READING Women suffered what could prove to be a fatal defeat against Tottenham Hotspur as their slim hopes of WSL survival became even slimmer.
Spurs took the lead through a well-worked corner which saw Molly Bartrip chip the ball up to the back post for Beth England to head home. And Tottenham doubled their advantage in the 41st minute through Celin Bizet Ildhusoy, who finished off a brilliant team move.
England grabbed her second, and Spurs’ third, in the 62nd minute rounding Grace Moloney before firing home. Kit Graham beat Reading’s back line to make it 4-0.
Justine Vanhaevermaet grabbed a consolation goal, glancing in a header from a corner late on.
Grace Moloney 5: Was called into action from the off and stopped the Royals going behind earlier than they did. Should have done better with Spurs’ third goal.
Emma Mukandi 5: Made a crucial intervention early on to prevent Spurs opening the deadlock, but had little impact on the game at either end of the pitch.
Easther Mayi Kith 3: Had her work cut out trying to contain the dangerous Ayane down Spurs’ left. Afforded England too much room for the opener.
Gemma Evans 4: Nowhere to be seen for Bizet’s goal. Has been well off the pace in recent weeks.
Deanna Cooper 4: A welcome returnee to the starting 11, but clearly not match sharp yet. Panicked and overcommitted for Spurs’ second, allowing Summanen to set up Bizet.
Amalie Eikeland 4: Started on the right before moving into a more central position. Hardly created anything going forward.
Tia Primmer 5: Put herself about in midfield and cannot be faulted for lack of effort. Just couldn’t connect the defence and attack.
Justine Vanhaevermaet 5: A quiet afternoon from the Belgian. Looked more comfortable in the second half alongside Moore and was able to glance home a consolation goal.
Lauren Wade 4: Struggled to make an impact, with the ball getting stuck under her feet on a number of occasions. Was taken off at half time.
Sanne Troelsgaard 5: Just couldn’t get into the game. Failed to capitalise on a half-chance in the first half from a corner. Was replaced at the interval.
Charlie Wellings 5: Will be disappointed not to have delivered more in such an important game. Left chasing shadows for large portions of the afternoon.
Substitutes:
Emma Harries 5: Worked hard but couldn’t do a lot with the little service she received.
Jade Moore 6: Came on and added a little more metal in midfield.
Deanne Rose 6: Has been a big miss for the Royals this year. Looked lively after coming on.
Faye Bryson: N/A
Brooke Hendrix: N/A
