Former Town attacker Chris Martin lofted an early free-kick well over the top for the visitors, but the home side went in front with a magnificent goal.

Dewsbury-Hall sent over a corner for Rea to meet on the volley and hammer beyond Dan Bentley and into the net for his second of the season.

City had shouts for a penalty turned down on 28 minutes when Antoine Semenyo appeared to be brought down inside the area, but they were waved away by referee Gavin Ward.

Luton midfielder Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu then connected with fresh air rather than the ball as he missed a chance to make it 2-0 to the hosts.

The Robins kept pushing for a leveller, Semenyo’s shot parried by Simon Sluga before Martin was inches away, meeting Jack Hunt’s pinpoint cross only to see his header come back off the underside of the bar.

Rea looked for a second of the evening, his 25-yarder rising over the bar, and he continued to do so after the break, seeing another attempt fly into the empty stands.

Luton top scorer James Collins should have extended his side’s lead on 52 minutes, picked out by Harry Cornick. However, faced with just Bentley to beat he could not do so, the keeper saving well.

Han-Noah Massengo did not get enough on a cross at the far post to make it 1-1, but City did have an equaliser on 61 minutes when Nahki Wells’ low cross was turned into his own net by Town captain Bradley.

Luton responded well, Cornick so close to putting his side back in front but seeing his outside-of-the-right-foot drive flash inches wide of the target.

The Hatters were back in front, though, after 69 minutes, when Dewsbury-Hall netted his first goal since arriving on loan from the Foxes, arrowing a lovely drive into the bottom corner from 22 yards.

Rhys Norrington-Davies almost scored a third with four minutes left, his attempt drawing a good save from Bentley and the rebound cleared away.

City’s last chance saw Tommy Rowe’s low ball into the box missed by everyone as Luton made it six matches without defeat at Kenilworth Road.