Manchester United battle to opening day victory over Reading

Manchester United have made a winning start to the new Barclays FA Women’s Super League season by defeating Reading 2-0 at The Leigh Sports Village this evening.

Kirsty Hanson and Ona Batlle got the goals as Marc Skinner’s reign with The Red Devils got off to a winning start.

Despite the hosts being the favourites going into the match, visitors Reading settled well at The Leigh Sports Village and they created the first real chance of the game with Brooke Chaplen firing an effort over the bar.

Leah Galton then struck a shot into the stand after being unnerved by a committed Faye Bryson challenge before Manchester United broke the deadlock six minutes from the internal when Ella Toone threaded in Hanson who finished with real class.

Reading almost got themselves back into it early in the second half but Chaplen saw her effort come crashing back off the crossbar, the ball was not far from being behind the line.

Four minutes after so nearly being level, Kelly Chambers’ side found themselves 2-0 down. Toone’s pass from out left found Batlle and the full-back rifled an impressive shot into the top corner.

Manchester United looked to be the most likely side to add to the scoreline during the remainder of the half but there were few decent goalscoring chances created and they ended the match as 2-0 winners.

Skinner’s side will now look forward to their trip to Leicester City next Sunday while Reading will be at home to Arsenal on the same day.