Stoney looks forward to Royal rumble
Manchester United Women follow last weekend’s landmark first-ever derby win with another game at Leigh Sports Village, with the Reds hosting Reading on Sunday lunchtime.
United played the Royals twice last season, once in the Continental League Cup and once in the FA Cup, and while Reading’s top-flight experience shone through with two victories last term, Casey Stoney is looking forward to the test this latest match will provide.
Speaking in this weekend’s matchday programme, the MU Women head coach says: “Both teams come into this match in good form. We are three wins from three with three clean sheets, and Kelly Chambers’ side arrive having won four of their last five.
"We played each other twice last season and though both ended in defeat for us, the matches were close and we took positives from them. We know how good a side Reading are – we are going to have to be at our very best again to get a result. As ever, though, our priority focus is on what we do.”
Captain Katie Zelem scored the opening goal in the 2-0 win over Manchester City last weekend, and was still buzzing when she penned her programme notes.
“What a feeling to win our first home derby! And to get on the scoresheet was an incredible feeling too – though when you end up at the bottom of a 10-player bundle, you’re thinking to yourself that the knee slide to celebrate perhaps wasn’t the best idea!”
The win took United up to fourth in the WSL table on six points, with Reading level on points but with a game in hand.
The game on Sunday kicks off at 12.30 GMT… come on Reds!