Tottenham's top half ambitions suffered a major blow with a 1-0 defeat at WSL strugglers Reading losing back-to-back league games for the first time this season.
An early own goal proved the difference, but in truth the Lilywhites didn't deserve anything from a disappointing display in Berkshire. Reading, who had only won once in the league going into Sunday, took the lead when a goalmouth scramble saw Spurs defender Amy Turner head into her own net in the 12th minute.
Tottenham lacked real rhythm for long periods and had their goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer to thank for keeping them in the game. Manager Rehanne Skinner made a triple change in the second half which did install some life into the performance, but they couldn't find the elusive equaliser.
Her team looked out of ideas for much of the game and although they did belatedly improve in the final 20 minutes, Drew Spence and Nikola Karczewska missed their best chances. The result leaves Tottenham already 12 points off the Champions League places.
Neither side started quickly at a freezing Select Car Leasing Stadium, Eveliina Summanen wasting the first chance when her free-kick from a dangerous position was deflected off the wall. But it was Reading who grabbed the lead after a calamity at the back for Spurs.
Summanen gave the ball away, giving Tia Primmer the chance to shoot from distance, with Spencer only able to tip the effort onto the bar. When the ball came back out, the unfortunate Turner could only head beyond her helpless goalkeeper, with the ball scrambling over the line.
And Reading very nearly made it 2-0 just minutes later when the impressive Sanne Troelsgaard was played in, but Spencer reacted well at her near post. The home captain Emma Harries that smashed the crossbar with a wonderful sidefoot volley, with Spencer once again getting a crucial touch on the way.
Spurs looked off the pace in the first 45, struggling to cope with a Reading team playing a high tempo and winning the ball back at will. Ash Neville did at least go close when her deflected curling effort landed just over the bar but it was a lacklustre half for Skinner's side.
Turner nearly atoned for her own goal but couldn't get her header on target when well placed at the back post and when Neville failed to connect with Jessica Naz's excellent cross, the visitors went into half time a goal down.
Spence missed a sitter only two minutes after the restart with a snapshot from close range, before Spencer made a world class save from Troelsgaard to keep Spurs in the contest. Neville then created a good chance for Spence, but the Jamaican international's tame effort was easily saved by Jacqueline Burns.
Karczewska then could only shoot straight at the Reading stopper in the dying minutes, after good work from fellow substitute Kerys Harrop. A goalmouth scramble did follow in injury time, but Reading held out to hand Tottenham a fourth WSL defeat of a season and root them in mid-table.
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