Reading Women were back in action at the Madejski Stadium in their Continental Cup group D match against West Ham United Women.
Before kick off, Reading’s Irish international goalkeeper Grace Moloney collected a 150th appearance framed shirt for from Royals manager Kelly Chambers.
With proceeding underway Reading’s Fara Williams and Angharad James long range shots were denied by West Ham’s Anna Moorhouse. Lehmann’s effort hitting the bar from West Ham, was the closest either team come to breaking the deadlock in the first 45.
Half time: Reading Women 0 – 0 West Ham United Women
The second half got under way and Royals put West Ham’s defence under constant pressure but Moorehouse was equal to early chances from Amalie Eikeland.
With West Ham soaking up the pressure they were always keen to play the ball forward to Jacynta Galabadaarachchi and Lehmann who posed problems for Reading’s keeper Rachel Laws, Galabadaarachchi driven shot was saved and Swiss international Lehmann put her effort wide.
On 68 Matt Beard, West Ham’s manager, subbed off Leon for Kiernan who minutes later squared the ball across the face of goal for Alisha Lehmann tap in on 75.
Reading’s keeper Rachel Laws went down twice with 10 to play needing treatment on both occasions, this lead to 7 minutes of additional time.
In the remaining minutes Williams, Brooke Chaplen and James desperately looked for the equaliser and Sophie Howard’s strong penalty appeal was waved away in time added on.
In a game where Reading dominated possession, their lack of finishing ultimately cost them the tie when Hammers Alisha Lehmann struck on 75.
Full time: Reading Women 0 – 1 West Ham United Women
Reading Women: Laws, Leine, Pacheco, Williams, James, Allen, Eikeland, Utland (Chaplen 55), Moore, Rowe, Howard. Subs not used: Moloney, Farrow, Honnudottir, Bennink, Skeels.
