Birmingham City Ladies 0-0 Reading Women

Birmingham City's Melissa Lawley is tackled by Kayleigh Hines of Reading

Birmingham City moved up to third in Women's Super League One despite a goalless draw with winless Reading.

Blues striker Freda Ayisi spurned the game's best chances, including when she headed Kerys Harrop's left-wing cross wide of the mark in the 74th minute.

Reading's Emma Follis forced two first-half saves from Sophie Baggaley.

The result leaves Blues four points behind second-placed Chelsea, while Reading are seventh in the table having been promoted to WSL 1 last season.

Birmingham City defender Aoife Mannion:

"Only Manchester City have conceded fewer and they are top of the league. We're now unbeaten in four games which is a positive.

"Reading were well organised, hard to break down and had their first-half chances.

"We came out strongly in the second half and got momentum from that.

"Mel Lawley put in some good work on the left-hand side in the second half. We went for the win, as we always do, but a draw is not a bad result for us."

Reading striker Melissa Fletcher:

"Going into WSL 1 is a step up, but we have upped our training and shown that with our performances on the pitch.

"We've had a hard programme of games compared with some sides and can take some confidence from what we have done.

"We've now got a good chance to think about things and come back looking for that all-important victory."