Chelsea and England forward Karen Carney believes Chelsea’s 3-2 win over Reading epitomised their season, after the Blues secured second place in the FA Women’s Super League.

In a rollercoaster clash at Staines Town, two goals from Eniola Aluko either side of Ana Borges’ strike put Chelsea ahead – but they were pegged back by a Lauren Bruton penalty in the second half.

Sub Fran Kirby – returning from injury – had a flurry of late chances against her old club, but Melissa Fletcher curled into the right corner late on for Reading to reduce arrears.

And while Chelsea sealed the second all-important WSL 1 Champions League spot, with Arsenal now unable to catch them in third, Carney admits they will have a lot to work on over the winter.

“It was the same as it’s been all season – up and down,” she said. “We seem to be ok going forward but then we keep conceding. It's not a reflection of just the back line but the team as a whole.

“We've got a lot to work on. We've always got goals in us, we'll always be a threat but I think we need to tighten up on the defensive side as a squad.

“I'm hoping that the new league will help us with our consistency with training weeks. I'm sure everyone will add to the squad and we'll kick on another gear.

“We've got the Champions League spot which is nice, but I think we'll be disappointed with the season overall. We'll just have to review it and see where it went wrong.

“Hopefully we'll get something next year and give something for the fans to cheer about.”

Reading are safe in WSL 1 with Doncaster Rovers Belles the side relegated to the second tier, and manager Kelly Chambers was delighted to see her side continuing to improve against the Blues.

The Royals had plenty of chances to score with Hedvig Lindahl denying Emma Follis, and the performance gave Chambers the confidence her side has what it takes to push up the table next term.

“Today was our best performance of the season,” she said. “Everything we've been building this season is starting to come together.

“I thought we gave Chelsea a good game. Two of their goals came from two set pieces, which is frustrating but we've got a squad now that we can build with for next season.

“I'm happy that we're competing in this league next season. I think it's important for us as a club that we keep building and we want to keep building.

“We changed a few things defensively today and that game was outstanding. Previously we hadn't had much going forward because we were concentrating on our defence but now, once we won the ball, we had a few chances.

“It's just that fine tuning to make sure it goes in at the end.”

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Chelsea (4-4-2): 1 Hedvig Lindahl, 3 Hannah Blundell, 6 Niamh Fahey, 4 Millie Bright, 11 Claire Rafferty, 7 Gemma Davison, 17 Katie Chapman (c), 8 Karen Carney, 16 Ana Borges, 10 Ji So-Yun, 9 Eniola Aluko.

Substitutes: Fran Kirby for Blundell 58, Bethany England for Aluko 73, Jade Bailey for Davison 75.

Substitutes not used: Rebecca Spencer, Drew Spence.

Bookings: N/A.

Red cards: N/A.

Reading (4-2-3-1): 19 Mary Earps, 2 Rebecca Jane, 6 Kirsty McGee (c), 5 Molly Bartrip, 3 Harriet Scott, 23 Rachel Rowe, 8 Reno Allen, 7 Emma Follis, 9 Lauren Bruton, 20 Melissa Fletcher.

Substitutes: Kayleigh Hines for Bartrip 85.

Substitutes not used: Grace Moloney, Jade Boho-Sayo, Charlie Estcourt, Helen Ward.

Bookings: McGee.

Red Cards: N/A.

Referee: Sunny Gill.

Attendance: 1,484.