READING FC Women got their Spring Series campaign off to an impressive start with a 3-1 victory over newly-promoted Bristol City Women at Ashton Gate on Saturday, writes Jack Simpson.

Royals threatened first when Kirsty McGhee headed narrowly over, only for City's Claire Emslie to hit the woodwork soon after for the home side.

Despite a flurry of chances at both ends, neither team could break the deadlock during a goalless first half.

But it was Reading who got their noses in front four minutes after the interval when January signing Rachel Furness headed in from a corner for her first Royals goal on her debut.

The visitors doubled their lead 10 minutes later through Rachel Rowe with a superbly-struck effort from the edge of the area.

And two minutes after that Reading notched a third, Melissa Fletcher stabbing home following a defensive mix-up.

City's Lauren Hemp pulled one back 17 minutes from the end, but Reading ran out deserved winners, to the delight of manager Kelly Chambers.

She said: “I thought we weren’t too good in the first half, we looked sluggish and didn’t get out of the blocks quick enough, but we addressed that at half-time.

“The girls came out for the second-half absolutely flying and actually showed what we want to do and what we’re about this season.

“It’s nice to come away with three points and great to see the team find their goal-scoring form so early on.”

Chambers also praised debutante Furness, saying: “I thought she was player of the match. She was everywhere across the park, pressing and winning balls.

“She’s a threat in the air both offensively and defensively and she’s been a fantastic addition to the team.”

Next up for Reading is a trip to the Select Security Stadium to take on Liverpool Ladies this Friday (7pm ko).

Chambers added: “The Spring Series is about building from last season, trying new stuff and the rotation of players.

“But at the end of the day we want to win, so we’ll go up there and try to bring home three points”

Reading begin their home campaign against Chelsea at Adams Park on Wednesday, May (7.35pm).

Reading: Earps; Scott, McGee, Green, Jane, Estcourt (Allen 46), Rowe, Furness, Chaplen (Lahmari 72), Fletcher. Subs not used: Moloney, De Bunsen, O’Rourke, Burgess.

Referee: Robert Massey-Ellis.

Attendance: 1,127.