Olli Harder hailed Kate Longhurst’s surprise versatility after West Ham clinched a hard-fought 2-1 win at Reading in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League.
Emma Snerle and Yui Hasegawa grabbed the goals for the Hammers before Faye Bryson’s late consolation cut the gap for Reading in stoppage time.
Midfielder Longhurst, 32, deputised in a back three for Harder’s side as West Ham defended resolutely to prevent a rousing Reading fightback and move up to sixth in the table.