West Ham United 0-3 Coventry City Ladies
West Ham United 0-3 Coventry City Ladies
COVENTRY City Ladies head coach Paul Cudby has revealed his delight after watching his side record their first pre-season victory in 2011.
A first half strike from Jade Formaston and two goals from Milly Durrant in the second period gave the Sky Blues a deserved 3-0 away victory over West Ham at Chadwell Heath and Cudby is pleased to see his improved squad for the forthcoming season take shape.
"Yesterday was really pleasing for us," said Cudby. "We had a good squad available so we made 11 changes at half time and for both teams to win, keep clean sheets, and play such good football was excellent.
"The players have come through a tough week facing the top two in the WSL, getting a good win and a good performance will help us now to kick on through the remaining pre-season campaign.
"Everyone's stepped up another level and there's some serious competition for places, and yet the spirit amongst the group is building too which is great to see as well."
Cudby's side started well on Sunday afternoon at West Ham's training ground and almost took the lead when Gina Goulding fired just wide in the opening stages.
West Ham hit back and struck the post moments later but the visitors didn't have to wait long before they took the lead in the 18th minute when Formaston powerfully headed home a Helen Dermody corner.
A short interval provided a switch in 11 players, which saw goalkeeper Sarah Morgan being replaced by Sue Wood, but Coventry supporters did however have concerns for Goulding who was still receiving treatment at half time after a nasty fall shortly before the interval.
The Sky Blues dominated possession after the re-start but they had to wait until the 77th minute before they doubled their lead thanks to Durrant.
And Durrant scored her second and Coventry's third after a great piece of interplay between Steele and Farrow released Saulter down the right whose first time cross was met by the striker who sealed a 3-0 win.
Elsewhere, Coventry City Ladies reserves tasted pre-season success thanks to a comfortable 3-0 victory at Braintree.
