Luton squeezed out in Boxing Day defeat by Reading
Luton Town suffered a 2-1 defeat by Reading at the Madejski Stadium as they were on the wrong end of a Boxing Day defeat.
First half goals by Tom McIntyre and Alfa Semedo did the job for the Royals. Kazenga LuaLua scored a 90th minute goal back for Luton but despite the Hatters having more shots and possession over 90 minutes, they were unable to avoid a defeat.
Reading struck early on as McIntyre scored his first senior goal, with the Royals academy graduate volleyed Sone Aluko’s corner past James Shea.
A dull first half saw Reading grab a second goal through the first half’s only other shot on target, as a one-two between Semedo and Sam Baldock released Semedo to run through and tuck a shot beyond Shea.
Luton had a penalty appeal waved away late in the first half, but it wouldn’t be until the late stages on the contest when they showed a sustained attempt to try and fight back.
Goalkeeper Rafael made saves to deny Luke Berry and Tom Lockyer, while Danny Hylton saw a header flicked wide.
Luton did grab a goal back in the final minute of normal time, when LuaLua fired a low drive past Rafael from 25 yards, but it was too late for the visitors to avoid a reverse in Berkshire.