READING Women were relegated from the WSL on Saturday after losing to champions Chelsea 3-0.
Forward Sam Kerr opened the scoring, stealing in to head home from close range, before an error from Easther Mayi Kith allowed Guro Reiten to double the Blues’ lead. Kerr added a third in the closing stages.
Grace Moloney 6: Made a stunning save to deny a Cuthbert effort in the first half and would be harsh to lay the blame for either goal at the Irish stopper’s door.
Emma Mukandi 5: Struggled to prevent the dangerous Lauren James cutting in from Chelsea’s right, never quite matching her for pace and power.
Deanna Cooper 5: A quiet display from the defender who seemed unsure whether or not to step up or sit back to nullify the threat posed by Kerr.
Gemma Evans 4: Could have done more to prevent Kerr having so much space for the opener and struggled to handle the movement of Reiten.
Brooke Hendrix 5: Slotted into the right side of the three centre-backs and was pulled from pillar to post by the dynamism of the visitors’ front line.
Easther Mayi Kith 4: Made an error which led to Chelsea’s second goal. Could also have done better to cut off the cross for the first. Some positive moments.
Justine Vanhaevermaet 5: Overrun in midfield. Could have got on the scoresheet with a header from inside the six-yard box which sailed over the bar.
Jade Moore 6: Used her physical presence to break up the play but seemed to tire as the game went on. Ultimately unable to create much going forward.
Amalie Eikeland 5: A spirited, albeit futile, effort down Reading’s right, but probably needed to offer Mayi Kith a little more protection.
Deanne Rose 6: Made a visible difference up top. The start probably came a couple games too early as the Canadian was forced off on the half hour mark.
Emma Harries 4: Struggled to make much of an impact on the game out on the left. Took a nasty-looking knock in the first half which may have affected her performance.
Madison Perry 4: Thrown on in the first half and did her best, but was largely left chasing shadows.
Charlie Wellings 5: Added some extra energy, but couldn’t create any openings.
Tia Primmer: N/A
Sanne Troelsgaard: N/A
