Powell admits that her side were outclassed in last weekend’s defeat against Manchester United, but was focused on identifying and exploiting the weaknesses of this weekend’s opponents to get a result from the match.
She said, “They [Manchester United last weekend] were just better than we were in every department - fitter, faster, stronger, and it was a really tough day for us. I think we did well in keeping the score down when you look at other results in the other games. Chelsea scored six and Man City got five so it was tough for us.
“I think we have to be quite resilient defensively tonight. Reading are a very good side, they are quite technical, have good movement and some very experienced players. We have to be on our game defensively and work hard. There are some weaknesses, as every squad generally has, so we have to try and exploit those and try to get something out of the game again.”
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Last weekend, Reading pulled off an unlikely 3-2 victory against West Ham United after being 2-0 down, as well as having Rachel Rowe sent off, and Powell credited their character for claiming the three points and picked out an England international in particular as a key player for the Royals.
“I watched the game back on the coach on the way home and I think the expectation from West Ham was that they were quite comfortable, then Reading got a player sent off and they are even more comfortable. Sometimes when teams lose a player it gives them an added incentive that they have nothing to lose and I think they showed their resilience, their character and their ability to get in behind and score goals. Credit to them, I thought it was a great performance.
“Fara [Williams] is very experienced. She’s 35 now and still able to influence the game quite dramatically and we have to be aware of that. They work very well as a team and as a unit, understand each other’s role very well and we have to recognise that and be prepared for it.”
Powell then gave an update on the injured Ellie Brazil as she starts her recovery on an ACL injury, and also spoke about the work of Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign as the club celebrates their work in the WSL tonight.
“Ellie is a big loss and more importantly for her it’s not nice thing to have to go through. She’s had the operation now and she’s doing well but it is a loss for her and we’re looking forward to her starting her rehab as soon as possible and getting back out on the field - hopefully she’ll be ready to go at the beginning of next season.
“It’s [the Rainbow Laces campaign] great. We were part of it last season. It’s important that we raise awareness of these sorts of issues and I think as a club it’s important that we are involved in that and recognise the campaign for all the good work that it does.”