A good run of form had taken the Hatters to within one point of the play-off places but a first defeat in five league matches at the hands of Birmingham brought that run to an end.

Speaking post-match, the gaffer said: "We've still got matches to come, we played well last month and we started well this month but we saved our two worst, most inept performances for Birmingham. We've conceded five at home, three today and you are thinking, we didn't get dominated.

"For the first 20 minutes I thought we were outstanding and then the tennis balls came on and suddenly the momentum changed. We didn't defend well enough today, the first goal is poor, second goal is even worse, and then we we're chasing the game and they got a third but that is what happens, that is the Championship.

"The first goal was poor, it was a calamity in the box and then you think come on second half and then 15 seconds in, we conceded again. We actually started well after that but it was one of those days today."