A second-half brace from Emma Follis, adding to an early opener from the in-form Fran Kirby saw Reading comfortably see off Watford in the WSL2 with a 3-0 victory.
After two impressive away wins to commence their season, Reading hoped to continue their goal frenzy when hosting bottom of the table at the Paddy Power Park on Thursday evening. And with striker Fran Kirby reaching double figures in just her third game – they certainly did that.
With Rachel Rowe’s 7th minute effort striking the woodwork, and Kirby unfortunate to see her lobbed effort float over the bar from 18 yards soon afterwards, it was only a matter of time until Reading broke the deadlock.
Pressuring regularly, all eyes were undoubtedly on England international Kirby – who has already played a pivotal factor in the Royals’ climb to the top – and she did not disappoint, slotting home into the left-hand corner in a one-on-one scenario before wheeling away in delight.
Watford battled hard, but struggled to find the final ball to break through the hosts’ defence. A dynamic run from Kirby down the wing allowed Lauren Bruton to come close with a header, but she could too only watch as her attempt glistened wide of the mark before the referee blew for half-time.
And it was the visitors who earned the first real opportunity of the second half, with Anneka Nuttall making a critical interception before breaking on the attack. Despite a shaky defensive manoeuvre from the Royals, Kate Natkiel saw her strike on goal cleared for a corner in a dangerous few moments for the Hornets.
However, the lead was soon doubled courtesy of Follis, who worked well with Bruton to beat goalkeeper Cherie Rowlands from a wide angle. Despite two Watford defenders putting their bodies on the line in a goal-mouth scramble, the game looked over as Reading took control once again.
Ten minutes later, and Follis managed to add her second of the evening with a powerfully placed rebound. Despite Rowlands’ best efforts to parry Kirby’s strike to safety, Follis was ready to pounce and seal a dominant victory.
Watford pushed for a consolation goal – with Maddie Scheffer appearing eight minutes from time to make her debut – but little could be done to break through the Royals’ back four.
Instead, Kelly Chambers’ side looked set to complete the rout with one final effort. With a solid penalty claim accepted, Bruton stepped up but could only blast the spot-kick over the bar in the dying minutes.
Reading have now scored an astonishing 14 goals in just three matches this season.
