MAN CITY WOMEN 2, READING FC WOMEN 0
Manchester City Women took another step towards the WSL title with victory against Reading FC Women at the Academy Stadium.
Though Reading have yet to win in the WSL, they provided gritty opponents and the league leaders had to work hard to their win.
Central defender Jennifer Beattie broke the deadlock early in the second half as City were finally rewarded for their patience.
And Steph Houghton sealed victory with a late free kick.
City had dominated the opening half without finding a route to goal.
Jane Ross shot against the crossbar and saw a header flash wide across the face of goal while Scottish international Beattie also went close with a header.
It remained frustrating at the start of the second period when Jill Scott’s header was scrambled away by keeper Mary Earps.
But the deadlock was broken in the 49th minute when Beattie rose to head home a free kick from Toni Duggan, her third goal of the season.
City had chances to increase their lead, notably when Scott’s header and Houghton’s free kick was both saved by Earps while Toni Duggan hit the upright direct from a corner.
The second goal finally arrived after 88 minutes when Lucy Bronze was fouled just outside the box and Houghton fired home a free kick low past Earps.