It was a top of the table clash in the FA WSL 2 this weekend as Reading hosted leaders Doncaster Rovers Belles.
It was the Royal’s final home fixture this season and Kelly Chamber’s side were hoping the presence of their 12th man would help them to a vital three points in the title race.
Leandra Little, however, had other ideas as the Belles captain thumped in a header at the far post on 22 minutes.
To their credit the home side responded well and soon had a chance to equalise but as Emma Follis made a surging run into the box, she appeared to be brought down. Penalty shouts from her team mates were waved away and the game remained swung in Doncaster’s favour.
Reading’s patient build up play soon paid off though, and Helen Ward levelled the game after rising highest to head home a cross from the right.
Barely 60 seconds had passed before the WSL 2 leaders were back in front when the Royals failed to clear a dangerous Kasia Lipka free kick and Bethany England nodded in – her team taking a 2-1 advantage in to the break.
It appeared in the second half the visitors were happy to sit on their lead and soaked up copious amounts of pressure from their opponents as goalkeeper Nicola Hobbs put in a Woman of the Match performance.
However their resistance was broken on 88 minutes when Bianca Bragg slotted home substitute Nia Jones’ through ball to make it 2-a-piece.
It was a hard earned point for both sides, but it is that point that keeps the Belles at the top and in contention for promotion.
Skipper and goalscorer Little spoke of her disappointment that her side twice threw away a precious lead after the game.
“We’re gutted; it is two points dropped to be perfectly honest,” said defender Little. “I thought we’d done enough during the game to win it, and it’s just disappointing to concede so late on.
“It felt like we had managed it quite well and had the game in our hands and then to concede just through a lack of concentration is disappointing,
“We wanted to come here and get three points. It’s not all lost, going away with one point, but the win was our aim.”
