READING FC WOMEN took a step towards Women’s Super League safety with a crucial win over West Ham United at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
It was Rachel Rowe who was the match winner as she unleashed a wonder strike which flew past Hammers goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold in the 84th minute to give the Royals all three points.
The first-half proved to be a goalless affair as Royals forward Charlie Wellings missed a golden chance to put the her team in front against the run of play, but volleyed over the top from close range.
Having been on the back foot or much of the opening 45 minutes, Reading settled after the restart and started to create the better chances.
They were rewarded in the 66th minute when Wellings made amends for her first-half miss when she powered a shot past Arnold to find the breakthrough.
Kelly Chambers’ side had been resolute at the back, but they were breached with 15 minutes left to play when Viviane Asseyi nudged the ball past Grace Moloney from close range.
With the game in the balance, Rowe found the decisive moment with just six minutes of the 90 remaining when she hit a thunderous shot into the roof of the net after being teed up.
The win, which was just Reading’s third league victory of the campaign, gives them some breathing room and puts them four points clear of bottom side Leicester City who have a game in hand.
