Reading Women suffered a third league defeat from three as Arsenal Women took the three points from Sunday evening’s televised game at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. A record crowd of 3,660 were treated to an entertaining game with the Royals showing promise, albeit in defeat to one of the title challengers. Here are our player ratings:
Jacqueline Burns – 8/10 – Player of the match. An unbelievable save from Blackstenius in the first minute and a penalty save from Little on the hour, the Northern Irish stopper had a debut to remember and looked a safe pair of hands throughout.
Emma Mukandi – 6 – Taken off at half-time, Mukandi had performed decently.
Gemma Evans – 7 – Tough in the tackle and made numerous important blocks during the game.
Deanna Cooper – 6 – Struggled to contain Blackstenius but made important contributions throughout.
Amalie Eikeland – 6 – Worked hard in a few different positions but not enough to impose herself significantly.
Rachel Rowe – 6 – Hard-working but not many moments to add to the showreel. Cross for Dowie almost saw the striker profit.
Justine Vanhaevermaet – 6 – A steady presence in front of the defence and often started the attacks Reading had.
Match Report: Andrew Belt’s report from the Select Car Leasing Stadium
Tia Primmer – 5 – Struggled to make her presence felt in the middle.
Lily Woodham – 7 – A tireless performance on the left-hand side. Dangerous going forward. Unlucky to concede the penalty.
Emma Harries – 6 – Found lots of room on the right wing but unable to turn this into a decisive action. Should have scored before going off injured at the end.
Natasha Dowie – 7 – Defended set pieces well and almost found an equaliser towards the end. A ball-shy evening up top but did well whenever afforded the opportunity.
Faye Bryson – 6 – Defended well in the second half.
Lauren Wade and Charlie Wellings – n/a. Not on long enough
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