PICTURE GALLERY: Marriott hits hat-trick but Reading FC suffer second-half collapse

Reading FC’s League One campaign got off to a dramatic start as the Royals surrendered a two-goal half-time lead to lose 4-3 to Luton Town.

Jack Marriott looked to have put Reading on course for victory after scoring a first-half hat-trick at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Luton took an early lead, but Marriott quickly levelled before adding two more goals to put Reading 3-1 ahead at the break.

However, the game changed dramatically after the interval.

Luton scored twice in quick succession to level the match before substitute Gideon Kodua struck a stoppage-time winner, completing a remarkable comeback for the visitors.

It meant Marriott’s outstanding individual display ultimately counted for nothing, with Reading left to rue a second-half collapse on the opening day of the 2026/27 League One season.

There were plenty of talking points from an entertaining afternoon in Berkshire, from Marriott’s goals to Luton’s dramatic comeback and the reaction of both sets of supporters.

Take a look through our picture gallery from Reading’s dramatic League One opener against Luton Town below.