First home league defeat for Doncaster in almost two years

Reading’s Women’s team stormed to the top of WSL 2 this weekend following a thumping 3-0 victory over Doncaster Belles at the Keepmoat Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Following a goalless first half, a double from Lauren Bruton and one goal from Bianca Bragg earned the Royals the three points that sees them leapfrog Donny on goal difference.

Prior to kick off, Doncaster had not lost a home league game since September 2013 but, despite the absence of England striker Fran Kirby, Reading were able to ensure that that record came to an end. 

The home side started in the ascendancy and a dangerous cross from Sue Smith just eluded Courtney Sweetman-Kirk in the penalty area.

Sweetman-Kirk came close again just after the break when she lobbed the ball over Royals goalkeeper Grace Moloney but also wide of the target.

Two minutes later, though, the Royals nudged ahead. She flicked the ball over home stopper Nicola Hobbs before nodding into and unguarded net.

Bragg, who came off the bench just after the break, saw a low header hacked off away from danger by Sophie barker on the hour mark, and moments later she sent a 40-yard strike into the net, having spotted Hobbs off of her goal-line.

Reading were now in complete control and they were awarded a penalty on 72 minutes following a handball by Doncaster captain Leandra Little. Bruton stepped up and drove a powerful spot-kick into the top-left corner of the net.

The result makes it back-to-back wins for the Royals, who are next in action on Friday evening when they take on Millwall.

Doncaster Rovers Belles: Hobbs, Cunningham, Roberts, Little, Knight, Barker (Cresswell 72), Lipka, England, Roberts, Sweetman-Kirk, Smith (Tierney 72)
Not used: Stamp, Thomas, Johnson, Dale

Reading Women: Moloney, Jane, Davies, McGee, Scott, Walkley (Estcourt 81), Roche, Rowe, Follis (Bartrip 84), Bruton, Ward (Bragg 47).
Not used: Giddings, Skinner, Wilson, Haines.