United have made a strong start to their WSL campaign with a 4-0 victory over Reading.
The game began with an introduction by Katie Zelem to mark her 100th appearance for the club. This was followed by a minute’s silence for the Queen and the national anthem.
United started the match well, attacking strongly from the start.
Le Tissier opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a beautiful corner kick, his first goal in his professional debut!
In the 14th minute, Russo was brought down in the area by the goalkeeper who complained profusely. Zelem stepped forward and slammed it into a diving Maloney.
A beautiful ball from Zelem chose Russo but it was well defended by the Royals.
The reading had bursts, but nothing too worrisome that it tested Earps.
United returned after Reading were forced to make an early substitution. Again from a Katie Zelem corner, Le Tissier converted her into the bottom corner.
Toone burst into the box but seemed to have the ball stuck under his feet and Reading crossed well to defend.
Around the half hour mark, there was a corner for Reading, pushed in and the Royals had their first shot on goal, but Earps stopped it well.
United came again, Galton with a brilliant run down the left, centered into the area where Toone had two chances, the first well saved and the second over the crossbar.
Moments later they got their room. This time it was an attack that came from the right; the center came from Batlle and Russo finished off with a header.
The second half started well with a good chance from Russo. The goal was wide open, but she headed wide.
There were several chances for United to get the fifth, but Reading were more fired up and the Reds couldn’t shoot.
Nikita Parris had a chance after making his professional debut but headed over the crossbar.
However, the game had lost momentum as United slipped and managed the game well.
A record attendance of 7,217 witnessed the Reds’ inaugural triumph.
Team: Earps, Blundell, Battle, Turner, Le Tissier, Toone (Boe Risa 71), Ladd (Moore 72), Garcia (Leon 64), Zelem, Russo (Thomas 71), Galton (Parris 77)
