Allan Campbell doubled the lead from close range after the break, stroking home Elijah Adebayo's delivery after slick build-up play cut open the home defence.

John Swift's second-half snap shot, saved by James Shea, was the closest the Royals came, while the Hatters had a late third from Adebayo ruled out for offside.

Liam Moore was left out of the Reading squad after telling manager Veljko Paunovic he wanted to leave, and centre-half Michael Morrison took the captain's armband on his first start since mid-September.

The Royals were also without former England striker Andy Carroll after his two-month deal expired this week, as well as goalkeeper Rafael Cabral following his return to Brazil. After a difficult week, there was little to lift the mood on the pitch.

Having not kept a clean sheet since 16 October, Reading denied Luton a single attempt on target in the first half, but still trailed at the break after Holmes' unfortunate intervention.

Swift almost conjured up a quick equaliser, but sent a left-footed shot just wide, but it was Luton who turned up the heat after the break.

Royals goalkeeper Luke Southwood parried Kai Naismith's low shot shortly before Campbell's second in as many matches, and the 24-year-old prevented further damage with good saves from Campbell and Peter Kioso.

Luton climb to 11th after extending their unbeaten run to five matches, while Reading have just nine points from their past 14 and remain 21st, three points above the relegation spots, having played two games more than 22nd-placed Peterborough.

Reading boss Veljko Paunovic told BBC Radio Berkshire:

"We have to show much more pride, much more courage. Without courage, without anger in certain moments and without urgency you can't play football. You can't be the player you are, you can't be the team you are if you are missing these important ingredients.

"Feeling sorry for ourselves, I hate that and I'm not going to let anyone spread negativity - we have to keep ourselves accountable for what we are doing.

"There is an obvious solution for this. It is to recover our pride, recover our composure and start playing as a team.

(On Liam Moore) "When I spoke to Liam I told him I want to take the burden from him. I think he was carrying a lot in these six years, a lot of good things obviously, but I think he needed a little relief and to focus on his performances."

Luton boss Nathan Jones told BBC Three Counties Radio:

"I thought we were excellent, our application was brilliant, we defended our box really well to limit their chances and we threatened at times. We had enough quality to win the game.

"We had a real element of control. The pitch was really poor and it was very tricky to move the ball, and every time we moved it into midfield it was kind of dangerous, but our front two were excellent all night, a real threat.

"We've managed to jump into the top half with games in hand so it shows we are in a decent place, but we've got to go away from home again on the weekend. It's a tough, tough schedule."