Royals’ ‘magnificent’ show
Brighton and Hove Albion Women 1 Reading Women 4
KELLY CHAMBERS hailed her side’s “magnificent” performance as they cruised past struggling Brighton.
The Royals returned from the international break in fine form, taking a 1-0 lead into the break when Fara Williams’ strike hit the post and went in off goalkeeper Marie Hourihan.
Brooke Chaplen doubled the advantage after the restart and although Aileen Whelan pulled a goal back, further strikes from Williams and Gemma Davison sealed a 4-1 win to extend Reading’s unbeaten run to three games.
“It was important that we built on our result (3-0) and performance against Bristol City,” said boss Chambers.
“But, in the first half, we were a little bit slow out of the blocks.
“The girls were magnificent (in ensuring) we’ve come away with the points but also some more goals on the board.”
Chambers made just one change from the victory over Bristol City earlier this month with Rachel Furness called up to replace Molly Bartrip.
And after a slow start the Royals got their noses in front when a clever chip through from Furness found Williams to volley. Her shot hit the post but found its way into the net via an unfortunate deflection off of diving goalkeeper Hourihan.
Reading were dealt a blow on the half hour mark when Lauren Bruton was forced off after suffering an injury following a foul by Brighton captain Danni Buet.
Hourihan had to be alert to deny Williams again just before the break while Jo Potter struck the post before the half was out.
And the lead was eventually doubled just before the hour mark when Chaplen connected with Furness’ perfectly weighted through ball to slam in.
Back came Hope Powell’s Brighton almost immediately to halve the deficit when Whelan headed in Ini Umotang’s cross.
The two-goal cushion was restored on 64 minutes when Williams’ shot from distance was fumbled into her own net by Hourihan and the win was wrapped up late on when substitute Davison’s effort also found its way in.
“We’ve been working hard and that showed in the game,” said fullback Maz Pacheco.
“It’s credit to the girls and credit to the staff.
“We kept at it. They did frustrate us in the first half but it’s a case of keeping our heads and playing how we want to play.
“We trusted our ability, our belief is there and we believe in each other.”
Reading welcome Everton to Adams Park on Sunday (2pm).
READING: Moloney, Harding, Pearce (c), Potter, Pacheco (Jane 78), Furness (Bartrip 81), Moore, Allen, F. Williams, Chaplen, Bruton (Davison 30).
Subs not used: Laws, Woodham, Estcourt. Goals: Hourihan (OG) (20), Chaplen (59), Williams (64), Davison (81)
Yellow card: Moloney (62)
BRIGHTON: Hourihan, Barton, Rafferty, V. Williams, Perry, Whelan, Buet (c) (Green 45), Brett, Peplow, Natkiel (Brazil 45), Umotong.
Subs not used: Gillett, Gibbons, Legg, Simpkins.
Goal: Whelan (61)
Yellow card: Buet (27)
Referee: Ryan Atkin
Attendance: 330