WOMEN FACE HAMMERS CLASH

READING WOMEN return to Women’s Super League action on Sunday after a three-week break with an away visit to West Ham United Women.

Kelly Chambers' side have won one and lost one after they defeated Aston Villa Women 3-1 to recover from a 6-1 thrashing to Arsenal Women on the opening weekend to put them in seventh.

Meanwhile, the Hammers are in ninth after a draw and a loss in their two fixtures.

West Ham drew their opening game of the season in a 1-1 stalemate against

Tottenham HotspurWomen, but theywere also on the end of a huge thrashing to Arsenal.

The Gunners thrashed

West Ham 9-1, with Jill Roord following up on her hat-trick against the Royals with a treble against the Hammers.

Reading were the victors in a thoroughly entertaining contest when the two sides last faced off against each other in November 2019.

The Royals were 2-0 with just 15 minutes left and down to 10 players after Rachel Rowe’s first-half red card.

But theymade an incredible comeback to earn the win as Kristine Leine, Brooke Chaplen and Jade Moore scored three goals in quick succession to complete an unlikely turnaround.

Lauren Bruton made her long awaited return to action after 16months on the sidelines with an injury and marked her comeback with a goal against Villa.

“Last season was difficult forme with regards to the injury and not being able to play,” said Bruton.

“It was tough watching the team everyweek knowing you can’t help.

I just knew in myself I had to remain positive and count down those months until

I was back.

“My first full competitive game felt like a long time coming.

“It was a big result for the team but forme personally scoring a goal topped it off perfectly.

“It was a great team performance, we were incredibly happy to walk away with our first win of the season, especially at the Madejski.

“Hopefully nowwe kick on and have a strong season.”