READING FC Women are still searching for their first win of the new Women’s Super League 1 season after a 2-0 away defeat to Liverpool Ladies on Saturday.

Royals were unfortunate not to take the lead on a rainy evening in Widnes when a shot from Emma Follis rattled against the underside of the bar.

But the home side gradually gained control and took the lead in the 18th minute when Natasha Harding fired home from a Laura Coombs flick-on.

Liverpool added a second just seven minutes later thanks to a fine turn and finish from Coombe from Caroline Weir’s cross.

Reading refused to give up and Jade Boho-Sayo, Amber Stobbs and Kayleigh Hines all went close, but Liverpool held on.

Royals boss Kelly Chambers said: “In the second half the girls came out and performed the way we wanted then to but we just didn’t manage to put the ball in the net.

“It proves at this level that you have to take your chances, you won’t get many so when they come you have to put them away.

“We obviously have quite a few injuries but hopefully when we play Birmingham we’ll have everyone back fighting and raring to go.”

Reading have not won in seven matches since their promotion to the top flight last season, and Chambers added: “We’re underdogs in this league. We’ve just been promoted so we have to make sure that we put up a fight in every match.

"We know we have the ability to get points as we’ve proved in the first half of the campaign.”

Reading Women return to action on Sunday, July 24 when they host Birmingham City Ladies at Adams Park (2pm).

Reading: Earps; Hines (Walkley 80), McGee (c), Follis, Bruton; Boho-Sayo, Davies, Perry, Ward (Bartrip 45), Rowe, Knapton (Stobbs 45). Subs not used: Sansom, Roche, Provan, Jones.