London Bees head coach Julian Broomes was satisfied with his side’s performance despite a comprehensive 3-0 defeat by Reading in the Continental Cup.

The Bees were caught out from three set plays and would have been on the back end of a far more embarrassing scoreline, had it not been for the form of keeper Sophie Harris, who denied the Royals on several occasions.

Broomes was still in optimistic mood despite another loss and speaking afterwards, he said: “It was a much improved performance from the last time we played Reading, earlier in the season.

“But we’re disappointed because we conceded from three set pieces – we switched off for the third one, and the other two we just gave silly free kicks away.

“But it’s a much better performance altogether," he added.

The Bees will face the same opposition in the Women's Super League 2 on Saturday and head into the fixture in ninth place. The Royals are second to league-leaders Doncaste Rovers Belles.