READING FC Women clinched their third Women’s Super League 1 win of the season with a comfortable 3-0 home victory over Bristol City.

Two sensational strikes from England ace Fara Williams and a third from Brooke Chaplen clinched all three points at Adams Park as Royals moved up to fifth in the table.

The two sides boasted almost identical league records before kick-off, with Reading narrowly ahead on goal difference.

But Kelly Chambers’ hosts bossed Sunday’s clash from the very first whistle.

City keeper Sophie Baggaley made two vital saves in the opening three minutes to deny Lauren Bruton a goal on her 100th Royals appearance.

However, Reading broke the deadlock in the 31st minutes with a stunner from Williams.

England’s most capped player collected a throw-in, turned inside and unleashed an unstoppable shot from 25-yards that flew into the top corner.


The home side continued to dominate but had to wait until the 50th minute to double their lead.

Natasha Harding controlled a cross-field pass on the right before finding Williams who steered a superb volley past Baggaley from 15 yards.

The visitors responded well to the second goal but their hopes of a comeback were dashed when Chaplen put Royals 3-0 in the 65th minute.

A ball was dinked into the City box and Chaplen outmuscled her marker before squeezing a shot under Baggaley to make the game safe.

Royals could have added to their tally as Bruton had several more chances to score with a shot over the bar, another beaten away at the near post and a third ruled out for offside.

Nevertheless, it was an impressive afternoon’s work from Reading, and Williams beamed: "It's always nice to get on the scoresheet. We drew against Manchester City previously and won on Sunday so we’re on a good run now.

"The only way Bristol City were going to score was from us being sloppy. We gave away a few fouls towards the end of first half and put ourselves under pressure with set plays, but apart from that it was a dominant performance and we controlled the game.

"We got a clean sheet and a few goals and we can only build on that.”

Reading are next in action on Sunday, November 18 when they face Brighton Women away at Crawley Town FC (2pm ko).

Williams added: “We've got a long break for internationals so we've got time to get it right for Brighton.”

Reading: Moloney, Pacheco (Woodham 78), Williams, Bartrip (Davison 66), Pearce, Allen, Bruton, Harding, Moore (Furness 63), Chaplen, Potter. Subs not used: Jane, Estcourt, Laws.

Bristol City: Baggaley, Dykes, Evans, Brown, Kerkdijk, Pattinson (Payne 75), Humphrey, Kemppi (Rood 66), Rutherford, Graham, Biesmans. Subs not used: Watson, Johnson, Wilson, Robinson, Woolley. Booked: Rutherford 62, Kirkdijk 90.

Referee: Abigail Marriott.

Attendance: 482.

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