NEWPORT County manager Dean Holdsworth hailed his side’s battling draw at Luton Town as the proudest night of his reign at the club.

The Exiles boss saw his players earn a precious point at the Conference leaders’ Kenilworth Road ground on Tuesday night thanks to goalkeeper Glyn Thompson’s second half penalty save.

And, after a difficult start to life in the Blue Square Premier, Holdsworth claimed that the draw was more enjoyable than winning promotion last season.

“It was a proud night, probably my best night at the club. This beats last season,” said Holdsworth, who led County to the Blue Square South title with a record 103 points back in April.

“Luton should not be in the Conference. They are a league club and we stood toe to toe with them.

“We weren’t overawed at all at a fantastic ground.

“Saturday felt like a defeat but the Luton game felt like a win.

“I wanted a reaction from Saturday and the desire and commitment the players showed for each other was magnificent.

“The belief I’ve got in them and the belief they’ve got in each other is something special and I’m just really pleased for them.

“We’ve shown that we won’t just sit back. We let them have a bit of possession but we worked our socks off and got what we deserved.”

Holdsworth will be hoping that Tuesday’s confidence-boosting performance will help seal a first win of the season at home to Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday.

“We need a win on Saturday and if they don’t get confidence from that I’ll have to go down to Tesco and see if they sell it,” he said.

“I’m pushing them hard and they know what I want from them.

“It’s a great performance and I’m proud of the players and the fans who were fantastic.”

Luton boss Richard Money also lavished praise on Holdsworth’s men after a thrilling contest.

“Their team gave absolutely every ounce they could for their manager and their supporters and full credit to them,” said the Hatters manager.

“We knocked on the door all night and we couldn’t get the winner but I’m proud of my team and I thought it was a great game.

“I saw Newport play Stevenage off the park two weeks ago, which isn’t easy to do, and I expected a difficult game and I though they were outstanding. Fair play to the manager – I thought they came with a very offensive lineup with two wingers and two up top.

“They came here determined to enjoy themselves and give it a real go and they did it.

“They played their part fully in a great game of football.”