In the second half, both sides struggled to create chances, whilst they also found it difficult to consistently keep the ball for the long periods.
Reading Skipper Emma Mukandi struck a first-time drive that gave Arnold something to worry about for the first time in the second half, with the Australian tipping the fierce effort over the bar.
And it would be the home side that would make the breakthrough on 65 minutes. The ever-dangerous Wellings raced in behind the Hammers backline before trying to feed Rachel Rowe – the ball was intercepted by Cissoko but it fell kindly for the winger to wrap her foot around the ball and blast it beyond Arnold.
The Hammers rallied, and Konchesky elected to introduce Atkinson from the bench. The winger popped up with an assist in the defeat to Aston Villa and did so against the Royals. A wonderful ball in ran perfectly into the path of Asseyi, who converted to bring the game level.
But it wouldn’t stay level for long, as another searching ball into the area wasn’t dealt with by the Hammers, which allowed Rowe and opportunity to strike first time, with her effort beating Arnold.
The Irons tried with all their might to get an equaliser late on, with Atkinson and Cissoko both having opportunities, whilst Grace Fisk headed onto the post – but they couldn’t find the goal they needed and went home empty handed.
West Ham United: Arnold, Shimizu, Cissoko ©, Fisk, Smith, Parker (Filis 83), Hayashi, Longhurst, Snerle (Atkinson 70), Asseyi, Thestrup (Evans 79).
Subs not used: Hillyerd, Denton, Cooke, Houssein.
Yellow Card: Parker 57
Goal: Asseyi 77
Reading: Moloney, Bryson, Mukandi ©, Evans, Wellings, Eikeland, Harries (Troelsgaard 69), Mayi Kith, Moore, Vanhaevermaet.
Subs not used: Burns, Wade, Hendrix, Caldwell, Meadows-Tuson,
Goals: Wellings 65, Rowe 85
