Royals win to give themselves a big boost for their survival
Stapleton's strike just after the hour mark was enough for Reading FC Women to sign off in RG2 with all three points, putting pressure on Lewes in the bid for league survival.
The Royals initiated the match with promising momentum, fashioning the initial significant opportunity within five minutes. Lauren Wade's precision in delivery pinpointed Jesse Woolley in a prime position. Despite Woolley's effort to connect with the ball, it lacked the necessary force to challenge Tatiana Saunders, who gathered it effortlessly.
Shortly thereafter, Tia Primmer delivered a tantalizing cross that narrowly eluded Wade's grasp, signifying a proactive start from the hosts in the early exchanges.
A spellbinding sequence unfolded as the Royals edged agonizingly close to seizing the lead. Woolley demonstrated nimble footwork to outmaneuver two Durham defenders before orchestrating a one-two with Primmer. This intricate play set Madison Perry in motion towards the goal, only to be thwarted by Saunders' save, with Perry's subsequent attempt skirting wide.
The opening twenty minutes witnessed a display of vibrant football from Reading; Liam Gilbert's side asserted dominance over possession as they relentlessly pursued the breakthrough at RG2.
Approaching the half-hour mark, the intensity escalated as Dee Bradley's challenge on Primmer warranted a red card from the referee, reducing Durham to ten players.
Despite the numerical advantage, Reading encountered difficulty in unlocking the resolute Durham defense, though opportunities continued to present themselves. Wade's cross narrowly evaded the reach of any Durham player, affording Woolley a sight at goal. The Royals' forward endeavored to curl her shot into the top left corner, only to see it veer wide, resulting in a goal kick.
In a chaotic turn of events, Mollie Lambert nearly propelled Durham into the lead. Lambert capitalized on a bouncing ball, lofting it over Jacqui Burns, only for the Royals' defense to scramble and clear the imminent danger, conceding only a corner in a tense moment for the home side.
Half-time: Reading FC Women 0-0 Durham Women
Durham emerged from the interval with a strategic setup, deploying two banks of four with a lone striker leading the line. The sending off prompted the visitors to adopt a cautious approach at the start of the second half.
As the half unfolded, Durham gradually regained their foothold in the game. Despite their numerical disadvantage, the visitors sought to test the resilience of the Reading defense.
The initial fifteen minutes of the second half witnessed Durham's attempt to frustrate Reading by slowing down the tempo. Perry displayed commendable hold-up play in her efforts to unlock Durham's stubborn defensive line.
Woolley spearheaded a determined push up the pitch with a penetrating run down the left flank. After outmaneuvering her marker, Woolley cut inside, aiming to curl her shot into the top right corner. However, a deflection diverted the ball wide of the post, resulting in a corner.
The ensuing corner led to Reading breaking the deadlock in a chaotic fashion. Saunders' attempted clearance nearly backfired as the ball cannoned off the crossbar, only to be cleared to the edge of the box. Hendrix's crucial flick-on found Stapleton, who capitalized on the opportunity to slot home Reading's pivotal goal.
Perry, a standout performer for Reading throughout the match, came close to doubling the Royals' lead. Positioned by Wade on the right flank, Perry prepared for a clear shot on goal, but Briggs intervened with a crucial block that momentarily unsettled Saunders, who managed to adjust and thwart the attempt, preserving the score at 1-0.
Flannery intercepted the ball in midfield, driving towards the Durham goal with intent. Her long-range effort seemed destined for the top right corner before veering wide at the last moment.
A lofted pass from Woolley was deftly flicked on by Perry, finding Wade in the heart of the box with a clear sight of goal. However, Wade's volley lacked precision, soaring over the crossbar.
With the lead in their grasp, the Royals exhibited grit and determination to safeguard their advantage. The Reading defense threw themselves into every challenge, preserving the slender 1-0 lead in a tense finale.
In stoppage time, Burns atoned for an earlier error with a crucial save. Intercepting a misplaced goal kick in midfield, Ryan-Doyle threatened the Reading goal, but Burns stood tall, tipping the ball wide to ensure victory remained within grasp.
Primmer had a golden opportunity to seal the victory for Reading, finding herself one-on-one with Saunders after a well-timed run. However, she couldn't capitalize, as Saunders smothered her shot.
Full-time: Reading FC Women 1-0 Durham Women
