Aston Villa Women lost 3-2 to Reading at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Sunday.
Rachel Daly netted her first two goals in Villa colours, although they would be in vain as the Royals proved to be the stronger side on the day.
As the start of the Barclays WSL season draws closer, Carla Ward started with a strong side in Berkshire.
Hannah Hampton made her first start of pre-season, while Daly led the line with the support of Freya Gregory and Alisha Lehmann.
Villa made a relatively strong start, too.
Kenza Dali sent a fourth-minute free-kick just wide while sending another effort towards goal a few moments later.
The hosts, however, drew first blood as half-time approached.
Emma Mitchell clipped the ball seemingly towards the six-yard box from a tight angle, but saw it sneak in at the back post to leave Villa bemused and Reading jubilant.
That joy would be short-lived as Daly found the back of the net with a deft flick at the front post to send Villa into the break on level terms.
The momentum swung firmly back into Reading's favour following half-time as they struck twice in seven minutes.
First, Lily Woodham squeezed an effort from the left-hand side past Hampton at her near post.
Then, Reading converted a penalty after Ruesha Littlejohn handled the ball in her own area.
Villa were given a penalty of their own when Laura Blindkilde Brown was bundled over in the 87th minute, and Daly stepped up to slot home what would prove to be a consolation.
The game completes Villa's pre-season. Next, is their WSL opener against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, September 11.
Villa: Hampton, Mayling, Corsie (C), Patten, Turner, Littlejohn, Dali, Lehmann (Boye-Hlorkah 46'), Harding (Blindkilde Brown 71'), Gregory, Daly
Unused subs: Leat, McLoughlin, E. Rabjohn, McAteer
