Man City Women 4-1 Reading | City Continue Title Push With Victory Over Bottom Club Reading
Manchester City have continued their push for the Barclays Women’s Super League title with a 4-1 victory over Reading at The Academy Stadium this afternoon.
Chloe Kelly, Khadija Shaw, Lauren Hemp and Steph Houghton were all on target for Gareth Taylor’s side who keep the pressure on league leaders Manchester United at the top of the table.
Manchester City got off to the worst possible start at The City Football Academy with Reading breaking the deadlock in the first minute. Sanne Troelsgaard Nielsen found the ball at her feet 20 yards from goal and she fired her effort into the far corner of the Manchester City net.
Kelly Chambers’ Royals looked prepared to make it difficult for Manchester City but the hosts levelled matters in the 15th minute. A Hemp cross caused chaos in the Reading box and after Shaw failed to divert the ball home, Kelly was there to bundle in the equaliser.
It was soon 2-1 to Manchester City. A corner from the right found the head of Shaw and the Jamaican international was able to direct the ball into the back of the Reading net.
Reading could have gone into the break on level terms when Manchester City goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck was dispossessed by Troelsgaard but the England international recovered to make an important save.
Manchester City extended their lead early in the second half when Kelly unselfishly crossed the ball for Hemp who prodded home her side’s third goal from a couple of yards.
The roles were reversed just moments later with Hemp playing a pass into the feet of Kelly but she somehow managed to fire wide of the Reading goal. Hemp then thumped an effort against the far post before visiting keeper Grace Moloney did well to deny Manchester City substitute Hayley Raso.
The Cityzens were a constant threat and they finally got their fourth goal 20 minutes from time when captain Steph Houghton curled home a trademark free-kick from 25 yards.
Manchester City continued to throw everything at Reading and Shaw saw an effort whistle wide before Moloney pulled off an excellent save to deny Filippa Angeldahl. Shaw had a couple more chances late on but there was to be no further goals as the game ended 4-1.
Gareth Taylor’s side end the weekend in second place in the Barclays Women’s Super League table, three points off the summit, while Reading are rooted to the bottom.
