Under 12 Team Match Reports
By David Singleton

Coventry City Ladies 0 - 2 Redditch United
League 14/5/05

The final game of the season was played in glorious sunshine, something the net men reflected upon when erecting the goals...why do we have to go through a whole season freezing our hands off putting the nets up and as soon as the sun comes out, we stop playing...In Brian's last game of his managing career the world decided to turn against him, no ref, no pitch, no pegs, car boot sale to distract him (it must be Gina's birthday coming up, as he kept eying up a china dog on the nearest stand...after all he couldn't kill that, could he??) The girls (including a few mischievous mums) eyed up the same stall thinking how much fun it would be if a ball were to land in the middle and watch the contents shatter all over the AT7 car park...childish and immature I know, but what fun!

Redditch arrived in good form, they've had a great season, and were determined to win this game. Very early in the game, they won a goal kick and with a kick that the finest in the game would have been proud of went long and high in the air and in to the feet of the Redditch forward to slot home. A neat goal won with flair, that was reflected with their strong defence which was difficult to break down. Katie did break through but the goal scored was disallowed adjudged to be off side. (something the 'lino' did apologise for later admitting his mistake.)

Coventry did command a great deal of the game, the first half was frustrating with illogical off side whistles and no further goals.

The second half was very much like the first, but the away lino had to run the home line. By now, Brian's army of activist mums were ready. Thank goodness they were not needed, it would have been a bloodbath! A second goal followed the visitors first, despite Coventry's domination of the game. Clever footwork combined with a little lethargy was not going to bring City back, but they did try. The super subs came on, Brian took his eye off the china dog and roared them on. He could be heard over at The Sphinx.

In their final game together, the squad now splits up, some stay in the 12's, other go up to the 14's, Brian goes to Barbados, but not before a drenching by the plucky players once they had 'listened' to his final team talk. 'Warm down, he hollered' 'Warm this' came the response!

Whilst this rampage went on, Lisa (Beth's mum) managed to barter with a hungry stall holder. '£15 for the vacuum cleaner luv, look no bags, you can fold it down too, nice piece of gear, stand by me bla bla bla'. For those who know her, Lisa likes a bargain. It's like she: a) really needs a new hoover, b) needs to save a couple of bob, c) needs to deprive a bloke who could do with a few bob, but no, she bartered him down to a tenner. A TENNER for a new hoover, with no bags, that can fold down...don't let her buy the family car!

Sonia by now had recovered from her day out in London. Blimey, no wonder her toy boy husband looks knackered! One piece of advice, don't let her near the bottle and your boss. That's a high risk strategy. When sat with the Vice Chairman of Charlton Athletic (someone who pours money in ladies football) she decided to tell him what she really thought of him...Oh my God...fast exit for the train station!!!

Now we know why the butchers with deep pockets and short arms wouldn't sponsor the girls when they went up with their puppy eyes look...they're Redditch born and bred supporters. Grr.

Well done girls for giving us parents another great season, well done to the parents for a great season too. I think we've all had a whole lot of fun which is what it's all about. And finally a big thanks to Brian for all he has done with the 12's over the years.

I head to the 14's next season read more there!

Coventry City Ladies 1 - 4 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Open Cup Final 20/3/05

Brian's girls are no strangers to Wheelers Lane and made their annual trip to face rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Open Cup Final.

The game started with huge anticipation for both sides, but Wolves took the lead very early in the game with a stunning goal by Chloe Lewis by shooting through the defence underneath Lucy in goal. City were undeterred and fought hard to regain possession and bring the game level but Jessica Lewis scored once more to be disallowed for off side.

Wolves made regular sorties for goal, taken a greater share of possession, but were always the underdogs when it came to skill and stealth football. If it wasn't for Wolves outstanding defence, City would have broken through on several occasions and would undoubtly been level.

Katie, Tash and Lizzie were victims of fouls, with both Lizzie and Nicki driving the ball forward well for Danni to pick up and take forward, only to be thwarted at the final yard. On 24 minutes, Katie was taken out when heading for goal, and won the penalty. Tash bravely took it driving it hard in to the net, only to be saved and thankfully disallowed. A carbon copy retake left the Sky Blues chasing the game.

A hard hitting team talk brought Coventry screaming out, taking more possession, and a stunning run by Katie was denied by the upright. Soon afterwards a rocket propelled Danni, belted up the park and scored a stunning goal bringing the game level at last.

Fresh legs from Paige, Rose and Beth added extra spirit to the game, replacing Katie, Lizzie and an outstanding Sumea. Hannah continued to to well with Nicki, Mel and Rhea keeping the goal mouth clear, but amazing speculative shots soon brought three quick goals in the dying minutes of the game for Wolves by Jessica Lewis, Kate Marshall, and Michelle Fatcher.

The final result did Coventry no justice at all, they played an outstanding game and can be proud of themselves!

Well done to Wolves.

Birmingham City 2 - 2 Coventry City Ladies
League 13/3/05
Match Report by Brian Ellis

Coventry City under 12’s travelled to their second home on Saturday having travelled there so often lately (semi finals and C of E) the parents are on first name terms with the staff at UCE. Coventry who were without several key players in the squad H and Soumeya couldn’t make the game for outside interests while Rhea, Rheo and Beth called in sick and Natasha decided she wanted a lie in and decided to get there at 10.30.

Coventry started brightly with a strong wind behind them and the first chance came to Katie who beat the full back to cross only for the ball to sail over the keepers head assisted by the wind into the net. Danni was on hand to tap it in and to her credit said it was Katie’s goal because it was going in anyway.

All the chances were being taken by the visitors and Danni was a constant thorn in the home sides defence as she hassled and chased everything and could have had a couple to her name by half time,

Second half saw a missed penalty by Coventry while Birmingham equalised through an unstoppable shot but Coventry soon restored the lead as Danni got the goal her excellent worked deserved when she broke through again only for the keeper to save well but the loose ball fell back to Danni and she slotted it under the keeper.

Danni again could have had a couple more by the end but to no avail while a mistake left the left-winger to equalise with 30 seconds remaining on the clock

Birmingham City 1 - 1 Coventry City Ladies (AET)
Penalties Birmingham City 1 - 3 Coventry City Ladies
Open Cup 6/3/05
Match Report by Brian Ellis

Coventry City girls under 12's progressed to the open cup final after a nail biting victory over local rivals Birmingham City. Coventry started the brighter of the two sides with Danni Wilson twice nearly putting the visitors in front the first with an excellent volley which went just wide the second when she was clean thorough only for the keeper to foul her on the edge of the box. With Coventry dominating the play in the opening 20 minutes Birmingham gradually started to get themselves back into the game and after the break scored the first of the game.

Coventry were forced into a change when Hannah picked up an injury and was replaced by H and slotted in to a near perfect defensive display from the defence through out the game. Rheo and Paige and Jess replaced Becky, Soumeya and Rose The Sky Blues now were wilting a bit but with the clock ticking away time seemed to be running out. Manager Brian Ellis had never lost a semi final to Birmingham and was beginning to give up hope when up popped Danni to equalise with a minute left on the clock, exciting stuff.

Extra timed loomed with Coventry dominating Danni again went close twice while Jess hit the bar with a cracking effort. Full time the score was 1-1 so penalties loomed and a nervous finale ensued with all five penalty takers a credit to the club. Becky, Nikki scored their penalties early on while Lucy saved two and one miss from Birmingham left Natasha with the job of scoring to make the last penalty from Birmingham irrelevant and Coventry coming from behind reached the final.

Redditch United 1 - 2 Coventry City Ladies
League 19/2/05

The wind was blistering, the pitch was boggy, but the game went ahead on a rearranged pitch thanks to the Redditch manager. The first half was dominated by Coventry with Dani supported up front with Paige Oddy. The visitors went ahead early in the game with the first of a brace from Dani Wilson who was on blistering form for the whole game. For the few opportunities that Redditch did break through, the Sky Blue back line was as strong as a wall featuring Nicky, Mel and Rhea who let nothing through!

The second half kicked off with the home side determined to make amends for becoming the underdogs on home turf, and scored from the kick off. As ever, Coventry chins never drag on the ground and came back time and again. Katie broke through on a few occasions to be thwarted by an excellent 'keeper or the goal mouth being just a little too small! The last twenty minutes went from end to end, but the visitors still dominated taking the lead from skill full play that included passes from Jess and Tash. Redditch had a number of shots on target, but Lucy kept her head and an empty net. In the dying minutes Redditch clattered the upright that and Coventry went home heads high with a great result.

Coventry City Ladies 2 - 0 Leicester City
League 29/1/05

Leicester came to Coventry in good form having thumped Birmingham in the previous week 5-1. Our girls went to work in a diligent manner unphased by this prospect. Coventry claimed much of the possession, with Lucy's goal never being troubled much at all...having said that no one could see her after her warm up, covered head to toe in mud! Danny Wilson was in blistering form today and on 23 minutes hooked on to a Jess Allsop cross and chipped the goalkeeper with the outside of her right foot turned and scored a fine goal. It was very similar to a certain Michael Owen who once did the same against Germany! The pace of the game kept going well, Leicester's chins were down and they were struggling to keep a fit team on the pitch.

Half time was a welcome break, Lizzie's mum got her muffins out for the crowd. Very yummy they were too, one traditional sponge and another chocolate bucket full. So with the dads all licking their lips, H, Beth and Rose went around with the blackout. Having missed out on the jackpot last week, Adrian was seen slipping Sonia an extra 50p "go on love, never mind about last week, we got through it, put this on Peterborough and let's hope for the best". We've got another award for the presentation night. 'The tightest butcher in Coventry award' going to the butchers who week after week watch junior superstars of the present and senior superstars of the future and won't even buy a box on the blackout...he'll regret it one day!!! Gina arrived today to watch her home team take on the mighty Sky Blue Girls. It's a long way to come to see her team loose! The usual chipper Brian's (who was without his side-kicks Richard and Danny) whistling was a touch subdued today and was heard humming to himself ..."we'll meet again, don't know where..." It's dog eat dog in the Ellis house where Gina has bought Brian a very friendly rabbitt...here Brian....!!!

Oh, the game. Yes, well, the Coventry girls maintained most of the play, every now and again, the visitors would break through, and I think they managed, um, yes, one shot on goal. With 15 minutes to go Brian's super subs were dispatched to wrap up the fixture. We were stuffed with muffins, it was freezing cold and a typhoon was about to break over the city, what's more a few of the players had a date in town. Just to prove they (Katie and Danny) are in training to be real grown up women they claim to their dad's that they "had to meet in town after the game to go to the cinema". This is without knowing what they were going to see, what time it was on, or who else was going. Give me patience. The game, right. Charlie was watchman on the far side. We'd already had a very angelic warm up demonstration fluttering like Michael Flatfoot with a hernia and torn ligaments and from time to time he did a neat touch with his head to nut the ball back in to play. Nice one Charlie (Drake), all this said he did a great job keeping the Coventry forwards on side and keeping the girls spurred on. When Rose broke through to score from Tash's corner we thought Charlie had taken something that is in circulation on the Burges most Friday evenings. He clipped his heels all the way home. Rose's debut league goal was well deserved and we secretly think Charlie had a few quid on it with the absent bookie Tim 'Bet With Me' Kalns.

The game, ok. Leicester finished the game with 9 players through injury, Coventry finished with 2 goals a delirious dad, two dad's scratching their heads wondering about their daughter's sense.

Southampton won the blackout. No one won the lottery. The typhoon never arrived, a silly git got booked for larking about in his car, the short armed butcher kept his hands in his long pockets. Three more player sponsors came forward this week, Exel, Godiva Garage Doors and Luxury Bakers, (they do a great mince pie and donuts!). A tenner is all it takes to sponsor a player, with a link to your website. Go on, you can see we have a good laugh, and the football is good too!

Coventry City Ladies 3 - 3 West Bromwich Albion
League 22/1/05

Coventry U12's braced the cold weather to take on West Brom in a very exciting game. Minutes from the kick off Katie Singleton put the home side ahead with a lovely run on the right to chip home. The visitors responded immediately quickly returning the style of play by fooling the defence and slotting home to go even. Soon after the strong West Brom forwards had capitalised on a pass back to Lucy in goal, pouncing and driving home leaving the Cov girls reeling. This was a rare mistake for the Coventry defence, but it didn't deter them from playing skilful, fun and clever football going from end to end. The visitors soon identified the players to watch and played a strategy of heavy marking combined with tactical shirt pulling! Coventry were rewarded with a free kick a single yard from the box which was beautifully curled in by Lizzie, reminiscent of a Beckham free kick. Visitors to the AT7 ground were stunned by the goal, which simply spurred them on further with Emily Morsley soon scoring once more to wrap up her first half hat-trick. Jess did well to continue a drive down the centre of midfield with Beth but the ever improving goal keeper saved every effort.

Mean while on the touchline, a blackout was underway with short odds on Sonia Miles scooping the weekly tenner jackpot once more. Lisa Fivey snapped the win this week, making sure that Fred can have another couple of pints this week as Lisa remains in the family way for a few more weeks. Players got under way to hunt down personal sponsors with the butcher confirming that "yes, there would be no pressure in picking a player to sponsor"...selfish old sod, he watches the games week in week out, he has a better pitch than a Godiva Catering van at Highfield Road!!!! Brian whistled away from the side lines to "How much is that doggy in the window"...(ask him, just don't ask him to dog sit!). Jo arrived in disguise this week, having been captivated by the latest Celebrity Big Brother's chauvinist John McCririck . She was soon rumbled when we heard "I want my milk..." when offered a cup of tea. Half time team talk from Richard included a 'down wid da kids' demonstration to show how cool he is.

The second half was underway and a very determined Coventry side dominated possession battering the visitors defensive wall. When West Brom did get the ball they were strong and made good headway towards Lucy's goal. A gritty Coventry defence and a strong midfield ensured the ball as soon returned to the front line. Danny worked very hard in a great link up with Amy West who ran and ran. Katie was smothered with 3 or 4 defenders on her regular sorties down the right wing, but did well to provide supersub Rio with a splendid cross helped by Mel and Danny to play a cheeky chip over the keepers head to level the score 3-3 in the final minute.

Coventry City Ladies 4 - 2 Leafield Athletic
Open Cup 8/1/05

The new year opened with a new year fixture in the quarter finals of the Open Cup versus Leafield Athletic. Leafield have always been a strong side, and Brian fielded a strong side in anticipation of a big game. The wind was beating the AT7 pitch, drying it out nicely, but gave great advantage to the goalkeeper who stood a chance to score from a goal kick with the help of it!

The kick off came and within a matter of minutes Leafield were taking it again as Sumea had belted down the left wing with the ball and shot to score a wonderful goal. It was clear that every responsible parent had packed the kids off to bed early the night before as the Coventry Girls were having a great game, passing the ball beautifully. Leafield's strength was not evident and had fielded a comparatively weakened side. It wasn't long before Sumea added a second to her first. She was running rings around the defence, as were an equally strong midfield with Katie on the right and Danni on the left. It had to come and a few minutes before the break Sumea had her hat-trick in the net.

The half time was a welcome break, Coventry were cock-a-hoop with their performance, as were the coaches and Brian. The Leafield Team huddled together for warmth and support wondering how they were going to get the ball of the mini Ronaldinios!

The fourth goal soon came from Danni, which was well deserved, she had battled hard through a Leafield firewall, but what happened in the final 15 minutes was silly, Coventry fell asleep for five minutes and allowed the opposition to lob Lucy for 4-1 and chip to make the final score 4-2. Coventry responded well from the shock of it and bounced with a peppering of the goal mouth. Their goalkeeper picked up an injury in the meantime and had to go off with a couple of minutes to go.

This Coventry team did really well today and if they keep a level head, they could really go all the way and bring Brian another cup. Well done girls and Happy New Year everyone!

Coventry City Ladies 1 - 1 Birmingham City Ladies
League 4/12/04

Today's game began with a real festive theme with mince pies from Hannah's Dad, and potent mulled wine from Sonia's hip flask. To date no one had seen the flask but had always suspected of partaking in secret sipping on the touch line, but when you come straight from an all nighter, you tend to slip up...Charlie slipped up too today after sniff of the barmaid's apron, when spotting a really filthy white van he drifted off..."if only my w...". Once again Sonia bagged the blackout, shoving down her top quickly to avoid hubby Adrian stepping off the line to claim it.

This was bound to be a great game today, Birmingham are riding high in the tables and Coventry are playing exceptional football. Danni, Hannah and Rheo and Becky were Brian's kids 'on da bench' (see how hip I is gettin?!) with Katie and Jess starting up front to counter a strong forward line of blue noses.

No one in the 100 strong crowd was disappointed, even the blue nose butcher (not sure really whether it was royal blue or sky blue...them blue noses am gonna win yer t'day...make your own mind up!) enjoyed the feast of football and the local lads stopped by to learn a trick or two.

Birmingham started with early pressure and went ahead after eight minutes, no one to blame but great chances taken. Back and forth went the game, real end to end stuff, but the play of the game that ended up with a spectacular finish was started deep in the Blues half, when Beth dummied two players and pushed the ball out to the right to Jess, with a smart bob and weave, she played the ball to Katie who took off from the half way line, past the two defenders to chip the keeper.

The first half finished at 1-1, and both teams went hell for leather in the second half to get the winner. It seemed that both sides were consistent in one thing, both kept giving the ball away and were exquisite in their recovery! This Coventry side have really benefited from their Centre of Excellence training.

The super subs came on deep in the second half and the resurgent Danni, simply flew when she got hold of the ball, making for goal on several occasions, only to be beaten by a strong defence and nimble goal keeper. Some keen 'off side' flagging kept the Coventry forwards from breaking through, and the woodwork beat a stunning run by the Birmingham strikers in the dying minutes to ensure the festive points were shared across the Midlands, one goal, one point apiece.

It was a thrilling game to finish the year, one that Peter Reid and Steve Bruce would rather watch than the mens teams some times!

Merry Christmas, thanks to all the parents for their sporting support, and helping Brian set up and clear down after the games. Here's to 2005 where Dan and Brian's girls go from strength to strength.

Coventry City Ladies 7 - 2 Lichfield Diamonds
Open Cup 20/11/04

Play got underway as the author was still in the line for tea and fat bacon batches so he missed the first couple of minutes and came out to the brisk weather, a cheering butcher in the car boot sale and a swelling crowd, not to mention the first spectacular goal from Rebecca that crowned a brace to be rightly proud of. Not sure of the build up, but feel sure that it was a fine combination of a ball from the back, fed through to the midfield, bit of bobbing and weaving through the front line, cross to the left, and goal.

This was pretty typical of the game. Lichfield were a good side but Coventry were simply magic throughout the game. All sixteen players got a game in, with young Hayley getting her first start of the season. She earned her place in the team today, taking on players with true grit.

Lichfield equalised with a rare error in goal as she was left exposed by her normal rock solid defence wall, dropping the ball and the Lichfield number 10 capitalised on their only real opportunity. The good thing about this team is that regardless of the score line, they keep going, playing as well as they can, and soon they were back in the lead with Rebecca's second on a rebound. Soon after, the keeper gained confidence, and the visitors continued to push the ball around very well.

City's third goal came from an amazing 25 yard shot from Paige, that flew over the keeper's head and into the back of the net to everyone's delight!

Reserves manager Tim Khalns was on hand to help out with final score forecast, and confidently predicted 6-1...it was noticeable that his wallet remained firmly in his pocket rather than heading for the nearest Ladbrokes... Sonia bagged the blackout and headed straight for the pub...not before talking to the author about the state of the kids socks..."they're min-ging...the toes are all like this" (makes witch like face and hand shape...rather well!)

The second half started just a brisk, except the home team were gaining more and more confidence every minute, Katie got cocky, juggling the ball with her feet, back to the goal, and belted the ball over her head, for it to fall into the 'keepers hands. Tash was enjoying her game, getting closer and closer to scoring the first of her pair. This came soon, from a goal keeper fumble, she pounced and made it 4-1. This was soon followed up with a sublime volley from 15 yards that sailed into the net.

By this time of the game Brian thought he was Sven and made a succession of subs within minutes of each other! Whilst they were the super subs (as Amy said "we're Brian's benchers"!), The ref, should have been pleased that more entertainment was coming, but cocked to the line " anymore manager!?" She wishes!!! She enjoyed herself so much she stayed and reffed Jason Steele's outfit straight after. In fairness, as an official, she's one of the best out there, great with the kids.

Oh, back to the game, Jess launched into her game with a fine goal that started an assault on the goal mouth that was reminiscent of the recent attacks in Falluja. The Lichfield half and goal mouth was bombarded time after time, in the middle of it Jess picked on the ball, turned and shot from 15.5 yards to put the ball almost through the net! So bewildered were the Cov girls, Lichfield swept the ball back up the pitch where the grass had started to regrow in readiness for the AT7 goats that didn't show up this week, and will hopefully next week! The fourth unofficial indicated 2 minutes extra time, but wanted 20 minutes such was the entertainment. Amy got a little excited and brought down a white shirt in the final minute, they crashed the ball home on the strike of 92 minutes to make the final score 7-2.

It was a good game to entertain Laura Bassett who came to watch the game. The England U21 captain and Birmingham star was suitably impressed!

Well done city girls, you did the club proud today, sorry there's not too many pics, I was too busy writing...and queuing for tea...who did nick my tea anyway!!!!

Aston Villa 1 - 0 Coventry City Ladies
League 13/11/04

For the second time the U12 squad travelled to Aston Villa, but this time to a new ground of the hump back sloping kind. Brian's girls had been rested from the league for the last three weeks, so this game was a tall order to produce a result of the winning kind they so wanted. It was Coach Daniel Bassett's first outing with the team, and he was keen to find out their strengths. As a life long Villa supporter and the brother of Laura, England International and Blue Nose to boot, his loyalties were stretched to the limit! We welcomed Gina to the team today too. Gina is the new light in Brian's life, but did not bring the light his players needed as they fell to a 0-1 defeat.

It was a tough match, the first half City played up hill soccer that required extra long studs and ice picks to help them through midfield. Villa defended superbly, and scored shortly before half time on the only break they were allowed. It was a one on one with Lucy who otherwise had a great game, who's performances of late are earning her the name of 'safe-hands'.

The second half didn't improve until the final five minutes as changes were made to the front line and midfield. The Villa goal mouth was attacked time after time, but strong defending, an able 'keeper, oxygen was running out and the goal the equaliser eluded them.

Coventry City Ladies 6 - 1 Kingsthorpe
Open Cup 16/10/04
By Brian Ellis

Coventry City Ladies under 12’s started their cup trail against Northamptonshire side Kingsthorpe Girls and quickly got off the mark when after two minutes a corner found its way to right back Hannah Miles who lobbed the ball into the six yard box and beating the keeper into the top corner of the net. Kingsthorpe one of the strongest teams in division one soon came back and attacked at will before Katie Singleton took the ball out of defence and played the ball forward for Danni Wilson to out strip her marker and running half the length of the pitch to slot underneath the keeper. Natasha Miles then had a shot cleared off the line while Becky Jones hit the cross bar while there were chances for Wilson and Tash Miles before going in 2-0 up at half time.

Coventry killed the game when the away keeper kicked the ball to Natasha Miles who obliged by putting it into the net. Coventry were now playing some very tidy football but Kingsthorpe to their credit never stopped battling and defended resolutely while launching their own attacks but captain Nikki Miles and Melissa Welland stood firm. Becky Jones then got on the score sheet when the ball was played to her on the edge of the penalty area; the keeper got her hands to the ball but the shot was too powerful and fell into the net.

Substitutes Soumea Annan and Jessica Allsop both got on the score sheet firstly when Jones played the ball out from her own half for Annan to out strip her marker to score an identical goal to the one scored earlier by Wilson while Paige Oddy’s shot from an angle inside the penalty area fell to Allsopp who side footed it past the keeper inside the six yard box.

Charlotte Burrows scored Kinsgsthorpe’s consolation goal in the last minute when she received the ball just inside the half and outstripped the home defence with her pace before shooting low past Lucy Gardner in goal.

Coventry City Ladies 1 - 1 Leicester City
League 25/9/04

In a small league that is starting to take real shape meant nothing at all when bottom of the table Leicester came to AT7 to take on middle of the table Coventry. The visitors without a point this season played well against the home side that showed real signs of the flair they're capable of delivering. The first half was even play with little to threaten each goal. Leicester defended in numders making it very difficult for Natasha to break through with some outstanding midfield play from Rebecca, Sumea, Lizzie and Beth.

The goal eventually came just minutes into the first half when Danni played Katie through with an perfect pass allowing her to shimmi and fight her way through to Tash who polished off great football with a first class goal. This really raised the team's spirit and and kept most of the play. The visitors kept the ball when given the chance, and with 20 minutes to go were awarded a dubious free kick outside the box which was well converted with an outstanding Beckham-like goal.

The Coventry defence were never really troubled, but when the ball back back an on form Nikki Miles was on hand to take charge.

Coventry City Ladies £365 - 0 Walsgrave Asda Customers
Fundraiaing Bagpack 18/9/04
A Special Report

Brian's Cov kids were without a game this weekend and went on tour to raise some club funds and then up to the 'game' at Highfield Road.

Kick off with the trolleys started at 10.30. Lizzie and Hannah went ahead packing the bags and rattling the bucket under the noses of anyone with a spare coin. Brian took to the isles this weekend and was seen pushing trolleys for the infirm, wheelchair bound and anyone that looked likely to dig deep for a club heading for the big time.

Amy and Katie teamed up in the middle isle, and true to form terrorised everyone that came near them with a purse and a full trolley with a wobbly wheel. One generous Asda faithful gave the girls £15. Nikki had her loyalty card well and truly updated as she defended the customer service box helping old and young stuff bags full and send them on their way. Forward hopefuls Jess and Tash kept up their momentum and led the way crushing fruit and pints of milk in bags whilst Rebecca and H came off their lines to help ease the queues. Rhea and Mellissa also held up the far tills and rattled buckets and bags whilst Lucy kept a clean sheet with the manager looking on. Others including on loan player from U12 Sky Blues Stacey, rattled and persuaded the Walsgrave faithful to part with cash were Danny, Sumea, Paige and Rose

A fantastic performance by the girls who demonstrated what Coventry Ladies is all about, football and fun! A big thanks to Paula and Sonia for organising the 'bag pack' that raised £365. Thanks must also go to the manager of Asda Walsgrave for allowing us access to their kind customers, Jo Lea at Coventry City once more for arranging tickets for the girls and to the parents who came and helped.

A honourable mention must also go to Adam, Mel's brother. He came along to help support his sister and the rest of the team and also emptied out his piggy bank giving all the money in it to the club.

To view pictures from this event, click here.

Birmingham City Ladies 1 - 6 Coventry City Ladies
League 11/9/04

This was a much different game to last week. The team played with real spirit, against a Birmingham side that were on as much form too. Nevertheless Brian's team briefing and the players pride meant that they were not going to loose this game and on the 6th minute Natasha Miles scored the first of her brace. Katie Singleton followed up with a curling effort into goal. 0-4 at half time ensured that all the subs got a game today, Danni Wilson and Jess Allsop got their names on the team sheet, but the happiest girl of the day was Nikki Miles who scored a fine lob from outside the box!

No game next week, the girls can be found at the Walsgrave Asda packing bags and being helpful raising club funds...give generously all please!

Coventry City Ladies 1 - 4 Aston Villa
League 4/9/04 (Played at Villa)

The opening game of the season kicked off away at Villa after the car boot fair and bouncy castle thought they had priority over the pitch! Both managers discussed the situation and felt that kicking a ball around such obstacles would represent a difficult morning out...added to that the grounds man forgot to put the lines down because the the nets were still with the fisherman for the summer.

Quick reshedule and the Villa management came up trumps with a great pitch (it was good news, the bacon butties are much nicer over there!)

More preamble about what went on around the game as it really did not go our way. Aston Villa Ladies play a long ball game and catch defensives out as a result. With a number of City debutants with butterflies this was not the fixture to play! Within minutes of kick off Villa went ahead with their trademark play...belt it up field, forwards will curl it in! Lizzie Stubbington scored the only City goal soon after with the fight back well and truly on. Alas, Villa were far too strong for City, they showed great spirit and look like a team that will contend some great results again this season

Rugby Town 0 - 11 Coventry City Ladies
Friendly 28/8/04

Brian Ellis’ new look squad started their warm up campaign with a fine win over a plucky team of boys and three girls. It was, frankly, end, rather than end-to-end stuff, such was the strength of the Coventry team who out played the home team from the whistle. Within four minutes Katie Singleton opened the scoring with the first of her hatrick. Goals followed swiftly afterwards in the first half from Rhea Taylor and Rebecca Jones.

The second half started with similar style, but Rugby defended in more numbers. Lizzie Stubbington hit the back of the net after five or six players tried to hammer home. Jess Allsop and Danni Wilson added to a Rugby own goal to secure a final 0-11 result. Cheers from the girls, groans from the boys. Let’s hope that next week Aston Villa leave with a similar result!