Henley faced Reading in a return fixture, this time at home, and made a strong start in the first quarter, applying early pressure and forcing Reading to react quickly. Both sides looked dangerous moving forward, but a tight midfield battle denied either team a clear chance on goal.

The second quarter saw Reading push hard with a series of short corners, all of which were expertly defended by Henley thanks to several outstanding saves from goalkeeper Anjana Sothynathan. Henley then turned defence into attack with a brilliant move: Caitlin Barrass intercepted a pass on the halfway line and played the ball square to Emma Jean-Jean. The youngster then drove down the right before returning the ball to Barrass. Continuing her run, she took on the keeper, slotting the ball neatly past her with great composure, to give Henley the lead.

Reading responded with increased intensity, capitalising on a brief lapse from Henley to score an equaliser, followed shortly by a second goal to turn the game around.

Henley fought hard in the closing stages, led by Keira Halloran’s attacking pressure as they searched for a late equaliser, but despite their efforts they were unable to find the goal they so craved.