COVENTRY City Ladies continued their pre-season with a 1-1 draw with Manchester City
COVENTRY City Ladies continued their pre-season preparations with an entertaining 1-1 draw with former rivals Manchester City at Coventry Sphinx on Sunday.
The Sky Blues pipped their opponents to promotion last season but both teams should be complimented in playing a good passing game as Cudby's side prepare for the start of the 2011/12 Premier League season in just two weeks (August 21).
"We knew Man City would present us with a tough challenge ahead of the season kick off." said first team coach Paul Cudby.
"They pushed us all the way last year and they'll be one of the favourites to gain promotion this coming season too I'm sure, so a draw at this stage is pleasing, there wasn't much between us both last season!"
Cudby's side started the game well and recent signing Maz Gauntlet opened the scoring in the 25th minute from the edge of the box, producing a rasping drive which flew into the top corner.
The visitors hit back just three minutes later after taking advantage of a goal mouth scramble from a corner which was defended poorly by the Sky Blues.
Despite playing some good football, Coventry failed to create anything clear cut chances and the interval came with the teams still level at 1-1.
The Sky Blues carried on dominating possession in the second period, limiting their opponents to very few opportunities to score.
Cudby's went in search of a winner with ten minutes to go and a neat move between Hayley Phillipowsky and Abbie Hinton allowed Leanne Mckenna to power a header goalwards which unfortunately sailed just over the bar.
The match finished with the honours even and despite being without several first-team regulars including Natasha Lynch, Helen Dermody and Courtney Sweetman-Kirk, the Sky Blues put on an impressive performance with Manchester City proving to be a tough, physical task.
