Reading FC Women finished their pre-season programme with a convincing 5-1 win against a strong Portsmouth team, who narrowly missed promotion to the National Premier League last season.

Reading opened the scoring 25 minutess into the first half when Natasha Caswell drove a swerving corner kick into a congested 6 yard box, to be deflected into the net by Pompey's defence.

Five minutes later, Portsmouth equalised after winning the ball in midfield, and after executing some quick two-touch football, enabled their striker to play through the Reading defence and finish with a clinical shot.

Reading re-organised, with Kayeligh Hines and Josette Pearmine combining in midfield to allow Laura Woodley to slot home a superb goal only minutes from the half time whistle.

Reading kept good possession for the first twenty minutes of the second half, creating several chances that were narrowly missed.

Pompey soon re-grouped and our captain Kelly Chambers marshalled her defence of Polly New, Sahara Osborne Ricketts (Biff) and Stacey Wiggins to frustrate the mounting pressure from Portsmouth.

Reading Goalkeeper Cherie Rowland made two superb diving saves, and Reading contained the Portsmouth advances.

Natasha Caswell was a thorn in the side for Pompey all afternoon and with a player of the match performance was instrumental in setting-up the final three goals from Felicity West (65mins), Jossette Pearmine (75mins) and another for herself (80mins).

Manager Frank Rodriguez said, "We played well and deserved to win. We are looking forward and well prepared to start the league campaign next weekend".