Reading Women ended 2020 with their first victory in seven games as they defeated Brighton 3-1 in the Women’s Super League.

A brace from Jess Fishlock and a late goal from Rachel Rowe gave the Royals a final three points as they end the calendar year sixth in the table.

The opener came when Fishlock pounced on a loose ball from Fliss Gibbons to drive forward and neatly find the bottom corner on 17 minutes.

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But the Royals were the creators of their own downfall early on with Deanna Cooper fouled Ellie Brazil to give Brighton a penalty four minutes later.

Dutch international, Inessa Kaagman sent Grace Moloney the wrong way to equalise.

However, it was Reading that went into the break ahead when Fishlock netted her second of the game.

A cross from Lily Woodham deflected off Victoria Williams before an unmarked Fishlock calmly fired the ball past Cecilie Fiskerstrand, a minute before the interval.

And with 90 minutes on the clock, Rachel Rowe, who recently celebrated her 100th game for the club, opened her season account. The substitute latched onto a Fishlock through ball to chip the oncoming Fiskerstrand and watch her effort cross the line.

Emma Harries nearly got a fourth for Reading in injury-time, but her effort was off target.