Durham Women put in a promising performance despite defeat at Reading.
In a cliched game of two halves, the Wildcats found themselves three goals down at the break but rallied to dominate proceedings after the interval.
But it was the full-time hosts who ran out victors, thanks in part to a virtuoso display by Fara Williams as the midfielder netted a fine hat-trick.
Durham, though, had started brightly with Zoe Ness denied by Grace Moloney early on after she had been played through on goal by Abi Cottam.
And the significance of Moloney’s save was felt only minutes later as the hosts took the lead – captain Kirsty Peace firing home after a deflected free-kick fell fortuitously into her path.
The lead was doubled shortly after as a cross into the area was headed away as far as Williams who rifled a sweetly-struck volley past debutant Hannah Reid.
Indeed, the score could have been more but for Reid who superbly denied Gemma Davison and Brooke Chaplen as the Royals poured forward.
A third did come before the break as, once again, a clearance fell fortunately for Reading with Williams the beneficiary as she side-footed home.
After the break, Durham started to stamp their authority on the game with Abi Cottam striking the bar only minutes after the restart.
And Durham arguably should have had a considerable advantage in their quest to get back into the game when Moloney handled outside the area and simultaneously brought Ness down as she looked to round the ‘keeper – the stopper shown only a yellow card.
The Wildcats did pull one back moments later, as Beth Hepple cooly converted from the spot after Cottam had been tripped in the box.
But it was to be Reading and Williams who had the final say, as the midfielder found the top corner to 30 yards to seal victory for the hosts.