Reading made it a third successive 1-1 draw in the Women’s Super League on Saturday afternoon with an impressive display at high-flying Everton.

Simone Magill opened the scoring for Everton before Natasha Harding levelled with a spectacular strike at Walton Hall Park.

Kelly Chambers was without Deanna Cooper in the heart of defence but was boosted by the return of Fara Williams to matchday action.

Everton started the faster of the sides with Nicoline Sorensen having a chance to open the scoring immediately. The Danish striker sent an effort over the bar within the first 40 seconds.

Jess Fishlock had an opportunity for the Royals when her shot cannoned in the box in front of the impressive Kristine Leine before a deep cross from Emma Mitchell failed to pick out Fishlock.

Brooke Chaplen sent a shot wide before the Toffees opened the scoring. Sorensen broke through the defence after a neat one-two with Claire Emslie before firing at Royals keeper Grace Moloney. The shot was parried into the path of Magill who headed into an unguarded net with 39 minutes played.

Reading were level three minutes later though when captain Harding was sent through by Fishlock before finding the far corner with her effort.

The Royals lost Emma Mitchell to injury at the break before a second half that lacked action. Leine who came in for the injured Cooper, impressed in the heart of defence seeing a header wide on 63 minutes before fellow Norwegian Amalie Eikeland headed on to the roof of the net.

In the final 15 minutes, Everton who have only been beaten by reigning WSL champions, Chelsea this season looked to up the tempo. Magill headed an effort into the hands of Moloney while England international Izzy Christensen struggled to make an impact.

Defenders Megan Finnigan and Ingrid Moe Wold had efforts astray after corner routines as Willie Kirk’s beaten FA Cup finalists tired.

In the final minute of added time, Grace Moloney was the hero with a game-saving moment to deny Finnigan from handing Everton three points. A free kick landed on the head of Finnigan who saw her effort denied by the outstretched Irish international.

The Royals face Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday evening in the Continental Cup before a third international break of the season.

Reading: Moloney, Harding ©, Bartrip, Leine, Mitchell (Woodham 46), James, Rowe, Fishlock, Carter (Williams 62), Eikeland, Chaplen (Bruton 62).

Bench (Unused): Nayler, Childerhouse, Roberts, Skeels, Harries.

Goal: Harding 42.