Everton Women suffered a 2-1 defeat to Reading upon their return to Walton Hall Park, despite an inspired performance from the hosts.

The Blues led for 69 minutes until two late strikes from the Royals handed the cruelest of blows to an Everton side who performed brilliantly on Sunday afternoon.

The hosts seemed to be beaming with confidence following their previous 4-0 win against Huddersfield Town in the Women’s FA Cup and began the game in the best possible way, scoring five minutes in after some brilliant play by Claire Emslie.

The Scottish international cut in from the right-hand side and her left footed shot took a deflection of a Reading defender before Anna Anve gårdgot the final touch, beating Grace Moloney at her near post.

The Toffees came close to doubling the lead on 12 minutes when an Izzy Christiansen corner was met by left-back Danielle Turner whose header was cleared off the line.

Reading was struggling to get into the game with the hosts dominating majority of the first half, their only real attacking threat looked to be coming through right-back Faye Bryson who was crossing some dangerous balls into the box.

Five minutes before half-time, a Bryson cross was met by striker Natasha Dowie who had her shot cleared away after a goal mouth scramble was dealt with well by an Everton defence which looked strong.

Everton started the second-half just as well as they did the first and were awarded a penalty on 51 minutes when Lily Woodham was penalised for handling the ball in her own box.

The captain Christiansen stepped up, but had her spot kick saved by Moloney after diving to her left and turning the ball round the post.

Reading slowly started growing into the game midway through the second-half with the match beginning to look more of an even affair.

Dowie put her side on level terms on 74 minutes when her shot from around 25 yards out flew into the bottom corner after intercepting a misplaced pass, leaving Everton goalkeeper Sandy Maclver with no chance.

After a good second half performance, Reading managed rather fortunately to get the winner after the ball fell to substitute Tia Primmer following a goal mouth scramble inside the six-yard box.

Despite the result there were certainly positives Everton can take away from today’s Barclays FA Women's Super League fixture.

The Blues go again next weekend when they welcome Aston Villa to Walton Hall Park before the international break.