Reading move back into the top six with victory over Luton Town

Reading moved back into the top six thanks to a comfortable 2-1 victory over Luton Town at the Madejski Stadium this afternoon.

Goals at the start and the end of the first half from Tom McIntyre and Alfa Semedo set the Royals on their way to a vital three points to put them back in play-off contention.

Kazenga LuaLua came off the bench to score from long range late on to set up a thrilling finale but the home side held on to secure the win.

Reading began the game the stronger, Sone Aluko working some space on the centre circle, sending Ovie Ejaria through down the middle but nothing came of it before Sam Baldock saw a shot blocked.

The home side’s early positivity was rewarded in the ninth minute when Tom McIntyre was found unmarked from an Aluko corner and the defender calmly slotted into the corner to give the Royals the lead.

Luton struggled to grow into the game and this was largely down to the intensity which the hosts played at from minute one, not letting the visitors any time on the ball which ultimatley caused Nathan Jones’ side to concede the corner which led to the first goal.

It took the Royals until five minutes before half time to create another oportunity but they did double their lead from it, Alfa Semedo the goalscorer after working a one-two well with Baldock and firing a calm finish low into the bottom corner.

The away side’s first shot of the afternoon came just before the break, George Moncur firing an effort well over the top from a free kick which really summed up just how poor a half it had been for Jones’ men.

Jones made a triple change at the break in hope of turning his team’s fortunes around with Martin Cranie, George Moncur and Glen Rea all making way for away side.

McIntyre was the goalscorer in the first half and prevented Luton early in the second period when blocking Luke Berry’s effort following a strong run from James Collins as the away side looked for a route back into the contest.

Berry was involved once more as the away side looked for a goal, this time, firing a header straight into the hands of Cabral Barbosa.

Second half substitues arrived in the shape of Danny Hylton and Rhys Norrington-Davies but forward Hylton’s header was wide of the target in a rare chance for the away side.

The visitors continued to press for a way back into the game but really struggled to create many clear cut chances and head back to Hertfordshire empty handed.

As for Reading, they have picked up three points at a crucial time and will look to build on this when they travel to fellow promotion chasers Swansea City on Wednesday evening.

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