Watford Ladies put in an encouraging performance against top of the table Reading, losing 3-0 in what was a harsh scoreline.
The Golden Girls lined-up in a new formation, with both Grace Gillard and Mollie Burgess making their first league starts in defence.
While the final result might not say it, the tactical switch was one that worked. However goals from Fran Kirby and an Emma Follis double secured the three points for the hosts.
It was an even start to the game with Watford out of the blocks quickly, Kate Natkiel ran with the ball 40 yards down the wing but Grace Moloney managed to pick out her cross into the box.
Reading created a great opening on ten minutes but some fantastic defending from M Burgess denied Lauren Bruton.
On 26 minutes, the home side took the lead. Bruton won the ball in midfield before putting Kirby through one-on-one, the league’s top scorer made no mistake finishing past Cherie Rowlands.
Looking to hit back, the Golden Girls responded. Playing against her former club, Stacie Donnelly tried her luck from distance, forcing Moloney into a testing save.
Rowlands had little to do in the first half but she pulled off a cracking save to deny Kirby, tipping over her 25-yard free-kick.
Having only picked up a knock seconds previously, Josie Green got straight in the thick of it just before the break, shooting wide from distance.
The last chance of the half fell to the Royals, with Bruton heading wide from a Kirby cross. Meaning it stayed 1-0 at the break.
Early on in the second, a lovely ball from Natkiel out to Anneka Nuttall wide saw the striker win a corner. Hollie Wride’s delivery was good but Moloney managed to deal with it at the second attempt.
Rowlands had to come off with a knock just after the hour, with Shayla Burgess the replacement in goal.
With 65 minutes gone the Lady Hornets were well in the game, giving very little away and chasing an equaliser.
The crucial second for Reading would come shortly after however. A long pass found Follis who placed it past S Burgess, the defenders racing back unable to clear.
Not deterred, those in a yellow shirt kept plugging away trying to find a way back into the game. After a good period of possession, Dawn Mallett fired over from just outside the area.
The harsh third came with just over ten to play. S Burgess denied Helen Ward’s header brilliantly but Follis was around to tap home the rebound.
Again, the Golden Girls responded to the setback well. Nuttall showed some clever hold-up play before releasing Mallett, Dawn cut inside her defender before forcing Moloney into a good save.
While the third goal had made the scoreline a touch flattering, a fourth would have been really tough on a Watford side that had performed admirably.
A penalty was awarded and gave the hosts the chance to do so but Bruton blazed it over the bar.
The full-time whistle went and while Reading rightfully won the game, all involved with Watford LFC deserved more for their efforts.
Reading FC Women Goal Scorers: Kirby 25′, Follis 67′,75′
Watford: Rowlands (S Burgess 63), Heaslip, M Burgess, Robe, Gillard, Wride, Green, Donnelly (Scheffer 82), Mallett, Natkiel (Farrow 68), Nuttall
Attendance: 310
