Reading 1-0 Leicester City: Brilliant Natasha Dowie goal enough for Royals

Reading extended their unbeaten run to six games with a narrow win over Leicester City thanks to a brilliant first-half goal from Natasha Dowie.

Her lob over Foxes' keeper Demi Lambourne moves Reading into sixth place in the Women's Super League.

Dowie also had a penalty saved by Lambourne before the break, while Emma Harries hit the crossbar.

Leicester were much improved after the break, but their defeat moves them to the foot of the table.

Dowie's goal and missed penalty, together with Harries' hitting the woodwork, underlined a first half that was dominated by the home side but Leicester were a touch unlucky not to come away with a point after a spirited display after the break.

Esme De Graaf's shot across the face of goal was as close as Leicester came to scoring, with Reading keeper Grace Moloney having few real saves to make.

With Birmingham City's unlikely 2-0 win over leaders Arsenal taking place at the same time, Leicester ended the day propping up the rest of the WSL.

• Relive coverage of Reading v Leicester City

Reading lie one place behind Manchester City, who thrashed Brighton 6-0, on goal difference and their next outing will see them face Arsenal on 16 January.