Royals win the Berks & Bucks cup on penalties
Eve Annets the hero in the shootout as Royals won 3-1 on penalties
In the early exchanges, MK Dons had an opportunity as Rush won possession inside the Reading box, but her effort soared over the bar, failing to trouble the Royals' defence.
Ten minutes in, Reading had their first glimpse of goal as Wozniak delivered a tantalizing ball across the penalty box, unfortunately finding no takers in a Reading shirt.
It was the Dons who threatened next, with Wood rising highest to meet a cross, but her header sailed over the bar, sparing Reading's blushes.
The Royals showcased some promising build-up play, with Elwood creating space for a shot inside the box, only to see her effort blocked, allowing MK Dons to clear their lines.
Approaching the midway point of the first half, both teams engaged in a competitive battle, with MK Dons appearing more dangerous in attack. However, Reading's defense held firm, denying any clear-cut opportunities.
A forced substitution disrupted Thorne's plans, as Wozniak, still feeling the effects of an earlier challenge, made way for Aspinall. Despite the change, MK Dons continued to press, with Hayes unable to direct her effort goalward from a delivery into the box.
Reading came closest to breaking the deadlock five minutes before halftime, with Kennedy dispossessing the keeper. However, her attempt to find the near post was thwarted by Stovold's intervention on the goal line, denying Reading a late first-half lead.
Half-time: MK Dons 0-0 Reading
The second half kicked off with MK Dons showing a renewed vigor, putting pressure on Reading's defense. Annets was called into action early on, making a couple of crucial saves in the opening five minutes to maintain parity.
As the half progressed, MK Dons came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock, with Wilson finding herself through on goal. She managed to get a shot away, beating Annets, only to see her effort strike the post, much to Reading's relief.
Reading's first opportunity of the half arrived on the hour mark, with Rasmussen delivering a delightful corner that found Tuson. Tuson struck the ball first time, but once again, Reading was thwarted by a defender on the goal line.
Despite a period of pressure from Reading, it was MK Dons who eventually took the lead. After Annets pulled off another impressive save, Gould was on hand to pounce on the rebound and find the top corner.
The goal lifted MK Dons' spirits, with Annets called into action once again to deny the opposition from extending their lead.
Reading responded swiftly, launching a rapid counter-attack. Johnson broke down the right flank and, after some clever buildup play, received a pinpoint pass from Manners at the back post, making no mistake with the finish to level the scores.
As the game approached its conclusion, MK Dons almost snatched victory with Rush's half-volley from outside the box narrowly missing the target. The final whistle blew as Annets prepared to take the goal kick, signaling that penalties would determine the winner.
Full-time: MK Dons 1-1 Reading Penalties: MK Dons 1-3 Reading
MK Dons Squad: Sursom (01), Warren (02), Puddick (03), Biggadikte (04), Hayes (38) (Attenborough 64’), Stovold (06), Rush (08), Wilson (30) (Mitchell (64’), Wood (10) (Dada 45’), Gould (14), Creaney (15)
Unused subs: McLean (21), Samuels (26),
Goals: Gould (67’)
Yellows: Puddick (80’)
Reading FC: Annets (01), Cooper (02), Cox (03) (Lacey 90’), Wozniak (06) (Poile 32’), Meadows-Tuson (05), Hunt (08) (Aspinall 74’), Elwood (04) (Johnson 74’), Rasmussen © (10) (Powis 74’), Manners (09), Kennedy (11), Tinnelly (07)
Goals: Johnson (84’)
Yellows: Powis (90+3’)