MAGNIFICENT READING BAG CHELSEA WIN

READING FC Women manager Kelly Chambers praised a ‘phenomenal’ performance after her side stunned Chelsea.

The Royals upset the odds in the early Saturday kick-off at the Select Car Leasing Stadium by denting Chelsea’s title hopes.

Despite being in a strong vein of form, Reading’s chances looked slim against the side who were crowned as FA Cup champions the previous weekend and went into the match just a point behind league leaders Arsenal, looking to secure a second successive Women’s Super League title.

Deanne Rose netted the only goal of the match which came in the fourth minute when she enthusiastically took the game to the opposition by driving with the ball in her own half, and finished off the move with aplomb.

Reading had plenty of defending to do to keep out the Blues, but did so resolutely with an e xceptional rearguard display, particularly from defender Gemma Evans who put in several critical blocks and tackles to maintain her team’s clean sheet.

The win is not only significant to keep Reading’s excellent run of form going, but was the first time in the club’s history that they have recorded a victory over Chelsea.

“Going into this month, we knew it was going to be tough with both Chelsea and Man City,” said Chambers. “But throughout the week I’ve said to the squad we’ve got to believe that we can get the results, believe in our performances, and they showed that.

“You’ll reap your rewards from what you deliver out on the pitch, and they did that.”

Reading will be full of confidence with another tough challenge on the horizon when they face Manchester City on Sunday.