ROYALS FACE PROMOTION HOPEFULS
READING FC WOMEN face a stern test on the road this Sunday when they battle with promotion hopefuls Charlton Athletic.
Having surrendered a lead at home to London City Lionesses last weekend, the Royals were dragged back into the relegation mix having suffered their fifth league defeat of the campaign.
Reading are on 15 points from 14 games, two points above Lewes and three points above bottom side Watford and with games in hand on both of them.
However, Liam Gilbert’s team will need to pick up points to ease any fears of a double relegation.
Their upcoming opponents have their sights set on winning promotion to the Women’s Super League and are firmly in the title battle as they approach the final chapter of the season.
The Addicks are in fourth spot on 30 points from 15 games, but have two games in hand on third placed Southampton and also two games in hand on leaders Sunderland, who are four points in front.
Charlton have lost just one league game all season and have conceded the joint fewest goals in the division, letting in just 13 in 15 games.
Karen Hills’ side have been on an exceptional run of form in the league which has seen them put together a run of 12 Championship games without tasting defeat.
Their last outing was against Women’s Super League side Tottenham in the FA Women’s Cup fifth-round where they gave an excellent account of themselves, being narrowly beaten 1-0.
The reverse fixture against the Royals in September ended in a goalless draw. After Royals player Sanne Troelsgaard, who departed the club last month, was sent off in the 49th minute, Reading managed to cling onto a draw.