Manchester City suffered their first home defeat of 2018 through a 2-0 loss to Reading Women.
Earlier in the year City secured a 5-2 victory away at Reading, but the previous result couldn’t be replicated at home despite the visitors being restricted to 10 players in the second half.
What happened
The first half was quiet and somewhat subdued at the Academy Stadium despite the points at stake.
Reading were prepared to cause upset from the whistle, but Nick Cushing’s side responded well and - in turn - enjoyed a majority of the possession.
City’s first chance came just five minutes into play when it looked as though Jane Ross – who has scored four goals in the previous three games – would take the Blues into the lead.
Melissa Lawley worked tirelessly down the left wing and pinpointed Ross in the box with a superb cross but as the Scot prepared to head goalward, Mary Earps caught the ball to prevent the danger.
Ellie Roebuck was called to action in the 15th minute when Brooke Chaplen fired a low-riding effort towards the net, but the attempt was caught comfortably by the young ‘keeper.
Reading’s goal came from a corner just moments after the half hour mark.
Remi Allen was eagerly waiting in the crowded box to deliver an acrobatic header into the top corner and ensure the visitors led going into the break.
In the second half City re-entered the pitch with hunger in their bellies which was shaped into a chance after just five minutes on the pitch.
Parris was waiting in front of Earps to pounce on the ball and header in City’s equaliser but her powerful effort skimmed the top of the crossbar to send a chorus of “ooo”s around the stadium.
As the Blues began to assert their dominance in the second half, Reading doubled their lead in the 60th minute through skipper Kirsty Pearce - whose header couldn’t be reached by the outstretched arm of Roebuck.
The goal followed a superb save from Roebuck which came just seconds before Pearce added to the tally.
With 20 minutes left to grab at least two goals back, City spurred into action as Georgia Stanway attempted one of her trademark strikes from the edge of the box but the youngster’s effort skimmed inches above Earps’ crossbar.
City were handed a lifeline in the 81st minute when Reading’s Jo Potter was shown a straight red from referee Helen Conley for a foul on Parris, but despite the advantage Cushing’s side were unable to respond.
How we lined up
Roebuck was in goal shielded by a back four of Demi Stokes, Jen Beattie, skipper Steph Houghton and Abbie McManus.
Keira Walsh took her defensive midfield role alongside Jill Scott and Stanway.
Lawley and Nikita Parris flanked Ross upfront.
Up next
Nick Cushing’s side now break for international duties for two weeks before returning to FA Cup action on Sunday 15 April as City take on Chelsea Ladies at the Kingsmeadow.
