Reading Women Manager Kelly Chambers before the start of the match Reading Women v Manchester United Women, WSL football match, Adams Park Stadium, High Wycombe, UK - 02 Feb 2020 Photo: Robin Parker for The FA

‘The girls were magnificent’ – Reading boss Chambers reacts to late defeat at Manchester City

Reading boss Kelly Chambers said that her side were magnificent against Manchester City despite going down 1-0 at The Academy Stadium yesterday.

The Royals held Barclays FA Women’s Super League title hopefuls City for 87 minutes before Lauren Hemp played in Chloe Kelly to net the game’s only goal.

Speaking in the post-match press conference in which FAWSL Full-Time were present, Chambers hailed her side’s excellent performance in the North West.

“I’m gutted if I’m honest,” said Chambers. “I said to the girls all week that we need a strong defensive performance, a resilient performance, look the girls were magnificent today.

“They’ve adapted so many times in the game, changed shape 15-20 minutes into the first half and they adapted to that brilliantly and really upset Manchester City at that point.

“We came out in the second half and were outstanding defensively. We had moments, two clear-cut chances that maybe we should have put to bed but the sucker punch was when Lauren Hemp went on a mazey. That was one moment which we didn’t defend properly and it cost us.”

While it was a strong defensive performance from Reading, The Royals were also indebted their goalkeeper Grace Moloney. The Republic of Ireland international put in a commanding performance against City, just like she has on so many other occasions this season and manager Chambers was full of praise for her number one.

“Grace has been magnificent for us this season,” said Chambers. “We have seen a real change in her, a real development.

“It is probably the best season that she has had for us and I know that she is going to get better and better.

“Most people will say that it is the role of a goalkeeper to keep the ball out of the back of the net but we know that it’s not as easy as doing that and you rely on the players in-front of you at the same time.

“Some of her saves tonight have been outstanding to keep us in the game.”

Reading will be hoping to turn their impressive performance against Manchester City into three points in their next match when they take on West Ham United at The Madejski Stadium on Saturday.

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