RACHEL ROWE says it “feels like everything is falling into place” as Reading Women held Champions League-chasing Birmingham City Ladies to a draw at Adams Park.
Royals seemed to be on course for their first victory of the campaign when Melissa Fletcher diverted Emma Follis’ cross past goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger but a late Isabelle Linden header earned a share of the spoils.
Eight games in, Royals are still seeking their first win since being promoted to WSL 1 but a fifth draw of the campaign keeps them well clear of the relegation zone.
And with all the other three sides around them losing by a four goal margin, midfielder Rowe is keen to stay upbeat about the latest result.
“It is a good point from a game which could have gone either way,” Rowe told The Wokingham Paper.
“That was the baseline going in so we can’t be disappointed with it.
“We were confident going into it but also knowing they’ve been undefeated in nine games.
“We set up differently, we had a different structure and that all seemed to work and all clicked into place in the game.”
Kelly Chambers made two changes to her side which lost 2-0 at Liverpool last time out
with the fit-again Becky Jane replacing Hannah Knapton at right-back while Fletcher came in for Helen Ward.
It was Birmingham who started the brighter with Freda Ayisi heading a good chance wide in the opening minutes.
But Reading settled and were denied an opener when Fletcher fired straight at Alex Windell.
Mary Earps was in-form for the hosts down the other end, saving well from Charlie Wellings just before the half was out and it proved crucial as her side took the lead minutes after the restart.
Quick thinking from Sophie Perry saw her knock a free kick to Follis to curl a cross in from the left which was met by Fletcher and put out of Berger’s reach.
The Blues piled on the pressure, only to meet an inspired Earps but her goal was eventually breached on 74 minutes when Linden rose highest to head home a Kerys Harrop cross after Jane was robbed of possession.
As Reading were picking up a point, the three sides nearest them in the table were well beaten in Doncaster Belles (4-0) Notts County Ladies (5-1) and Sunderland Ladies (4-0).
“If you look at the teams around us in the league, their goal difference is astonishing and how many they’ve conceded,” said Rowe.
“We’ve lost by the odd goal 2-1s and 1-0s.
“Defensively I think we’re on point.
“Mary’s had some fantastic games for us so far and she’s kept us in the running I think.
“We’re not scoring as many goals as we want to be but I think once that comes we’ll be flying.”
Rowe started the campaign filling in at left-back but in recent weeks has been restored to her favourite central midfield role, forming a solid trio alongside Lauren Bruton and Kayleigh Hines.
And while the Wales international is happy to be back in the middle, she is fully aware that the likes of Lois Roche, Laura-May Walkley and new signing Remi Allen are after her spot in the side.
“Me, Kayleigh and Lauren are all totally different players I think,” said Rowe.
“Brutes (Lauren Bruton) is more attacking, I’m more of a typical eight I think and Kayleigh is more of your typical four.
“We’re not similar in any way and we’ve been struggling a little bit to click but I think now we’re really getting it.
“We’ve got other players as well who can come in for each of us which is always great.”
She added: “That’s what keeps it interesting.
“You don’t take it for granted. You’ve got somebody on your back, breathing down your neck if you’re starting and if you’re on the bench you’re raring to come on.
“I think competition in teams is always healthy.
“We all push each other and it’s a good environment to be in.”
With Notts County fresh off the back of a 5-1 defeat and having already drawn 2-2 in Nottingham earlier this season, Rowe feels this Sunday (2pm) is an ideal opportunity for Reading to get that elusive first win.
“I think we are our own worst enemies,” she said.
“Obviously coming up from last season it’s all going to be new to us all.
“The majority of us have been together now for a season or so, so it’s all just starting to fall into place.
“The draw against Birmingham I think could be the beginning of something hopefully if we take it into Sunday.”
READING: Earps, Jane, McGee, Davies, Perry, Hines, Bruton, Rowe, Follis (Allen 74), Fletcher (Ward 68), Boho Sayo (Jones 80).
Subs not used: Sansom, Bartrip, Walkley, Roche.
Goal: Fletcher (47)
BIRMINGHAM: Berger, Windell, Mannicon, Harrop, Carter, Lawley, Hegerberg, Stringer (Peplow 69), Ayisi (Scofield 57), Wellings, Linden.
Subs not used: Baggaley, Edwards, Haines, Johnson.
Goal: Linden (74)
Yellow card: Linden (90)
Referee: Ashvin Degnarain
Attendance: 691
