READING FC WOMEN’s manager Kelly Chambers praised her team’s ‘outstanding’ display as they were narrowly beaten late in the day against Manchester United.
Playing in front of a record crowd at the Select Car Leasing Stadium for a Women’s Super League match, Chambers took charge of her 150th Royals match.
“I thought the girls were outstanding and couldn’t give anymore out there,” said Chambers.
“You saw after the match they were so deflated after conceding right at the end, but it’s important to see the positives from the performance.
“It could have been a very different outcome on another day, Mary (Earps) made some unbelievable saves at the end from the free-kick and that’s how close these margins are at this level.”
The defeat leaves Reading in 10th position in the WSL table, but with positives to take after going toe-to-toe with the team at the top of the table.
Chambers continued: “For us moving forward I think we have to show a little bit of football intelligence in certain moments of games. For instance, crossing the ball in with a handful of minutes remaining with not many options forward
“But I cannot knock the girl’s attitude to want to try and find a winner.
“It’s another game where we’ve shown our ability against the top sides. Our last few games against Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United, losing by just one goal.
“I said to the girls we have to put in the same level of performance every week to make sure we stay in the league.”
Having reached another milestone in charge of the club, Chambers expressed her gratitude and is excited for the next chapter of women’s football.
She continued: “I didn’t know I was anywhere near this (150 games) so for it to fall on this game was pretty special.
“As much as it is a special day and great personal achievement, it’s also a recognition to all the staff and players who I have been around over the years.
“Working in women’s football is one of the biggest pleasures, and to see how it has continued to grow only fills me with excitement of where it can go next.
“I saw a stat about the very few numbers of women working in the game so to be able to be in the game for so long reminds me of what a privileged position I am in, but also what more we can and need to do to encourage more girls to get into the sport.
“Of course it would have been nice to pick up some points on Sunday, but the performance was significant and I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”
