FARA Williams scored twice including a brilliant late leveller as Reading FC drew 2-2 with Liverpool FC Women in a lively Women’s Super League 1 clash.

England’s most capped player notched a superb second-half brace in yesterday’s fixture at Adams Park to earn Kelly Chambers’ side a deserved point after Courtney Sweetman-Kirk had scored twice for the visitors.

Both sides were looking to bounce back from league defeats a week earlier leading to an exciting contest.

The home team fell behind in the 10th minute when former Royal Kirsty Linnett’s cross was expertly volleyed home by Sweetman-Kirk.

Royals were unlucky not to equalise moments later when Reds keeper Anke Preuss tipped a Williams thunderbolt onto the crossbar.

Reading, though, needed a fine save from Grace Maloney to push Linnett’s effort around the post and stop them from falling behind.

Liverpool also saw Jess Clarke curl an effort narrowly wide as they ended the first half on top.

However, Reading burst out of the blocks after the restart with Williams going close on two occasions.

But she did draw Reading level on 62 minutes when her low free-kick squirmed under Preuss to make it 1-1.

Parity lasted only six minutes as Sweetmark-Kirk headed Liverpool back in front with a firm header from Clarke’s cross.

But Reading refused to lie down and snatched a point in spectacular fashion as Williams smacked a 30-yard screamer into the top corner.


The hosts almost won it from the last kick of the game, but Remi Allen’s shot on the turn kissed the outside of the post.

Williams said afterwards: “It's a game we should have taken three points from. These are games we should be and expect to be winning.

“To come away with just one point at home to Liverpool, who haven't been on a good run of late, is disappointing.

“It's nice to score but I'm not happy. The result is the most important thing. I don't care who scores. points mean more than goals so, it doesn't matter if you don't win games.

“We had a game plan to counteract Liverpool, we just didn't deliver it so it's frustrating.”

Reading will take on Liverpool again this Wednesday in an FA Continental Tyres Cup clash at Adams Park (7.30pm ko).

Reading: Moloney, Pacheco, Pearce, Potter, Harding, Furness, Allen, Estcourt (Bartrip 73), Williams, Davison, Chaplen. Subs not used: Laws, Jane, Woodham, Harries. Booked: Furness 63, Williams 69.

Liverpool: Preuss, Matthews, Robe, Murray, Bradley-Auckland, Roberts (Murray 63), Fahey, Coombs, Clarke, Sweetman-Kirk (Thomas 90), Linnett (Little 73). Subs not used: Kitching, Rodgers, Daniels.

Referee: Josh Smith

Attendance: 582.

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