Birmingham City Ladies 0-0 Reading Women

Image source, The FA

Image caption, Birmingham City's Melissa Lawley is tackled by Kayleigh Hines of Reading

Birmingham City moved up to third in Women's Super League One despite a goalless draw with winless Reading.

Blues striker Freda Ayisi spurned the game's best chances, including when she headed Kerys Harrop's left-wing cross wide of the mark in the 74th minute.

Reading's Emma Follis forced two first-half saves from Sophie Baggaley.

The result leaves Blues four points behind second-placed Chelsea, while Reading are seventh in the table having been promoted to WSL 1 last season.

Birmingham City defender Aoife Mannion:

"Only Manchester City have conceded fewer and they are top of the league. We're now unbeaten in four games which is a positive.

"Reading were well organised, hard to break down and had their first-half chances.

"We came out strongly in the second half and got momentum from that.

"Mel Lawley put in some good work on the left-hand side in the second half. We went for the win, as we always do, but a draw is not a bad result for us."

Reading striker Melissa Fletcher:

"Going into WSL 1 is a step up, but we have upped our training and shown that with our performances on the pitch.

"We've had a hard programme of games compared with some sides and can take some confidence from what we have done.

"We've now got a good chance to think about things and come back looking for that all-important victory."