Reading ended their losing run but were unable to pull away from fellow strugglers Watford after a goalless draw at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

The hosts came into the match having been beaten in each of their last three outings but began the game on top, with Tia Primmer and Rachel Dugdale both denied by visiting goalkeeper Jacqui Goldsmid in the space of five first-half minutes.

Primmer passed up another opportunity on 34 minutes after being played in behind the Watford defence, Goldsmid keeping out her effort from a tight angle, while Bianca Baptiste fired over at the other end.

The battle between Primmer and Goldsmid was quickly resumed after the break and again the goalkeeper came out on top, saving the Royals’ star’s first effort before the rebound went wide.

Watford rarely threatened but Lucia Leon came close midway through the second period, seeing a close-range effort blocked as the visitors looked to snatch just a second victory of the season.

Reading looked the more likely to find a breakthrough in the closing stages but despite six minutes of added time, a long-range effort from Sanne Troelsgaard comfortably gathered by Goldsmid was as close as they came.

The Royals remain five points clear of their visitors ahead of next Sunday’s trip to Blackburn, while the Hornets welcome Sheffield United next time out.

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