HARRIET SCOTT is backing team-mate Lauren Bruton to “bounce back” after her crucial penalty miss in Reading Women’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool Ladies on Thursday night.
Royals were on top as they searched for their first WSL 1 win but saw a golden opportunity squandered in the 72nd minute when Bruton’s spot kick was saved by goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain.
And the woe deepened three minutes from time when Katie Zelem’s cross-cum-shot arrowed its way into the top corner of Mary Earps’ net to hand Liverpool maximum points.
“I think of all the results we’ve had over the past couple of weeks to months, that’s probably the most devastating one,” Scott told The Wokingham Paper.
“I think we didn’t just push them to the end but we were actually the ones that should’ve been getting the goal.
“We had the chances, we had the penalty, we had the one that came off the post and was cleared off the line.
“We had so many chances that we should’ve put away and to concede to a goal like that where no-one could’ve really done anything about it.
“It just wasn’t the goal that you wanted to lose to.”
REPORT: Royals pay the penalty as Reds bag late winner
Liverpool created a couple of shots late on in a drab first half but it was Royals who made the early second half running, squandering the opening to lead when Bruton collided with her own team-mate Jade Boho Sayo as they both tried to latch onto a loose ball in the box.
Aside from a goalmouth scramble which Earps did well to thwart, the late chances were falling Reading’s way and their chances of a first victory was boosted when Rachel Rowe was tripped in the box by Chamberlain.
Up stepped Bruton, but her poor spot kick was tipped around the post.
“That was a massive turning point,” admitted Scott.
“Who knows, if that’s a goal that can change the whole momentum of the game.
“You don’t know.
“It didn’t happen and it wasn’t to be unfortunately.
She continued: “Brutes had a brilliant game.
“It’s really devastating because of all people she’ll take that very hard.
“She’s a strong person.
“She’ll bounce back and she’ll come back to the next game and she’ll do even better then.”
It has been a frustrating season for left-back Scott, who has seen new arrivals Shelly Cox and Sophie Perry restrict her to just three league appearances.
But two of those have been from the start over the last week and she admits it’s been tough to work her way back into the side.
“I always like a challenge!” she said.
“That was definitely what it was.
“It was a challenge that I had set myself and that I’ve achieved.
“I just kept working and fortunately it’s paid off so far.”
She added: “It’s been nice (to play again).
“It’s a real good squad and there’s such a lot of competition for every single spot.
“I’ve just been fortunate at the moment and I’ll keep on playing and see what happens.
“Whatever Kel (Chambers) and Phil (Cousins) decides is best for the team.”
