Reading will be hoping to put their recent setback aside, as they welcome Oxford United to the Rushmoor Community Stadium on Thursday evening.
The Royals’ unbeaten run finally came to an end at the weekend, with two late strikes in the final seven minutes from Yeovil Town resulting in their first defeat of the season – just weeks after overcoming the Glovers in the away tie.
However, Fran Kirby will be hoping to add to her goal tally – having scored her eleventh in four games during Saturday’s upset. Reading have enjoyed fine form in front of goal, notching fifteen in to date in the WSL2, but Oxford skipper Sahara Osborne-Ricketts is hoping her side can gain confidence from the hosts’ surprise defeat at home.
With the visitors sitting in eighth place – their opening-day victory over Watford being overshadowed by three consecutive defeats – the 24-year-old is aware her side need to get points on the table against the promotion candidates.
“We’ve got to look to get something from the game,” she said.
“You cannot go into a game thinking you are going to be beaten from the start. We will have a game plan and if we can execute it then you never know.
“People might just think that if you stop Fran Kirby then you stop Reading, but they have got quality all around the pitch. Fran isn’t the only one that has scored goals this season, so there is plenty of danger there.
“But we have got a lot of pace up front, so if we can get the ball out to the wide players and utilise that pace then we can trouble anyone.”
Victory for Reading could see them claim top spot once again, with Doncaster Rovers Belles one point clear at the top and still unbeaten but not playing until the weekend.
The Royals will be aiming to inflict damage on United, who are just two points clear off the bottom. Having scored just one goal from four games, Oxford do not look to pose an immediate threat. Nonetheless, Reading midfielder Bonnie Horwood believes her side could face a tough contest.
“The aim is to get promotion, so you need as many points as possible, so we spoke about making a good start. With sides like Doncaster, Aston Villa and Everton we know they are probably going to be our rivals for promotion.
“Of course, every game is tough and all teams have strengthened, but if we can try and get that gap forming early on then that would be great. It’s been a great start for us, so we just want to try and keep it going.
“Everyone can see what a big impact our goals have been making. We are scoring loads and not conceding very many – until Saturday, anyway – so you are always going to start the season well if that is the case.”
Reading currently boast the best goal difference in the league, despite having conceded four more than league leaders Doncaster.
To read our exclusive chat with Reading’s Fran Kirby click here
