ROYALS CONCLUDE CAMPAIGN AT RELEGATED HORNETS
READING FC Women are in action for the final time this season when they make the trip to already relegated Watford.
The Royals clinched their Women’s Championship survival at the weekend with a victory against Durham as Jessie Stapelton scored the only goal of the game.
The win helped move Reading onto 22 points from 22 games, while Lewes’ loss later in the day to Crystal Palace confirmed the Royals’ safety.
Liam Gilbert’s side can now enjoy the final day of the season without the threat of the drop and have an opportunity to climb into eighth above London City Lionesses if results go their way.
Despite now being safe from relegation, Reading have still scored the fewest goals in the entire division having netted just 18 goals in 21 matches which is one fewer than bottom placed Watford.
Reading travel away to play the division’s bottom side on the final day with the Hornets on 12 points from 21 matches which leaves them adrift.
Since beating Birmingham City back in February, Watford have been on a horrible run of form and have lost six games on the bounce and have scored just one goal in that time.
When the sides met at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in November the game ended in a drab goalless draw.
Following the final league home match of the campaign, Reading presented their player of the season award which was won by club captain Brooke Hendrix.
The skipper won 18% of the votes which saw her take the award which was presented to her after the final whistle by Sarah Turner from the Supporters Trust at Reading.
The American centre-back took up the role as Reading captain in January after previous skipper Lily Woodham departed the club to join Seattle Reign.
Reading Football Club said: “Hendrix’s leadership on and off the field has been instrumental in guiding Reading FC Women through the challenges and triumphs of the campaign.
“Her unwavering commitment, tenacity and exemplary sportsmanship have earned her the admiration and respect of fans and peers alike.”