Reading beat Leicester 2-1 in an incredible basement battle as Rachel Rowe scored twice in the dying moments.

Natasha Flint gave Leicester a 36th-minute lead with a superb effort from outside the box.

Reading levelled in the final minute when Rowe scored direct from a corner, and the Wales international then struck from distance two minutes into stoppage time.

The Royals’ first points of the season took them up to ninth while Leicester remain rooted to the bottom of the table after six straight defeats.

Speaking before the game, boss Kelly Chambers knew it had a lot riding on it.

Reading Chronicle:

"There's no hiding, it is a big game for both clubs," she stated on Thursday. "We've worked hard this week to make sure there is no stone unturned to make sure we're fully prepared."

Flint, who opened the scoring in the first half, struggled to contain her disappointment as the East Midlands outfit surrendered a chance for their first win.

"To concede late on in the game is a bit gutting,” she commented. “But we do know that’s what Reading are good at, getting goals late on, especially in the 90th minute or around that time, but we need to do better in that situation really."

Reading host giants Manchester City on Sunday.