Manchester United moved top of the WSL table following their 1-0 win over Reading courtesy of a sublime late goal from Rachel Williams and a record 50th clean sheet for goalkeeper Mary Earps.
The victory fired Marc Skinner’s side ahead of reigning champions Chelsea and three points clear of Arsenal - both London sides now have games in hand following match postponements.
United spurned a plethora of chances against Reading, who struggled to fend off the pace and persistence of United. Reading goalkeeper Jacqueline Burns was forced into action six times during a thrilling first half.
Nevertheless, a moment of late magic from substitute Williams proved pivotal as the 35-year-old forward jinked inside from the left before leaving three Reading players for dust in the box and firing a shot into the top corner in the 87th minute.
United had Earps to thank that Williams’ goal was able to prove the difference, with the England goalkeeper making a remarkable save to keep out Justine Vanhaevermaet's glancing header earlier in the game.
With Chelsea’s fixture against Liverpool abandoned due to a frozen pitch at Kingsmeadow, United’s triumph at the Select Car Leasing Stadium fired them to the summit on goal difference.
The title race was blown wide open following Chelsea's dramatic late draw with Arsenal last weekend. United are well and truly in the mix after they extended their unbeaten run to eight games in all competitions.
While the 6-0 rout of Liverpool aided United’s goal difference, the character shown to edge past Kelly Chambers' dogged side will prove the telling point if United do remain top of the table by the season’s end.
United return to action on Sunday when they travel to Sunderland in the fourth round of the FA Women's Cup.
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