If Luton can discover some killer instinct over the summer to match the return of their returning swashbuckling style, then they will be dangerous next term – but against play-off chasing Reading they dominated without find the net.
It wasn’t for the lack of chances, nor could you level a lapse in application or desire, despite the prospect of an after the Lord Mayor’s Show feel, following victory over arch-rivals Watford at the weekend. It wasn’t that at all.
But a third win on the spin in the Championship this term remains elusive for the Hatters, although two clean sheets on the bounce is nothing to be sniffed at.
Chances came and went for Jordan Clark, George Moncur, Glen Rea and, twice in the dying seconds, golden opportunities for substitute James Collins, who couldn’t repeat his trick of coming off the bench to grab glory.
Considering the Royals’ requirements of victory to realistically stand a chance of breaking into the top six, Town restricted them to one shot on target, and even that came from a free-kick.
This was their 11th clean sheet of the league campaign and that defiance is what their likely comfortable mid-table finish has been built on.
But it was their 18th blank of the campaign too, so it’s clear where the next stage lies in manager Nathan Jones’ blueprint for evolution.
“I’m delighted with the level of performance, I’m just disappointed with the result because I felt we were the better side,” he said.
“We came out, we were aggressive, we moved the ball really well and created enough to have won the game.
“If we really want to do something, we have to win games like that. It seems silly me saying that, because these are a fantastic side, they don’t lose many games and they can outplay you, out-pass you and out-score you, but we were better than them today.”
Yet, for all their profligacy they exhibited some of the signs that made them such an exhilerating side that swept the lower leagues before them.
A high press and winning the ball back quickly never allowed Reading to settle and, when fans are allowed back into this old stadium, that will earn huge appreciation.
Who knows, maybe the long overdue Kenny roar will help inspire more goals than their tally of 36, which is the lowest in the top half of the table.
Though, on the back of that fact alone, their 12th placed position is a remarkable achievement.
So, while it’s not every day you can savour the dizzy heights of beating your nearest neighbour on home soil for the first time in 28 years, there are still more positives than not.
PLAYER RATINGS:
Simon Sluga – 7
Very little to do in the fist half but he was alert to run off his line and sweep away danger in the second.
Kal Naismith – 8 (star man)
After keep Ismaila Sarr firmly in his back pocket at the weekend, he repeated the trick against Yakou Meite. And then, in attack, a stunning cross-field ball opened up Reading’s backline and should’ve been an assist but Jordan Clark, but the winger couldn’t convert it. An all-round confident display at left back.
Sonny Bradley – 7
He blocked and tackled and headed and would not be beaten. That’s two clean sheets in a row for the captain and his defence. Booked in the 44th minute for a trip on Meite
Matty Pearson – 7
He’s thriving at the moment, putting his body on the line and refusing to be beaten.
James Bree – 7
A first half free-kick just fizzed over the bar and a threatening overlap and useful cross should’ve come to more but, not for the first time, there wasn’t a Town player lurking in the penalty area.
Ryan Tunnicliffe – 7
A late replacement for Luke Berry who pulled up injured in the warm-up and put in a solid display. Replaced on 73 minutes by Glen Rea.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7
He drove the midfield forward and forced a save from Rafael with a long range boomer.
Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu – 7.5
An eager proponent of Town’s first half high press and thundered into challenges to give his side the upper hand, which they never relinquished.
Kazenga LuaLua – 7.5
Put in a great byline cross but no Hatter had got in the box. His pace caused problems, particularly in the first period, but he was replaced by George Moncur on 64 minutes.
Jordan Clark – 7
Should’ve given Town the lead in the 21st minute and ensured Naismith got assist of the season. Replaced by Harry Cornick on 64 minutes.
Elijah Adebayo – 7
Did the gritty stuff well but is always a threat. Even so, too often he was wide rather than in the danger zone when crosses came in. When Clark’s cross squirmed through Rafael’s fingers across an open goal, he was stood still five yards away, having not gambled. Twice got the muscled defenders off the ball in the second half but his final execution was wayward. Replaced on 84 minutes by James Collins.
SUBSTITUTES:
George Moncur – 6.5
Saw Rafael pull off a excellent save to keep him out as he arrived late in the box.
Harry Cornick – 6.5
Was the out-ball when Reading pressed for the breakthrough and one fast counter saw him unable to pick out Adebayo in the centre.
Glen Rea – 6.5
Headed a corner over, but added more steel to prevent any late flurries from Reading.
James Collins – N/A
Not on long enough for a rating. Booked for kicking the ball away after committing a foul.
UNUSED SUBS: James Shea, Martin Cranie, Dan Potts, Sam Nombe, Joe Morrell
It’s the next step, isn’t it? Converting more of the chances and turning superiority into more wins. That said, a draw against one of the better sides in the division, one which should really have been up for it if they want to get into the play-offs, is no bad result – especially if you think about what happened last season! And we’re now above Stoke – with a game in hand. A lot of people will find that very satisfying!
I agree with Naismith’s top billing, with two or three others not far behind. He’s really settled into that left-back spot, giving us real strength in depth with Potts waiting in the wings. I hope to see ‘Jack Stacey’s long-term replacement’, Kioso, back in the fold next season and providing similar cover on the other side. Very glad Lua Lua’s getting more opportunities. Any chance of Moncur and, maybe, Morrell getting ninety minutes before the end of the season?