Reading lost 3-2 to WSL champions Chelsea at Kingsmeadow, despite almost staging remarkable comeback.

Kelly Chambers' side were on a run of three matches without defeat heading into the game against Emma Hayes' Blues, moving themselves seven points clear of bottom side Leicester City.

Holding their own in the early stages, the Royals struggled to regain composure after Reading-born Fran Kirby opened the scoring, despite a clear offside in the build-up.

Jelena Cankovic added a brace by the half hour mark to give the visitors a mountain to climb in the second half.

Braving the driving snow, Reading pulled one back on the hour mark when Sanne Troelsgaard tucked the ball under the Chelsea keeper to give them some hope.

Just two minutes later and Reading wrere right back in the game when Amalie Eikeland converted an Emma Harries cross.

Huffing and puffing, Chelsea held firm in the final 25 minutes, threatening to extend their lead through Kirby and Sam Kerr.

In a break from league action until mid-January, a trip to Convetry City comes before Christmas in the Continental Cup.