Nahki Wells and his Luton Town teammates fought back from two goals down but ultimately fell to a late defeat against Reading in a pulsating encounter at the Madejski Stadium.
Despite a spirited second-half resurgence, Jack Wilshere’s side were left empty-handed after a late strike from substitute Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan restored the Royals' lead.
The hosts established a commanding early advantage, capitalizing on a sluggish start from the Hatters. Lewis Wing opened the scoring from the penalty spot before former Town striker Jack Marriott doubled the lead to leave Luton with a mountain to climb.
Luton emerged for the second half with renewed purpose, and the momentum shifted shortly before the hour mark. Jordan Clark, making his first start since October’s win at Northampton, poked home from close range following a pinpoint cross from Shayden Morris.
The comeback appeared complete 15 minutes from time when Nigel Lonwijk registered his first goal in Town colours in spectacular fashion. The defender unleashed a thunderous strike from 25 yards that flew past the Reading goalkeeper to level the scores and silence the home crowd.
With the momentum firmly with the visitors, it seemed Luton were the more likely to find a winner. However, Reading responded just three minutes later when Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan finished smartly past Josh Keeley to restore the lead.
Luton pressed for a second equalizer in the closing stages, but the Royals held firm to secure all three points, leaving Wells and his teammates to reflect on a missed opportunity despite their resilient fightback.
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