Sheffield United trashed Reading 5-1 to make it three wins on the spin in the Barclays Women’s Championship. 

An early Jessie Stapleton own goal set the tone for a dismal afternoon at the end of a difficult week for the Royals, with three defeats for an aggregate scoreline of 14-1. 

Their misfortune continued in front of goal, with Lauren Wade and Madison Perry both seeing efforts ruled out in a frustrating first-half. 

There were big chances at the other end too as Jessica Sigsworth sliced over with the goal gaping before an injury forced her off. 

The Blades added to their lead early in the second half as Tara Bourne headed home at the back post for her second goal in three games. 

Struggling Reading showed resilience and managed to pull one back via a tap in from Perry. 

But that was as good as it got for the Berkshire side, as their hosts ran riot with three goals in 12 minutes.  

It was Isobel Goodwin’s quickfire double which sealed the points. The first, on 69 minutes, was a carbon copy of Bourne's strike as another floated free-kick from Rebecca Rayner was nodded in before the Blades' top-scorer converted from close range for her second after a scramble inside the Reading area.

Rayner then added a fifth in fortuitous fashion, nine minutes from time, as her intended cross found its way into the back of the net.

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