READING FC Women secured their first win in four matches in all competitions with an impressive 1-0 victory at Liverpool Women.

Brooke Chaplen’s superb first-half strike allied with a clean sheet saw Kelly Chambers’ side prevail in a closely-fought clash at Tranmere’s Prenton Park.

The result leaves Royals fourth in the FA Women’s Super League table and in touch with Manchester City, Birmingham City and leaders Arsenal.

Both sides struggled to make an impression early on with the main threats coming from set pieces.

Reading keeper Grace Maloney saved a free-kick from Liverpool’s Christie Murray before Chaplen saw an effort blocked at the other end.

The visitors had to weather some pressure from the hosts and we relieved when Laura Coombs couldn’t apply the finishing tough to a Niamh Charles cross.

Then Maloney was quickly off her line to smother a shot from Courtney Sweetman-Kirk.

But it was Chambers’ side who broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion on 35 minutes.

Kirsty Pearce pinged an inch-perfect pass from deep inside her own half into the path of Chaplen.

The Reading forward did not break stride before hitting a first-time volley over the head of Fran Kitching from outside the area for a 1-0 lead.


Royals refused to sit on their lead and looked the better side in the opening exchanges of the second half.

Their task was made easier when Liverpool’s Rhiannon Roberts saw red in the 56th minute for her second booking of the match.

The visitors dominated from there but failed to build on their lead as Rachel Furness and Fara Williams both fired over the bar.

But they rarely looked like conceding either and held on for a welcome victory.

Chaplen said: “It was good to get back to the principles that we set last year.

“We were aggressive and I think that’s when we give our best performances.

“We aren’t where we were last year, but I think this was a step in the right direction.”

She added: “We were good in possession. When they went down to ten it was probably a little bit soul-destroying, but you’ve still got to win the game and it only takes a lapse in concentration for them to get in.

“They’ve got quick forwards so we still had to work hard, but I thought we played well and kept the ball well at the end.”

Reading return to action on Sunday, October 21 when they face leaders Arsenal at Boreham Wood (2pm).

Liverpool: Kitching, S.Murray, Bradley-Auckland, Matthews, Robe, Roberts, Coombs, C.Murray (Babajide 68), Charles, Sweetman-Kirk (Fahey 63), Clarke (Linnett 80). Subs not used: Daniels, Little. Booked: Roberts 37, 56. Red card: Roberts 56.

Reading: Moloney, Pacheco (Jane 63), Potter, Pearce, Furness, Allen, Williams, Harding, Rowe (Davison 73), Chaplen, Bruton. Subs not used: Laws, Bartrip, Estcourt, Howard. Booked: Bruton 84.

Referee: David McNamara.

Att: 382.