Luton snatched a 1-0 victory over struggling Derby in a dour Coca-Cola Championship encounter at Kenilworth Road.

Steve Howard's 72nd-minute strike proved the difference between the two sides in a game where chances were at premium.

The win brought an end to a run of three straight defeats for Luton and all but assured their Championship status for next season.

Derby, meanwhile, could become embroiled in a relegation scrap if results do not improve and though they have suffered just two defeats in seven, four of those games have been draws.

The game got off to a slow start as both sides tested each other out but it was Luton who were first to create a half-chance as Carlos Edwards volleyed wide in the 16th minute.

Minutes later a foul by Adam Bolder on Ahmet Brkovic present the Hatters with a free-kick. Sol Davis sent the ball into the box for Chris Coyne, who headed wide from close range.

Derby were struggling to produce any kind of end product and Luton goalkeeper Marlon Beresford was only called into action early on to catch a succession of crosses.

But Beresford had to be alert just after the half-hour mark when Giles Barnes drilled a right-footed shot toward goal but the former Burnley man saved well.

Soon after, Alan Wright fired over the bar for the visitors while at the other end of the pitch, Warren Feeney had his effort charged down by Lee Camp.

And on the stroke of half-time Edwards warmed the hands of Camp when his shot from 20 yards was parried by the young goalkeeper.

But Derby could have snatched the lead almost straight after the restart if Darren Moore had been more clinical.

The former West Brom first headed wide a Inigo Idiakez free-kick and then sent another header over the bar minutes later.

Derby brought on Lee Holmes for former Hatter Michael McIndoe just before the hour mark as they looked to establish a strong stranglehold on the game.

Brkovic sent a shot over the bar while for Derby, Kevin Lisbie saw his effort blocked by Beresford.

But the deadlock was finally broken with 18 minutes remaining as Coyne worked a pass for Luton dangerman Howard and the striker fired the ball beyond Camp and into the back of the net - his 14th goal of the season.

Holmes saw his free-kick caught by Beresford in the 77th minute but Luton came close to adding a second when Rowan Vine's shot was parried to safety by Camp.

That proved to be the last chance for either side as Luton held firm for the victory.

Teams

Luton Beresford, Foley, Perrett, Coyne, Davis, Edwards,Brkovic (Bell 71), Robinson, Underwood, Howard,Feeney (Vine 77).

Subs Not Used: Showunmi, Brill, Barnett.

Booked: Robinson.

Goals: Howard 72.

Derby Camp, Edworthy, Moore, Nyatanga, Wright, Smith, Bolder,Idiakez (Peschisolido 77), Barnes, McIndoe (Holmes 60), Lisbie.

Subs Not Used: Thirlwell, Jackson, Poole.

Att: 9,163

Ref: N Miller (Co Durham).