Luton Town boss Matt Bloomfield insisted the Hatters’ desire to stay in the Championship ‘is still there’ after seeing his side record their first win under his management.

Jordan Clark’s 25th minute strike gave Luton a 1-0 victory over Portsmouth, their first win since December and three points that saw them move above Derby County to dump the Rams to the foot of the able.

Speaking after the game and his first win in his ninth game, Bloomfield reflected on seeing his side battle as they face relegation rivals Cardiff, Hull and Stoke City in the next month. The Hatters travel to Pride Park on April 18.

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“Relief is probably the biggest emotion right now, it’s been a long time coming, too long,” Bloomfield said.

“I wanted to come in and have an immediate impact and that hasn’t been the case and you guys know the emotion that carries but it’s a fantastic feeling to get that one over the line today.

“It was emotional, relief, it’s been a tough week. I’ve lived it this week, but the boys have been great, worked, we’ve been honest and they know how much we needed a win today.

“There were some anxious moments, it wasn’t a perfect performance by any stretch. We’ve probably played more fluently and better in other games, absolutely but to show that character and desire to get it over the line is what this club stands for and it was lovely to see that today.

“It’s a crucial win as it shows it’s still there. It’s not been there enough this season, it doesn’t dissipate the disappointment of last Sunday and it’s not all fixed in one day, but to see those smiles around the ground at the end, it’s what we do this job for.”

Meanwhile the Rams were beaten 1-0 by Middlesbrough, with Finn Azaz’s late goal enough to hand a third defeat in three games to new boss John Eustace.

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