Reading Women slumped to a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City Women as a Pauline Bremer brace saw the visitors win at Adams Park.

City, buoyed following their derby win last weekend, found chances hard to come by in the first half with Reading providing a stern test.

But German Bremer proved too hot to handle, scoring either side of half time, and made it four goals in the space of a week after scoring twice in the Citizens’ 7-1 mid-week Champions League win over Lugano.

Tessa Wullaert came closest to breaking the deadlock but saw her effort saved by Grace Moloney following a defensive mix-up.

Nick Cushing’s side’s dominance saw them hold 70 per cent of the possession in the opening 45 minutes, and their patience prevailed as Bremer’s curled effort flew into the Reading net.

Bremer went close again as the half-time whistle approached but was unable to connect with Janine Beckie’s cross.

Reading offered little in the form of resistance in the second half, with a tame Fara Williams effort the only significant chance created.

And the Citizens doubled their advantage just before the hour mark with Bremer showing patience; seeing her first effort parried by Grace Moloney, before tucking away the rebound.

The scoreline could have been further boosted with Beckie and Jill Scott both missing gilt-edged chances.

Bremer was involved once again as City broke forward at pace, but the Germany international was thwarted in her search for a hat-trick, firstly by the excellent Moloney and then by the woodwork.

Cushing’s side closed out the game with Ellie Roebuck producing a stunning save from Natasha Harding, but were comfortable throughout as they made it two wins from two.

Reading Women boss Kelly Chambers said: "We didn't turn up today, that part of us that is brave in possession, we didn't show that today, we didn't show what we are capable of.

“We’ve always been a possession team over the last few years, we like to play, and we didn't show bravery, maybe that is because of who we were against - but we cant do that

“We have to speak to the girls in the week and work out the things that didn't quite work for us today.

“The girls said they couldn't quite get into second gear today, today for me was all about bravery and we didn't show that today."