A spirited Reading side remain winless, despite putting in a good performance against title-challenging Arsenal.
Stina Blackstenius' strike on the half hour mark was the only goal of the game, although it could have been different had it not been for the two goalkeepers.
On the back foot for the entire first period, the Royals had just one touch in the Gunners' box.
Lionesses star Beth Mead was a threat throughout, but it was Swedish international Blackstenius who made the difference with her swivel and finish on the edge of the box.
The second half saw a more attacking home side, with Natasha Dowie getting more involved.
Still threatening, the game should have been put beyond doubt when the referee pointed to the spot after a handball decision.
Stepping in for regular keeper Grace Maloney, Jackie Burns sprung to her right and kept out Kim Little's effort.
It seemed to spark something in the hosts, who fought back and should have levelled on more than one occasion through Deanna Cooper and Dowie- who hit the post and had one cleared off the line.
Manuela Zinsberger, keeping a record eighth consecutive clean sheet, was fully tested as the minutes ticked by to a third straight win.
Over 3,600 were in attendance- a club record- but many left disappointed as it saw a third straight league defeat this campaign.
Next weekend Kelly Chambers' side travel to West Ham, with the supporters trust running their first ever coach to an away women's fixture.
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