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Coventry City Girls FC Under 14B Match Reports 2006/07 Coventry City Ladies 0 - 4 Saint Andrews St Andrews at home for our last game of the season. They beat us 11-0 last time so another hard day at the office was expected. The game was really a carbon copy of the Binley game a couple of days previous. We were terrific all over the pitch today and were probably the slightly better side in the first half. Our workrate was tremendous with good football also evident. We passed the ball well we had great urgency and the manager was happy wow! 0-0 at half time with all to play for. The girls were asked to push on in the second half and try to get in front, but to St Andrews credit they had lifted their game and were starting to get on top we held firm for ages and again as in the Binley game we conceded a couple of goals in quick succession midway through the second half. Up we got and had another go but it was such a tall order now. The girls stuck manfully (or girlfully) to their task but we conceded another couple of sloppy goals to finish 0-4 again. All four goals really were down to our own various mistakes. That’s not having a go its just fact and we will keep learning from these…….hopefully! We started to panic a bit once the first one went in and lost our composure somewhat. Perhaps this is an age thing where we are playing bigger stronger girls who knows? All I know is that as far as I was concerned it was another fantastic effort from our girls and that if we had gone a goal up then it could have been a different story. If we can stop pressing the panic button, learn to be a bit more composed and hold onto possession better then this team can do very well. We are off on our tour to Devon at the weekend where we will be playing four games. If we can keep our current form up and improve our composure then I am sure that we will have some great results. I would like to say a massive thanks to all of the girls for their efforts this season. It has been a big learning curve for all of us and it has not been easy. We have not had a great deal of luck and took a few good hidings along the way, but the way these girls have responded on each occasion is a total credit to them. There are a terrific group of people and they deserve a lot of credit for the way that they have battled and worked all season and played football. I am very proud of them as I am sure their parents are – the club should be too. I would also like to thank our parents for all of their help all season as well as keeping faith with us, they too have been brilliant and have supported myself, Leigh and all of girls through thick and thin (mainly thick) I have doubted myself on a few occasions this season and been a moody git at home (sorry Jackie) and I although it has come later than I expected we are now looking as if we are going to turn that corner, it’s a pity that the season is over, but hopefully we will reward our parents over the weekend with some positive results. Thanks also to everybody at the club for their support – its not as easy as it looks is it! Onwards and upwards girls……….. Devon here we come! Coventry City Ladies 0 - 4 Binley Woods Binley are an excellent side who pass and move the ball very well. We know we are not as good as Binley or it would be us at the top of the league and not them. So the girls had simple instructions. From the start deny them time and space, close down, win the ball, and try and keep it, and also that they would have to work harder than they had ever worked in their life's, simple eh! Some of the girls looked as if they were going into an execution squad before the game, but we settled pretty quickly and confidence started to rise. We worked, we battled, and we played some decent football into the bargaining. We actually should of taken the lead but it was not to be. Binley came more into the game as the half went on and put us under lots of pressure and had a couple of efforts on goal but Lucy in goal (only about her fifth game) and all of our girls were magnificent we gave as good as we got and deserved to go in at half time 0-0. The girls were praised to the hilt at half time but were also told that the second half would be harder than the first and that Binley would come at us like an express train (not a British Rail one) so again simple instructions don your tin hats, fight for your life's and work harder than you did in the first! The second half was a constant battle with Binley dominating and actually nearly scoring in the first minute. We were still fighting but we were defending deeper and deeper as Binley were playing with more urgency and it was a constant battle and our attacks were getting fewer. The girls were still magnificent in their efforts all over the pitch. The inevitable happened and Binley got there first and it was hard on the girls. As sometimes happens in football the floodgates can open up and they went on to score their second and third within 10 mins of the first. It was hard on the girls and I just told them not to worry about it and try to calm it down and we would be all right. We reorganised and to there credit we started to get the ball back up field. Binley did manage to score a forth and that was that. We had lost out to a couple of quality strikes and perhaps could of done better with the other two where we lost possession. But on the plus side we could have had a couple ourselves. We were beaten by a better side there is no denying that, but we were certainly not disgraced, and our girls done us proud with their workrate and commitment, We always try to play decent football and we did in some good parts of the game but we knew all along that this would be a very tough ask, It was but we responded fantastically well and I think that our girls deserve a huge pat on the back for their performance last night. John the Binley manager was complimentary about us after the game and it is always nice to hear that from an opposing manager, my god even the Referee said some nice things! Summing up Binley are a quality team with some very good footballers who play the game as it should be played they deserved to win on chances etc and well done to them. But for me our girls come out of this match with tremendous credit and were suburb, and as for battling and working nobody could have asked for more. Special performances from all of our girls, but some truly outstanding ones and they deserve a mention Lindsay, Laura, Cory, and Lucy King in goal in only her fifth appearance were simply superb. Apologies to all Binley and Coventry spectators, players and officials. You must off gone to bed with your ears ringing from my shouting and bellowing. I do get engrossed in the game somewhat! If the health and safety police were present I would get locked up. WELL DONE TO ALL OF THE GIRLS YOU DONE YOURSELVES PROUD!! Asfordby Amateurs 7 - 0 Coventry City Ladies Off to Woolybackshire once again – where we faced a good Asfordby side, tall, strong, skilful and committed they were a tough test. It was hot and sunny with our girls sweating at the though of my blood pressure going through the roof due to the heat and letting loose on them again. Well I managed to keep calm (mainly) because they gave us a good display of good competitive football, working their socks off and playing well (mainly) The first half was fantastic with our girls more than matching a good side in Asfordby and actually showing some composure (calm and slow it down) for the most part and playing some decent football in the making. The defence was immense with our midfield and strikers helping out and tackling back making a big impression. We went in at the break 1-0 down but having done really well we came off with our heads held high and a pat on the back for the girls. The girls were told to expect a reaction from Asfordby in the second half and to approach the game and do as we did in the first. For whatever reason this did not happen and within 10 mins we were 4 down. They came out all guns blazing and really upped the tempo. We did not help ourselves with our speed of thought and closing down not as good as the first half, and we tended to drift into hot potato syndrome again. Anyway we managed to regain some composure but Asfordby were on top of their game now and physically they were getting the better of us and they did score a couple of cracking goals from about 20 yards. The girls were visibly tiring in the heat and it was hard going for them we made a couple of changes (hard when you only have 12 with two keepers) but slowly clawed our way back into the game. They scored again right at the death (another one down to ourselves) and that was that. Overall I was fairly pleased (especially the first half when we were excellent) and if only we can cut out some basic errors and show more composure then we can be a good side. We showed that in the first half that are indeed a good side and we will keep trying to play football and compete with anybody Both the Ref and Gene the Asfordby manager were complimentary about our performance and that was nice to hear. I managed to keep calm (mostly) this week and would like to thank the girls for helping to keep my blood pressure down (there was only 5 mins of volcano head this week) and would like also to say well done for a good performance overall against a good side who were twice the size of us in stature but our equal in our efforts. Well done girls - Onward and upwards – COMPOSURE! Many thanks to our merry band of travelling parents – there support is invaluable. Barwell Belles 1 - 1 Coventry City Ladies Shortish trip for a change to Barwell. In a wind spoilt game we came away with a point after being on top for the majority of the game especially the second half. We took the lead after about 15 mins when Woody pounced on a loose ball in the box to drill home. We went looking for the second but a succession of corners and near misses cost us as Barwell got an equaliser After about 25 mins. We had a second goal harshly ruled out for offside so went off at 1-1 with all to play for. Second half was all us with the odd Barwell breakaway but as hard as we worked nothing was coming off. We made various changes upfront and so on just to try and get the winner only for that wind to spoil things. We missed a couple of chances near the end with one just missing the post after it appeared to be going in only to hit a bobble and sneak the wrong side of the post. So we finished at 1-1 in a game that again I feel we should have won. I was not overly happy with the way we played but we still deserved to win, although Barwell worked hard and would probably argue that they deserved something from the game also. Looking back on it the wind was a great leveller and both sets of girls worked hard and tried to play football but the bobbly pitch and the wind made this hard work. I said a few harsh words to the girls during and at the end of the game (born out of frustration at not winning the game) and I was wrong. I really wanted the girls to win for themselves not for me and when it did not happen I got frustrated. It was not my best manager's display and the girls did not deserve to hear me ranting and raving at them I did little to help and I regret the way I spoke at the end of the game. They gave 100% and that’s all I can ask of them, it will still come and I still believe that we have not got what we have deserved this season. Girls the way I spoke at the end of the match was a mistake (see even I make them) you deserved better and I was far too negative. I am so SORRY and will endeavour to "manage" you better next time we play. You are a terrific bunch of girls and I appreciate all of you efforts. Yours in honour and respect…………Andy Leicester City Ladies 5 - 0 Coventry City Ladies Off over to what felt like the Outer Hebrides (not the weather just the journey) it took us close to an hour just to get there with traffic etc. Anyway the important bit, we played a Leicester City side fresh from a big victory against St Andrews (who trounced us 11-0) so we knew it would be tough again. Still without Alice, Captain Chaos and also Rheo this was a big ask. Bertie then informed us that she had forgotten about the clocks and would see us when she got there!, with Laura late as well we had 10 players at the start and the ref insisting we started, we did not even have time to have a warm up!. Laura made it with 5 seconds to go and Nadine had to play out with Lucy going in goal. Not great preparation but on this occasion the girls done us proud with their workrate and commitment second to none. It was tough going to be honest with Leicester having most of the possession and putting us under pressure but our girls were having a good old go and making a real fist of it. Leicester scored after about 15 mins with a fluky goal a high ball cleared from there own half bouncing over Lucy who was unlucky in the fact that she actually reached it but could not prevent it going in. Bertie turned up and on she went for Nadine who had done really well. They scored two others in the first half with one a good finish but the other was down to us after conceding possession and not closing, (need to work on this) but overall we doing well and not being overrun. Second half started with instructions to keep up the workrate but to slow it down when we had possession, and what happened? Yes we gave away another sloppy goal!! then we had players dropping like flies with various ailments' and injuries, and I was kind of hoping that the ref would knock it on the head!!. Anyway Laura cameback on and we were back to 11 and we started to do really well. Ash pushed upfront and Captain Vinnie slotted into midfield. Linz, Cory, Paige and Laura were now defending better and we were passing the ball well in midfield with Vinnie, Emily, Jade and Bertie getting rid of hot potato syndrome. Lou was starting to hold the ball well and bringing others into play (and yes also tackling back, top girl loops) and we were now starting to push Leicester back, and we were starting to threaten goals. The second half had matched the first half in terms of workrate but we were now gaining possession and trying to keep hold of the ball. Leicester scored their last goal right at the death with a lucky cross sneaking in at the near post. Overall I was proud of the girls, we gave Leicester 3 goals to be honest and although yes they had the majority of the play we played well with a lot of positives to come out of the match especially the second half. The girls trooped off to a richly deserved ovation from all of our parents, who could see that our girls had done their best and had worked their socks off. As a Manager I too was proud of all of them and could ask no more from them,……………… except maybe getting rid of hot potato syndrome!! WELL DONE GIRLS YOU MADE AN OLD MAN VERY HAPPY (THAT’S LEIGH NOT ME!) P.S. Thanks to all of the parents for your time and your super support. Coventry City Ladies 2 - 0 Fleckney Athletic At home for the first time in ages where Fleckney were the visitors. They beat us last week in the cup and I was looking for a massive difference this week in terms of commitment. The girls delivered and let nobody down. Their effort and workrate was first class and it was a lot more pleasing on the eye. The girls were asked before the game to show some heart and to take the game to Fleckney and try to dominate. They pretty much did this from the start of the match through to the last second and deservedly won. Rheo scored our first about 20 mins into the game collecting a ball from Ash and shooting over the keepers head from close to the edge of the box. Upfront Loops and Vinnie were working tirelessly closing down and hassling the Fleckney defence and the midfield of the much better Jade, Bertie, Emily and Rheo getting hold of the ball in midfield and trying to release the front two. In defence Paige Linz, Ash and the much improved Laura were strong committed and composed, with Nadine always on her toes and supporting the defence We came in at half time 1-0 up after being dominate for most of the half. Nadine came off at half time with a dodgy chest and Lucy went between the sticks and was a more than able replacement. We carried on in the same vain in the second half dominating the match and winning the majority of our tackles and everybody’s work rate was fantastic. We got the second goal we needed after about 10 mins in the restart when Loops put away a good finish from some terrific football from our girls. It was hard to play football in the conditions as the wind was a nightmare coupled with a hailstorm, but what football was played was mainly from us. Cory came on and slotted into left back well and we still took the game to Fleckney and really we should have had more. We hit the woodwork 3 times and if the conditions had been kinder I am sure we would have won by more. But let’s not be greedy, all I wanted was a much improved performance in terms of our application and I got that. I was over the moon for the girls, they are the most important people at the club and their enjoyment is my first priority but I also need them to show honesty and commitment not only for themselves but towards all of their fellow players and hopefully to me. Girls you done that today and I am rightly proud of you all. I cannot ask for anymore than your total commitment and today you answered my criticisms in exactly the right way. Thanks for making the rest of my Sunday an enjoyable day, those couple of pints I had tasted a whole lot better this week! You are a fantastic group of people and I think the world of you WELL DONE AND KEEP IT GOING!! Fleckney Athletic 3 - 1 Coventry City Ladies Off over to Fleckney for our cup quarter final match, with a semi final at Hinckley Utd's ground as a reward we had a decent incentive to win. Well it was not to be. A horrendous opening 25 mins gifted the game to a Fleckney side who we are more than capable of beating. We gave them 3 goals and whatever level of football you play you cannot afford to give teams a 3 goal start. We came out of the blocks so slow and fleckney looked as if they wanted more then we did for those first 25 mins. I find that hard to stomach. Too many girls did not put there foot in and were not willing to attack the ball. That is what I found most disappointing we had trained well over the last few weeks emphasizing the fact that we needed to attack the ball and be physically strong and when we get the ball to slow it down and keep possession. It has obviously not been taken on board and as far as I am concerned it is now make or break for the rest of the season. In fairness to the girls in the second half (after a right old rollicking) it was so much better and we totally dominated from start to finish, the tempo was so much higher and we started to win the ball and play football We pulled a goal beck from Woody, we hit the bar twice, the keeper made three great saves, we had it twice cleared off the line but it would not go in. we had enough chances in the second half to of actually won the game and the girls were rightly commended for their second half performance, but the fact remains that the game is not played over one half but for two. We need to have a long hard look at ourselves and consider where we want to go and what we want to be, I include myself in that. I have no problem in getting beat neither do I like it, I can accept defeat if we have given our all when we have not I struggle to deal with it. When you come off that pitch you should be able to say yeah we got beat but I gave my all and could do no more. People make mistakes I know that and accept it, this is not a witch hunt on individual people as we all make mistakes every day, but its how you deal with them mistakes that makes a difference. These girls are a truly fantastic group of people and I worship the ground they walk on and would run through brick walls for them, but by the same token I would like a little bit back in return. There is a great bond between the players, parents and coaches and it is something that we have worked hard to achieve and something that will hopefully carry on but it needs to be both ways and if this team is going to succeed then we need to put right what went wrong with our first half performance from yesterdays game. I put hours of time (and my own money) into this team every week not just training and playing matches but loads of other things as well and am not willing to carry on doing that if I don’t get any return, and I don’t mean by winning every game we play and playing football like Arsenal (who) but by everybody working for each other and doing there very best not only for themselves but for their mates, I still have every confidence in these girls and will back them all the way and then some more, but I cannot defend what I seen during yesterdays game and I will be looking for a massive improvement next week. Strong words I know but I make no apologies, I don’t want to be accused of getting above my station etc and taking it to seriously as after all its 'only girls football'. But it means a little bit more than that to me and its not a crime to actually care and want what was is best both for myself but more importantly for my girls, and Ido want what is best for these girls. I may not be the best football manager/coach in the world I know that, but I care passionately about these girls and will continue to do my absolute best for them and will continue to try and turn things round but I need help from YOU GIRLS!! You need to take your second half performance into every game and then you will make the progress that you richly deserve. I Cannot do that for you, only you can do that. I am immensely proud of you all for your second half performance, that is the very least of what you are capable of, lets stand tall and now move onwards and upwards. Yours in worship Andy Saint Andrews 11 - 0 Coventry City Ladies Off to Sunny Leicester for our first game against St Andrew's, we were still without Alice and Captain Chaos was also out with a broken finger. We had heard that they were a decent side, with an uncompromising nature. Well it's true! They are a good side and they don’t mess about with the tackles etc, but that’s fine with us there is nothing wrong with that. We started brightly playing neat football and should off gone 1-0 up after some great football from Bertie, Jade, Rheo and Woody who put a great ball into Loops who could not quite get her shot away and they managed to clear. We played 5 at the back (first time we have tried) and to be fair to the girls (Ash, Linz, Cors, Paige and Laura) it took a bit of understanding but as the half went on we started to get to grips with it. St Andrew's went ahead and slowly started to take control. It was hard for the Midfield who were up against bigger and stronger girls but they were having a right good go and it was pleasing to see. Our warrior Bertie had to go off after a heavy challenge with Nadine going on in place with Paige pushing into midfield. They scored 2 quick goals one from a rebound after a great save from Lucy. 3-0 at half time but a good show from our girls. Second half was a strange affair with St Andrews moving up a gear and taking a firm grip on the game, we were getting over run in midfield and defence with the bigger stronger girls overpowering our girls and the goals started to come on a regular basis, they were playing with a lot of confidence and to there credit they never took their foot of the pedal and were working as hard as any side I have seen this season. But you could not fault our girls they kept having a go and we broke forward on quite a few occasions and with a bit more luck would have had a few ourselves, Emily came on for Paige and worked hard closing down and tackling and our girls never gave up, we even managed to score ourselves but unfortunately in our own net (unlucky Ash!!) St Andrews are a good side, who work hard and tackle hard (which is fine) and will finish close to the top of the league on that performance. Our girls are not the tallest or strongest but they have huge hearts and gave it all they had, this season has and still is a big learning curve for them and in time it will benefit them We will pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, stand up and be counted again make no mistake. We try to play football and some of our football is as good as anybody's, although we got turned over today St Andrews were good enough to acknowledge that we play good football and were unlucky at times, and kept going till the end. Girls you have nothing to be ashamed off you are an absolute credit to yourselves. Myself and Leigh are so proud of you. We will march on together regardless. WELL DONE! Thanks to all of our parents for their terrific support! Coventry City Ladies 1 - 7 Asfordby Amateurs Missing a few players through injury and illness we had a tough looking game against Asfordby. We had no outfield subs and we knew we would need to be at our best to get something from the game. A game of two half's against a good Asfordby side. We started well and we were playing neat passing football with good movement and great work rate. Linz, Cory, Paige and Ash were steady at the back with Emily, Laura, Zoe and Bertie working hard and creating things in midfield trying to release Lou and Rheo up front. We were the better side and looking good. Against the run of play Asfordby took the lead when they put away a loose ball from a corner kick. We kicked off and still kept going and took the game to Asfordby and got our rewards when after some terrific football Rheo was put away and finished brilliantly in the bottom corner, this was no more than we deserved as we were playing really well and working as a team. Laura came off injured and Lucy came on and made her debut replacing Nadine in goal with Nadine then playing out. They took the lead a minute before the break after there striker managed to break away and under pressure managed to force home with a well taken second. So 2-1 down at the break but it was a terrific first half performance from our girls. Not sure what happened in the second half, Asfordby certainly lifted there game but we did not match it and we started to lack a bit of composure. Asfordby took full advantage and extended there lead. This seemed to knock the stuffing out of our girls and Asfordby were now a threat every time they broke forward. We were lacking bite in the tackle and Asfordby to there credit were working hard and were first to most balls. We made various positional changes and it was difficult as we had no subs as such but they were still very much on top. The game finished at 7-1 and while we did not deserve to lose by that margin we did not deserve to win either. You have to work for everything and when you don’t that's what happens. Our girls are a first class bunch of people and on there first half performance would give any side a run for there money, but you have to work and fight for the whole game and hopefully this will prove to be the case from now on. Well played to Asfordby a deserved victory, not sure what they had at half time but perhaps they could give some to the new manager at the City. Get well soon to Woody, Jade and Alice from all of the girls. Oadby Town 1 - 5 Coventry City Ladies Passports out off over the border again to face Oadby Town in our return fixture from the first game of the season which we won 1-0. We were hoping to carry on from where we left off in 2006 with a victory and the girls done us proud. The Girls were asked by myself and Leigh to take this game on and try to dictate play from the start. We had a Full squad for the first time for ages with Alice making her comeback from injury. The game started as we hoped with our girls forcing the pace some hard challenges coming in from both sides We were doing most of the attacking and Rheo broke through only for the keeper to come out and deny her with Rheo having to come off with a nosebleed after the collision. Laura went on in her place and was linking up well with Louise up front. We carried on with our attacking and Lou was unfortunate when she shot at goal with the keeper making a good save. Rheo re-entered the fray for Laura and immediately made an impact finishing well after being played through by Jade after some terrific passing between Bertie and Zoe. Against the run of play Oadby got an equaliser when two of there players made a run straight through the middle of the field only for Nadine to make a great save but scoring from the loose ball, Nadine getting some size sixes in the back for her troubles. After treatment up she got and refusing to come off she bravely carried on. After running the show for 20 mins we were now level, but fair play to our girls straight from kick off we got into it again. The Girls at the back Paige, Linz, Ash and the magnificent Cory were handling things brilliantly from any Oadby attack and playing with a lot more composure. Ash and Linz carrying the ball forward like Alan Hansen in his hay day! We started to push on again our second goal coming from Woody after some lovely football she was put trough by Jade but she still had plenty to do and under pressure from the oadby defence and keeper she kept calm and slotted it away beautifully. Laura and Emily were brought on and looked at home hassling the oadby players and passing and moving well. It was not long before we got our third with Woody again the scorer being at the far post and pushing the ball in again under pressure after a goalmouth scramble. Half time 3-1 up and playing well. We were kicking downhill after the break with the girls being asked not to let Oadby back into it and to keep forcing the issue. We did this and were again the dominate team. Oadby to there credit were having a go and our defence were once again superb. We extended our lead with Rheo finishing well after exchanging passes with Jade and Emily. We were now playing some great football and we were unlucky with Zoe, pushed up front and missing by inches, Lou having one ruled out for offside and Bertie going inches wide. The defence, midfield, and attack were playing as a complete unit and playing good composed football with no signs of hot potato syndrome evident! Nadine was handling any balls that came her way well and Laura slotted into fullback and supported the midfield well. We were making changes a lot now but to the girls credit they kept on pushing and the fifth arrived via the returning Alice who lofted a shot home from 20 yards the ball sailing over the keepers head, the smile said it all. These girls from Oadby are big girls but our girls more than stood up to the challenge and as small as a team that we are these girls have big hearts and never flinched out of a challenge. A very good team performance and a deserved victory all 14 girls were magnificent with hopefully more to come. Nadine, Paige, Lindsay, Ash, Cory, Vinnie, Zoe, Alice, Jade, Lou, Rheo, Laura, Bertie and Emily well done another bow please. Thanks to the parents also for the fantastic help and support. Oadby Owls 0 - 8 Coventry City Ladies Off over the border again into Leicestershire to play our return fixture against Oadby Owls. A very heavy pitch and an Oadby side looking for revenge for last week it was up to our girls to take the game on and try to gain another three points. Oadby again struggled to raise the eleven and this would obviously help our cause although I like to think that we have enough in our locker to win anyway. We started off taking the game straight to Oadby and it was a virtually carbon copy of the previous weeks game with constant pressure from our girls. Jade had three or four shots at goal that the keeper saved or the ball went just wide, Lou had a couple and even Laura was having a go!. Rheo was tormenting as usual with Woody and captain chaos also in the act, but it took a gaol from an unusual source to finally give us the lead. From an attack Oadby cleared only for the ball to roll out to Paige, yes Paige who from twenty yards struck it home a la plumb Steve Gerrard. There she stood open mouthed with the shock of scoring until the arms finally shot up! A terrific strike and worthy of the Ricoh! We carried on with the pressure but the ball was a hot potato and we started playing as individuals rather than as a team with everybody wanting to score. The second goal came from Lou who made no mistake with a great finish from a pass from Woody. We made changes with Bertie, Emily and Julia entering the fray and still kept having a go only for some great last ditch tackles and great goalkeeping stopping us from adding. Linz, the excellent Cory, Ash and Paige were still defending well when Oadby got the ball in our half and we went in two nil up at the break when it should have been a few more. We went out in the second half with instructions to play more as a team and to put the game to bed. The second half started and to Oadbys credit they did have a go back at us Nadine needed to make a save and hot potato syndrome started again. We needed a goal to settle us down again and Ash was pushed up front and duly obliged with the third. It was one way traffic now and Zoe got number four. It was now like the charge of the light brigade with Woody, Laura, Rheo, Jade and Lindsay (pushed up front) all going close. Emily Bertie and Julia were mopping up in midfield and releasing Rheo who made it five with her 300th attempt on goal! Captain Chaos made it six with a great free kick into the top corner and then Vinnie Wood decided it was about time that she got in on the act and made it seven just beating the keeper to a loose ball. The best was saved till last when our Captain Chaos took a short returned corner spun out to the edge of the box and scored with a fantastic strike again in the top corner to finish with a hat trick. Eight nil and that’s where it ended, well done to the Oadby girls again who never gave up and I thought gave an improved performance from the previous week and were sporting at all times. We wish them well for the rest of the season but perhaps a better linesman could be found! Another bow for Nadine, Paige, Linz, Ash, Cory, Woody, Zoe, Jade, Laura, Louise, Rheo, Bertie, Julia and Emily – well done girls lets keep it going!! Coventry City Ladies 6 - 0 Oadby Owls Today we entertained Oadby Owls on the back of a poor defeat and performance against Nuneaton the previous week. We wanted a reaction to last week's performance and the girls did not let us down. Unfortunately Oadby only had nine players turn out and although that obviously gave us big advantage we still hard to work hard for the victory. A massive improvement from last week in terms of attitude and work rate saw us take the game straight into Oadby's half and that’s where the game stayed really from start to finish, we had loads of possession and chances (as you would expect) but due to some good goalkeeping and a bit of bad luck (and bad finishing!). We went in two goals up at the break after goals by Amy Perrett and Louise Kingsbeer. The girls were asked to further up the tempo in the second half and put pressure on Oadby as they would probably tire the longer the game went on, we were a bit slow for the first 10 mins but once the third goal went in ( Amy again after a terrific through ball from Emily) we did up the tempo and we were camped inside the Oadby half. Some terrific efforts from Vinnie Wood, and Rheo but the Oadby goal lead a charmed life, to Oadbys credit they did get forward on a couple of occasions but Laura, Linz, Ash, Cory and Paige made sure that they would soon be back under the cosh. Captain Chaos (Zoe) was having a terrific game in the middle of the park ably assisted by Rheo, Woody, Jade and Emily With this we steadily marched on and Rheo made hay and put two away and then Captain Chaos made it six. We carried on trying to push forward with more great efforts on goal from Paige, Lou, Vinnie, Amy, Rheo and Zoe but had to settle for six in the end. Well done to Nadine for keeping her focus she must have been cold out there. Well done to the Oadby girls, they worked their socks off and never let there heads drop once, and should really be applauded for turning up and giving us a hard game. Well done also to our girls who this week showed that with the correct work rate, effort and attitude would give any side in this league a game – more of the same please. Nadine, Paige, Cory, Linz, Ash, Laura, Vinnie, Jade, Zo, Rheo, Amy, Lou, and Emily take a bow! Maraborough Rovers 11 - 0 Coventry City Ladies After our Snowdome trip on Saturday night off we went back up the M42 this time to play our return fixture against Marlborough Rovers. We went with a depleted squad with Alice out injured, Bertie unwell and without Rheo who's car had broken down. We knew that we were going to be up against it and that this was going to be a massive ask of our girls. Marlborough seemed quite up for this one and were not going to take us lightly. Our girls were again a credit to the club apparently we lost 11-0 but I actually thought that it was eight, now I was never good at maths at school (or anything else) but to lose 3 goals takes a bit of believing!! Anyway so we got beat which is no disgrace to an outstanding Marlborough side, but when you get beat or are getting beaten then things can go two ways, you either lay down and die or stand up and have a go. Well we stood tall and never dropped our heads once; if fighting sprit was based on a league table then we would be top of the pile. Everybody from number one to number twelve gave there all and I was proud of them all. We played well in patches and always looked to play football and sometime soon we will turn that corner (it is proving to be a long corner) and hopefully start to justify ourselves. Well played to Marlborough they proved that they are a quality outfit and there attitude was also spot on. Many thanks to our parents whose support again was fantastic, plus we never got lost which was a bonus also! Nadine, Paige, Laura, Cory, Lindsay, Vinnie, Captain Chaos (Zoe) Jade, Emily, Louise, Ash, and Julia, well done. You all gave it your best shot and nobody can ask anymore of you – WELL DONE!! Coventry City Ladies 0 - 5 Maraborough Rovers Today we entertained the mighty Marlborough Rovers, who are the champions elect in our league although another teams might have something to say about that. Some of our girls were understandably nervous about playing Marlborough as much had been mentioned about them, but boy or should I say girl did we have a go. Although we lost the game we gave a great account of ourselves with each and every one of our girls giving everything they had and they can be proud of the way that they applied themselves. A few changes were made to the team this week with various positional changes as well, credit to all fourteen girls in our squad, nobody moaned and everybody stuck to their task and gave no less than 110%. 5-0 it may have been perhaps two or three nil would have been a fairer reflection. These girls are only TWELVE and have been together a couple of months and only played six matches; they were a credit to the club. Nadine, Paige, Lindsay, Cory, Bertie, Vinnie, Alice, Emily, Louise, Zoe, Jade, Laura, Aisling and Rheo Fleckney Athletic 3 - 1 Coventry City Ladies Off we went into deepest darkest Leicestershire looking for our second win of the season only to come back with a harsh defeat. After a couple of wrong turns on the way (Muppet Co-Driver) we arrived raring to go indeed Leigh was doing his stuntman act by the clubhouse steps unfortunately he needs some practice. The game started with our girls on the offensive with Zoe being put though by Bertie only for the keeper to be in the right place and deflect for a corner. We kept up the pressure with Rheo, Vinnie, Bertie and Alice in midfield trying to put through for Louise and Zoe to put away. We were on top at this point and looking okay only for Fleckney to break away down the left hand side and push through into the box to score with a low shot into the bottom corner of the net. We picked ourselves up and carried on from where we had left off taking the game to Fleckney and looking the better side. Cory was having a great game at the back alongside Lindsay And cleaning up any attack that Fleckney had, with Laura and Paige supporting the midfield we kept pushing them back and creating chances but luck was deserting us again with deflections and a bit of lucky goalkeeping keeping us at bay. Vinnie Wood burst though on the left hand and had a shot that went just the wrong side of the post, but soon after we got the equaliser that we deserved when Zoe squared for Rheo in the box and she made no mistake with a well placed shot. From kick off we again had chances with Louise unluckily just putting one just wide and Alice and Bertie both having goal bound shots blocked by the Fleckney defence. Nadine in goal being a virtually spectator. Half time came when we did not want it to as we were dominating and looking good for the three points. The second half started and Fleckney to their credit were playing a lot better and and having more possession For whatever reason we were struggling to get a grip on the game, but defensively we were coping fine with Nadine back to her best and being as brave as a lion, she suffered a knock to her knee after being somewhat assaulted by a Fleckney forward, but would not come off as she did not want to let her team mates down fantastic sprit mate well done. Bertie also being on the end of a couple of hard challenges but again getting up and fighting. Emily, Julia and Jade came on and immediately got about the pitch working hard and making Fleckney know that they were there. It was looking as if the game was heading for a draw until a Fleckney forward pounced on a loose ball about 18 yards from goal and put it away with the referee about to whistle for a injured player but choosing to leave it till the shot had been made. This was a bit of a hammer blow with them getting another goal about five minutes later with another loose ball being put away. This effectively killed the game off but credit to our girls who got themselves back into gear with Rheo and Alice both hitting the post with tremendous efforts. A game we should have taken something out of, but it is a test of character now and we will make progress. Great sprit shown by our girls who never gave up, the tide will turn girls. BRING ON THE MIGHTY MARLBOROUGH!! Coventry City Ladies 0 - 2 Barewell Belles A game which on chances we should have won. We missed numerous goal scoring opportunities with the post and bar also playing there part. Constant pressure from Coventry paid no dividends; it was just not to be our day. Barwell's keeper was excellent and kept there team in it. Barwell scored after about 15 mins when they broke down the left hand side and a great run from the Barwell midfielder resulted in her getting her shot in and finishing well at the near post. After that it was all Coventry till half time with the barwell goalkeeper having a great game. We started the second half in the same vein putting our plucky visitors under pressure from the off but still not being able to finish. With 10 mins to go Barwell were awarded a penalty after a handball in our box. This was despatched into the bottom corner of our net. 2-0 down was now a mountain to climb and although we kept taking the game to them we could still find no way through. No shortage of effort from our girls and on another day we could have had six, but some you win and some you lose. Disappointed yes, but we live to fight another day and we will bounce back. We have total confidence in our girls and we will pick ourselves up and go again. Special word to our Vinny – don’t worry about it. You have been great all season and will continue to do so. (but remember its football not netball!!) Well played to Barwell they fought for everything, played with great sprit, and showed that hard work will pay dividends in the end – well done. Nuneaton Predators 3 - 1 Coventry City Ladies Coventry lost their second game of the season to a good rather big, TALL, and strong Nuneaton side. The game started with Coventry making a good early start with Woody attacking down the right and Zoe getting in a shot which the keeper done well to hold. We managed to keep pressing Nuneaton and were putting them under pressure but there defence was organised and were proving to be a hard unit to break down. Nuneaton started to come into the game more and now had the lion's share of possession and were starting to press us back. Alice had to go off with a wrist injury with Cory entering the game, after a quick reshuffle the game restarted. Nuneaton took the lead shortly afterwards with a shot from 20 yards which flew into the roof of the net with nothing Nadine could do about it. Nuneaton now had their tails up and were looking threatening every time they broke forward we did not help ourselves by giving away possession cheaply, and not closing down quickly enough. Nuneaton scored again From another long range effort which left Nadine again helpless. Credit to our girls who never let there heads drop we again from kick off tried to force the game back further up the pitch and put some pressure on to Nuneaton with the midfield trying to free up Lou and Zoe. We attacked with Paige and Woody linking up well on the right putting Rheo through with a straight run at goal but a marginal offside decision put paid to this although Lou was on the other side of the pitch and no way interfering with play the decision stood. Just before the break Nuneaton again attacked and and this brought about their third goal, we allowed them to get a shot in from the left hand side of the box and the flight of the ball seemed to deceive everybody and nestled into the bottom corner of the net. We were glad to hear the whistle so that we could regroup. We reshuffled the pack at half –time with Cory coming off due to a stamping on her foot (accidentally I think) And Laura taking up the right back position. After a few words of wisdom from myself and Leigh we hoped for a better second half. The girls did not disappoint us. We started the second half a different side Alice had moved into central midfield alongside Rheo with Jade moving out wide and we really took the game to Nuneaton Pushing them back, tackling like demons and gaining possession to try and claw back what we could. All our possession and effort paid dividends when midway through the half we were given a free kick about 20 yards from goal, Zoe took the kick and the ball hit the roof of the net to bring us back into the game and put a smile on our girls faces, even the parents smiled! We continued in the same vain totally dominating the game and virtually playing the game in their half with Jade, Alice, Rheo and Woody working like Trojans we again pushed on and a great through ball from Rheo put Zoe in who hit it and it was heading for the roof of the net but somehow the goalkeeper managed to pull of a great save. From the resulting corner the ball ended up in the box with us trying to finish and the ball pinging about like a pinball but Nuneaton cleared unfortunately. With time running out we kept at it Emily came on to replace Jade and immediately started to attack down the left and passing to Rheo who went on a mazy run but was denied by a last ditch tackle. With Lindz, Paige, Bertie and Laura defending well and supporting the midfield we kept at it, Woody fed Alice Who broke through and made off for goal, she flashed a shot in but it went just the wrong side of the post. We kept up the pressure but the ball just would not drop for us. We had corner after corner with Louise trying to force home but Nuneaton again getting in the way. Ash came on for Woody who had again run herself into the ground. Ash was straight into it carrying the ball forward and releasing Zoe but again the keeper made the save. The final whistle sounded and off we trooped, beaten but at least going down fighting and with a bit more luck we could have snatched a draw. Girls you turned it round fantastically well, you were a credit to yourselves with your second half performance It just goes to show what you are capable of. Let's try to start the next game in the same manner. WELL DONE! Coventry City Ladies 1 - 0 Oadby Town Coventry started the season with a great victory over Oadby Town. A very tight affair with both sides giving there all, Coventry took the lead midway through the first half with a well worked goal from Zoe. An attack from the left side started by Jade who worked well with Rheo who put the ball into the box and as Oadby failed to clear there lines there was the Zoe to flash the ball home. The rest of the half was a fairly even affair with Coventry just about on top. Some great play on the right side from Woody lead to a couple of openings only to be stopped by a couple of close offside decisions with a goal looking a probability. Oadby also broke forward at times and caused a few problems but with our Lindsay, Rachel, Paige, Bertie and safe hands Nadine proving to be strong and disciplined. We managed to hold them off to go in 1-0 up at the break. The second half was much the same story. We made a change with Rheo coming off for a break due to the very warm conditions and Laura coming on and doing a great job on the left side of midfield. We again took the game to Oadby and had chances to finish it but the post and Oadby's keeper kept getting in the way! More changes were made with Cory, Emily, and Julia coming on and doing some fantastic work. With 10 mins to go Lou returned to the fold and again we tried to kill the game off with Alice becoming a big threat down the left, but that second goal just would not come. Oadby were also doing there bit and had a great effort which hit the bar, and the excellent Bertie managed to clear the rebound With the clock ticking away our girls gave their all with Woody and an Oadby girl going hammer and tongs with each other (Vinny Jones eat your heart out!) it was great to see all of the girls giving 110% and fighting for everything. To our relief the final whistle sounded and a deserved victory was ours. A fantastic team performance girls you can be very proud of yourselves!! |