A Premier League chief executive has recalled the “horror” of their defeat to Ebbsfleet United just 14 years ago.

Premier League Luton Town have been making headlines in recent weeks for their excellent 4-0 home win over Brighton, an entertaining 4-4 draw at Newcastle and reaching the FA Cup Fifth Round.

But they still remember the journey they’ve made, rising from non-league to Premier League in a decade.

That brought back memories of a 3-2 home defeat to Ebbsfleet United, then managed by Liam Daish, on January 30, 2010 - exactly 14 years later, Luton beat Brighton 4-0.

Luton led through former Fleet striker Liam Hatch before Magno Vieira scored twice in four minutes before half-time.

The home side levelled through Tom Craddock but Moses Ashikodi scored the winner from a Darius Charles knockdown.

It was a win that saw the Fleet climb out of the relegation zone at the time of the then-named Blue Square Premier.

Ebbsfleet were relegated, however, at the end of the season while Luton finished second but lost in the play-offs to York.

But writing in his programme notes at the weekend, Sweet referenced the game as he recalled how far the club have progressed.

He said: “We’ve just experienced a week which began seeing us through to the fifth round of the FA Cup courtesy of an away win at Goodison Park, earning a home tie with the current cup holders, followed by perhaps one of the most electrifying performances here at Kenilworth Road for decades, before finishing with an eight-goal thriller draw at St James’ Park.

“Eight days, three matches, 860 miles, ten goals, seven scorers, four points and a prize cup draw!

“Exactly 14 years before the victory over the Seagulls, any such optimism would barely seem plausible as we watched on in horror as Ebbsfleet United beat us 3-2 here in the Conference National. Looking back at such moments can be a cathartic experience.

“Often, we have spoken of how playing in non-league gave us an undivided resolve, a thick skin and, importantly, enabled us to humbly learn to keep our feet on the ground and never take the upsides for granted too much.

“The most refreshing aspect of the victory over Brighton - a thriving club who have shared a similar rise from League Two to breaking into European competition - was the manner in which we won the game, with an evolving style of football that has become a joy to watch in recent weeks.

“For that to roll on to Newcastle United in their grand, atmospheric cathedral of football (which we could almost see through the blizzards from the open terrace at Gateshead), was an enthralling experience which enriches one’s love for the game.

“There have been few 4-4 draws in our history - eight now, I’m reliably informed. So, to be first up on Match of the Day and be involved in a game considered to be one of the most exhilarating in the top-flight this season, shows how far we’ve come, especially when there’s a tinge of disappointment that we didn’t take all three points!”