Women's English League

Rover Oxford Ladies' five-match unbeaten run came to an end as they went down 1-0 at home to unbeaten leaders Reading in Division 2.

Rover, without captain and midfield general, Lorraine Furney, through injury, worked hard to try and unsettle the strong Reading midfield.

But, in the 11th minute, a rare defensive lapse allowed a Reading forward to dribble into the D unchallenged and shoot low past the diving Sadie Crapper.

With Vicky Griffiths shining, Rover pressed forward and Sunny Carter brought a good save out of the Reading keeper from a penalty corner.

Despite much pressure, the only times Reading threatened the Rover goal were through penalty corners. Crapper saved well from one and Florence Cooke raced out to block another.

In the second half, fine defensive performances from Liz McVey and Katie Smith ensured that Reading rarely got into the danger zone.

Livvy King hit a second-half hat-trick as Abingdon Ladies 2nd powered to a 5-0 win at Henley 3rd in a friendly.

Lucy Smales had opened the scoring before Lori Morrison made it 2-0 by half-time.