ivan Sunjic.

Subs not used: Andres Prieto, Kristian Pedersen, Maikel Kieftenbeld, Jonathan Leko, Jon Toral, Josh Dacres-Cogley.

Booked: Dean 48, Rea 73.

Referee: David Webb.