READING FC WOMEN face a substantial test to try and continue their journey in the FA Women’s Cup when they face Chelsea on Sunday.
The Royals will have to overcome the current cup holders to make it through to the semi-finals.
The Blues won the competition for the fourth time in their history last May when they defeated Manchester City 3-2 in an enthralling final at Wembley Stadium.
Reading have had a run strong run in this year’s FA Cup having beaten Tottenham Hotspur away from home in the last round in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw after 120 minutes.
Meanwhile, the West Londoners earned the right to face Reading after they knocked out Arsenal in the fifth round.
Emma Hayes’ team have suffered recent heartbreak in cup competitions having lost out in the Conti Cup final to the Gunners who ran out as convincing 3-1 winners.
But Chelsea got their push to try and retain the Women’s Super League back on track last weekend with a win over title rivals Manchester United.
Sam Kerr scored the only goal of the game in a tight contest with a stunning solo effort which puts Chelsea on top with 37 points from 14 games.
They lead Man United and Manchester City by two points having played a game fewer and Arsenal by five points having played the same number of matches.
Reading’s main focus this campaign will be on retaining their WSL status where they face a grapple against four other sides to try and avoid the drop.
The Royals are currently in ninth place on 10 points from 15 games with all three sides below them with games in hand to play.
However, Kelly Chambers’ side have their fate in their own hands with league matches to come against all three teams involved in the relegation battle.
But before they resume their campaign for survival, they will be hoping to cause a cup upset to move a step closer to Wembley.
The Royals did make history last season when they earned their first ever victory over Chelsea in the WSL.
Deanne Rose stunned the Blues’ defence with a spectacular solo effort which proved to be the match winner.
Chelsea took a narrow 3-2 win this season when the teams met in December and they are due to face each other again in the league on the final day of the season at the SCL on Sunday, May 27.
