READING FC Women's skipper Natasha Harding has criticised the standard of refereeing in the Women's Super League, despite her side benefitting from a ref's error.

Royals were awarded a penalty by ref Kirsty Dowie for handball in their match with Manchester United on Sunday, even though the ball had clearly struck Katie Zelem's head.

Fara Williams converted the spot-kick to earn her side a 1-1 draw at Adams Park.

Harding told the BBC: "The level of officiating hasn't grown/developed with us and our game. We deserve better, our league needs better."

THERE was a good turn-out of Reading FC fans at the funeral service of Tony Drake at the Henley Road Cemetery on Tuesday.

The Madejski Stadium season-ticket holder died a month ago at the age of 57 from a heart-attack whilst out running.

His coffin was coloured blue and white, while wife Debbie and their three children all wore Royals shirts.

Also well represented at the service were Berkshire County Cricket Club and Finchampstead CC with Tony being an official at both.

TILEHURST resident Bobby Wilkinson has been named the Isthmian League South Central Divison's manager of the month for January, his first

full month at Bracknell Town.

The Robins haven't lost a league match since he took charge in December and are well placed to make a strong challenge for the play-offs.

ENGLAND and former Reading hockey star Alex Danson is planning to attend a special evening for her sister this weekend.

Claire Danson, who won the 30-34 age category at the European Triathlon Championships last year, was left paralysed from the waist down following a horrific road accident while riding her bike last August.

Hockey clubs are raising funds to assist Claire, and Slough are hosting a digital horse racing event in their Upton Court Park clubhouse on Saturday from 7pm to 10pm.

"It's going to be a fun evening," said Alex, who has just returned to training with England after a long lay-off with a serious head injury.