Garath McCleary scored his first goal since April 2017 as Reading cruised to a 3-0 victory of struggling Luton Town.

McCleary dispossessed Alan Sheehan and placed his shot past James Shea with ten minutes remaining to seal the three points for the Royals.

The game started fast and was scrappy until Michael Morrison directed his thumping header past Shea on the twenty minute mark to set the ball rolling.

Mark Bowen’s side dominated the half from there onwards and doubled their lead less than 15 minutes later; Ovie Ejaria firing his shot to the left of the Hatters keeper to consolidate the half time advantage.

The second half was largely uneventful, with both sides struggling to find the final ball to create a real threat in the opposition box until the winger slotted in his goal to round up the victory.

Special mention must go to Omar Richards and Sam Baldock, both running themselves into the ground for the team.

Baldock came into the game off the back of scoring two in two matches, and looked lively throughout with intelligent runs and great link up play with strike partner George Puscas.

Richards, meanwhile, replaced the injured Jordan Obita and will definitely provide Bowen with strong competition in the left-back position if he continues to play the way he has been.

However man of the match must go to John Swift.

He dominated the middle of the park and effortlessly sprayed balls left, right and centre.

The 24-year-old has been criticised in the past for his consistency, but he has been a critical part of the recent upturn in performances under the new manager.

Three wins and a draw from Bowen’s first four games, it is safe to say he is proving his doubters wrong so far.

This game marked the first time Reading have won three successive home games since April 2017; and Bowen becomes the first manager since Jaap Stam to win his first three home games.

Reading rise to 17th with the resounding win, while Luton Town sit precariously about the drop zone on goal difference.

Next up after the two week international break is Brentford as the team play at Griffin Park for the final time in a league fixture.