Scottish center-back Tom McIntyre gave the Royals a ninth-minute lead from a superb volley, with Alfa Semedo making it 2-0 before the half-time break.
Luton improved markedly after the interval, but could find no way through until a fine 25-yard strike from substitute Kazenga LuaLua in the 90th minute.
Reading won seven of their opening eight league matches this season, and Paunovic hopes that form has now returned.
“It was a very important win,” he said. “It was not in the nicest way, but definitely the needed one. In the first half, we were very dynamic, with a very narrow approach and clinical in our execution.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 27, 2020-Ausgabe von The Football League Paper.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 27, 2020-Ausgabe von The Football League Paper.
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MARTIN WORRIED ABOUT PLAY-OFFS
Form of Saints a concern
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Delighted Cleverley finally gets win
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PROGRESS IS THE KEY FOR GUTTED WILD
FRUSTRATED Barrow boss Pete Wild urged players and fans to focus on the positives after they narrowly missed out on a place in the League Two play-offs.
ALL THE HARD WORK BEGINS NOW, WARNS PARKINSON
PHIL PARKINSON insists there’s plenty of hard work ahead as Wrexham prepare for life in League One after ending the campaign with a win over League Two champions Stockport.
'POWER OF THE TEAM CAN HELP YOU GO A LONG WAY'
HAVING kept Tranmere Rovers in the Football League this season, it’s no surprise that Nigel Adkins has his sights set on a promotion push next term.
IS THRILLER A TASTE OF WEMBLEY?
RIVAL managers Ian Evatt and Darren Ferguson go into the play-offs in confident mood after watching their sides serve up a final-day thriller.
NANCEKIVELL: ARGYLE FANS WILL SAVE US
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Saints' class act attracts attention
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