Russell Martin rues chalked-off Cullen effort but energised by second-half showing

Swansea City head coach Russell Martin cut a frustrated figure after seeing a Liam Cullen goal chalked off which could have earned his side a point at Luton, but felt energised by his side’s positive second-half display.

A close-range effort from Carlton Morris had given the Hatters the interval lead at Kenilworth Road after an opening half where the hosts had the better chances.

However, the Swans were improved in the second half with Ollie Cooper and Morgan Whittaker going close.

They also had the ball in the net when Cullen ran onto a through ball and swept home inside the final 20 minutes.

But the offside flag was up, and Martin felt the decision had been wrong and meant his side did not get the reward their second-half effort arguably deserved.

“We had a difficult first half, and I don’t think you should expect anything else coming here,” he said.

“The atmosphere, the pitch and the way that they play tell you that the first halves of games here look very similar. I have seen Burnley, West Brom and Middlesbrough come here and it’s the same.

“So you have to stand up for the fight. The scary moments only came from set-pieces and their goal should not be a goal, it should not even be a chance. It is a mistake, it is unfortunate but it should be dealt with.

“That was disappointing, but second half we changed formation and I loved the performance, I loved the energy, the intensity and the fight we showed.

“I loved the mentality of the players with and without the ball, although we probably did not create enough clear chances with that.

“But we scored a good goal, which was not offside which is frustrating, in fact it’s very frustrating.

“So, I can accept defeat if we show that togetherness, energy and willingness to play on a difficult pitch.

“We need more of that, but we are disappointed for the players and the supporters who were absolutely brilliant in that away end.”

Martin also explained the circumstances of his dismissal, as he and Luton assistant Richie Kyle were given their marching orders in the final minutes following an altercation between both benches.

“(Luton boss) Rob (Edwards) saw something on the pitch, I didn’t as I was following play. I like Rob, he is an ex-team-mate of mine, but he jumped on the pitch and I told him to get off,” said Martin.

“Richie got involved, and I just nudged him to get out of the way really.

“It has ended up in what it ended up in, and two red cards, which I don’t think was necessary really.

“It is what it is."