Amalie Eikeland scored a fine winner as Reading claimed a 1-0 home victory in a hard-fought Women's Super League clash against Birmingham at Adams Park.
The Norway international struck the only goal in the 39th minute when she took a touch to bring down a high ball forward before cleverly lobbing City goalkeeper Hannah Hampton from the edge of the box.
Reading's fifth victory of the season lifts them up to fourth on 17 points, 10 clear of Birmingham, who slipped to their seventh defeat in 10 league games.
Reading looked to keep things safe for much of the first half but managed to get their noses in front through Eikeland's superb finish and then pushed forward after the break, with much of the second-half action taking place in Birmingham territory.
However, excellent defending by the visitors meant that, despite Reading's domination, the Royals were unable to add to their lead.
The closest the hosts came to scoring again was in the 89th minute when Hampton failed to keep hold of Eikeland's attempt but, before any Reading player could slot home the loose ball, the Blues managed to clear to safety.
Report supplied by PA Media.
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