ROYALS SUFFER SHOCK CUP EXIT TO NON-LEAGUE WOLVES

READING FC were on the wrong end of a shock result in the FA Women’s Cup as they were eliminated by National League North Wolverhampton.

The Royals, struggling down in 10th in the Championship having been relegated from the WOmen’s SUper League last season, are now out of the cup.

Despite being a division below Reading, Wolves started the game strongly and had three big chances to go in front in the first-half.

Amber Hughes got the better of the Reading defence and twisted onto her left foot, but could only shoot straight at Emily Orman.

The visitors continued their threat in search of an opener when Ellie Wilson couldn’t get a good enough connection to volley the ball past Orman after a wicked cross had been floated into the box.

Wolves’ clearest cut chance came when Orman surrendered possession in her own box with a stray pass which landed at the feet of Olivia Fergusson who scuffed her shot before the rebound was also squandered.

Fortunate not to be behind, Reading managed to claw themselves in front with the opening goal of the tie when Madison Perry showed tenacity to beat two defenders to the ball, she rounded the goalkeeper and tucked the ball into the net.

After the restart Wolves got themselves level when Beth Merrick stormed into the box from the left wing and bent a beautifully directed shot into the top right hand corner.

The away team were inches away from grabbing the lead when a low ball into the six-yard was met by Meesha Dudley-Jones who crashed a shot against the crossbar.

With time ticking the game headed for a replay, Wolves found a winner two minutes from time when Destiney Tousaint jumped highest and planted a header past Orman to send the non-league side through to the fifth round.

Reading: Orman, Dugdale, Houssein, Smith, Wellings, Primmer,

Perry, Wade, Hendrix, Mayi Kith, Estcourt

Subs: Annets, Hunt, Longhurst, Woolley, Kennedy, Poile

Wolves: Turner, Wilson, Morphet, George, Will, Hughes, Johnson,

Fergusson, Toussaint, Bramford, Merrick

Subs: Price, E Cross, Harrison, J Cross, Thomas, Dudley-Jones,

Fryer, Denham, Roberts

Goals:

Perry 34’, Merrick 71’, Toussaint 88’