Reading Women mark SCL return with 7-2 win over Fleet Town

Reading Women marked their return to the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Sunday with a 7-2 victory over Fleet Town, after more than two years away from the venue.

Fleet took a 36th-minute lead through Lily Martin, but Nat Cowell equalised shortly before half-time to set up a decisive second half.

Reading took control after the break, with Poppy Whitburn scoring shortly after the restart. A Fleet own goal followed, before Sophie Bishop and Alice Curr each scored twice, according to the Yahoo Sports match report. Priya Wilson scored Fleet’s second in stoppage time.

The result extended Reading’s strong record against Fleet, who had been promoted from Division One South and were inaugural tier-five visitors. Reading won last season’s meeting 8-0 at Arbour Park, while an unfulfilled reverse fixture was awarded to the Royals.

Reading manager Ed Jackson-Norris made two changes after the previous weekend’s defeat at Farnham Town. Lara Moore, an under-16s pathway graduate, made her full league debut for the first team.