Published: 31 March, 2016
by CHARLIE CORBETT

ARSENAL Ladies’ spirited challenge for their first league title since 2012 ran into a sky blue storm in Manchester as they failed to capitalise on a convincing win against Reading.

The Gunner Girls travelled to Manchester looking to top up the three points they garnered in the hard-fought 3-1 victory at Meadow Park.

But Manchester proved in no mood to cut the Gunners any slack after Jemma Rose saw red in the 15th minute. It ended 2-0 for the Sky Blues.

When Arsenal faced Reading Women, there were five ex-Gunners on display in the blue and white colours – including striker Helen Ward, vice-captain Lauren Bruton, Laura May-Walkley, Lois Roche and Molly Bartrip. 

Dominique Janssen set up the Arsenal Ladies with her first goal of their campaign just after the half-hour mark. Her swinging shot from outside the box wrong-footed the keeper to make it 1-0.

Asisat Oshoala marked her debut with a goal just after half-time when she rounded Grace Maloney and poked the ball into an empty net. 

Reading responded in the 58th minute when Jade Boho-Sayo headed in at the near post after a free-flowing move.

Arsenal weathered the storm and eventually put the game to bed when Dan Carter came up with a powerful header in the 70th minute to wrap up the points. 

Arsenal Ladies’ recruitment team had a busy few months in the off-season signing no fewer than five players. Manager Pedro Martinez Losa brought in Oshoala, Katie McCabe, Danielle Van De Donk, Josephine Henning and the ­marque signing from Liverpool, Fara Williams. 

But Arsenal Ladies now face fresh competition in their title charge from free-spending teams like Chelsea and Manchester City – and there’s every chance their transfer spree could pay off, if they keep their heads.

Next up for Arsenal in the league are Chelsea Ladies on April 21.