Kelly Chambers disappointed after Reading not awarded potential equaliser
Brooke Chaplen’s shot looked like it may have been over the line.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Reading boss Kelly Chambers expressed her disappointment after seeing a potential equaliser not given in the 2-0 Women’s Super League defeat at Manchester United
There was a contentious moment six minutes after the break when Royals midfielder Brooke Chaplen hit a shot and it looked as if the ball may have crossed the line after coming off the bar, with the verdict from the officials, in the absence of goal-line technology, being no goal.
Three minutes later United, who had taken the lead in what was the opening match of the new season via Kirsty Hanson’s 39th-minute finish, doubled their advantage as Ona Batlle fired home.
After the contest Chambers told Sky Sports regarding Chaplen’s effort: “I thought it was in.
“If that had stood I think then the game is completely different for the rest of it. It’s just disappointing that we haven’t got that goal on the board.”
The game at Leigh Sports Village – the first WSL match to be shown live on Sky Sports, as part of the division’s new broadcast deal – was a first competitive outing for United under boss Marc Skinner, who succeeded Casey Stoney as boss in July.
Casey left us a wonderful foundation for us to build from so I just want to add little bits and add it into our own style
Skinner said: “It’s very much a hard work in progress. The players have been tremendous since I’ve come in and they have given lots and lots of energy to what we want to do.
“Hopefully you’ve seen a little glimpse of that today, because I think you’ll see much more as we go throughout the season.
“Casey left us a wonderful foundation for us to build from so I just want to add little bits and add it into our own style.”
Both of United’s goals were set up by England and Great Britain international Ella Toone, the first with a delightful through-ball.
Asked how happy he was with the 22-year-old, Skinner said: “Unbelievably. She has this wonderful ability to turn in those pockets and find spaces playing forwards.
“We knew we could hurt Reading between those lines and put their defenders in decisive moments themselves.
“So with her ability, her vision, just her sharpness between the lines, it was a no-brainer for us to put her in there tonight and just use her slightly differently.”