Luton ensured they would compete in the playoffs last Saturday after defeating Reading 1-0 at Kenilworth Road. The win meant the Hatters will have to play against Huddersfield Town in a double-headed decider to determine who goes to the final at Wembley against either Nottingham Forest or Sheffield United.
The Town's first chance of the game arose just under a minute played, after Cameron Jerome found himself in a brilliant goalscoring position when Jordan Clark threaded a ball into his path. However, Jerome wasted the chance as he made his shot easy for Nyland to save.
After a few more saves from Nyland, up the other end, Matt Ingram who started his first home game for the Hatters, denied Ovie Ajaria's effort. The save was just one of two the Hull loanee had to make during the game.
Just before half-time, Harry Cornick caught Nyland off guard when he snuck up on the Norwegian goalkeeper and stole the ball right from his toes before he was able to clear it. Cornick passed the ball into an empty net before racing off in celebration. After the game, the fans were credited for the atmosphere which meant the keeper couldn't hear the cries of "man on" from the Royals supporters.
(Luton celebrate Cornicks goal- Gareth Owen)
In the second half, both teams had a handful of chances, the better coming from Luton, but neither could put the ball in the back of the net, resulting in just a 1-0 victory on the final league day for the Hatters. Although before the game Luton's possible playoff position was unconfirmed, with the danger that any points dropped by Luton might let in Middlesbrough or Millwall, this win made certain of their place in the playoffs.
Other results around the Championship saw Luton's playoff opponents change twice in a matter of minutes. Nottingham Forest scored in the dying minutes of their game against Hull which meant the Hatters would have played against the Reds. However, Hull pulled one straight back from their restart so Luton's opponents were confirmed as Huddersfield Town again instead.
Full Time: Luton Town 1-0 Reading FC
VIEWS Sports Man of the match: Kal Naismith
Next Match: Huddersfield (H)
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