READING FC WOMEN’s manager Kelly Chambers believes a wrong penalty call cost her side in their defeat to Everton in the Women’s Super League.
After an early Justine Vanhaevermaet brace, the Royals saw a two goal lead evaporate as the Toffees completed an impressive comeback.
The result leaves Reading one place off the bottom over Leicester who have a game in hand.
“The penalty, it’s never a pen,” said Chambers.
“And unfortunately it’s just another example of where the level of officiating is in this league.
“Once it’s given, the game swings in their favour and ultimately it’s gone on to cost us.
“We’re in an emotional position in terms of where we are in the league, but there’s only so much you can to do control the outcome. When you see these incidents going against you it’s just so difficult to take.
“You wish you could show the officials the footage during the match, but until something is done to support the officials, the game won’t advance.
“Momentum is such a key factor in the game and the ref making that decision instantly swings the game and from there it’s an even greater challenge.”
Despite losing a two goal lead, Chambers believes that her team displayed some of the best football they have shown all season.
She continued: “It’s a tough one to take when you’re 2-0 up and I think we played some of our best football we’ve seen all season.
“Especially as once again we were the wrong side of the big decisions once again.
“I have to five the girls credit, it was a brilliant start and well worth the goals.
“Then we were put under a bit of pressure at the start of the second-half, defending deep, then the hard work was undone with the penalty.
“There’s no hiding from the position we’re in and potentially some will say it’s a position we should be in based on the club we are.
“We made a pact at the start of the week of what we want to look like and how we want to apply ourselves in the final few weeks, so I’m proud of the way the girls have handled themselves in training and today (Sunday).
“Right now it’s hard to take but come next we’ll be ready to get back to work and fight again.”
