Reading Women continued their impressive mid-season resurgence with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Oxford City at Arbour Park on Thursday evening, extending their winning streak to three league matches. The Royals, who have been the talk of the league in recent weeks, delivered a dominant performance that was rewarded with second-half goals from Ellie Szekeres and Ellie Manners. A late strike from Oxford's Grace Craven made for a tense finale, but Reading held firm to secure a thoroughly deserved three points.
This triumph cements Reading's status as the hottest team in the division over the second half of the campaign. Looking at the last 10 league matches, the Royals sit top of the form table, level on points with AFC Portchester but ahead on goal difference, boasting an impressive record of seven wins, two draws, and just one defeat. During this remarkable run, Reading have found the back of the net 32 times while conceding only five—the best defensive record in the league during that stretch.
The atmosphere at Arbour Park was electric, with Reading directors Rick Catania and Alec Lundberg among the supporters on the sidelines, cheering the team on alongside the loyal Royals faithful. Their presence underscores the growing investment and ambition around the club, with recent comments from Rob Couhig highlighting his full trust in their vision for Reading Women. Exciting news for fans is reportedly on the horizon.
Oxford City, who finished in the top four last season, have struggled to find consistency this term and currently sit seventh in the table. Despite their overall struggles, they arrived in Slough in decent form themselves, unbeaten in their last four league matches, including an impressive 1-0 win over second-placed Winchester City Flyers. Their top scorer, Ellie White, was in the starting lineup and posed a constant threat, having bagged a brace in their previous league outing against Badshot Lea to bring her season tally to 17 goals.
Reading manager Ed Jackson-Norris made just two changes to the side that demolished Fleet Town 8-0 on Sunday, with Ava Broke-Smith unavailable for selection. The continuity in the lineup paid dividends as the Royals controlled proceedings from the outset, eventually breaking through after the interval to claim another vital victory in their push up the table.