Nat eyes big ticket

NATHAN JONES wants a Premier League reward for steering Luton into the fourth round for the first time in eight years.

In this all-championship affair, George Moncur’s first-half goal sent the Hatters into the hat for the next stage. And Luton boss Jones (above) is eyeing a top-flight scalp.

“We want something different from a Championship test because we get that every week,” he said.

“Two seasons ago, we’d have loved that, but now we’d really like a Premier League side – home or away.

“We were really good first half and should have been further ahead. At 1-0 up, you’re always susceptible and they stepped it up in the second half. “But we made it hard for ourselves. We didn’t come flying out the blocks, we gave the ball away and when you lose momentum, it’s hard to get it back.”

Luton sealed their passage on the halfhour mark. Right-back James Bree sent over a looping cross and Moncur met it at the far post, cushioning a fine firsttime volley past Luke Southwood.

Reading improved after the break, but were denied on several occasions by Luton keeper Simon Sluga.

The Royals should have levelled in the 62nd minute, but Sone Aluko smashed a shot against the bar when it looked easier to score.

Both sides made nine changes, with Reading including 13 academy youngsters in their squad.

Royals boss Veljko Paunovic said: “They gave so much, but they just didn’t get the result.” LUTON: Sluga 8, Bree 7 (Clark 58, 6), Osho 7, Potts 6, Galloway 6 (Norrington-davies 74, 6), Tunnicliffe 6, Morrell 6, Moncur 7, Lee 5 (Berry 74, 6), Hylton 6, Nombe 6 (Lualua 81). Unused Subs: Isted, Cornick, Lockyer, Rea, Mpanzu . READING: Southwood 7, Esteves 7, Mcintyre 6, Dorsett 6, Bristow 6, Semedo 7 (Lawless 77), Pendlebury 7, Aluko 5 (Tetek 72, 6), Olise 6 (Melvin-lambert 78), Onen 6, Baldock 5 (Camara 78). Unused Subs: Boyce-clarke, Holmes, Samuels . MAN OF THE MATCH: Simon Sluga. The Luton goalkeeper made a string of fine saves to ensure his side progressed to the next round. REFEREE: Darren Bond 8.