Goals in each half from Markus Heikkinen and Steve Howard gave Luton all three points against QPR as managers Mike Newell and Ian Holloway put talks of 'bungs' to one side with a return to Coca-Cola Championship action at Kenilworth Road.

Luton boss Newell met with Football Association chiefs this week to expand on his allegations he had been offered cash by agents and club officials as an incentive to buy and sell players.

And QPR manager Holloway is due at Soho Square next week after the FA launched an investigation into his claims he was offered a bribe to push through a transfer.

So a return to on-pitch matters came as some light relief and Finland international Heikkinen rose highest to head home from Kevin Nicholls' corner after 13 minutes following Paul Underwood's far post header across goal.

Howard sealed the win in the 85th minute with his 99th goal for the Hatters, his scuffed shot nestled in the corner following good work on the right from substitute Carlos Edwards.

Luton were quickest out of the blocks and almost opened the scoring after four minutes through defender Kevin Foley.

His angled drive from right side of penalty area beat Simon Royce in the Rangers' goal, but rebounded back off the post before Dan Shittu diverted the danger at the expense of a corner.

Holloway's side responded well to the early scare and set up camp inside the Luton half with some sustained pressure.

Gareth Ainsworth flashed a fierce shot over the crossbar after Marcus Bignot found him unmarked just inside the area, before veteran striker Paul Furlong was denied by a brave piece of defending by Heikkinen.

Moments later the Finn was on-hand at the opposite end to head his second goal for the Hatters following his summer move from Bank of Scotland Premier League side Aberdeen.

But the visitors responded well and Lee Cook sent a curling effort agonisingly wide of Marlon Beresford's far post mid-way through the first-half.

QPR applied more pressure after the restart with a trio of corners, before Furlong should have done better than head Ainsworth's cross wide of the target from six-yards out.

Beresford had to be at his best soon after to deny Furlong from close-range, displaying quick reflexes to tip the 37-year-old's effort round the post.

But Luton looked dangerous on the break and Rowan Vine flashed a warning shot past Rangers' post on the hour.

Royce kept Rangers in the game with a string of saves to deny Edwards, Howard and substitute Warren Feeney, but there was little he could do to prevent Luton doubling their lead five minutes from time.

Howard sealed the win with a low finish as the Hatters ended a three-game losing streak with their first win of the year.