After the midweek League Cup distraction against Arsenal, Reading continued with their Championship form with yet another important victory. The Royals' twenty-first consecutive league game without defeat wasn't the most convincing victory of the season, despite the convincing scoreline. Luton Town, still strong play-off contenders, will feel hard done by after they had the better of long periods during the second half. Overall the game was a scrappy affair by Reading's standards this season, and it was only after Dave Kitson hit the second goal that Reading finally looked incapable of dropping points.

Chances for both sides were few and far between in the first half, with Sidwell giving the Royals the lead just before the break. There was a large element of luck with the goal, as Sidwell's long distance effort took a big deflection to end up in the opposite side of the net, with the keeper already diving the other direction. The visitors took the initiative in the second half as they looked for the equaliser but they were well contained by the Reading defence. Just when it looked like they might claw themselves back into the game, the Royals made it 2-0, perhaps against the run of play. Kitson made a big impact after coming off the bench, winning the free-kick which Little floated into the area for Kitson to head home in a pack of players.

The second goal saw Reading finally take command as they looked to increase their goal difference and Luton were forced to defend under Reading's best period of attack. Kevin Doyle got the third goal with a couple of minutes left on the clock when a fast move saw Little cross from the right and Doyle score from deep inside the Luton area.

Following report by John Wells:
Any fears that a defeat at Highbury in the Carling Cup earlier this week would dent the Royals' confidence were dispelled this afternoon as they chalked up another win at home to play off contenders Luton. Three - nil might have been a slightly flattering scoreline, but as the season progresses it is clear that Reading are currently the best team in the division. Even today when a few players were not at their best Reading were never really in danger of losing their grip on the game.

Sidwell forced a save from Beresford in the second minute when he produced a powerful downward header from Convey's corner, but neither side were able to take control in midfield in the early stages. In fact, most of the first half was a fairly scrappy affair. There were few chances. Hahnemann had to make a smart save towards half time and Convey saw his superb goal bound volley from a corner headed away. Lita, still apparently injured, was not sharp enough around the box to make anything of the half chances. Luton had managed to stifle the threat of Little and Convey very effectively for most of the half. Just before half time Sidwell's long range drive took wicked deflection on its way into the net, and Reading were somewhat surprisingly able to go in at half time one goal up.

Luton came out strongly in the second half and Hahnemann was forced to make another good save from a downward header. Sidwell had a shot deflected over, but Luton were posing a threat with string of crosses and corners. Worryingly Murty was absent on a couple of occasions when the Hatters seemed to have a spare man at the far post. Morgan forced a save from Hahmnemann from one such lapse. Convey seemed to anticipate his departure as Hunt prepared to come on, and had a bit of a tantrum, throwing down his gloves and water bottle. I don't think he should read too much into the change as I suspect Coppell was concerned about the number of crosses coming in from Edwards on Luton's right. Hunt was almost certainly brought on as a better defensive option to contain the wide man, although Bobby had not had one of his better games. Lita was also not at his best and Coppell was right to replace him with Kitson against a very big Town back four. It proved a master stroke.

With about fifteen minute to go, Little swung in a free kick which Kitson reached first and headed over the stranded Beresford into the empty net. That was the killer blow for a very game Luton. The away fans streamed out and Reading stroked the ball around until Doyle confidently converted a good Little cross into a goal with text-book header back across the goal into the far corner leaving Beresford grasping the air.

One issue was resolved in my mind today, and that is the best pairing up front is Doyle and Kitson. Not only do they compliment each other well, but Kitson looked to be back to his best today. Lita is undoubtedly a talented striker but he's not producing the goods at he moment. The Sidwell or Gunnarsson choice is a tougher call to make but I still think Gunarsson's passing gives him the edge.

Mike Newell gained further respect today, not only for his team's performance, but also shaking the hand of every Reading player as they left the field. (Mr Warnock please note the phenomenon known as sportsmanship!) Nobody associated with the club dare express the view that Reading are likely to go up, but who is going to stop them?