Rob Edwards insisted his Luton team had taken a step forward despite seeing their appalling away record continue with a 1-0 defeat at Ashton Gate.
A superb 25-yard strike from Scott Twine two minutes into the second half was enough to give Bristol City the points and make it nine defeats from 11 Sky Bet Championship games on the road for the beleaguered Hatters.
The visitors created little until substitute Cauley Woodrow brought a diving save from Max O’Leary during six minutes of stoppage time, but Edwards saw positives in another disappointing away result.
He said: “There was nothing in the game and we limited a good attacking side to very few chances, so that was a positive.
“I’m not saying we deserved to win, but we didn’t deserve to lose either. The difference between the teams was one moment of great quality from Scott Twine.
“We could have done better in not allowing him time and space for the shot, but it was a great strike.
“I know how hard it is for our travelling supporters at the moment, but there are reasons for the poor away form. We lost key players after being relegated and have had more than our fair share of injuries.
“At Kenilworth Road, we are finding ways to get results, but it isn’t happening on opposing grounds. Hopefully, one win on our travels will change things and help rebuild confidence.
“We also hope to strengthen things during the January transfer window, although it may mean departures as well as arrivals. It’s not an easy window in which to make signings, but we will do our best.
“There are positives in the way some young players are taking their opportunities and we did have chances to equalise after Scott Twine’s goal.”
Twine had netted brilliantly from distance with his first touch as a substitute in the previous home game with QPR.
City head coach Liam Manning said: “Scott’s quality striking of the ball was one of the reasons we signed him and he displays it regularly.
“It was another great goal worthy of winning any game. But I felt the overall team performance made us worthy of the victory.
“We wanted a response after a disappointing night at West Bromwich Albion and today the players have managed the game really well after taking the lead.
“Max O’Leary has made one important save at the end and I am glad for him because he come in for some criticism recently. He was there when we needed him in stoppage time.
“All our substitutes made a positive impact and that is an indication of the strength of the squad, which is something we have been trying to build.
“Now we have to raise the bar even further over the second half of the season.”
