READING FC WOMEN battle to stay in the Women’s Super League continues to heat up after an away defeat against Arsenal on Sunday evening.
Facing a difficult test against a Gunners side of newly found confidence after they captured their first piece of silverware in four years by beating Chelsea in last week’s Conti Cup final, the Royals knew they would be in for a tough evening.
Matters were made worse when Arsenal were awarded a favourable penalty call inside four minutes when Katie McCabe went to ground in the box, with the replays showing minimal contact from Easther Mayi Kith’s challenge.
Kim Little put the Gunners in front and a resolute Reading defence managed to shut Arsenal down for the next 40 minutes before the hosts added to their advantage on the stroke of half-time when Frida Maanum netted from close range.
The second-half got off to a disappointing start when Emma Mukandi tried to clear from a dangerous cross, but diverted the ball beyond her own goalkeeper with Caitlin Foord waiting to pounce had the Royals defender not got a touch.
Rachel Rowe twice went close for the Royals as she looked to inspire her team in attack having provided the crucial winner against West Ham in Reading’s last WSL victory the previous weekend.
But Arsenal kept knocking at the door to strengthen their goal difference and did so with a fourth when Leah Williamson latched onto a rebound to convert from close range after an intial brilliant save from Grace Moloney who denied Stina Blackstenius.
Despite being beaten, the Royals can now look ahead to some crucial tests in the league against sides much closer to them in the table with four sides desperately battling for points to ensure they stay in the league.
Reading stay in ninth position on 10 points from 15 games which keeps them a point above Tottenham who have a game in hand.
11th placed Brighton & Hove Albion are two points behind Reading but have two games in hand.
Meanwhile, bottom side Leicester City, who have a game in hand, managed to cut the gap to three points on Reading after they picked up a point at the weekend in a goalless draw with Everton.
Reading host Chelsea in the FA Women’s Cup quarter-finals on Sunday before their league campaign resumes with a huge match against relegation rivals Brighton.
