Reading have edged closer to relegation to the Barclays Women’s Championship following a 4-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this afternoon.
The Royals needed a win to move off the bottom of the table, at least for the time being, however, a heavy defeat means that their top tier survival is now hanging by a thread.
Spurs started brightly in N17 with Rosella Ayane looking particularly lively on the left. The winger forced a good save out of Reading keeper Grace Moloney early on as Spurs searched for the game’s first goal.
At the other end, home keeper Becky Spencer was also in good form. She made an excellent block to keep Sanne Troelsgaard Nielsen’s effort out of the net.
Spurs broke the deadlock just before the half-hour mark when the ball was dinked into the far post and Beth England was there to head home.
The Lilywhites then doubled their lead when a flowing attacking move resulted in Celin Bizet Ildhusøy placing the ball into the bottom corner of the Reading net.
Spurs added to their sizeable advantage just after the hour mark. A pass back to goalkeeper Moloney was too short and England nipped in to gain possession and score.
Reading seemed to have nothing left in the tank and they soon found themselves 4-0 down. A ball over the top found Kit Graham who raced away to score. It was a nice moment for a player who has missed most of the season with long-term injury.
Kelly Chambers’ Royals did get a goal back through a Justine Vanhaevermaet header late on but it was merely a consolation for a Reading side that now look destined for second tier football.
Spurs end their season at West Ham United next weekend while Reading host Chelsea. The Royals could be relegated tomorrow if Leicester City defeat West Ham United at The King Power Stadium.