Rachael Laws was the hero for Reading as they beat Chelsea 4-2 on penalties to secure their safe passage to the knockout stages of the FA Women’s Continental League Cup.

The Royals goalkeeper saved twice in the shoot-out to ensure the visitors claimed a vital bonus point after the two sides were locked at 1-1 after normal time at Kingsmeadow.

Chelsea were already assured of their place in the next round before the game and still finished top of their group after Deanna Cooper cancelled out Jo Potter’s first-half effort.

Despite a strong start from the hosts, it was the Royals who broke the deadlock when Potter's clever free-kick was fizzed into the bottom corner from just outside the area.

Chelsea almost responded immediately but Bethany England's half-volley looped onto the roof of Laws' net from 20 yards out.

Reading managed to regain an element of control after the 30 minute mark and would have doubled their lead, had an audacious Angharad James shot not rebounded off the crossbar.

The hosts were literally inches away from equalising on the cusp of half-time following a goalmouth scramble which was somehow hacked clear from goal by the resilient Royals defence.

Chelsea were struggling to break down Reading's stubborn backline and needed a moment of brilliance to do so. On 66 minutes up stepped Cooper to strike from 30 yards. It swerved into the corner, out of the reach of Laws in the Royals goal.

Substitute Amalie Eikeland nearly restored Reading's advantage a minute later, but the Norwegian's header from only a couple of yards out hit the post.

With eight minutes remaining, Guro Reiten teed up Sophie Ingle to strike, but the latter's effort deflected onto the Reading crossbar.

Chelsea's England and Cooper were then the only two to miss their penalties in the shoot-out as Reading won 4-2 to join the hosts in the quarter-finals of the cup.

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