Natasha Harding inspires Liverpool Ladies to Reading victory
Natasha Harding scored twice and provided an assist as Liverpool Ladies produced a sparkling display to beat Reading Women 4-2 in the Spring Series at the Select Security Stadium on Friday night.
It was also a proud night for Scott Rogers and his team as the Ladies proudly wore their new Avon sponsored strip for the first time.
Liverpool Ladies took the lead in the opening minute when a pass from Niamh Charles found Harding who drove forward from the left and finished superbly with a curled effort beyond the reach of Mary Earps.
Two minutes later the visitors were level when Brooke Chaplen’s effort somehow found the net after Siobhan Chamberlain let the ball fall through her hands.
In what was becoming a very open contest Reading then went 2-1 up on seven minutes when Melissa Fletcher pounced to net from close range.
Stunned by the turnaround and backed by their fantastic loyal supporters, Liverpool Ladies began to show their quality and find a way back.
Charles was unfortunate to see her effort cleared off the line after a superb run and cross down the right from Shanice Van De Sanden.
On 24 minutes the scores were level when Harding turned past the defender with a lovely piece of skill and then produced another fantastic finish.
Harding was then involved in the move that led to Caroline Weir making it 3-2 on 33 minutes. Harding’s pass found Alex Greenwood down the left flank and her delightful cross was headed into the net by Weir.
Four minutes into the second half it was 4-2 when another brilliant run from Harding saw her set up Laura Coombs who netted from close range.
Liverpool Ladies: Chamberlain, Hodson, Greenwood, Bonner, Ingle, Zelem, Coombs, Weir, Harding, Charles (Johnson), Van De Sanden (Longhurst).