Reading 0-3 Manchester City: Two Emma Mukandi own goals see City to WSL win
By Ali Rampling
Manchester City moved up to fourth in the WSL after a pair of Emma Mukandi own goals helped Gareth Taylor's side to a 3-0 win over Reading.
The Royals captain inadvertently sent the ball into her own net twice in the second half following a pair of mazy Lauren Hemp runs.
Bunny Shaw continued her fine scoring form by netting her seventh of the season to wrap up a fourth consecutive WSL win for City.
City made three changes to the side that beat Liverpool last time out, match winner Hayley Raso coming into the side in place of Chloe Kelly, Sandy MacIver replacing Ellie Roebuck in goal and captain Alex Greenwood dropping to the bench, with Demi Stokes handed a start. Esme Morgan moved to centre back, and was handed the captain's armband.
After the first half finished goalless, the deadlock was broken eight minutes into the second period. Hemp provided the driving run and cross from the left, and Mukandi turned the ball into her own net as she attempted to clear.
Hemp was at it again seven minutes later with another trademark scurry down the left. Her cross was parried onto Mukandi by Jackie Burns as the Royals captain netted her second own goal of the afternoon.
Shaw put the game beyond Reading 14 minutes from time. Again it was Hemp who created the opening with a jinking run and again it was a cross from the City left that caused chaos in the Royals box - this time from substitute Mary Fowler - and Shaw was on hand to rise highest and thunder a trademark header into the roof of the net - her seventh goal in six WSL appearances this term.
The result leaves City three points off Chelsea in the WSL's final European spot, and six points behind leaders Arsenal.