Reading FC Women will hope to continue their spell at the top of the WSL 2 table when they host Millwall Lionesses on Friday.
The teams will travel to the Madejski Stadium, hope of the Reading men’s team, in what will be an exciting fixture for both sets of fans.
After an impressive 3-0 victory at Doncaster Rovers Belles last week, the Royals climbed to the top of the table on goal difference, meaning a win against Millwall should retain their number one spot, as well as give them a three point cushion if the Belles were to lose their match on Thursday.
However, their opponents head into the fixture unbeaten in 2015, with two victories and five draws seeing them sit firmly in 4th place with 11 points.
Last time out Millwall recorded a 3-2 win over local rivals Watford and they now remain the only team in the league yet to record a defeat.
This is largely due to their impressive defensive record – conceding just seven goals this season – on equal terms with second placed Doncaster Rovers, while Reading have conceded nine. But unfortunately, with their dynamic defending comes submissive striking, with the side only boasting a very average nine goals scored.
Reading, however, have largely been enjoying their time in front of goal, and are currently the league’s top scorers with 23 goals. They will also be boosted by the temporary return of star striker Fran Kirby.
Having netted 11 goals in just five games, Kirby will line up with her side one final time before heading off to the World Cup finals in Canada with the England national team.
Regardless, Millwall forward Ashlee Hincks believes her side shouldn’t fear anyone, after repeatedly defying the odds throughout the campaign.
“The unbeaten run is a credit to everyone, we work really hard at being solid at the back and that shows in the games,” she said. “There’s no reason we can’t keep it going until the end of the season.
“The Reading game is going to be completely different to the game against Watford, they’re so strong and we can’t afford to make mistakes in that game. We need to be strong as a unit and make sure we’re all singing off the same hymn sheet and that’s something we’re going to be working on in training.
“It’s going to be really exciting to play at the Madejski, it’s always good to play at the men’s ground. There’s always a different atmosphere to the games and everyone’s really looking forward to it.”
