Reading made it a second win from three on Sunday when they defeated West Ham United 1-0.

A first half goal from Lauren Bruton and a penalty save from Grace Moloney saw the Royals record their first away Women’s Super League victory since November 2019.

Kelly Chambers side were under early pressure from the hosts who sported a pink strip in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.

Former Royal Maz Pacheco looked dangerous as Kate Longhurst sent an early effort over the bar.

Emma Mitchell saw an enticing cross challenge Mackenzie Arnold in the Hammers net before Reading lost influential midfielder Fara Williams to injury after 16 minutes.

Substitute Brooke Chaplen, returning from injury herself took Williams place and inspired the squad.

With 26 minutes on the clock, Reading took the lead when Bruton poked home Natasha Harding’s low cross for her second goal in as many games.

Molly Bartrip picked up a yellow card before Chaplen fired an effort at Arnold.

Amalie Eikeland led the forward line alongside Dan Carter with both looking lively.

Chaplen had a golden opportunity to double the lead on the stroke of half time when she broke the offside trap only to see her effort wide.

After a strong first 45, Reading looked for a second with Bruton going close.

West Ham found their feet in the second period with Adriana Leon forcing a fingertip save from Moloney on to the post.

A rebound was saved before Alisha Lehmann fired the corner over.

Leon continued to pepper Moloney’s goal, with the goalkeeper saving an effort with her face leading to lengthy treatment.

Moloney was then penalised for a foul in the box to protests. Kenza Dali stepped up but saw her spotkick saved impressively by the Royals number one.

Angharad James and Carter had chances to tie the game up late on before Chaplen had the opportunity to double the lead when unmarked in the box.

Ga-Eul Jeon and Emma Harries made their Royals debuts with ten minutes remaining as Reading saw out an impressive victory to move sixth in the WSL.

Next up for the Royals, they face a Continental Cup tie with Charlton Athletic at Madejski before welcoming Birmingham City to Berkshire in the WSL on Sunday.

Reading: Moloney, Harding ©, Bartrip, Cooper, Mitchell, James, Williams (Chaplen 16), Fishlock, Carter (Jeon 80), Eikeland (Harries 80), Bruton (Rowe 68).

Bench (Unused): Nayler, Leine, Roberts, Woodham, Skeels.

Goal: Bruton, 26