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GRACE MOLONEY says a spell away made her appreciate how good life was at Reading Women.
The goalkeeper made her first appearances of the season this week in the Conti Cup victories over Watford and Arsenal, but has been playing second fiddle to England international Mary Earps for league games.
Having played such a key role in Reading’s promotion to the top flight in 2015, Moloney, 24, soon found herself out of the side following Earps’ arrival and opted to drop down to WSL 2 to play for Aston Villa on loan last season.
But now she is back and enjoying her football with the Royals again.
“I’m really happy at the minute,” Moloney told The Wokingham Paper.
“Tom (Fawdry), the goalie coach, has just come in and he’s been fantastic. I feel like I’ve really improved under him.
“I loved going on loan to Villa in WSL 2, but it made me realise how good a set-up we’ve got here, how good the coaching is here and at Bisham.
“It made me really appreciate being full-time and being at Reading.”
She added: “Mary is quality to train with.
“She works really hard. I’ll push her, she’ll push me and we buzz off each other.
“If she makes a good save I’ll say yeah great save Mary, likewise vice versa and Tom’s great as well. He’ll buzz off us and we’ll have good banter.
“It’s just a really good GK group at the minute, the three of us always pushing each other to improve.”
Republic of Ireland international Moloney is likely to return to the bench for Sunday’s league clash with Chelsea Ladies at Adams Park (12.35pm), but will hope to continue her run of cup starts on Wednesday evening against London Bees (7.30pm).
And it is set to be a special occasion for Reading as they return to play at Madejski Stadium for the first time since beating Millwall Lionesses in 2015, a game Moloney also played in.
“It will be great,” said the goalkeeper.
“The club have had a great reaction to the game being at Madejski Stadium so hopefully a few people get down and support the girls.
“Hopefully it will be a great night.”
The club are hoping for a crowd of over 2,000 for the game with free entry for Reading and Reading Women season ticket holders, as well as free parking for all supporters.
Non season-ticket holders can enter on the night from just £5 for adults and £2 concessions with a £12 family ticket available for two adults and two concessions.
Be sure to pick up this week’s Wokingham Paper for a free Reading Women team poster. Out now!
