Watch horror Reading keeper howler gift Luton lead in crunch Championship clash in play-offs blow to Boro and Millwall

READING goalkeeper Orjan Nyland’s nightmare moment could gift Luton a play-off spot.

The stopper looked pretty comfortable on the stroke of half-time with the ball safely in his hands.

3

Orjan Nyland rolled the ball out thinking there was no pressureCredit: Sky Sports

3

Harry Cornick picked his pocket by stealing the ball awayCredit: Sky Sports

3

He rolled the ball into the empty net to open the scoring for LutonCredit: Sky Sports

But rather than kicking it upfield directly, he rolled it out in front before going to clear it long.

However, Royals man Nyland was completely unaware of Luton striker Harry Cornick sneakily waiting behind him.

And the Hatters forward ran in front to nick the ball off the Norwegian stopper.

His first touch failed to get the ball out of his feet but he recovered to knock it across the edge of the area at the second attempt.

With his third touch, Cornick rolled into an empty net for his 12th goal of his Championship season – and one of his most important ever.

Nyland did recover with a flying save to tip the ball on to the bar just after the break – but fans on social media would not let him forget the hilarious gaffe.

One fan joked: “Taxi for Nyland.”

Another added: “An absolute classic.”

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

And a final user quipped: “Orjan Nyland, pull your pants up!”

The goal put Luton 1-0 up at Kenilworth Road, with a victory enough to confirm their spot in the play-offs.

Nathan Jones’ side started the day in sixth with Sheffield United fifth and Middlesbrough and Millwall both hoping to pounce if either slipped up.

The Blades raced into a 4-0 lead over champions Fulham while Boro trailed Preston away and Millwall struggled to break the deadlock against promoted Bournemouth.

Nyland’s blunder brought back flashbacks to Shay Given’s howler in 1998 that saw him dubbed “the only Irishman who doesn’t know where Dublin is”.

In similar fashion, then-Newcastle stopper Given rolled the ball out – only for Coventry striker Dion Dublin to dispossess him and slide the ball in with one touch.

Cheeky Carlisle striker Hallam Hope did the same against Notts County in 2019.