READING Women scored a late equaliser in what proved to be a six-goal thriller at the SCL on Thursday evening.
The visitors hit the front in the 16th minute as Katie Stengel’s header beat Grace Moloney, only to be cancelled out by a moment of magic from Tia Primmer seconds before the interval. The midfielder looped in a half-volley after Liverpool failed to clear their lines from a free-kick.
Things got even better for the Royals after the break when Kelly Chambers’ side went ahead through Natasha Dowie, who pounced on a loose ball in the box.
But the joy was short-lived as Stengel doubled her tally with another header moments later.
A pulsating encounter looked to have been decided by Rhiannon Roberts, who got enough power behind her header to beat Moloney at her near post, but substitute Sanne Troelsgaard scored in the 88th minute to secure a point for the Royals.
Grace Moloney 5: Will be disappointed to have been beaten at her near post for the winner, but was otherwise solid. Was quick off her line when required.
Emma Mukandi 6: A steady performance from the skipper. Was not able to get forward at will and when she did, her deliveries did not trouble the Reds.
Diane Caldwell 5: Was beaten for pace on a number of occasions and struggled to contain the dangerous Stengel.
Deanna Cooper 6: Marshalled the back-line with authority, also put her body on the line to deny the visitors an early goal.
Lily Woodham 8: Fantastic. Used her speed to bomb down Reading’s left, putting in plenty of dangerous crosses. Also made some crucial defensive interventions.
Rachel Rowe 6: Went down injured in the first half but continued and was a presence in Reading’s midfield.
Justine Vanhaevermaet 5: Asserted herself in the aerial battle and grew into the game with the ball at her feet. The final pass into the front line could have been more incisive.
Tia Primmer 7: Got her side back in the game with a wonderful finish just before the break. Went about her work diligently in the middle of the park.
Amalie Eikeland 6: Spurned a golden opportunity to open the scoring, unable to fire home from 10 yards out. Did her best to cause problems for Liverpool’s left side.
Natasha Dowie 7: Showed desire to put her side in front. Deserved her goal after working tirelessly to press Liverpool’s defenders all night.
Charlie Wellings 5: Was presented with a flurry of chances at the start of the second half. Will be disappointed not to have got on the scoresheet tonight.
Emma Harries 6: Came on and helped Reading get back into the game.
Gemma Evans: N/A
Sanne Troelsgaard: N/A
Subs: Poulter, Bryson, Evans, Wade, Harries, Jane, Troelsgaard
