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Coventry City Girls FC Under 14B Match Reports 2006/07 Perrywoods 0 - 3 Coventry City Ladies Once again this week we make tracks up the M6 and down the M5, this time to Birchley Sports Centre, home ground to Perrywoods, where a strong wind guides us to a scarred pitch that has recently seen plenty of action from both matches and tractors. For the first time, Coventry’s line up is without influential and top goal scorer Jess, giving the striking partnership of Amy and Braids an opportunity of a full 70min. The game gets under way with Perrywoods kicking off and forcing Coventry to play head on into a fiercely strong wind and from the off Coventry go on the offensive when Amy narrowly misses the far post as she flicks the ball with the outside of her boot, past the keeper. Perrywoods come back at Coventry determined not to let us have it all our own way. With the ball bouncing unpredictably and high our defence find it difficult to judge the bounce, making us track back to deprive any breaks by Perrywoods, and with all other long balls being carried too far by the following wind, onto the awaiting Alice on the edge of the box. As the game continues a little frustration sets in as bodies swamp the ball in numbers, hindering the opportunity to open play and move the ball around freely. The first half ends scrappy and goalless mainly due to the unfavourable adverse conditions. Coventry kick off the second half, this time with the contribution of wind assistance, the ball is sent directly into Perrywoods territory, with Coventry now camping in Perrywoods half and having more shots on target in the first few minutes than the whole of the first half. A welcomed first goal comes Coventry’s way from a corner taken by Deanna which she delivers high over the keeper and drifts in under the crossbar to be met my a Perrywoods player who can only send it further into the net. A second soon follows from an unexpected low ball punched through from midfield straight to the Perrywoods keeper, taking an awkward bounce on route and forcing the keeper to spill in front of Amy who casually tucks it away. Perrywoods continue to battle, challenging possession and try to break with long passes, but are unable to make any noticeable advances past our policing back four, who are determined to keep a clean sheet and turning attacks into counter attacks. In the dying minutes of the game, Coventry extend their lead with applied pressure from our striking pair, forcing the Perrywoods keeper into making a hasty clearance which is charged down by Amy and rebounds into the back of the net. The final whistle blows to end a game played in difficult conditions, but with a great deal of effort from both teams. Ferndale 2 - 2 Coventry City Ladies Today we make the journey, in glorious sunshine, over to Wolverley, Kidderminster home to league leaders Ferndale. With us being only two points behind, and our previous league encounter ending in a draw, this sets the scene for a very competitive and fast paced game. The referees whistle starts the match with Coventry kicking off and as expected both teams playing at a fast pace, battling hard and making it plainly obvious that they mean business, with the first 10 minutes seeing the ball constantly being sent from end to end. The first opportunity falls to Coventry with a well taken corner by Rachel which finds ‘H’ on the edge of the 18yd box who strikes first time sending the ball whistling just over the cross bar. After persistent efforts by both teams, the opening goal falls to Coventry, delivered from a corner, Deanna flicks on with her head, the ball lands between several players who eventually loosely scramble it away only as far as the edge of the 18yd box where Deanna swings an out stretched boot which is enough to send it into the back of the net clipping the post on the way. Jess breaks from the half way line and heads for goal with Ferndale’s keeper approaching rapidly; Jess’s last prod of the ball sends it too close to the keeper who slides out to make a brave save to deny Jess her first goal, but in doing so picks up a knock. The game continues with Coventry possibly having greater possession. Coventry soon stretch their lead from a well worked free kick whereby Deanna plays it short to Lucy who with a neat first touch, chips the ball over a well disciplined line for Jess to pick up and fire a blistering shot into the left hand side net. Ferndale come close to pulling one back on the stroke of half time when they play the ball down the left flank and onto the goal line where they pull the ball back across our goal face to be met with a shot that narrowly misses the right had post. Ferndale get the second half under way with a new lease of energy and on the offensive pressing Coventry into our own half, for which they are rewarded with their first goal within the first 5 minutes of the second half. From a move much the same as the first half, a cross played across goal mouth for a prowling Ferndale player to tap in at the far post. Alice pulls off a terrific save when she closes down on a breaking Ferndale player, she drops, sliding to win the ball and keep Coventry’s precious goal lead. Coventry frequently open down both flanks but are unable to put the final cross out of reach of the Ferndale keeper. With 15 min remaining Ferndale bring the score back to level and consequently raise the tempo of the game and rate of work of both teams. With time running out both teams come close to clinching a winner, Ferndale have one disallowed for offside and Coventry also miss out when a ball played in from Beth to Amy who plays it on towards the far post for the fast approaching Rachel, who’s shot is just wide of the post. The final whistle blows, and again neither team comes away with all three points. Well played to both teams for a very competitive and nail biting, entertaining game played in good spirit. Coventry City Ladies 6 - 1 Leamington Lions 'A' This Saturday we’re play hosts to Leamington Lions ‘A’ for our return league fixture. Coventry kick off the first half in explosive style, dominating and driving forward with confidence, whereby within the first minute, Rachel races down the left and tests the keeper with a shot which narrowly glides over the crossbar. Rachel begins to enjoy her freedom on the left and is soon becoming a thorn in Leamington’s side, again with a dash down the left flank leaving all behind and delivering a precise cross just out of reach of the keeper for the ever present Jess to make a simple tap in. With Coventry continuing to surge forward, it’s not long before we extend our lead following a Lions goal kick, which is blocked and diverted, to the right, to find Beth who from the corner of the 18yd box plays a beautifully floated ball over the keeper and into the side of the far net. Coventry are now playing with confidence displaying their usual entertaining and flowing football, creating many good opportunities. Going with the run of play, Coventry add to the score line when Jess intercepts another weak goal kick and promptly fires back past the keeper for our third. Once again it’s Rachel’s sprint down the left which provides a firm cross into the box, where Amy’s outstretched leg just can’t make contact but continues on for Jess on the far post to stick a boot out, diverting it into the back of the net for Coventry’s fourth and Jess’s hatrick. In response Lions return with a short period of good possession on the left which finally releases a ball through our defence and across our 18yd box, for an awaiting Lions player on the right of the box to rifle a shot at goals which Alice does well to get her fingertips to, but only enough to deflect it into the roof of the net. Half Time Score: Coventry City Ladies 4 - 1 Leamington Lions ‘A’ Leamington start the second half and as from the first half Coventry continue to drive forward making ground swiftly down both flanks with both Amy and Channy on opposite sides of the pitch, pulling away from their markers. Our fifth goal starts from midfield where Coventry patiently maintain possession, pass well and playing across to both sides of the pitch, finally delivering to Amy on the left of the 18yd box, who cuts in past her marker and fires over the keeper and into the far side of the net. Play resumes with Lions determined to notch up another goal or two, but face a Coventry back four who are calmly dealing with anything that heads their way. The ball is squirted through from midfield, finding Jess who turns and heads down the centre, parting two defenders and with only the keeper to beat, rifles a shot, the keeper reacts quickly, sticking a boot out to deflect the ball over the cross bar, making an excellent save and leaving Jess with her head in her hands. With only a few minutes remaining on the clock, Lucy adds her name to the score sheet with our sixth and final goal, from a corner kick, patiently she stands just outside the centre of the 18yd box to receive a weak clearance, without hesitation Lucy immediately fires back at goals, sending the ball sailing into the roof of the goals to end the match. West Bromwich Albion 8 - 0 Coventry City Ladies We arrive at Aston University Recreation ground, home of West Bromwich Albion, for our second round League Shield fixture. As with our two previous visits to Aston, today is no different, with the ground very soft and slippery, skies are grey and rain on its way. Coventry go to the spot and get the game started and soon find themselves on their back foot, defending and surviving several threatening strikes from a very strong West Brom side. Coventry receive an early devastating double blow when West Brom return from Alice’s goal kick and score into an unguarded goal mouth while Alice is initially unnoticed on the ground holding the top of her leg with a strain from her previous goal kick. Unable to continue, Alice is helped to leave the field, and Emily pulls on the keeper’s shirt. Within minutes, West Brom go two goals up from a pass slotted through which catches our defence on the wrong side of a breaking striker who puts it away cleanly. Coventry continue to battle back and look like getting back into the game when Jess puts the ball in the back of the net to close the gap, but unfortunately the whistle had blown seconds before for a challenge on Jess in the penalty area. Stepping up to the spot, Jess thunders a shot low but the keeper manages to stick a boot out and deflects the ball round and behind the right hand post. It seems like things are not going to go our way, having lost our keeper, a penalty saved and through balls being clipped by heels and not going through cleanly. The first half ends with West Brom scoring their third from a corner which is squeezed in just inside the near post. Half Time Score: West Bromwich Albion 3 - 0 Coventry City Girls The second half gets under way with Coventry’s line up remaining unchanged and determined to pull back the deficit, but within the first two minutes of the half Coventry’s task is made harder when West Brom increase their lead with a beautifully floated ball over the top and just out of reach for Emily. Following a fifth goal Coventry find themselves having to play deep to defend West Brom’s relentless attacks, consequently reducing any Coventry challenges on gaols. Making changes, Amy comes on and soon imposes her presence as she sees her left footed shot beat the keeper but also watches it rolls past the wrong side of the far post. Rachel also races down the left flank shoulder to shoulder with a defender and manages to release a shot which narrowly misses the top of the left upright, again Coventry come away with little to show for their efforts. West Brom now playing confidently and making some great clean tackles, they continue to notch up three more goals, as we appear vulnerable, allowing passes to go astray and struggle to clear from our 18yrd box, With the final whistle comes the end of our campaign for the Shield and our first defeat this season. A game in which we where overwhelmed by a solid performance from a good all-round team, however a spirited team effort from our girls who did not stop trying and battling. We would all like to take this opportunity in wishing West Brom good luck in the next stages to winning the League Shield. Coventry City Ladies 5 - 2 Ferndale This weeks visitors to Wolston for the 2nd round of the Open Cup are Ferndale, the team we played in the first league fixture of the season, where a drawn score line and with both teams being unbeaten to date, sets the stage this week for an eagerly anticipated clash. Straight from the kick off Coventry attacked the Ferndale defence, but the direction of play is immediately reversed as Ferndale burst back with strength and speed, the game takes on a fast paced attacking and counter attacking pattern of play. In the 4th minute Braids steers Coventry into a crucial lead with her first of her pending hatrick, when she receives from the right and drives through two defenders heading to the corner of the box to explode a shot past an out-stretched keeper and into the left side of the goal. The game restarts with both teams fighting hard for the next goal, again the ball is sent from end to end, with Beth tying well with Channy who uses her speed to carry down the right flank. In the 9th minute Ferndale celebrate with an equalizer, developed from a thrown ball, flicked into our goal area, where Alice drops to her knees to collect, but with the ball bouncing just in front of her, she is unable to secure it, whereby the ball breaks free for a prowling Ferndale striker to tuck into the back of the net, opening the game back up. A ball is delivered from deep within Coventry’s half, Jess breaks down the centre, stretching the defence, but with only the keeper to beat, she is brought down in the penalty area where the referee has no hesitation in blowing and pointing to the spot. Once again Deanna accepts the invitation and strikes a sweet penalty to which Ferndale’s keeper pulls off a tremendous save, keeping a jubilant Ferndale strongly in contention. On the stroke of half time, Coventry punch through a ball just in front of Ferndale’s box, for Jess to pounce on and play past two defenders to bury it deep into the back of the net putting Coventry back with a valuable first half lead. Half Time Score: Coventry City Ladies 2 - 1 Ferndale Ferndale start the second half, with Coventry having made several changes, and as with the first half, the game continues with end to end, nail biting entertainment, which sees Ferndale once again pull the score level from a loose ball within our box, which everyone scrambles for but is poked over the line. Ferndale’s elation is short lived as with immediate response, from the centre spot, Coventry drive forward, Jess bravely leaps in the air, painfully blocking a Ferndale clearance and drops to the ground clutching her side. But her pains do not go unrewarded as Braids is able to collect the rebounding ball and punch it under the keeper to put Coventry back into the lead. With everything still to play for, Channy makes one of her blistering runs down the right flank and brings Lucy into play who lofts a beautifully weighted ball over the defenders and into the path of Jess to fire home, giving us a little breathing space. With time now ticking away, Ferndale push numbers into attack, to try and salvage the game, but face a team now playing with confidence, an uncompromising back four and Kelsey playing an instrumental part slamming the door shut on any Ferndale break. In the dying minutes of the game, Braids completes her hatrick and Coventry’s 5th with a strong drive down the centre, shrugging off challenges and firing a shot past the approaching keeper and into the back of the net. As anticipated, a very competitive, good spirited and thoroughly entertaining game with a strong performance by Ferndale and an excellent exhibition of on the ground passing football by a group of girls who truly performed as a team. Well done to both teams and GOOD LUCK to our girls in the next round. Banbury United ‘A’ 0 - 10 Coventry City Ladies Following a two-week break, this week we head down to Banbury on a sunny but very fresh Saturday morning to play on quite a small pitch, and with the ground a little soft, it could make footing a little difficult. Banbury get the game started and within seconds Coventry turn on the attack serving Jess with an opportunity to display her overhead scissor kick which does not come off but nevertheless is entertaining to watch. Banbury battle hard looking intense an ambitious, but are unable to make any threats in the Coventry goal area. With Coventry relentless attacks, inevitably Banbury concede their first goal from a corner which Braids puts a boot out to send the ball into the nearside roof of the goals. Again Banbury unperturbed return with ambition, but Coventry now begin to stretch the play and soon we score our second from a Rachel run down the left flank with a perfectly weighted ball knocked across goal for the prowling Jess to simply divert into the back of the net for her first of her hatrick. With all of our girls playing a good fluent game, more scoring opportunities are created when Amy gets her first of four with a long ball sent from well within Coventry’s half for Amy, with a good first touch, to pull away from her marker and fire past the keeper. Half Time Scor: Banbury United 0 - 6 Coventry City Ladies Coventry start the second half with an eagerness that sees them caught offside several times, but that’s not to stop Amy, who’s having one of her best games, from scoring her hatrick within two minutes of the second half starting. With a reasonably comfortable lead, Coventry continue to dictate play and show an exemplary display of teamwork which leads to Rachel adding her name to the score sheet to put Coventry with a nine goal lead. Once again our defence plug any leaks leaving Alice to police a desolate goal area, with the occasional back pass to clear. Commendably, Banbury throughout have never looked despondent and have continuously dug in deep and encouraged each other to fight back and challenge. The final goal of the game is from a penalty awarded to Coventry for a hand ball, which Deanna slams home to end the game. Leamington Lions ‘A’ 2 - 7 Coventry City Ladies Today we’re playing away to Leamington Lions ‘A’ for our first league meeting this season. Coventry kick off the first half with the disadvantage of the sun low down and in their eyes, not letting it bother them, they make an explosive start, dominating and driving forward with confidence, creating opportunities to go ahead. Responding to a Leamington surge, Deanna cuts out a long through ball, and takes a trip down the right into Leamington’s half, delivering a pin point cross to Jess who shows too much of the ball to the oncoming keeper. Going with the run of play, Coventry open their account when Jess intercepts a weak goal kick and carries forward to blast past the back peddling keeper to score her first of her pending hatrick. Rachel enjoys her freedom on the left and is becoming a thorn in Leamington’s side, with what’s becoming her trade mark runs down the left flank leaving all behind and complimenting Beth on the right, both serving our striking pair. Leamington try to break for goals with long balls over the top, delivered from deep within their own half, catching our defensive line very flat, forcing them to chase back. Leamington’s keeper takes a goal kick, Lucy steps in front of a Leamington player to win the ball, takes it forward and in range for a piercing shot, beating the keeper for Coventry’s second and her first of two. The first half ends with Coventry extending their lead to three goals courtesy of Lucy’s simple flick from the outside of her boot, between two defenders and into the path of Jess to tuck away. Half Time Score: Leamington Lions ‘A’ 0 - 3 Coventry City Ladies Leamington start second half, with Coventry having made changes, Braids coming on for Amy, Kelsey on for Emily and Channy on for Beth. As from the first half Coventry continue to drive forward with ground being swiftly made down both flanks and it’s not long before Rachel adds to the score line by pulling away from her marker on the left and thundering a shot into the roof of the net. Following an own goal that puts Coventry five ahead, Leamington pull one with a strike which Alice does well to palm away but with our defence unable to make a noticeable clearance, the ball falls to a Leamington player who scores with a ricochet from the underside of the cross bar and just crossing the line before bouncing back out. With some confidence reinstalled, Leamington score their second within minutes after they are awarded a free kick on the left within Coventry’s half. A ball is floated in, Alice comes out to collect, but finds herself crowded by players, the ball makes a bounce over the top and heads for the goal, Alex and Deanna follow but are unable to clear before a Leamington striker nods it into the back of the net. Coventry immediately return to commanding the game, putting what they train into practice, passing the ball around well and creating one way traffic which invariable results in two further goals, firstly by Lucy who seeing the keeper off her line, takes a speculative lobbed shot from well outside of the box, followed by Amy’s terrific sprint all the way down the left to the goal line and whipping in a cross, beating the keeper but finding Jess to tap in. Again another good, high spirited and entertaining performance by both teams. Good luck to our girls in next weeks League Shield second round tie against West Brom. Coventry City Ladies 3 - 2 Leamington Lions ‘B’ We’re are at home for the first round draw of the Open Cup, against Leamington Lions ‘B’ on a glorious Saturday morning. This being the second occasion that we have met this season, and following the first meeting which turned out to be one of the most entertaining games so far, Coventry were under no illusion and expected another hard fought match. Coventry get the game started, and not to disappoint, Leamington come out with all guns blazing and with a score to settle, with the initial period keeping us on our back foot and under considerable pressure making several challenges at goals. In response, our first real chance comes from a Rachel cross from the left to find Jess who’s first blistering strike returns to her courtesy of the cross bar, followed by a second thundering strike which is painfully blocked by a Lions defender. Leamington continue to drive forward with long diagonal passes, finding their striker breaking through from the right, forcing our defence to chase back to block any challenges. In a moment of confusion brought on by a threatening moment, Coventry hand Leamington an opportunity to grasp the lead from a free kick on the corner of our box, following Alex’s nudged ball back which Alice handles. From the free kick, Leamington are unable to capitalise and the score remains goalless. As the match continues, Coventry’s lack of conviction in midfield allows Leamington to keep most of the play within Coventry’s half, keeping our back four busy. Following a corner kick, Coventry are awarded a penalty for a hand ball. Jess is nominated and steps up to take, but uncharacteristically, she calmly places the ball to the far left, but unfortunately the wrong side of the post. Is this a sign that things are not going to go our way? Half Time Score: Coventry City Ladies 0 - 0 Leamington Lions ‘B’ The second half sees Kelsey drop back into her familiar roll to bolster the defence and Chaney comes on for Alex. Leamington kick off, continuing from the first half with a shot coming in from the right which Alice does well to stick a foot out keeping the ball out. As the second half progresses, Coventry begin to open the play up and move onto Leamington’s goals to create chances, from which eventually Coventry end the deadlock with a ball released from Emily to Amy who brings Rachel into play to put a cross into the box for Jess to send it home with her left boot to give us a precious lead. Within minutes Coventry extend their lead with almost a repeat of the first goal after a run down the flank by Rachel who is taken right to the goal line, but is able to squeeze a lofted cross over for Jess to hammer in. Within a short period Leamington’s determination is rewarded with their first goal, following a scramble in front of goals where the ball pops out kindly for a Lions player to poke past Alice. With a second wind, Leamington draw level with a floated ball into Coventry’s box, Alice calls out for possession but watches the ball escape through her arms and into the path of a Lions player to score the simplest of goals. With scores back to evens, Coventry is still battling for the winning goal, having their fair share of opportunities which are frustrated by the excellent goal keeping and strong uncompromising defending. Coventry continue to survive Leamington’s attacks, having several shots from the right, past the goal face, fortunately with no one there to connect and out for a goal kick. With the prospect of extra time and penalties looming, a sigh of relief comes when Jess scores her hatrick and Coventry’s winning goal with a break through the middle, supported by Amy. From just inside the 18yd box Jess rifles a shot into the left hand corner of the goal. Again as expected, another exciting and entertaining game, with a strong performance by Leamington Lions. Well done to both teams, but Coventry will need to step up their game If they are to continue to progress in the Cup. Well played to both sets of girls for a very competitive and thoroughly entertaining game played in excellent spirit. An excellent display of character from our girls after going behind three times and turning the game around to win. Coventry City Ladies 10 - 0 Perrywoods On a slightly damp Saturday morning with the sun trying to break through a lifting mist, we play host to Perrywoods for the first time this season. We all welcome H’s return to Coventry’s line up following the injury she picked up in a pre-season friendly. Perrywoods get the game underway, initially bringing the game to Coventry, quickly closing down on play and challenging possession, but Coventry take it in their stride and within the first ten minutes, we breach Perrywoods defence on several occasions with a brave keeper and lack of clinical finishing being the only things maintaining a goalless score line. It’s only a matter of time before Jess scores her first of four, and the first for Coventry, with an intercepted clearance which she puts past the keeper with her left boot. Following the initial burst from Perrywoods, Coventry with their first goal, now settle into the game, holding play in Perrywoods half which brings our second goal with a ball laid on by Braids for Amy to blast home. Deanna faces the Perrywoods keeper from the penalty spot after the keeper makes a late challenge on Jess, sending Jess somersaulting over the top. With calm and ease, Deanna slots the ball low and just to the right of the keeper. Coventry’s dominance of the first half is completed with Jess’s hatrick made by an accurate long delivery from our defence to Jess who with acres of space, takes a stroll up field, sending the keeper the wrong way to place into an open goal. Half Time Score: Coventry City Ladies 5 - 0 Perrywoods Coventry kick off the second half with the noticeable difference that Perrywoods have changed keepers, playing the first half keeper in an outfield position. Perrywoods continue to battle hard, but are unable to make any noticeable advances past Coventry’s stern back four, where Alex is finding form, turning Perrywoods attacks into Coventry’s own counter attacks. From a practiced corner, Rachel plays short to an approaching Kelsey who pushes the ball back square to the goal line for Rachel to cross into the box for the ever present Jess to thunder it into the back of the net. With any chance of pulling a point back, slipping away, Perrywoods admirably fight on looking for a consolation goal. Coventry continue to take advantage of the time Perrywoods allow them on the ball, making countless attacks but unable to convert many of them into goals. Against run of play, from just outside Coventry’s area, an ambitious stray shot is fired in from Perrywoods to find Alice on the other end of it, pleased with having touched the ball. After having hit the post and crossbar, Rachel finally scores her first and Coventry’s eighth with a strong run down the left flank, peeling open the defence and firing from just inside the area leaving the keeper standing. Nearing the end of the match, Braids adds her name to the score sheet by getting on the end of a ball played at pace across the goal mouth to turn it into the back of the net. A good display from both sides with many opportunities created, saved and missed. Credit to Perrywoods for a persistent and valiant effort. Redditch United 0 - 3 Coventry City Ladies Today we make tracks to Studley, home of Redditch United U14’s, for our first round league shield fixture. Conditions are a little soft, hardly any wind to consider, but bathed in glorious sunshine. Redditch win the toss and strangely choose to switch ends and play into the bright sun. Coventry kick off and begin to force Redditch back to defend against the pace of Amy and the strength of Jess who both are handed opportunities to score, firstly with a shot saved, followed by Jess who’s attempted shot sails over the bar whilst being sent tumbling from a shove in the back, which goes un-rewarded of a free kick. Coventry continue to maintain possession and dictate play which is soon rewarded in the 15th minute, with a deserved goal following one of many precisely crossed ball from Rachel to magnetically find Jess who powers through two defenders and lets loose with a shot over and out of reach of the approaching keeper. Beth threads the ball through which Jess nonchalantly flicks over her own shoulder and onto Amy’s boot, Amy lines up for a left footed shoot but is hindered by the keeper and the ball goes across goal mouth and out of the other side with no one at the far post to clean up. Our lead is extend with a determined battle between Jess and a defender on the edge of Redditch’s 18yd box, Jess finally comes out triumphant and manages a snatched shot which the keeper try’s to clear with a mistimed kick and watches the ball carry on past her and into the back of the net. The end of first half sees our defence having a reasonably quiet game and Alice itching to touch the ball Half Time Score: Redditch United 0 - 2 Coventry City Ladies Redditch get the second half under way, with Coventry now playing with the sun in their eyes. The game continues pretty much the same way as the first half, with our girls keeping most of the action within Redditch’s half and able to regain lost possession reasonable easy. From a ball squirted through from midfield, Redditch’s keeper and Jess make a strong challenge, the ball ricochets free and Emily’s there to have a go only for it to go a shade wide of the left hand post. Redditch have an inspiring moment when they make ground well into our half to send a shot at goals with a patient Alice perfectly positioned to receive the ball. Not wanting to be left out of the action, Alex intercepts a goal kick and carries it forward, pushes a lovely ball threading it between defenders and into the path of Braids who unfortunately is beaten to the ball by the keeper. Our third goal starts from a move within our own half. As throughout the game, Elizibeth helps the ball along to Jess who fires from quite an acute angle from the right hand side of the 18yd box, to score her third hatrick in as many games. The final whistle blows to end a game that has seen the ball spend almost as much time out of play as on the pitch. Although controlling the game, a score line that reflects a Coventry strike force kept at bay by physically strong defending, and as before, on occasions, our girls standing off and not quickly closing down on their opponents. None the less a good win to see us through to the next round. WELL DONE GIRLS Coventry City Ladies 6 – 3 Leamington Lions ‘B’ Coventry play host to top of the league: Leamington Lions ‘B’ on a pleasant Saturday morning with a very light breeze and slightly damp ground from an early mist. Coventry get the game started and straight from the off play begins at a ferocious pace with both teams battling hard and making it plainly obvious that they mean business. The first real opportunity falls to Leamington who are denied with ball cleared off the line by Deanna following an initial shot which Alice can only manage to deflect with her knees. After continued hard work from both teams, the opening goal falls to Leamington with a powerful shot which emerges from between bodies to beat Alice on her right. With continued efforts, we miss an opportunity to level the score following a half shot which lands at the keeper’s feet and bounces loose for Amy to pounce on but unable to direct it into the net. Once again Leamington break on the left, Alice closes the angle, but is unable to hold onto a strike, however Kelsey’s on hand to tidy up and clear. Leamington take advantage of a spell whereby we fail to quickly close down on threatening attacks on goals, as a consequence Alice is made to pull off a spectacular save, diving low to her right and redirecting the ball past the post with her finger tips, to keep Coventry in the game. Coventry finally equalize with a ball played in from the left to Jess on the edge of the 18 yd box, Jess patiently waits for the approaching keeper to commit herself, then comfortably slots it out of reach just before the half time whistle to put us back onto the game. Half Time Score: Coventry City Ladies 1 - 1 Leamington Lions ‘B’ With the sun coming out for the second half, Leamington kick off and immediately go on the offensive pressing Coventry into our own half. In the fourth minute Coventry concede their second goal from an intercepted goal kick which is played through our defence to an oncoming striker to simply flick the ball in to put Leamington back into the lead. With great determination and purposeful play, Coventry battle back and begin to take control in midfield pushing the ball down the flanks. We soon pull the score level when the ball breaks out from midfield to Braids out on the right who shrugs off a defender to take it to the corner of the 18yd box, with the keeper coming out, Braids takes an early clean shot that screams into the left corner of the goals. No sooner do we get back to level scores; Leamington once again go ahead for the third time with a strong run down the right finished with a good clean strike. Again Coventry refuse to roll over and die and in reply bring the score level with a persistent challenge from Amy to finally get a shot on goals which is deflected by the keeper into the path of Braids who makes no mistakes as to where the ball is going to end up. As the sun beats down and the temperature rises, the girls begin to feel the results of a very strongly contested game. Motivated by screaming encouragement from all on the sideline, Coventry continue to gain control and for the first time in the game find themselves in the lead with two more goals from Jess to complete her hatrick and put Coventry in a commanding lead. Within the last few minutes of the game, Leamington put the ball in the back of their own net following a miss kicked clearance from a ball directed in at goal from Deanna. Well played to both sets of girls for a very competitive and thoroughly entertaining game played in excellent spirit. An excellent display of character from our girls after going behind three times and turning the game around to win. Bournville Warriors 1 - 6 Coventry City Ladies Today we travel to Senneleys Park, home ground of Bournville Warriors. Conditions are a little slippery following the morning dew and without any wind to consider. Coventry kick off the first half and immediately go in search for the first goal, which is not long in coming, in the form of a break from a long defensive clearance, Amy collects and slots it forward for Jess to beat the advancing keeper. Our girls take a positive attitude from their first goal and begin to command the play, holding Bournville into their own half and forcing them to defend a Coventry assault on goals. As a result of Coventry’s applied pressure, our second goal develops from an initial strike at goals from Amy that’s blocked and rebounds off a defender, into the path of the ever present Jess to nail it home. Following a prolonged period of defending, from a clearance, Bournville break down the centre of the field with a striker running for goal, Alice reads the play well and runs out to close the angle, she drops to her right and gathers the ball to save Coventry from a threatening moment. Unperturbed the girls swing back into action, maintaining possession in midfield, playing wide and continuing to race down both flanks, sending crosses in, to create more opportunities for our striking pair. From a contested loose ball in midfield, Lucy is reluctantly forced to leave the pitch red faced and watery eyed after being struck full in the face with the ball. Elizabeth comes on for Lucy and Coventry’s management take the opportunity to send Braids on and give Jess a breather. In a moment of persistent scramble within our half, Bournville pull one back, with a ball poked through to a striker who breaks through from on side, Deanna try’s to drive the striker away from goal but is unable stop a low driven shot to the left of Alice. As the half time whistle blows, Coventry leave the pitch with only a one goal lead, not for the lack of shooting opportunities but down to some good brave keeping and solid defending from Bournville. Half Time Score: Bournville Warriors 1 - 2 Coventry City Ladies Bournville get the second half under way, with Coventry closing down the play and forcing an early corner. From the corner Deanna delivers an enticing ball into the goal mouth which spins in off the boot of a defender in an attempt to clear. Coventry continue to increase their lead from another lightning sprint down the left from Rachel who fires in from just inside the 18 yard box, the keeper sticks a foot out to deflect the ball past goal but only as far as the right hand post where Beth appears from nowhere to score Coventry’s fourth. In an incident following a block by the Bournville keeper, Braids follows up on the loose ball but is met with a challenge by a defender whereby both tangle and hit the ground. With assistance, Braids limps off having picked up an injury her ankle, adding to her previously injured ham string. With Amy back on for Braids, Coventry re-establish their relentless attacks on Bourneville’s goal, again with Rachel rifling a shot in from the left, only to have Bournville’s keeper palm her shot away but only into the path of Amy to score Coventry’s fifth. Play resumes with Bournville determined to notch up another goal or two, but face a Coventry back four who are calmly dealing with pretty much most of what heads their way. With only a few minutes to go, Jess takes an inviting opportunity to score her hatrick , firing low to pass beneath the keeper for Coventry’s sixth and final goal of the game. Well done to both teams for a good hard fought and spirited game. It’s a pleasure to see all the girls back to playing the football that we have come to expect, showing a great deal more grit and determination. A convincing win with a convincing score, but countless other shots, off target or directly at the keeper, to mention, nevertheless, WELL DONE GIRLS !!! Coventry City Ladies 3 - 3 Ferndale We return to our home ground, Wolston Leisure Centre in glorious sunshine with a light cross breeze, this being our first eagerly anticipated league game of the season against newcomers to the league, Ferndale Youth. Coventry get the first half under way with Emily sliding the ball through to Beth who plays a cross over the top to Amy to take on, but her first touch is played too close to the keeper. Ferndale respond from a throw on the right well within our half, which is flicked on to a forward who drives through two defenders, Alice races out to force an early shot which she manages to deflect with her body, wide of the left hand post. From a throw on the left within Ferndale’s half, Jess is forced to the goal line; she manages a cross which passes the goal mouth for Beth to race in from the right to put the ball home for our first goal of the game and the season. We soon add a second with play initiated from mid field with a Lucy header on to Amy who plays forward to Jess to knock it on towards goals, the keeper comes out and slides to collect, but Jess’s challenge is enough for the ball to run free for Jess to have a second opportunity to score Coventry’s second. ` Coventry’s elation is short lived as from the following centre kick, Ferndale retaliate with a combination of passes which sees them plough through a stagnant Coventry squad, to put the ball past Alice for their first goal. Ferndale continue to build on their goal, looking the sharper of the two teams, displaying more commitment in their play and challenges, which is rewarded in an equalizer with again a virtually unchallenged run down the left, finished off with a shot to the right of Alice and in. Half Time Score: Coventry City Ladies 2 - 2 Ferndale Youth Ferndale kick off the second half with Coventry seeing a change with Braids coming on for Amy. Coventry keep on battling against an up beat Ferndale team who continue to close down the play and strongly contest every ball. Following a foul, Coventry are awarded a free kick approximately 25yds out just to the left of goal. Deanna accepts the invitation and calmly floats the ball into the top right hand corner to put Coventry back into a much-needed lead. The game resumes with sporadic moments of promise, but very little developing into a productive conclusion. Coventry win a corner, Rachel sends the ball in with jess making a clean first time left footed strike which narrowly passes the wrong side of the post. Ferndale again find themselves back in the points with an equalizer coming from a mix up in our defence when both Deanna and Kelsey challenge for the same ball, but neither collects and present it to a Ferndale player to steal and score. In a short spell near the end, Coventry begin to instil more of the football which we’re used to seeing, but it’s too little too late, as the final whistle blows. Possibly a satisfactory result for Ferndale Youth who played good competitive football and on today’s performance I’m sure will do well this season, but a lucky and disappointing one for Coventry based on a performance where there appeared to be no urgency to win possession and second to most balls. Following a successful season, It looked like Coventry arrived today a little complacent and expecting to face opponents equal to last seasons standard. In fact they have been faced with the stark reality that as the younger age group of the under 14’s league, they will have to work much harder than last year as there will not be any easy game for them this season. Come on girls; show us that you can do it. Coventry City Ladies 3 - 2 Luton Town Belles Today we welcome Home Counties Girls League team, Luton Town Belles U13’s to Henley College for our last friendly prior to commencing our league campaign next week. Fortunately the rain has stopped, but there’s still a strong cross wind, which is causing havoc with Dave’s catering marquee (garden gazebo). Luton kick off and the game starts at a nervously frantic pace with the ball ricocheting round the pitch, with both teams looking for the early break. The first clear opportunity comes our way with Amy’s run down the left, crossing in to Jess who knocks it forward towards the edge of the 18yrd box. Luton’s keeper bravely commits herself, finding herself just outside the 18yrd box, she slides but in doing so, makes contact with her hand for a Coventry free kick. Rachel lines up for the kick and curls it just wide of the top right hand corner post. Coventry soon capitalize from an intercepted short goal kick, Jess pounces on the lose ball and fires in from just inside the left hand 18 yard box giving the keeper no chance, and Coventry’s first. The battle continues with both teams attacking and counter attacking. From a repeated build of play starting from a switch back from the left to Alice, played onto Chaney, sending it down the right, onto Beth who plays a beautifully weighted cross over the top, in for Jess to drive through two defenders and launch it in, for our second. Coventry are now making more of the play, with the fast reaction of Luton’s keeper depriving Coventry from extending their lead. Half Time Score: Coventry City Ladies 2 - 0 Luton Town Belles Coventry start the second half with Paige coming on at right back and Chaney moves to central mid field. As with the first half, we continue making ground down both flanks, from one such run Rachel hits a thundering shot from a tight angle on the right hand edge of the box with Luton’s keeper equal to it. Coventry continue to knock the ball around well, keeping possession, maintaining pressure, but allowing Luton off the hook by trying to play the ball into a point blank shooting position, rather than taking the early shooting opportunities. With the onset of light rain showers and stronger winds, Coventry’s pace appears to be slowing and without the same urgency as the first half, which is reflected by Luton imposing more in our half, consequently allowing our opponents to level the score from two defensive errors. The first being a weak pass across goal towards Paige on the right who can’t make the ground in time, allowing a Luton player to cut in with only Alice to beat. Their second followed shortly after from a moment of indecisiveness under pressure on the edge of our box, not playing safe and sending the ball out of play, but allowing a Luton player to steel and lay onto another team member to score. Coventry swiftly respond with a fierce shot fired at the keeper who spills, allowing Amy to clean up putting us back into the lead. In the dying minutes, from the left, Rachel plays the ball in, Jess hits it crisply first time, rebounds off the left hand post, and back across the face of the goal unfortunately with no one there to follow it up. On various occasions throughout this game and others, it seems that some of the girls have come to rely on detailed orchestration from the sidelines for guidance, resulting in indecisive and delayed reactions. Possibly it’s time that they have greater belief in their own abilities and put to use all they’ve learnt and practiced in the training sessions. Well played to both sets of girls for a very competitive and entertaining game played in excellent spirit. A big thank you goes to Luton Town for making the journey to us with no more than a friendly game in mind. Our girls now have the task of stepping up a gear from last season, after being the bigger and older girls of the league, to now possibly playing against bigger and stronger teams although I’m certain they are more than capable. GOOD LUCK Stanton United 3 - 2 Coventry City Ladies Today we venture to Stanton United, an under 15’s squad who finished last season second in the Leicester league and runners up in the cup. The pitch is new with a considerable slope from end to end, this to be its inaugural game. Adding a reasonably strong wind down hill, whoever plays down hill will have a major advantage. Stanton win the flip and choose to take the advantage of playing downhill. From the off Coventry make the initial attack playing the ball right up to the Stanton box to be finally cleared. Stanton immediately respond from a goal kick straight down the centre, bouncing over our midfield and picked up by a Stanton forward who races to goal shoulder to shoulder with Kelsey, Alice comes out, drops to her right to block the attack, the ball bounces up for a Stanton player to make contact with her hand giving Coventry a free kick. Stanton continue to apply pressure from two consecutive corners, the second which sees a low driven corner played out to the edge of our box, which is hit cleanly at goal, Alice covers well and catches it cleanly. The opening goal comes from a Stanton throw within our half, a teasing ball is flicked on high towards our goal box, Alice comes out to deprive a Stanton player, only to see the ball agonisingly bounce just over her finger tips, as she falls back. The Stanton player is left to score the simplest of goals to put the home team ahead. Stanton are controlling the play, holding Coventry into their own half for long periods, making our midfield work hard and contrary to our two previous games, testing our defence. Stanton win a challenge on the right in Coventry’s half, sending the ball across the front edge of our box and finding a team mate in space, to fire in a shot, Alice instantly drops to her right to cover but the ball takes a deflection off another Stanton player to roll in to the left hand corner and Stanton United second goal. Coventry respond with several breaks which are returned with quick counter attacks. Our girls display their passing ability from a Stanton corner which is intersected by Deanna who travels well into Stanton’s half playing onto Amy on the left, crossing it first time over the top to Braids on the right who’s forced to the goal line but manages a cross back towards Amy but too close to the keeper. From the left Emily chips over Stanton players to Jess in space on the right. Jess takes the ball down the right and just inside the box, the keeper comes out, Jess chips over the keeper for the ball to narrowly miss the right hand post. Jess has to be taken off having had the ball hit her straight in the face, Emmo comes on into a left midfield position and Amy pushes up along side Braids. From a through ball, a Stanton player takes a speculative shot from just outside the box, Alice goes down to her right, blocks, but is unable to hang on, the ball breaks free and with a rapid approaching Stanton player, Alice manages to scramble and recover ball, to end the first half. Half Time Score: Stanton United 2 - 0 Coventry City Ladies With the second half on the way, Jess is back on for Emily and Coventry now have the advantage of playing downhill with the wind behind them. Coventry immediately attack and have a shot saved within the first minute. Elizabeth wins a challenge in midfield and makes for Stanton’s goal, seeing Braids returning from an offside position, Elizabeth wisely decides to take it on herself but after a strongly contested challenge she finally loses out to a stronger defender. Following a throw within Stanton’s half, Coventry are awarded a free kick for a push in the back, Rachel steps up targeting the goals, the keeper makes a nonchalant attempt to collect, dropping the ball and letting it go out for a Coventry corner, which we are unable to capitalise from. Coventry have transformed from defensive to offensive having the greater amount of possession and attempts on goal, indicating that the slope of the pitch and following wind are major contributing factor in the game. Our girls continue to gain confidence and control of the game with midfield pushing balls through to forward positions, from such a ball, Jess picks up and knocks the ball on a little too far, the keeper takes a glancing swing to clear, only to have the ball carry on past and with the ever alert Jess to tap it home for Coventry’s first. Although now with the roles reversed, Stanton are still a threat when they break on counter attacks. Braids is forced to go off having pulled her hamstring, and Emily is brought back on. We come close to equalizing from play started by a throw which Emmo helps on to Jess who’s forced wide by the keeper, but is still able to snatch a shot which echo’s off the right hand post and out for a goal kick. Soon after Emily is also forced to the side-line with an injured ankle following a crunching challenge on the ball. With our only substitute also injured, Coventry are forced to play on, with only ten players. Coventry finally score their equalizer from a Channy throw to Jess, who turns and shoots, the shot rebounds out from a defender and into the path of Emmo out on the left corner of the box. Emmo moves forward on goal turning past two defenders and calmly slots the ball inside the left hand post. Coventry now have the bit between their teeth, and with Stanton’s girls tiring, are making most of the play and keeping Stanton penned into their own half. Coventry are frustrated by a decision following an unbelievable incident. Deanna picks up a lose ball, makes a run from well within our half, past two Stanton players, Elizabeth supports and plays through to Jess who blasts a shot at goals clipping the top inside left hand post and heading in, only to have a goal side spectator push the side net in with his hand, deflecting the ball back out into play. Unfortunately the referee only sees the ball come back out into play and waves play on oblivious to the cry’s of “It was In” from both home and away supporters, players and the linesman, denying Coventry the lead and possibly influencing the final outcome of the match. With a cruel twist of fate, Stanton kick a long clearance, which is taken on by a team player down the middle, Kelsey chases forcing the player to the right of our box, a shot goes in and Alice stops the shot with her knees and rebounding back into the path of the Stanton player to put the ball into our net for Stanton’s third and winning goal just before the final whistle. Allesley Aces 4 - 10 Coventry City Ladies Once again we’re at Coundon fields for an evening pre-season friendly against hosts Allesley Aces U15’s who contest in the Coventry league. Allesley kick off the first half and as in our previous match Coventry immediately close down Allesley’s play dispossessing the opponents to begin the search for their first goal. Coventry’s opportunities come from runs made at pace from wide, and it’s not long before Amy sprints down the left past one defender and cutting in on a second before firing past the keeper for Coventry’s first goal. Coventry continue to apply pressure keeping most of the play within Allesley’s half where Elizabeth turns her marker and puts the ball through for Jess to run onto and calmly push the ball to the right of the keeper for our second goal. Allesley are kept deep into their own half with good play and deliveries from our midfield becoming evident that Allesley’s defence are struggling to keep up with speed of Coventry’s wide players. Jess makes a run at goals, tries to thread herself between two defenders who close the door on her, bringing Jess down in the box whereby the Referee blows and points to the spot for a Coventry penalty. Kelsey makes the journey from defence to take the penalty which she fires over the crossbar. Allesley slowly begin to push into Coventry’s half and soon have the opportunity to close the gap after being awarded a free kick in the centre of Coventry’s half following a handball. From the free kick Allesley take the option to shoot at goal where Alice collects comfortably. From a short goal kick, Jess intersects and shoots back at goals for the Allesley keeper to drop down making an excellent save deflecting the ball behind the goals for a Coventry corner. Deanna lofts the ball into the goal area and back out of the other side for Amy to return and Jess to plant into the back of the net for Coventry’s third. Our fourth also comes from a Deanna corner which is simply nodded in by an unchallenged Amy. As many of her runs, Laura screams down the left to the goal line leaving three defenders behind, crosses into the box to Emily who puts a foot out to see the ball go over the cross bar. Emily’s disappointment is soon forgotten when she receives a cross from Amy to scores Coventry’s fifth. Allesley again have a good spell of possession breaking on the right to make a cross which is deflected off a Coventry boot for an Allesley corner. From the right the ball sails into the goal area landing at the feet of an Allesley player who just can’t get a shot in on time before Kelsey puts it out for another Allesley corner. The ball once more sails in from a well taken corner into a mass of bodies to finally appear in Coventry’s goal for Allesley’s first. Half Time Score: Allesley Aces 1 - 5 Coventry City Ladies Coventry get the second half on the way. Following a short period, it’s apparent that Allesley’s goal just before half time has given them a boost and have come out in the second half looking sharper and using their physical presence to their advantage to get back into the game. Coventry win a throw deep within Allesley’s half, Emily takes, Braids sends it on into the box for it to be cleared to the left, only as far as Amy to place it back across the box for the ever present Jess to hammer home for our sixth and her hatrick. On many occasions from goal kicks, Allesley defend too far forward inviting Coventry’s forwards to steel which results in Coventry’s next goal when the keeper miss kicks, the ball hits a retreating Amy on the back for Jess to race in to fire into an open goal as the keeper recovers from her miss kick. From a sliced clearance kick Allesley give away another corner, Deanna floats in another beautifully weighted corner into the heart of the crowded goal mouth to again find its way into Allesley’s goal for Coventry’s eighth. Allesley break on the left and put the ball into the goal area, our defence kick to clear but the ball is slowed down by a deflection to an Allesley player to play it into the path of an incoming forward to drive it low and to the left of Alice. Coventry’s score their ninth from an identical situation with Amy placing a deflected clearance into the path of Jess to push into the left hand corner of the goals. Finney picks up in Coventry’s half making a run towards goals, flicks the ball to Jess who fires to see her shot blocked and returned by the keeper, Jess has another shot which is again blocked by the keeper for Laura to finish off. Coventry are awarded a free kick in Allesley’s half following Laura’s sprint down the left where she is sent tumbling by an Allesley player who is no match for Laura’s pace. The free kick is taken by Lindsay but fails to find a Coventry player on the right to go out for a goal kick. Allesley’s third goal begins with a throw from the left to the edge of Coventry’s box, in a combined scramble to clear and also score, the ball is suddenly poked out and with Alices view obstructed by bodies, the ball agonisingly rolls over the line for Allesley’s third. The second half has seen Allesley imposing more in our half with greater physical challenges, one such challenge sees Jess walk off the pitch with a knock to her right ankle. The final goal of the match goes to Allesley from a well taken corner, Allice moves forward and with bodies all round her is forced to palm the ball away only as far as an Allesley player to shoot from close range. With the match ended, unfortunately Allesley do not offer a courteous handshake following a well contested game. Well done to the girls for showing strong character in some challenging situations, but I’m sure there will be many more to follow throughout the season. Following the game the girls are happy to see ‘H’ supporting them from the line, they’re all eager to decorate her new plaster cast after receiving a broken wrist in Saturday’s game. Coventry City Ladies 11 - 0 Balsall and Berkswell We’re back at Coundon fields in near perfect weather conditions, for our second pre-season friendly against Balsall & Berkswell who arrive with only 10 players. Balsall kick off the first half with Coventry straight away closing down play and quickly gaining possession from which they begin to apply relentless pressure on the visitor’s defense. It’s not long before Coventry open the score line with Pezza’s cross from wide, Braids heads it on to Jess who finishing off with a perfectly executed overhead kick out of reach of the keeper and into the back of the net. Coventry continue to take control passing well, which results in their second goal, beginning with a throw from ‘H’ to Braids back to ‘H’ who swings a great cross into the goal area being met by Jess’s head who guides the ball into the back of the net. Our third goal comes from a Balsall throw, Elizabeth intercepts, cuts in and puts in a pass directly into the path of the ever present Jess who slots the ball into the right hand side of the goals for her hatrick. Coventry are playing confidently and moving the ball around well, playing the ball wide to find a new duo of ‘H’ and Beth both making runs and crosses from the right. Elizabeth picks up the loose ball in midfield, plays it through to Pezza who combines with Jess allowing Jess to comfortably score Coventry’s fourth. Finny initiates the next move on goal from midfield sending the ball wide to Braids, her cross goes past the goals and is picked up by Pezza on the left who returns it back into the goal area for Jess to left foot it just inside the right post. Pezza finally gets her name on the score sheet after receiving a through ball from midfield, racing past a defender and firing on target . From a pass out wide to the right, Braids and a Balsall player both challenge for the loose ball and collide, Braids is able to get up and walk away but unfortunately her challenger sustains an injury to her leg and is unable to rejoin the match reducing Balsall down to nine players. Balsall attempt several breaks throughout the first half, but are faced with a solid Coventry defense that is determined not to let anything pass by. Half Time Score: Coventry City Ladies 6 - 0 Balsall & Berkswell With Balsall down to nine players, in order to maintain some balance in the game, Coventry’s management offer Balsall the services of Laura, which they accept, In addition to this Jess and Abby exchange shirts to see Jess in goals and Abby out forward on the left. Coventry kick off the second half and carry on from where they left off maintaining possession and passing well with Balsall continuing to try to breach Coventry’s defense, by making more runs in to our half. The ball is played down the left to Abby, she looks up and slots the ball down the left to Pezza making a run and cutting in past a defender, then firing a shot at goals which the keeper goes to save, but is unable to hang on to, allowing the ball to roll in increasing Coventry’s lead. Balsall keeper kicks long and the ball is received well into Coventry’s half by a Balsall striker with Kelsey hot on her heals, after a one on one it’s Kelsey who shows her dogged determination and comes away with the ball. Abby collects the ball and makes a dash down the left, turning in to shake off a defender and rifles an early shot from the edge of the box past the keeper and into the back of the net for Coventry’s next goal. Balsall’s opportunity to join the score sheet came again from a long goal kick into Coventry’s half, Balsall knock the ball on towards goal and make chase, Jess comes out to clear but her clearance rebounds off the approaching striker and cruelly for Balsall the ball glances the crossbar and over. Coventry throw from well within Balsall’s half, Braids turns round a defender and passes the ball between defenders and through to Pezza who calmly pushes the ball past the keeper. Finny breaks on the right from a throw and is forced towards the goal line, she hooks a cross towards the goal area where the ball is met by the keeper’s legs and deflected into the goal. Following a Coventry corner, the ball is headed clear, ‘H’ races to collect the ball and collides with a challenger, both fall to the ground whereby it becomes obvious that ‘H’ has appeared to sustain a serious injury and will not be able to continue. With no substitutes available Coventry carry on also with ten players. In the last few minutes of the game Balsall break towards Coventry’s goal only to be stopped with a Kelsey clearance wide for Beth to carry forward and into the open path of Braids who strikes fiercely into the top of the net giving Coventry the last goal of the match. A good display from both sides with many more opportunities created, saved and missed. Credit to Balsall & Berkswell for a Valliant effort, playing without a full strength squad. Best wishes and a speedy recovery to both injured players and hopefully it won’t be long before they’re back on the pitch. |