The visitors made a fast start and had the first opportunity when Glover latched onto a long ball over the top, but she could not sort her feet quickly enough to get a shot away.

Moments later, Wilson produced a sharp interception in midfield before driving into the penalty area, though her effort lacked the power to trouble the goalkeeper.

The Sirens enjoyed a lot of earlier pressure. A superb cross from Kaur on 12 minutes was met by Glover, who could not steer her attempt on target. From a Mills corner soon after, Mear rose highest but saw her header blocked in a crowded box.

The best chance of the first half arrived after 32 minutes when Glover exchanged a one-two with Ball to race through on goal but her finish went off target.

Reading’s opportunities were limited, with Jenman alert to collect a loose ball into the box and Mills producing an excellent recovery run to intercept when a home forward threatened to break in behind.

The closest either side came before the interval was a stunning 25-yard free-kick from Mills in stoppage time, which was tipped onto the crossbar by the Reading goalkeeper.

The Sirens carried that momentum into the second half. Just after the hour mark, Davies replaced Kjaer and was immediately involved as Glover surged down the left and teed her up but the resulting cross missed any finishing touch.

Kaur then saw an in swinging corner shot the crossbar directly as the woodwork denied the away side for the second time in the match.

Substitute Soares came close with a volley from the edge of the box with four minutes of normal time left but that drifted just over.

Set-pieces continued to provide hope. Mills whipped in a superb corner on 89 minutes that Mear attacked bravely, clashing heads with a defender. From another corner moments later, this time delivered by Kaur,and again Mear rose highest but headed over the bar.

Reading almost snatched victory in stoppage time but Jenman produced a sharp save from a tight angle to ensure the spoils were shared.