Manchester United have beaten Reading 1-0 in a frustrating away game.
The first shot of the game came from Hayley Ladd for the Reds, who put it just wide.
Garcia made a good run down the right, passing it to Toone on the edge of the box, who passed Ladd, but his shot went straight for the keeper.
On the other end, Earps had work to do, but thankfully the Royals’ first shot was weak.
Reading were coming into their own in this game, as a 40-yard shot landed on the roof of the net.
Moments later, Earps was forced to make a fine save to deflect a shot over the crossbar.
United responded, Garcia found the side of the net with a header and shortly after finished off wide.
United won a penalty but captain Katie Zelem was unable to convert it.
The Reds had plenty of chances but couldn’t find the goal, Parris had a shot that was blocked and the follow-through hit the crossbar.
As the second half began, United tried too hard to open the scoring and were caught offside twice in the first five minutes.
Reading’s defense held their ground as Toone’s shot was blocked and Russo had a chance.
This was a frustrating game for the Reds as they had wave after wave of attack, but Reading also had their chances.
Earps was forced into an incredible dive-stop as Reading charged towards the target. If United could keep a clean sheet, this game would be a huge confidence boost for the England number one.
In the later stages of the game, manager Marc Skinner made some changes and it was Williams who made an instant impact, firing high into the top right corner of the net from 12 yards out.
Finally United’s pressure paid off in the 87th minute.
The Reds just had to hang on now and although there was not much time left, in a league that relies heavily on goal difference, United kept trying to extend their lead.
But they will have been relieved to get all three points in what was a closely contested WSL game.
Team: Earps, Batlle, Blundell, Toone, Zelem, Ladd, Le Tissier, Garcia (Williams 84), Turner, Parris (Thomas 65), Russo
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