Luton hammered away at Port Vale's goal for virtually the entire 90 minutes but were ultimately frustrated in the goalless draw at Kenilworth Road.

Luton's leading scorer Steve Howard had a particularly disappointing game, with only a header over the bar to trouble Vale keeper Mark Goodlad.

Alan Neilson saw a header come back off the far post, while Goodlad made a terrific save to keep out Emmerson Boyce's shot.

Port Vale showed little attacking ambition, but Cedric Berthelin needed to be alert to keep out a long range effort from Marc Bridge-Wilkinson.

Vale had what looked like a good penalty shout denied when Steve Robinson fouled Steve Rowland, but referee Paul Robinson gave a free-kick inches outside the area.

Luton: Berthelin, Boyce, Perrett, Coyne, Davis, Neilson, Nicholls, Robinson, Holmes, Thorpe, Howard.
Subs: Skelton, Emberson, Brkovic, Hughes, Hillier.

Port Vale: Goodlad, Collins, Burns, Brightwell, Carragher, Cummins, Bridge-Wilkinson, Rowland, Durnin, McPhee, Paynter.
Subs: Brooker, Delaney, Boyd, Armstrong, Charnock.

Referee: J P Robinson (E Yorkshire).