Reading suffered defeat in the Women’s Super League on Saturday when bottom side West Ham United delivered a 5-0 masterclass at the Madejski.
Kelly Chambers’ side found themselves 3-0 down after 11 minutes before the visitors made it five before half time.
West Ham, who hadn’t won in ten games and were yet to win under Olli Harder’s management, started the tie the stronger of the two sides.
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Kenza Dali opened the scoring on seven minutes when her cross floated over Grace Moloney to nestle in the net.
It was 2-0, three minutes later when Rachel Rowe lost possession in a dangerous area. Kate Longhurst pounced before crossing for Katerina Svitkova to head home a simple effort while unmarked at the far post.
Immediately from the restart, a makeshift Royals defence were again at fault as Martha Thomas opened her account for the afternoon. The Scottish international stole the ball before firing at Moloney who could only palm the ball into the net for a third after 11 minutes.
Reading had their first shot on 20 minutes when Fara Williams headed a Rowe cross over.
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Jess Fishlock, playing her last game for Reading, saw an effort saved by West Ham stopper Courtney Brosnan before West Ham had their fourth.
Another mistake from Rowe in an unusually poor performance from arguably Royals star of the season gifted Cecilie Redisch possession. The Norwegian full back played a neat 1-2 with Thomas before the striker tapped home for her second.
Thomas completed her hattrick moments later with the goal of the game.
Direct play over the top beat the Reading defence before Thomas expertly chipped the ball over an onrushing Moloney from outside of the box, 5-0, 37 minutes played.
Reading made their one and only substitution at half time with Emma Harries replacing the uninvolved Amalie Eikeland to no avail.
Rowe claimed for a penalty on 52 minutes when she was seemingly taken down by Grace Fisk but West Ham continued to look the more dangerous side.
Deanna Cooper cleared an effort off the line as the visitors looked to push on further.
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Emily Van Egmond sent an effort straight at Moloney before Williams crashed a free kick against the crossbar with Reading’s best effort of the tie.
The Royals now face a break as players represent their countries before an FA Cup tie with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 18th April.
Reading: Moloney, Leine, Cooper, Woodham, Rowe, James, Eikeland (Harries 45), Fishlock, Williams, Harding ©, Carter.
Bench (Unused): Nayler, Roberts, Jeon, Flores, Childerhouse.
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