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First Team Match Reports Coventry City Ladies 2 - 2 Wolves Coventry City Ladies wrapped up their FF Women's Premier League Northern Division campaign with a 2-2 draw against Wolves. Watched by a healthy crowd at Nuneaton Borough that included scouts from Birmingham City, Aston Villa, Southam and Nottingham Forest, the Sky Blues took a 25th minute when Michelle Hickmott found space on the left for Laura Healy to knock the ball back to the edge of the area where Sarah Marshall lashed the ball into the net. Mark Phillips side nearly increased their lead in the 37th minute when a lob from Anna McLeod was pushed onto the crossbar by Wolves keeper Natalie Hall. A second goal for City arrived three minutes into the second half when striker Katy Ward lashed a left footed volley from twenty five yards in the net with aplomb. Wolves started to fight back and eighteen minutes from time, they pulled one back thanks to England international Emily Westwood hammering home a free kick on the edge of the penalty area. Westwood who was always a handful earned the visitors a point in the dying seconds when she rose to head home a corner. The Sky Blues who will make a full statement on their plans for next season when they have been finalised, are looking for a new First Team Secretary. Interested parties can contact Martin Igoe on 07710 701655 or via email at cclfc@hotmail.com TEAM K.Cartwright, Bryenton, Archer,Healy (M.Cartwright 54), Lipman, Samuels, McLeod (Whalley 70), J.Marshall (R.Smith 79), Ward, S.Marshall, Hickmott. Coventry City Ladies 4 - 1 Stockport County Coventry City kept their slim hopes of staying in the FA Women's Premier League alive with a 4-1 victory over Stockport County. Playing a side changed from the one which had lost to Lincoln City in midweek, the Sky Blues were two goals ahead with less than fifteen minutes on the clock. On Loan striker Katy Ward put City ahead rifling a twenty five yard effort high in to the net in the tenth minute. Defender Emma Lipman who had a fine game at centre half, was first to react to a corner won by Katy Ward and forced the ball over the line from close range four minutes later. Mark Phillips side kept the momentum going and two minutes into the second half went further ahead thanks to Lucy Lutton heading a long ball forward from Julia Marshall past her own keeper from the edge of the penalty area. In the 65th minute, Andy Lee's side pulled one back when Kate Brusell beat the Coventry offside trap and rifled a shot from eighteen yards high into the net. Apart from this goal, City keeper Kelly Cartwright had confidently dealt with any sorties into the Sky Blues penalty area and this combined with some good work in midfield saw City round off their best performance of the season with a stunning goal in the last minute. A ball from midfield was pumped forward in the direction of substitute Sarah Marshall who was just inside the penalty area. She out jumped her marker, turned and smashed a volley high into the roof of the net with aplomb. Mark Phillips was pleased with the performance and is hoping for the same effort from his side in their final game against Wolves at Nuneaton Borough FC on Wednesday April 27th at 7.45pm TEAM K.Cartwright, Bryenton, Archer, Healy, Lipman, Samuels, McLeod (S.Marshall 68), J.Marshall (M.Cartwright 68), Ward, Whalley, Hickmott. SNU R.Smith, G.Smith, Porter Lincoln City 1 - 0 Coventry City Ladies Coventry City Ladies hopes of remaining in the WPL Northern Division disappeared after losing to a late goal at Lincoln City. On a pitch at Lincoln Moorlands passed fit just before kick off, after a torrential downpour and hail storm, City lost their influential captain Maria Cartwright to a back injury with only eighteen minutes gone. Chances on a greasy surface were limited but Julia Marshall fired a long range effort into the side netting before Michelle Hickmott sent a speculative lob over the head of Imps keeper Nicola Hobbs but agonisingly inches wide of the far post. Rod Wilson's team forced a number of corners on a night when nothing was going right for the Sky Blues and struck a post in the 68th minute through a low Adele Jackson drive. Coventry looked good for a point but seven minutes from time, Sara Priestly broke through and sealed City's fate by chipping the ball over Kelly Cartwright and into the far corner of the net. The Sky Blues have two home matches left starting with Stockport County at Coventry Sphinx on Sunday before playing Wolves on 27th April. Team K.Cartwright, Bryenton, Archer, M.Cartwright (Healy 18), Lipman, Samuels, Whalley, Julia Marshall, Ward, S.Marshall (McLeod 83), Hickmott. Manchester City Ladies 3 - 0 Coventry City Ladies Coventry City Ladies' hopes of remaining in the FA WPL Northern Division took a big dent as they went down to a 3-0 defeat at Manchester City. For a game that had been postponed five times and moved to Flixton AFC from Abbey Hey, Mark Phillips side put in an encouraging performance in the opening half. Katy Ward, on loan to the Sky Blues from Birmingham, crashed a right footed effort from twelve yards against the crossbar in the 14th minute before Anna McLeod struck a post in the 36th minute. In the last minute of the half, Katy Ward raced through only for the Citizens keeper Sian Payne to block the ball with her feet. In the 66th minute, all the Sky Blues hard work in ensuring that all keeper Kelly Cartwright had to do was take simple catches, was undone. Caroline Dixon who is related to the former Arsenal defender, was given time to turn inside the area and thump the ball into the net from ten yards. Dixon put her side further ahead in the 83rd minute when she reacted to a penalty area scramble to fire high into the net. The heads of the Coventry players dropped and with news that fellow strugglers Tranmere and Sheffield Wednesday had both won, Linsey Savage was allowed to head from unmarked from a last minute corner. Mark Phillips refused to be downcast with the result saying: "The Fat Lady might be around but she ain't singing! We have three games left at Lincoln on Wednesday and home games against Stockport and Wolves. We are capable of winning all of those but if we get a bit of luck,then who knows?" Team K.Cartwright, Bryenton, Lipman (R.Smith 80),J.Marshall (Healy 64), M.Cartwright, Samuels, McLeod (Whalley 60), Hickmott, Ward, S.Marshall, Archer SNU G.Smith, Byrne. Coventry City Ladies 0 - 2 Tranmere Rovers Coventry City Ladies hit rock bottom with a 2-0 home defeat by Tranmere Rovers. Needing a victory to keep their chances of avoiding the drop back into the Midland Combination, an 15th minute miss by Laura Healy was punished at the other end by Laura Carubia who found space inside the penalty area to score from close range. Twenty minutes later, Tranmere who started the day bottom of the FA Women's Premier League Northern Division table, wrapped up a rare away victory. Sue Kenwright forced her way into the penalty area and was taken down by Lynsey Bryenton. Kelly Jones dispatched the resulting penalty. Despite a good turn-out of City supporters at Sphinx Drive, Mark Phillips side offered nothing during the second half and suffered the defeat that their performance deserved. City now need to win all their remaining matches starting with Sunday's trip to Manchester City. TEAM K.Cartwright, Bryenton, Archer, Healy (McLeod 90) ,M.Cartwright, Samuels, Lynch (Lipman 68), J.Marshall (S.Marshall 68), Ward, Whalley, Hickmott SNU Smith, Stephenson. Coventry City Ladies 1 - 3 Birmingham City (AET) Coventry City Ladies fought all the way in their first ever Birmingham County Women's FA Cup Final before succumbing to an extra time defeat by cup holders Birmingham City. Having arrived on the official Coventry City team coach, Mark Phillips side knew they were in for a very tough game against a high flying National Division side who have won the competition for the last four seasons. Star of the show for the Sky Blues was keeper Kelly Cartwright and in the tenth minute, she dived to save from a Ellen Maggs shot. In a first half of few clear chances, thanks to some back to the wall defending from Maria Cartwright, Natasha Lynch, Lynsey Bryenton and Emma Lipman. The Coventry keeper dealt with a 26th minute corner, saving from a Jo Potter shot before diving to gather a shot from England international Karen Carney two minutes before the break. Birmingham managed by QPR defender Marcus Bignot came straight at City in the second half and were ahead after only 46 seconds when Ellen Maggs broke through and squeezed the ball past the advancing Cartwright's in to the net. City stuck to their task after a Haazzana Parnell shot had rattled the crossbar and in their first chance of the match, they equalised in the 79th minute when Laura Healy sent Michelle Hickmott down the left flank. The England U21 international cut inside before drilling home a shot into the far corner. Now being urged on by a large Coventry contingent in a crowd of 203, City almost snatched a win when Blues keeper Jo Fletcher made a superb save from the feet of Amanda Whalley following a Hickmott cross with six minutes left. Having given their all for ninety minutes,the City players started to tire as the game went into the extra time. In the 94th minute, Birmingham regained their lead thanks to a powerful close range header from Sally Lacey following a corner. Cartwright continued to perform heroics in the City goal but was helpless as a 113th minute Heather Scheuber effort from the edge of the area looped high into the net and wrapped up a five consecutive County Cup Final win for the Blues. Making another brave save at the feet of Helen Maggs with seconds left, Cartwright received a blow to her ribs and back causing her to be carried off and doubtful for City's trip to Lincoln City on Easter Sunday. Half Time: BCFC 0-0 CCFC TEAM K.Cartwright, Lynch, Lipman, Smith, Bryenton, M.Cartwright (Stephenson 117), Whalley, Healy, S.Marshall (McLeod 77), J.Marshall (McKenna 89), Hickmott SNU Perry, Byrne Coventry City Ladies 4 - 4 Midlesborough The term "A game of two halves" is an often used cliché but it perfectly describes a game which saw Coventry City Ladies come from bring four goals down at half-time against Middlesbrough to earn a draw. Mark Phillips side, who face Birmingham City in the Birmingham County Cup Final next Sunday, were a goal down inside six minutes when Lisa Thompson broke to score. Thompson added a second in the 23rd minute when she reacted first to a loose ball after a penalty area scramble. Becky Cartwright added a third for the North East side eight minutes later from a free kick before Nikki Duckling was allowed to race through and beat Gemma Smith with a powerful drive six minutes before the interval. A furious Phillips made three changes at the interval and within seven minutes, the Sky Blues had reduced the arrears when substitute Sarah Marshall crossed for Katy Ward to net from close range. The goal lifted City and their supporters on a cold day at Coventry Sphinx and in the 58th minute, Sarah Marshall turned from provider to scorer when she smashed the ball home after Boro keeper Ami Bullen failed to hold a corner. Ten minutes later, Sarah Marshall scored again, this time with a stunning strike from twenty yards which flew high into the net with Bullen well beaten. Julia Marshall, Maria Cartwright and Michelle Hickmott pushed City forward and they earned a draw seven minutes from time when Hickmott beat the offside trap before coolly finishing. Despite this being a fantastic advert for women's football, results elsewhere meant that the Sky Blues have dropped into the relegation zone. TEAM G.Smith (K.Cartwright 46), Bryenton, Archer, Healy, Lynch, Samuels, McLeod (J.Marshall 46), M.Cartwright, Ward, Whalley (S.Marshall 46), Hickmott SNU Lipman, R.Smith Aston Villa 3 - 2 Coventry City Ladies A late show from Coventry City Ladies was not enough to stop the Sky Blues going down to 3-2 defeat at Aston Villa. With City boss Mark Phillips giving a debut to new signing Steph Samuels, Coventry had the better of the opening period on an oversubscribed pitch at Coles Lane, Sutton Coldfield. They had a sixth minute corner kicked off the line and Villa keeper Hanna Denslow made a fine save when Michelle Hickmott followed up. City created another good chance in the 14th minute when a through ball from Katy Ward was chipped agonisingly inches over the bar by skipper Laura Healy. Four minutes later, Villa went close when a Natalie Gibson effort was scrambled off the far post by Natasha Lynch. The ever present City defender looked comfortable at the heart of City's defence but was powerless to stop Villa taking the lead two minutes into the second half, when Shona Franklin fired past Kelly Cartwright. Villa, who won't be facing Coventry in the Birmingham County FA Cup Final on March 20th after losing 9-0 to Birmingham City in the semi-final last week, doubled their tally inside two minutes thanks to Levi Penny tapping in after Cartwright had parried a Franklin cross. In the 61st minute, Penny added a second when she turned inside the penalty area to score with a low drive. Mark Phillips rang the changes, making three quick substitutions. The move to bring on Julia Marshall was inspired. Against her former club, Marshall rallied the City players and with two minutes of normal time remaining, a stunning strike by Katy Ward reduced the arrears. In the last kick of the game following seven minutes of stoppage time, City, who play Middlesbrough at home on Sunday, scored again when Michelle Hickmott was on hand to tap home an Anna McLeod cross. TEAM K.Cartwright, Bryenton, Archer (Stephenson 61), Healy (J.Marshall 67), Lynch,Samuels, Whalley (McLeod 61), M.Cartwright, Ward, Igbojoinu, Hickmott SNU S.Marshall, Lipman West Bromwich Albion 1 - 7 Coventry City Ladies Coventry City Ladies cruised into the final of the Birmingham County FA Women's Cup with a 7-1 victory at West Bromwich Albion. Having netted 29 goals in the previous three rounds, Mark Phillips side continued this rich vein of goals by taking the lead in the 18th minute of the semi-final when Katy Box chipped Baggies keeper Lydia Broom from the edge of the area. The West Midlands League side were level six minutes later when Hayley Phillopowski beat the offside trap to slide the ball past Gemma Smith. Skipper Maria Cartwright was in commanding form and restored Coventry's lead in the 32nd minute blasting home a rebound after a Julia Marshall effort had hit the post. Two became three two minutes later when referee David Cooke awarded the Sky Blues a penalty following Nigerian international Blessing Igbojoinu being sent crashing to the ground. Katy Box stepped up and the former Barwell striker made no mistake from the penalty mark. With two minutes of the half remaining, Anna McLeod burst down the right flank,crossed for Box to hit a shot which Broom half saved and Julia Marshall nipped in to net City's fourth. West Brom put up a spirited performance in the second half until a 67th minute corner allowed substitute Sarah Marshall to tap in with her first touch of the ball. England U21 international Michelle Hickmott was another City player causing problems for the home defenders and less than a minute later, she fired home from an Igbojoinu cross. The City supporters in a healthy crowd at Oldbury United were very pleased with the prospect of the club's first ever County Cup Final and were in seventh heaven in the 73rd minute as Maria Cartwright wrapped up a fine performance with a stunning strike from 33 yards which flew high into the net. Mark Phillips whose side will face either Birmingham City or Aston Villa in the Final at BCFA HQ at Ray Hall Lane on March 20th said: "This was a good performance against what could have been a difficult side. "We did the simple things well and showed good character to get so many goals after conceding a sloppy one. "Although it's nice to have the final to look forward to,we still have a lot to put right." TEAM G.Smith, Bryenton, Lipman (Stephenson 65), M.Cartwright, Lynch, R.Smith, McLeod, J.Marshall (S.Marshall 65), Igbojoinu, Box (Byrne 74), Hickmott,SNU Whalley, K.Cartwright Coventry City Ladies 2 - 1 Oldham Curzon Coventry City Ladies left it late to beat Oldham Curzon. On a very heavy pitch at Coventry Sphinx, Mark Phillips side had Katy Ward. Michelle Archer and Nigerian international Blessing Igbojoinu all making their home debuts. In the 14th minute when Amanda Whalley broke through and drilled in a low shot which Oldham keeper Kay Hawke superbly blocked with her legs. With the conditions very heavy going, grinding out chances was not easy but in the 31st minute, Michelle Hickmott broke through only for Hawke, who has just been called up for international duty to make another superb save diving to her right. City took the lead six minutes into the second half thanks to a run from Blessing Igbojoinu who out paced the visitors defence before slotting home from the edge of the area. In the 66th minute, the visitors equalised through their leading scorer Kelly Dean who got free down the right before hitting a shot which bounced into the net of City keeper Gemma Smith. Four minutes from time and with City needing a victory as Manchester City had won against Blackburn Rovers, the Sky Blues got the win when substitute Julia Marshall fed Katy Ward who turned her marker before firing into the net from eight yards. TEAM G.Smith, Bryenton, Archer, Cartwright (Lipman 83) , Lynch, R.Smith, Whalley, McKenna (J.Marshall 63), Ward, Igbojoinu, Hickmott SNU Perry. Coventry City Ladies 9 - 1 Bustleholme Coventry City Ladies cruised in to the Birmingham County FA Women's Cup Semi-Final with a 9-1 win over Bustleholme at Coventry Sphinx. The Sky Blues who had beaten Leamington 11-0 and Rugby Town 9-0 in the previous rounds, were ahead inside two minutes through Anna McLeod's close range finish. In the 17th minute, Amanda Whalley raced down the right flank before firing in off the far post for Coventry's second and added a third in the 35th minute netting from close range. With the game deep in stoppage at the end of the first half, Julia Marshall converted on the goal line from a corner before Whalley completed her hat-trick with a powerful drive. Mark Phillips side continued to press with Michelle Hickmott driving home in the 50th minute before a delightful chip from Laura Healy saw Coventry go seven goals clear in the 54th minute. Mel Byrne raced through to beat Bustleholme's offside trap and the visiting keeper with a cool 61st minute finish for the eighth. With two minutes left, Bustleholme were awarded a penalty after Shamara Parks went down inside the area under a challenge from Rachel Smith. Hayley Moore scored from the resulting penalty but it was little more than a token gesture as seconds later, Laura Healy slid home to convert a Sarah Marshall penalty. City who travel to WPL Northern Division League Leaders Sunderland next Sunday, expect to face either Aston Villa or Birmingham City in the semi-final which will be played on Sunday 20th February. TEAM G.Smith, Bryenton,R.Smith, Healy, Lynch, Cartwright (Box 80), Whalley, J.Marshall, Byrne (S.Marshall 66), McLeod, Hickmott SNU Perry Coventry City Ladies 9 - 0 Rugby Town Coventry City Ladies progressed through to the Quarter Finals of the Birmingham County FA Cup with a nine goal romp against Rugby Town. City who are waiting for international clearance on Nigerian international striker Blessing Igbjionu, were ahead in the second minute, thanks to Angie Clarke smashing an Amanda Whalley cross into her own net. A second goal for the Sky Blues came in the ninth minute when Julia Marshall dived to head in from six yards. With injuries not helping the Rugby cause, Coventry went for the kill and Maria Cartwright added a third in the 28th minute with a twelve yard shot that went in off both posts. Visiting keeper Gemma Bright was having a superb game in the Rugby goal. She made a tremendous save with her feet to block Mel Byrne's point blank range shot in the 36th minute but could only watch as Byrne with her back to goal kicked the ball over her head and into the net with five minutes of the first half left. Byrne who has been amongst the goals since her move to Coventry in October, flicked home from a Whalley cross in the 56th minute and completed her hat-trick three minutes later when she tapped home following a Lynsey Bryenton corner. Anna McLeod had been working well on City's left flank and in the 75th minute, she scored Coventry's seventh rifling in a fifteen yard effort from an acute angle. They conceded their eighth of the game when Julia Marshall at the far post bundled the ball over the line following good work by Byrne. Rugby who were now down to ten players when Sarah Leighton limped off, were camped in their own half with Bright bring off save after save. With two minutes remaining, Sarah Marshall stabbed in from close range to give Mark Phillips side a handsome victory. TEAM K.Cartwright, Bryenton, Lipman, M.Cartwright, Lynch, Weston, Whalley, J.Marshall, Byrne, S.Marshall, McLeod Coventry City Ladies 2 - 3 Manchester City Ladies Coventry City face a battle to avoid relegation back to the Midland Combination after they were beaten at home by Manchester City. Injuries and illnesses meant Mark Phillips had to field a changed team from the one that had lost at Wolves in the FA Cup next week. Young keeper Georgina Perry was making her first Coventry appearance of the season and after two minutes, she was picking the ball out of the net as a Laurza Gligan corner flew off Natasha Lynch and into the net. Lynch did not let this affect her and cleared off the line in the 12th minute to concede a corner. Again Gligan took the kick and it fell for Louise Wakefield to stab into the net. Along with Natasha Lynch, Karen Weston and Emma Lipman were working hard to stop the visitors attacks. In the 18th minute, Lipman cleared a Caroline Dixon effort off the line and six minutes later repeated the feat when she hacked away a Gemma Sconce effort. In the 29th minute, a long ball from Emma Lipman found Maria Cartwright who knocked the ball forward to City skipper Laura Healy who nipped through before blasting the ball high into the net from eight yards. Thoughts amongst the City supporters at a cold Coventry Sphinx of an immediate comeback were thwarted four minutes later as Caroline Dixon tore down the right flank and beat Perry with a low drive from the edge of the area. Lipman was forced to limp off with a knee injury just before a half-time interval in which the City players were severely lambasted by their manager who is expected to unveil two new signings this week. Phillips brought on Julia and Sarah Marshall in a bid to get City going and with twelve minutes left, Coventry reduced the arrears further when Anna McLeod was at the far post to slam home from a corner. City face Rugby Town in a Birmingham County FA Cup Third round game at Coventry Sphinx on Sunday before they travel to Manchester City in a rearranged fixture on January 9th. Team: Perry, Bryenton, Lipman (Hickmott 43), Healy (J.Marshall 67), Lynch, Weston, Whalley, Cartwright, Box, Baker (S.Marshall 60), McLeod SNU G.Smith, R.Smith Wolverhampton Wanderers 5 - 0 Coventry City Ladies Coventry City Ladies can forget about any Women's FA Cup glory for another season after being thrashed 5-0 at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Mark Phillips side had Lynsey Bryenton cautioned for encroaching a seventh minute free kick before conceding another five minutes later which was curled into the net by Wolves skipper Emily Westwood. Wolves attacked in the 21st minute when Becky Hall went over the legs of a City defender. The home supporters in the crowd appealed for a free kick and were given it by the Wolverhampton based referee. Hall picked herself up and gave Coventry keeper Gemma Smith no chance with a well placed twenty yard strike. Much to the delight of the Sky Blues supporters, Phillips switched to a 4-4-2 formation, allowing City to press forward. In the 27th minute, Amanda Whalley saw her close range effort from a Michelle Hickmott corner hacked off the line and fell for Julia Marshall to volley inches over the crossbar. With Karen Weston commanding the Sky Blues defence, City kept plugging away with Hickmott firing wide from twenty yards following an Anna McLeod cross. The main problem Coventry had,was that they were unable to retain possession and on the stroke of half-time, Wolves increased their advantage as Westwood nipped in to round Smith and slot the ball into the empty net. Becky Hall came at City in the second half twice firing wide before the home side went four goals to the good following Amy McCann stabbing home from a free kick. Hall continued to threaten and almost scored in the 62nd minute when a superb overhead kick from six yards bounced off Smith's right hand post. Nine minutes later, Hall got the second goal her performance merited as she latched onto a through ball from Anne Blackham before tucking the ball past Smith for Wolves fifth of the game. With the game coming to an end, Hall was cursing her luck. As first, Lynsey Bryenton headed a 75th minute volley off the goal line and then thirteen minutes later, the England U19 midfielder rounded Smith but saw Bryenton get back to clear the ball again off the goal line. City boss Mark Phillips was left very disappointed with the result and is hoping for a better performance against fellow relegation battlers Manchester City this Sunday at Coventry Sphinx at 2pm. Team Smith, Bryenton, M.Cartwright, Healy, Lynch,Weston, Whalley, Hickmott, Byrne (Lockyer 65),J .Marshall (S.Marshall 53), McLeod. SNU K.Cartwright,Box Blackburn Rovers 2 - 1 Coventry City Ladies Coventry City Ladies put in one of their best away performances of the season but still finished up as losers at Blackburn Rovers. City had been beaten 7-1 at home by Blackburn earlier in the season, but Mark Phillips' side were far more determined and organised on this occasion. Blackburn relied heavily on Amanda Bateman who went wide with a twelfth minute shot and won a corner six minutes later. In the 34th minute, Bateman went even closer, striking the near post direct from a corner. Gemma Smith in the City goal and defender Natasha Lynch both were having excellent games and when an over exuberant assistant referee allowed play to flow, Katy Box drilled wide and then won a 41st minute corner. In a second half watched by Millwall joint manager Ray Wilkins whose team were training at Blackburn's Brockhall Village Academy, City fell behind in the 68th minute when a Bateman crossed was tucked home by Sarah McCrea. Seven minutes later, Blackburn went further ahead when Andrea Bell scrambled the ball home after a mistake in the City defence. Phillips made a double change sending on strikers Sarah Marshall and Mel Byrne and with two minutes remaining, Marshall pulled a goal back lashing a twenty five yarder high into the net. This set up a grandstand finish with the industrious Maria Cartwright firing just wide deep in stoppage time, but it was not to be and City who travel to Wolves next week in an FA Cup Third Round tie, went down to a defeat that their effort and commitment did not merit. TEAM Smith, Bryenton, Hickmott, Healy, Lynch, Weston, Whalley, Cartwright, Box (N.Wilcox 89), J.Marshall (Byrne 76), McLeod (S.Marshall 76). SNU K.Cartwright, D.Wilcox Leamington Lions 0 - 11 Coventry City Ladies Coventry City Ladies earned their biggest ever away victory in the Birmingham County FA Cup with a second round hammering of Leamington. On a cold day at Warwick's Myton School, Mark Phillips side took the lead in the tenth minute when Katy Box raced through and was brought down in the penalty area. Ignoring the penalty appeals, referee Mr Portch award the Sky Blues a corner and Lynsey Bryenton steered a header into the net from the edge of the penalty area. Coventry were mastering the tricky conditions far better than a spirited Leamington side and doubled their tally in the 23rd minute as Julia Marshall's persistence in midfield saw her win the ball and pick out Michelle Hickmott who rounded the home keeper Laura Maltby to score. Three minutes later, the City supporters in a reasonable crowd were celebrating once more as Anna McLeod crossed for Laura Healy to stab the ball past the advancing keeper. Maltby was doing her best to keep her side in the contest but was left helpless as McLeod cut inside for Hickmott who fed the ball for Katy Box to slip the ball into the net from close range. Box was on target six minutes into the second half when she shrugged off her marker before thumping the ball into the net. Coventry, with defenders Karen Weston and Natasha Lynch ensuring that Gemma Smith in the City goals was a virtual spectator, were six up a minute later when a deft left footed chip twenty yard from Laura Healy sailed into the net. The goals kept flowing for a rampant City side as Julia Marshall scored with a delightful left footed volley from a corner in the 54th minute, and with fifteen minutes remaining, Hickmott notched Coventry eighth of the afternoon slotting home after breaking from midfield. A twenty five chop over Maltby by Julia Marshall made it nine in the 79th minute to equal City's biggest win in the competition. With seven minutes remaining, substitute Mel Byrne ensured that City broke that record when she fired home from a Sarah Marshall cross and four minutes from time, City's England U21 international Michelle Hickmott completed her hat-trick with a well taken finish. TEAM Smith, Bryenton, Cartwright, Healy (Lockyer 70), Lynch, Weston, Whalley (S.Marshall 73), Hickmott, Box (Byrne 60), McLeod SNU N.Wilcox, D.Wilcox Coventry City Ladies 4 - 2 Sunderland Coventry City Ladies pulled off one of the shocks of the WPL Northern Division season when they beat league leaders Sunderland at Coventry Sphinx. The North East based side took the game to City forcing four early corners. When they won a fifth after 17 minutes, Karen Scorer put the visitors ahead when she nodded home from Mel Reay's flag kick. Mark Phillips side drew level six minutes thanks to Scorer heading into her own net from a Michelle Hickmott free kick. With City skipper Laura Healy having a free role, the Sky Blues midfield were able to cut down the Sunderland attacks and push forward. In the 34th minute, City took the lead when Healy sent a ball over the visiting defence for Katy Box to run on to and lash into the net from eight yards. Sunderland were level on the stroke of half-time thanks to Stephanie Houghton being on hand to stab home from close range after a free kick had initially been blocked. In a second half which grew colder as the game progressed there was plenty for the City supporters to cheer as a 73rd minute stunning strike from Katy Box was tipped over by Carly Telford for a corner. Hickmott swung the ball into a crowded penalty and substitute Julia Marshall hammered the ball in from five yards. Four minutes, later, the move of the match, produced City's fourth goal when Katy Box tore down the right flank, beat off a marker before delivering a pin point cross which Laura Healy nodded into the net. City, who move out of the relegation zone with this victory, travel to Leamington Lions next Sunday in an Birmingham County FA Cup match were highly delighted with the performance and manager Mark Phillips said: "This was a tremendous result for us. I think the girls worked hard and we were unfortunate to go in at 2-2 at half-time. "Second half,we showed what we can do against a team top of the league and we have done brilliantly. In fact we were the better side." Team: Smith, Bryenton, Hickmott, Healy, Lynch, Weston, halley, Cartwright, Box, McKenna (Julia Marshall 64), McLeod SNU K.Cartwright, S.Marshall, Lockyer, Byrne Wolves Women 3 - 0 Coventry City Ladies Coventry City Ladies remain in the WPL Northern Division relegation zone after a 3-0 defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Willenhall Town based club went ahead in the 18th minute when a corner was not cleared and the ball fell to Becky Hall who blasted the ball high into the net from the edge of the area. With Emma Lipman limping off due to an ankle injury, the afternoon for Mark Phillips team got even worse as a 28th minute corner, after a super reaction save from Gemma Smith, was not properly cleared and Emily Westwood stabbed the ball in from close range to double Wolves tally. Despite conceding two goals, City keeper Gemma Smith was in fine form. Firstly making a superb reaction save for a Becky Hall effort and then diving low to push away a Natalie Poole twenty yard shot. In the 37th minute, Wolves added a third as Becky Hall capitalised on a defensive error and tucked the ball past Smith. As a good following of City supporters looked on, Coventry managed their first chance of the game when skipper Laura Healy fired wide with a 35 yard shot on the stroke of half-time. Mark Phillips and his backroom staff read the riot act to his players during the interval and for the second half, City's defence remained. Wolves had earned four corners before a through ball from Maria Cartwright found Katy Box in the penalty area. However, the City striker snatched at her shot and sent it over the crossbar. Having lost Amanda Whalley to a knee injury, City who travel to bottom side Manchester City on Sunday had another chance in the 75th minute when Michelle Hickmott cut inside for Sarah Marshall to rifle a shot form twenty yards wide. Team: Smith, Lipman (S.Marshall 27), Bryenton, Healey, Lynch,Baseley (McLeod 60), Whalley (Lockyer 75), Cartwright, Box, Marshall, Hickmott SNU K.Cartwright Aston Villa 2 - 0 Coventry City Ladies Coventry City Ladies face another trip to Sutton Coldfield after the game against Aston Villa Ladies was abandoned at half-time. Five minutes had been played when referee Andrew Gopsill took the players off the pitch to allow the fog that was falling on the Coles Lane ground to clear. After a ten minute delay, play resumed and Villa netted straight from the restart following City defender Emma Lipman and keeper Gemma Smith being unable to see Shona Franklin on the edge of the area cut the ball across for Louise Carter to fire into an empty net. Gemma Smith redeemed herself a minute later with a fine save from Hanna Smith. The evening was not going the way of the Sky Blues and in the 16th minute, City were reduced to ten players when Maria Cartwright left the field for treatment to a bruised cheekbone. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Coventry continued to press with efforts from Maxine Knox and Sarah Marshall keeping the home keeper busy. Striker Katy Box was always a threat to the Villa defence and in the 21st minute, Box found herself flattened by Natalie Courtney got away with a caution. Just as Maria Cartwright was reintroduced to the action, Manager Mark Phillips had to make a change when Maxine Knox limped off with a recurrence of a knee injury which kept her out of the whole of last season. With twenty eight minutes gone, Villa increased their lead when a run down the left flank by Shona Franklin saw her deliver a ball into the penalty area which deflected off a defender and crept past the helpless Smith into the net. Boosted by a healthy Sky Blue following who just outnumbered the home support, City forced two corners with the second seeing a Julia Marshall effort from close range being cleared off the line. In the 41st minute, Sarah Marshall created space inside the penalty area and rifled a shot which Courtney scrambled off the line. A third off the line clearance occurred seconds later at the other end when City's England U21 international Michelle Hickmott cleared away a Natalie Masters shot from twelve yards. At half-time, the both sides of the pitch were both visible but when the teams and the match officials returned, the fog had worsened and Mr Gopsill had no choice but to abandon the game. Team: Smith, Lipman, Knox (McLeod 27), Healy, Lynch, Cartwright, Whalley, J.Marshall, Box, S.Marshall, Hickmott SNU K.Cartwright, Lockyer, Bryerton, Baseley. Stockport County 2 - 1 Coventry City Ladies Coventry City Ladies miserable run of away form saw a defeat at Stockport County. On a dry afternoon at Stalybridge Celtic, an entertaining affair, saw Mark Phillips team fell behind in the 41st minute when Stockport had the ball on the left. Donna Davidson played one-two with her striking partner before she advanced to stick the ball past the helpless Gemma Smith in the City goal. Coventry's replay was swift with a County defender completely misjudging the flight of a through ball. It fell to Katy Box who chipped the ball high into the net from the right edge of the penalty area in the 44th minute. In the 71st minute,Stockport took the full compliments of points when a Lena Shepherd through ball from her own half fell to Mel Garside who shrugged off her marker before scoring with a right footed shot. On Wednesday night (7.45pm), City travel to Sutton Coldfield to play Aston Villa in a WPL Northern Division fixture and manager Mark Phillips will be hoping for a better performance against his former club. Team: Smith, Lipman, Hickmott, J.Marshall, Lynch, M.Cartwright, Whalley, Lockyer (Baseley 80), Box, S.Marshall, McLeod SNU Bryerton, K.Cartwright, Weston. Coventry City Ladies 3 - 1 Sheffield Wednesday Ladies Coventry City Ladies collected their first victory of the season with a fine 3-1 home victory over Sheffield Wednesday. With Mark Phillips' players determined to make amends after a 3-0 defeat at bottom club Middlesbrough and a 7-1 home mauling by high flyers Blackburn Rovers. City defied the wet and miserable conditions at Coventry Sphinx to take a 29th minute lead when Katy Box collected a pass from Amanda Whalley and drove the ball home from the right hand side of the penalty area. Coventry continued to press and Box added a second in the 72nd minute when Katy Box out-paced the Owls defence before lashing a left footed effort into the top corner from the edge of the area. Three minutes later, City wrapped up the game and moved out of the relegation zone as a long ball forward by Michelle Hickmott was dropped by the visiting keeper as Sarah Marshall came in. The ball hit the City striker on the backside before trickling into the net. With two minutes remaining, Wednesday scored a consolation when a miss hit Rachel Booker shot rolled in at the far post. Mark Phillips gave his side full credit for the win saying: "This was a fantastic win for us and the girls did very well. "It was hard fought but they did everything we asked of them, scoring two quality goals and we are all very happy about this win" Team Smith, Lipman, Hickmott, Healy, Lynch, M.Cartwright, Whalley, J.Marshall, S.Marshall, Box (Bryerton 89),McLeod (Lockyer 82) SNU Baseley, K.Cartwright Coventry City Ladies 1 - 7 Blackburn Rovers Coventry City Ladies hit rock bottom with a 7-1 home drubbing by Blackburn Rovers. With manager Mark Phillips on international duty with England women's team, assistant Ian Weaving watched as his side fell behind in the 19th minute when a Justin Wallace through ball found Andrea Bell who kept her cool to score. City rallied briefly forcing two corners after a Maria Cartwright header had been cleared. In the 31st minute,Amanda Whalley found space on the right flank but the England U17's international could only fire into the side netting from six yards. Three minutes later, City almost fell behind again when a poor Lena Baseley free kick allowed Bell to break through, only to fire wide with only City keeper Kelly Cartwright to beat. Weaving had given fit again Yvette Dolphin her first start of the season, however a recurrence of a media injury forced the striker who scored twenty four goals last term out of the game. Four minutes into the second half, Andy Bell went over in the penalty area and Katie Anderton thumped the resulting penalty into the net. Blackburn confirmed their superiority in the 63rd minute when a ball from midfield found Anderton on the right and she hit a low drive to score from ten yards. The mood amongst the City support was definitely downbeat but it was lifted a touch with twenty minutes remaining when Anna McLeod and Michelle Hickmott combined for Maria Cartwright to hammer a fifteen yard drive into the net. Back came Blackburn who added a fourth when Lisa Welsh headed home unmarked from a corner. A fifth came five minutes later when substitute Hannah Bailey broke through to score with a low drive. With the game in the dying seconds, Two goals in quick succession completed the rout with another from Hanna Bailey making it six in the 89th minute was followed seconds later by player of the match Katie Anderton again out-pacing the City defence and completing her hat-trick with a close range shot. City face Sheffield Wednesday at Sphinx Drive next Sunday and will be looking to vastly improve. TEAM Kelly Cartwright, Lipman, Hickmott, Healy, Baseley (Weston 55), Lynch, Whalley, Cartwright, Dolphin (Box 42), Marshall, McLeod (Clough 83). Middlesbrough 3 - 0 Coventry City Ladies Coventry City Ladies proved that struggling against team's bottom of the table is not a male preserve as they crashed 3-0 at Middlesbrough. Mark Phillips side got off to the worst possible side when the Sky Blues defence failed to clear their lines and Becky Cartwright was on hand to lash the ball past the City keeper. With the City players failing to cope with the physical pressure from the North-East club, the Sky Blues were unable to get back into the game. The closest they came to a goal was in 17th minute when Michelle Hickmott swung in a free kick, home keeper Aimi Bullen flapped at the ball before a covering defender scrambled the ball away for a corner. On the stroke of half-time,the Billingham Synthonia based club increased their lead when player of the game Caz Watson burst through and rounded City keeper Kelly Cartwright to fire into an empty net. Ten minutes into the second half, Coventry manager Mark Phillips threw on striker Yvette Dolphin. The substitution changed little and in the 63rd minute, Bobby Todd muscled her way through the Coventry defence to net with ease from a Becky Cartwright cross. Phillips' last throw of the dice was a double substitution of his two attackers, but this also back fired as City had to play the last fifteen minutes with ten players after Laura Healy was carried off with a head injury. The players who take on title favourites Blackburn Rovers at Coventry Sphinx on Sunday were locked in the dressing room after this performance. When Mark Phillips calmed down. He said:" Disappointing against a side that we should have done well against. "Middlesbrough were workmanlike, we did not adapt to their way of playing and the players did not do what was asked of them and got a rude awakening. "You cannot afford to give away sloppy goals but full credit to Middlesbrough, they worked hard. "We will have to learn to defend the goal for the first ten minutes and see how we get on from there bit I am disappointed to come all this way only for us to be rolled over." Team Kelly Cartwright, Lynsey Bryerton, Emma Lipman (Dolphin 55), Laura Healy, Natasha Lynch, Karen Weston, Amanda Whalley (Box 62), Maria Cartwright, Anna McLeod, Heidi Lockyer (Sarah Marshall 62), Michelle Hickmott. SNU Baseley, Perry Coventry City Ladies 2 - 2 Aston Villa Ladies Coventry City Ladies were denied their first victory of the season against local rivals Aston Villa with a late goal. In front of a big crowd at Coventry Sphinx, Mark Phillips' team were on the attack from the start with Villa keeper Rachel Dobbins making a low diving save from a Michelle Hickmott free kick. Dobbins sent a long ball down the field and Shona Franklin raced through to fire wide. In the eighth minute, a clash left Laura Healy and Kelly Saggs requiring treatment. Both players were able to continue and in the 15th minute, Healy fired over the bar with a 25 yard free kick. It was Healy who looked the most likely to score and after she had fired wide from a Sarah Marshall pass, the City skipper headed over from an Amanda Whalley free kick. As scouts from the FA and Birmingham City looked on, Lynsey Bryerton became the first player in referee Terry James book when she was pulled up for a tackle on Natalie Courtney. Despite their lowly position in the league following midweek victories for Stockport and Manchester City, Coventry were having most of the play. In the 38th minute, Bryerton set Hickmott free down the right flank. City's recent signing from Fulham got in a shot which Dobbins beat away for a corner. Four minutes later, another good move saw Amanda Whalley pressure the Villa defence and she found Katy Box who forced Dobbins into a save with a right footed effort from six yards. Seconds before the interval, Coventry took the lead when Kelly Cartwright saved a long range effort from Courtney. The Sky Blues keeper cleared her lines and some good approach play found Michelle Hickmott who jinked her way into the penalty area and hit a stunning shot which flew into the net from fourteen yards. Villa almost scored in the first minute of the second period when a shot by Levi Penny hit the bar, as players dived in for the loose ball, Kelly Cartwright was injured and the Sky Blues awarded a free kick. In the 61st minute, Villa drew levelled when a break down the right saw Natalie Courtney drill a low shot across the face of the goal and in at the far post. The goal sparked the Sky Blues into life and they had regained their lead within three minutes when an audacious 35 yard effort from Michelle Hickmott flew past the raised right hand of Dobbins and the right hand post and into the goal. Villa claimed that the whole of the ball had not crossed the line but the referee awarded the goal. Phillips who managed Villa for a spell last season, replaced Emma Lipman and Sarah Marshall with Anna McLeod and fit again Yvette Dolphin. City were looking good for the victory but Villa had other ideas and started to stretch the City defence. Natasha Lynch and Karen Weston worked miracles at the back but could do nothing as Natalie Courtney was allowed space to thunder a 35 yard shot which flew over Cartwright and into the net. The Sky Blues who travel to bottom club Middlesbrough on Sunday, were denied a late winner by the crossbar in the 84th minute when Amanda Whalley crashed an eighteen yard shot against the bar and the visitors scrambled the ball away. Villa had Levi Penny cautioned late on and held on for a point. Mark Phillips said: "We are not disappointed. If you look they were a team that has come down from the Premiership and we have come up from the Midland Combination and a point from them at home, we are quite happy with. "We were the better side in the first half, a bit sloppy in the second but overall, we were unlucky not to get three points from the game. "All of the goals were good quality and we have another point out of it and it keeps us going. " We now prepare for Sunday against a Middlesbrough side that may be struggling, but we are going to keep on being positive for as long as we can." TEAM Kelly Cartwright, Bryerton, Lipman (McLeod 71), Healy, Lynch, Weston, Whalley, Cartwright, Box(Lockyer 90), Marshall(Dolphin 78), Hickmott. SNU Smith,B aseley Coventry City Ladies 1 - 2 Cardiff City Coventry City went out of the Premier League Cup with a 2-1 home defeat by Cardiff City at Coventry Sphinx. With a strong wind gusting around Sphinx Drive, the game was stopped as soon as it started with an injury which saw Cardiff midfielder Charlotte Preen replaced by Jessica Fishlock. After Helen Jones had been booked for a foul on Natasha Lynch, the Sky Blues created the first opening when a tenth minute Maria Cartwright header was well caught by the visiting keeper Karen Jones. City were matching the side from the WPL Southern Division in every department and after a 15th minute Amanda Whalley shot had won Coventry a corner, Heidi Lockyer broke through and hit a low drive which Jones dived to her right to push round the post. Mark Phillips side were looking to go forward at every opportunity but were made to pay for their eagerness in the 19th minute when a through ball bypassed the Sky Blues defence and Jessica Fishlock raced through to fire high into the net. Jones made another good save from Whalley three minutes later, but it was all Cardiff with the Welsh woman forcing two corner before they went further ahead in the 32nd minute. A ball in from the right caused panic in the City defence and the unmarked Samantha Gaunt found space in a crowded penalty area to rifle a close range effort into the net. Coventry captain Laura Healy again was working hard in City's midfield and in the 35th minute, the former Leeds United player turned and drilled a eighteen yard effort which Jones had to dive to save. Cardiff kept the pressure on City and a lovely diving save by Kelly Cartwright from a Gwennan Harries effort gave the visitors their first corner of three in quick succession before the break. Karen Weston again was in sterling form and in the 50th minute, she made a superbly timed tackle to prevent Harries from scoring. Chances were limited as the game wore on but in the 64th minute, another fine Cartwright save with her feet from a Helen Jones effort. Eight minutes later, Cardiff went even closer when a Caroline Cooper shot from the edge of the area, crashed against the crossbar and was cleared away. Phillips threw on Katy Box and Michelle Hickmott in an attempt to get something out of the game and in the last minute of normal time, City pulled one back when good work from Amanda Whalley saw her out pace her marker and sent a ball into the six yard box. With the Cardiff defenders seemingly rooted to the spot, Anna McLeod was at the far post to net from very close range. This set up a grandstand finish with City who face locals rivals Aston Villa on Thursday September 16th at Coventry Sphinx (7.45pm), getting two late corners but they could not get a goal in order to send the match into extra time and it was the visitors who progressed to the next round. Mark Phillips said: "This was a scrappy game. "We gave them too much respect and we did not come out the traps as fast as we have done. "I spoke to them at half-time and we agreed to do some different things. "In the last ten minutes, we showed what we can do. The late goal made it a bit more interesting for the fans and we nearly did it. "But good luck to Cardiff. I'm sure they will do well in this competition but it's not the end of the world. "We have a big game on Thursday against Aston Villa and we now have to concentrate on that." Team K.Cartwright, Lynch, Lipman (Hickmott 71), Healy, Baseley, Weston, Whalley, M.Cartwright (McKenna 83), Lockyer (Box 68),S.Marshall, McLeod SNU J.Marshall, Perry, Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Coventry City Ladies Coventry City Ladies are still searching for their first victory of the season after a 0-0 draw with Lincoln City. Coventry City Ladies were left to rue their missed chances in a goal less game at Sheffield Wednesday. Mark Phillips side were the first to attack forcing an eight minute corner which fell to Michelle Hickmott to rifle at the home keeper Clare Wallhead. With City's defence holding the home strikers, Anna McLeod fired over from eight yards and then fired across the face of the goal after Hickmott had earned Coventry a 31st minute corner. In the 37th minute, the Coventry supporters were shouting for a penalty when the hard working Maria Cartwright found Sarah Marshall who was brought down. Referee Mr Cassady waved play on and Heidi Lockyer shot over from six yards. Wednesday started the brighter in the second half forcing two corners the second of which was steered onto the crossbar by Beth Gingell. In the 52nd minute, Phillips was forced into a change when right back Lynsey Bryerton was carried off with an ankle injury and replaced by Lena Baseley. Three minutes later, Heidi Lockyer wasted a glorious chance after a through ball from Amanda Whalley with only the keeper to beat. Karen Weston in her first game of the season sent a 68th minute through ball for Whalley to run onto, giving the Sky Blues a corner. Hickmott took the place kick and McLeod's header at the far post went just wide. Sarah Marshall failed to hit the target twice before she made way for Yvette Dolphin with ten minutes remaining. Katy Box who came on for Lockyer had two chances at the death but it was not enough to give City who face Cardiff City at Coventry Sphinx on Sunday, the victory they deserved. Mark Phillips said: "It was a tight game but we had a few chances today and at least we are making the chances. "Defensively, another clean sheet and I think we defended very well. We were the better team in the first and although we hung for the first ten minutes, we have come and taken a point at a side second in the league." Kelly Cartwright, Bryerton (Baseley 52), Hickmott, Healy, Lynch, Weston, Whalley, Maria Cartwright, Lockyer (Box 80), Marshall (Dolphin 80), McLeod SNU Smith, McKenna. Coventry City Ladies 0-0 Lincoln City Coventry City Ladies are still searching for their first victory of the season after a 0-0 draw with Lincoln City. In front of a healthy crowd at Nuneaton Borough, City boss Mark Phillips defender Kelly Mulhall sent to hospital with a sixth minute knee injury as the visitors had the early pressure. Chances were limited but after keeper Kelly Cartwright had dealt with two Lincoln corners, Anna McLeod almost put City ahead with a long range effort that just missed the far post. Lincoln always looked dangerous going forward and in the 21st minute, Sara Priestly out paced the City defence only hit a shot across the face of the goal. Debutant Michelle Hickmott who joined the Sky Blues from Fulham fitted straightaway into the midfield and in the 23rd minute, she broke down the left flank and squared the ball back for Amanda Whalley to fire into the side netting from eight yards. Five minutes later, Hickmott was involved again as she linked up with Sarah Marshall to tee up Katy Box who shot wide from ten yards. On the stroke of half-time, a Lena Baseley free kick fell for City skipper Laura Healy but Imps keeper Nicola Hobbs was equal to it making a fine save. Phillips had to make his second change at the interval with Emma Lipman who was watched by an England scout, limped off with a foot injury and was replaced by Maria Cartwright. Glen Smith's side raised their game in the second period and in the 55th minute, Priestly broke through only to see her low drive rebound off the foot of the post and Natasha Lynch scramble the ball away for a corner. City goalkeeper Kelly Cartwright was having a fine game and in the 64th minute, she palmed a twenty yard rocket from Steph Spence over the crossbar for a corner. Lincoln continued to press until the end and Cartwright denied the visitors with three saves to earn City who are running a coach to their game at Sheffield Wednesday and the Masters Final on Sunday, a share of the spoils. Mark Phillips was happy with the point saying "This was a hard earned point. "They had chances, we had chances and a bit of finishing from both sides could have seen the game finish two all. "The positives I take out of it are a clean sheet, we have battled well and defended very well. "I think Michelle Hickmott made a difference and although the second half was not great, I'll take a point from a good side who have been in the league for a fair time now. To take a point off Lincoln is no disgrace in our first home game. Team: K.Cartwright, Mulhall (Bryerton 6), Lipman (M.Cartwright 46), Healy, Lynch, Baseley, Whalley, Hickmott, Box, Marshall (Lockyer 61), McLeod SNU Perry, McKenna Oldham Curzon 3-3 Coventry City Ladies Battling Coventry City were denied an unexpected victory at the death at Oldham Curzon. Having been held up on the A556 en route to Hyde, Mark Phillips team, were a goal down inside the opening minute when the league's top scorer Kelly Dean for the last three seasons started and finished a move that saw us slip the ball in to the net as City keeper Cartwright advanced. City started to get into the game with a Lena Baseley free kick from 35 yards just missing the far post, an Anna McLeod header and a thirty yarder from Captain Laura Healey. The home side increased their lead in the 24th minute as a through ball by passed the Sky Blues defence and fell to Nicky Maylett to slam the ball home. All this served to fire up City who reduced the arrears thanks to a stunning strike from Katy Box who turned her marker before thundering in a shot from the edge of the area. With Lena Baseley outstanding in defence, City stuck to their task and were level in the 58th minute when Emma Lipman inside the penalty area, knocked the ball down for Julia Marshall to fire low into the net. Four minutes later, some good approach play saw a cross from Katy Box fell nicely for Amanda Whalley on the far side to jink her way past a couple of defenders before scoring with aplomb. The home side forced six corner in a heavy spell of pressure and in the last minute, the effort put in by the City players took it's toil as Emma Gaymon found space to get in a right footed shot and earn the home side a draw. Mark Phillips was delighted and said: "What a game, we could do with a few more of them every week and I'd be happy. "It was sloppy start again but the character and attitude the girls showed to come from two goals down to be 3-2 up and alright we conceded a sloppy goal at the end, was tremendous and I believe we gave them a football lesson. "Our third goal was testament to what we are trying to do." All three goals were great finishes. "To come to a fancied team like Oldham and get a point away from home like that every week I'd be happy. "They have to come to our place now and they won't like it. The way we played today was exceptional ,the girls attitude was spot on and I can't ask for any more than that." Team: Cartwright, Mulhall, Lipman, Healy, Lynch, Baseley, Whalley, Julia Marshall (McKenna 90), Box, Sarah Marshall, McLeod. SNU Bryerton, Smith, Dolphin. Tranmere Rovers 5-0 Coventry City Ladies Coventry City Ladies got their WPL Northern Division campaign off to a bad start with a 5-0 defeat at Tranmere Rovers. On a ground at Heswall FC where former City winger Ray Woods first plied his trade, the Merseyside took the lead in the 17th minute when Rachel Rigby beat the offside trap to score past City keeper Kelly Cartwright. Mark Phillps was forced into a change a minute later when Maria Cartwright was carried off with a head injury. The home side went further ahead in the 26th minute when a cross from Sue Kenwright was dropped by the City keeper onto the foot of Kim Holden who scored with ease. Holden turned provider six minutes later when she crossed for Lauren Carubia to stab home from close range. In the 39th minute, Carubia broke through. The City defence appealed for offside and Carubia crossed for Holden to tap in. There was little to cheer for the City supporters and the closest City came was in the 43rd minute when Julia Marshall headed against the post from a Katy Box corner. A 63rd minute calf injury combined with a head injury forced Coventry defender Natasha Lynch off the pitch and two minutes later,the advancing Cartwright missed the ball allowing Sue Kenwright to head home unmarked. Sarah Marshall and Katy Box both had efforts saved by Rovers keeper Liz Morris. On the final whistle, complaints were made that referee Dave Roberts, who will be on the line for City's Coca Cola Championship for City mens home game against Rotherham on September 18, only played forty two minutes in the second half to no avail. Mark Phillips said:" We gave them too much respect in the first half and got punished for it. "We were a lot better in the second half. A little bit of luck and a goal might have helped us. "That is the first one out of the way - the headless chicken game as I like to call it and we can work on the away game at Oldham Curzon next week." As a first game, it was not the best of results but there will be other teams on no points." Team: Kelly Cartwright, Kelly Mulhall, Lynsey Bryerton, Julia Marshall (Heidi Lockyer 55), Nat Lynch (Leanne McKenna 66), Maria Cartwright, (Lena Basely 18), Amanda Whalley, Laura Healey, Anna McLeod, Sarah Marshall, Katy Box. SNU: Gemma Smith, Nat Justice. Coventry City Ladies 4-1 Strafford Rangers Coventry City ended their pre-season campaign with a 4-1 victory over Stafford Rangers at Nuneaton Borough FC. Due to the heat on a very warm day at Manor Park, City boss Mark Phillips, his counter part Stacey Boreham and the three match officials all agreed to a game of three thirty minute periods, so that drinks breaks could be taken. With all the injuries having cleared up from the defeat against National Division Bristol Rovers, bar Yvette Dolphin who has a left media ligament injury. The Sky Blues attacked early with a low Sarah Marshall shot being pushed round the post by Rangers keeper Rachel Scarrisbrook for a sixth minute corner. Marshall's partner attack in attack,Anna McLeod went close with a header,Natalie Justice had a ten yard drive saved by Scarrisbrook before City went ahead in the 16th minute, thanks to a through ball from Emma Lipman beating the visitors defence and falling for Heidi Lockyer to run on and score for close range. The Midland Combination side who have been very active in the transfer market, recruiting most of the Stoke City side won a 20th minute corner. Karen Weston initially cleared the danger but the ball fell to Stacey Arrowsmith to curl the ball just past Gemma Smith's far post. City's approach play looked promising and they went further ahead in the 24th minute when Sarah Marshall capitalised on a panicky defence to nip in and slot the ball home from close range. With the game in the second period, City continued to press and Emma Lipman, Karen Weston, Leona Baseley and Kelly Mullhall all gave the visitors food for thought with efforts on goal. City keeper Gemma Smith had relatively little to do in goal but in the 47th minute, she could only watch as Natalie Price curled the ball onto the far past and rebounded out for Baseley to clear. With Stafford not having enough players available to fulfil a reserve fixture, Mark Phillips started to experiment with his line-up giving run-outs to Lynsey Bryington, Nat Wilcox, Katy Box, Kerry Williamson, Leona McCook and Jade Newbold. It was one of the substitutes that increased City's lead in the 64th minute when Anna McLeod tore down the left flank and crossed for Katy Box to hammer home at the far post. Stafford replied immediately with player/manager Stacey Boreham giving Smith no chance from a 25 yarder which flew into the roof of the net. City continued to press and finished off their preparation for the opening WPL Northern Division fixture at Tranmere Rovers,four minutes from time when Heidi Lockyer picked up on a poor clearance and kept her cool to score from five yards. City Manager Mark Phillips said "This was a good work out for us. "It was nice to score some goals. "At times,we played some really nice stuff and we are getting near to what we want. "We gave away a sloppy goal which I think was due to a bit of tiredness. All in all,a pretty good performance and nice to get a win under our belts." Players used:Smith, Mulhall, Baseley, Weston, Lipman, Justice, Julia Marshall, Cartwright, Sarah Marshall, Lockyer, McLeod, Wilcox, Box, McCook, Lockwood, Newbold and Bryington Coventry City Ladies 0-4 Bristol Rovers Ladies Coventry City Ladies manager Mark Phillips remained upbeat after a Sky Blues side dogged by injury were beaten 4-0 by National Division side Bristol Rovers. In very warm conditions at Warwick University, Coventry defender Kelly Mulhall sent a 34th minute header against the Rovers crossbar before Helen Donne finished off a good move to put the visitors ahead two minutes before the interval. Trialist keeper Paula Palfreyman made a superb one handed save from a Donne header three minutes in to the second period before injuries changed the course of the game. City had gone into the match having lost defender Heidi Sloan who was in plaster following a City Select's 4-0 defeat in midweek against Michigan University and found themselves down to ten players for a time following injuries to star striker Yvette Dolphin, captain Maria Cartwright, Julia Marshall, Amanda Whalley and Emma Dukes. Rovers, who reached the Women's FA Cup semi-final last season, used this numerical advantage to increase their lead in the 61st minute when a poor kick by the City keeper went only as far as Mush Green who slammed the ball past the helpless Palfreyman and into the net. Two minutes later, City went further behind thanks to a sister act as Angela Green slotted home from close range from her sister's cross. Mark Phillips side kept battling away but six minutes from time, the defences were breached as Kelly Hall broke through to score from close range. Palfreyman finished the game with two spectacular saves to keep the score down as Rovers cruised to an easy victory. City manager Mark Phillips was not unduly worried about the score-line and said:" It was a good work out for us against Premier Division opposition. "I think we have a great deal to work with and we got some great positives out of the game. "Scores don't worry me in friendlies, never had done and never will do. "I think the way that we played and the way that we conducted ourselves against a top flight outfit gives us something to aim at." |