Spurs held 0-0 by Reading at the Madejdki Stadium

By Football Reporter

A hotly-contested battle at the Madejski Stadium ended in a goalless draw between Reading and Tottenham Hotspur.

There were chances for both sides to score in the tussling Barclays FA Women’s Super League tie, which saw both managers make several second-half substitutions in an attempt to kick-start momentum.

The visitors set the tone for the afternoon, with an aggressive opening ten minutes, Spurs delivering plenty of crosses into the box as Reading defended frantically.

The Royals were awarded with a free-kick just inside the Tottenham half in the 14th minute, with Lily Woodham playing it short to Amalie Eikeland, whose ball into the box was just over hit.

Ria Percival was booked in the 16th minute after bringing down Deanne Rose, who fought back with a superb run down the right into Spurs’ box but her driven ball was blocked by keeper Tinja-Riikka Korpela.

Eikeland had a chance in the 38th minute, receiving Woodham’s cross at the post, but Korpela’s brilliant save foiled Reading’s chances.

Ash Neville had a last-gasp effort to score before the break with an audacious volley from the right-hand side, but it hit the woodwork to remain goalless into half time.

The second half went underway at a fiery pace with both sides pushing for an opener.

A cross-field ball by Natasha Harding picked out Rachel Rowe, who did well to jinx her way into the box, but the Spurs defence was able to clear it.

Neville's cross from the right was met by Percival's header, with an excellent save from Grace Moloney to keep things level in the 50th minute.

Percival won Spurs a corner 12 minutes later, which Eveliina Summanen took, but Reading managed to hack it clear.

Closing in on the 74th minute, Reading had a brilliant chance as Justine Vanhaevermaet headed down a free-kick, Gemma Evans’ scrappy shot inside the six-yard box sending it high over the crossbar.

Four minutes later, Percival sent a hopeful ball into the box, almost bouncing into the goal past Moloney but was luckily cleared off the line in what was an embarrassing fumble for Reading.

Chances for both sides were missed as players began to fluster in the final ten minutes.

The draw leaves the Royals in sixth place in the table, while Tottenham missed a chance to move up to second as they remain in fourth – level on points with Manchester United.

To follow the action and sign up for The FA Player’s live Barclays FA Women’s Super League coverage visit womenscompetitions.thefa.com