Gillingham turned Tuesday’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie on its head after receiving a half-time rocket from manager Justin Edinburgh.

The Gills were a goal down and not playing well but Edinburgh got the response required.

Assistant manager David Kerslake said: “First half wasn’t good enough and not up to the standards that we set ourselves.

“We changed the shape and the gaffer got tucked into them during the break.

“We expect a lot more in front of our home fans and we were really pleased with the response.

“Towards the end we got a little bit sloppy but there were one or two players who haven’t played recently and so it was a little down to tiredness. Second half we took the game to them, completely dominated and deserved to win.”

Goals from Max Ehmer and Bradley Dack ensured the Gills would be in the hat for round three.

But the game hadn’t started well and Cameron McGeehan put Luton ahead four minutes before the break.

“We didn’t defend it well,” said the Gills No.2.

“We should have got more pressure on the ball, we allowed the cross and it should have been defended better at the far post.

“The first-half performance shouldn’t represent us because that is not what we are about, it is about being on the front foot and closing people down, getting after people, deliveries into the box, shots and crosses.

“We didn’t see any of it and the manager let them know.

“We should be putting the reins on them, trying to calm them down, but it didn’t happen. Why? I don’t know. It isn’t what we’re about and we’re not going to accept it.

“In all fairness to them, after the gaffer has got tucked into them they showed a good response.”