Reading defeated Manchester United 2-0 at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday to break the Women’s Super League title contenders unbeaten home record.

Captain Natasha Harding opened the scoring before Danielle Carter sealed victory in a three-minute goal spell for the Royals.

Kelly Chambers’ side went into the tie as underdogs after one win in 10 with a confident Man United fanbase adamant that the Red Devils would be lifting the title at the end of the campaign.

A fantastic team performance from Chambers’ eleven produced a shock result as Reading looked to turn around the nickname of the league’s ‘draw specialists’.

READ MORE: Paunovic remains positive after Stoke City stalemate

United started the faster of the sides as World Cup-winning American Christen Press spurned early chances forcing an easy array of saves from Grace Moloney.

READ MORE: Player ratings - Meite bright off the bench in drab draw

Rachel Rowe, named BBC’s player of the match by Jayne Ludlow, had the chance to give Reading the lead but her header could only divert across the face of the goal before Amalie Eikeland poked an effort wide.

England international Ella Toone hit the post on the 18th minute when her tame shot looked goalbound. Moloney reacted to clear things up before Danielle Carter had an opportunity to put the Royals ahead. Former Reading goalkeeper Mary Earps seemed to foul Carter before United cleared with no interest from the referee.

Leah Galton headed an effort into the hands of Moloney on 25 minutes before the game settled to half time.

The Royals team talk had given the side a new look with Jess Fishlock firing over from range five minutes into the half.

A revitalised Moloney, who was looking for her first clean sheet in 11 games, denied Galton with a wonderful save before tipping an Ona Battle effort wide.

Angharad James sent a volley at Earps before the resultant corner from Emma Mitchell was headed in by Harding.

With United on the ropes, another Emma Mitchell delivery was headed goalbound with Carter wheeling away in celebration after a bullet header left Earps stranded.

Mitchell was booked late on as the Royals held on to an important three points in what was Molly Bartrip’s 100th Reading appearance.

The Royals now host Everton at Madejski on Valentine's Day.