Under 14 Team Match Reports
By Steve Ogle

Coventry City Ladies 1 - 1 Leicester City
League 14/5/05

Leicester had won the league and were undefeated all season despite our last game against them being very close and we could have won. Jose and Daz had been working towards this game for a few weeks and Jose had not slept for days considering different tactics. Coventry went into this last game full of spirit and with a run of performances since Christmas that any one would have been proud of. We as a unit wanted to show everyone , how good we had become as a team of 14 players and two old gits living their footballing dreams through 14 capable and fantastic young ladies!!!

The team talk before the game just reminded the players that I had only had to speak to then once about a poor performance all season and that they had the ability and the skill to beat the best team in the league. So the crowds gathered, the tension was evident and Jay's plaster was PINK!!

We started the game in glorious sunshine and the first exchanges were falling our way, 50:50's were being won by Oggy and Formo and an early chance fell to Gobby as she pressed down the right flank, a one on one which just went wide - this got the crowd going and the confidence grew - we were in control in midfield the tactics were working and the girls were playing to the highest level.

When Leicester threatened mainly down our left Terri was up to the challenge and had a fantastic first half following a run of games that has seen her cement her place at sweeper and hopefully into the Under 16's C.O.E. Adele in goal was focussed and controlled the back four with Kippa, Charlotte was supplying Gobby down the right and Siddo did a job on Courtney (Thanks for the compliment on the message board) Wispa again demonstrated her John Terrylike performances with a header that went 40 yrds back towards the Leicester goal. Emmo and Mozza were stretching Leicester's defence but the chances were not clear cut! Formo was running her socks off and frustrating the midfield area with her mate Oggy sewing the place up and putting her foot on it and trying top play football in a game that is one of the fastest I've seen - this surely must slow down but it didn't. A change was made before half time, Jose took India off who had come back well following her illness and replaced her with Loz 2 yards who went up front and Emmo dropped into a free role with Gobby moving to the left.

Half Time: Coventry City Ladies 0 - 0 Leicester City

The second half started brightly for Cov who were again pressing and hassling Leicester all the time, a series of corners resulted from the pressure and Emmo delivered a perfect near poster which Oggy got to but was cleared off the line - was it or wasn't it I don't think so Oggy but a great effort. Another scramble from a corner and the ball dropped to Loz who couldn't get it through the bodies.

Then the chance came - the ball fell to Emmo who was enjoying the free role, Hit it!!! She did with a slight deflection it beat the keeper and went in - The place went bonkers and the sight of a group of girls piled high just outside the box will live with me forever - we were winning and deservedly so!

This game was fantastic and the quality of football superb - if you were a Martian who had just landed and seen this as your first game of girls football you would be very impressed and a little frightened!!

A credit to both sides, this was a classic - Then Mozza got through following some neat play through midfield just the keeper to beat oooh just wide!! Jose and Daz were loving every minute of this end of season performance. Emmo had another long range effort which went into the trees!!!! How long ref 4 minutes he puffed as this was a tough game to ref at the never ending speed. Leicester broke down the right and Courtney backheeled the ball into Reme's path who hit it straight at Adele who gathered and got on with it.

The ball then came back up the other end and was won by the defence who pushed it through Reme Allen who was shoulder to shoulder with Formo as they had been all game but managed this time to break away and slot the ball past Adele with only 2 minutes left - Gutted we were!!!

That was the final action of a pulsating end of season meaningless game - yeah right tell the 28 girls who played in it - they will tell you and I quote from the message board:

  • "JUST TO SAY A MASSIVE WELL PLAYED TO YOU ALL , THANKS FOR A GREAT SEASON OF FOOTBALL TO OUR TOUGHEST OPPOSITION . ENJOY YOUR PRESENTATION EVENING AND THE VERY BEST OF LUCK TO YOU ALL NEXT SEASON KIND REGARDS" A LEICESTER MUM!!!!
  • hiya people this is Courtz LCLFC's no.9 just wanted to say how well u all played today in the 2 games we have played against you have been the best games we have played all season. its always a good game against you lot good luck for next season and all the best Courtz xxxxxxxxx

I am proud to have managed this team, worked with a great coach in Daz who has been superb to me all season and have the best set of parents any manager and set of players could have wished for - THANK YOU for making my hobby a passion!!!

Coventry City Ladies 6 - 1 F.C.Phoenix
League 24/4/05
Match Report by Darren George

Many thanks go to our visitors who made the long journey to Tile Hill Wood school with only 10 girls available, they very quickly signed on loan Katie George to strengthen their ranks and the game commenced. The Sky Blues won the early exchanges and took the lead when Jose's daughter popped up in the box to fire the ball home at the 2nd attempt ( about as rare as dark hair on coach Georges head , Miss Ogle goals , but lovely when they happen). City were soon 2 up when Emmo fired home a beauty from just inside the angle of the box.

Mozza made it 3 before a well deserved goal for F.C reduced the arrears. Having netted 6 goals in her last 7 games' 2 yards ' Lozza struck again from very close range to bring the score to 4 v 1 at the interval.

Manager Ogle had been making many changes during the first half and carried on into the 2nd ( rightly so). Whisper was captain for the day and found herself at right back where she was able to push forward and find Mozza who turned her player before finishing in style. F. C were creating their own opportunities and were always determined in the challenge. They were very unlucky to have a penalty awarded against them for handball but Mozza was in no mood to feel pity and slotted the ball away for her hat trick.

City created plenty more opportunities but some excellent goalkeeping prevented any further goals. This was a super friendly for both teams with F.C PHOENIX proving how good the standard of division 1 teams is becoming and were a credit to their club even though they scoffed all my chocolate.

Well done to both teams.

Leicester City 2 - 0 Coventry City Ladies
League 2/4/05

It had seemed like an eternity since we had played and the squad was back to full strength with only Jay Bradford missing on International Duty and India returning from a lengthy spell out. We wet to Leicester knowing they are the best team in our league and both the team and management were keen to pit their wits against the best.

We all travelled over in glorious sunshine and even Jose Ogle had his shorts on, mainly because he had a tan from his Easter training at altitude in Tenerife. Coventry knew their jobs and the game kicked off, we were well organised and the early signs were good as we matched Leicester until about 9 minutes in when Leicester had their first shot which hit the post. Leicester got encouragement and made their way forward and soon afterwards took the lead from a sloppy goal. Coventry responded well and had two long range efforts saved well from Pggy and Emmo.

Leicester knew they were in a game and Coventry were playing well and creating more chances when Gobby brought down the winger o the left ad a free kick was awarded. Leicester floated in a decent ball to our box which unfortunately Gobby headed past Adele into our et. 2 - 0. Coventry did nt let this hinder them and wet close from a corner and then Emo picked up the ball inside their half and saw the keeper off the line and hit a long range shot which just bounced over the crossbar as Jose waited for it to go in. Not our day!!!!

The score at half time was 2 - 0 and with Oggy having been taken off due to sickness, the team battled well into the second half and forced the keeper into some fine saves. The Coventry defence was playing exceptionally well with Siddo limpet-like and Terri having a stormer at right back! Jose pushed Gobby up and moved Terri into sweeper, and Terri continued to impress with arguably her best performance of the season - well done kips.

We pushed and pushed all through the second half and Adele was accomplished in our goal with her positioning and talking. The minutes were ticking away and Coventry broke down the left with Gobby who crossed onto Mozza's right peg but she was unsighted and toed it just past the left hand post - Jose and Daz were jumping up ad down with frustration for our team as they were being so unlucky.

The final minutes saw Emmo break through only for the keeper to put of her stride and the ball hit the outside of the right hand post. 2 - 0 but what a performance and we have a chance to play them again in two weeks!

Girl of the Game - Terri Murphy

Shrewsbury Town 1 - 2 Coventry City Ladies
League 29/1/05
Match Report by Darren George

After a terrific performance last week , everyone was hopeful of a repeat today but despite several good individual efforts the team didn’t manage to click in quite the same manner as they had done at Wolves.

Shrewsbury were the better side during the opening exchanges until the Sky Blues finally managed to cross the half way line after 5 minutes . Jade Formaston did what she does best and took on the defence down the right before delivering a good ball into the box , where after a bit of skirmish Loz Graham was on hand to notch her first goal of the season , which is very well deserved after some excellent recent performances.

Loz nearly added a second under similar circumstances and both Mozza and Formo went close. Shrewsbury were competing for every ball and creating chances for themselves but the city defence stood firm and once again Keeper Adele was handling the ball very well.

New signing Emily Hanson replaced Loz after 20 minutes and was soon in action running at the defence and holding the ball up well. Indeed with 5 minutes remaining Em ran onto a good through ball and buried the shot past the stranded keeper , only for the goal to be cancelled for offside (mmmmmm). Into the 2nd half and Loz came back on for Jay as the girls were asked to try to play with a bit more composure. City soon increased their lead when Emily was on hand to finish, after the keeper mishandled. However a mix up by the normally reliable Gobby and Whisper presented the home team with a well taken goal to keep the game alive.

For the rest of the match the Sky Blues pinned the Shrews in their own half of the pitch and but for some excellent goal keeping and resolute defending the score line could have been a lot higher in the Coventry column. Mozza went close twice, Formo was denied at point blank range and Emily might have finished with a hat trick as well. However it was not meant to be and the match ended with a narrow (if only on paper) victory to the sky blues.

Jade Formaston was selected as player of the game with special mentions for Adele who continues to impress and to EMMO for an excellent debut

Many thanks to Shrewsbury for proving such friendly hosts and to the Young Referee who was excellent (well done).

Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 - 2 Coventry City Ladies
League 22/1/05

We travelled to Wolves with a great deal of hope as we had started to play some great football in the previous games and were hoping for this to continue and to get a result.

The team started brightly following the disciplined approach that the girls now have when we don't have the ball. The pitch was sticky but we played the ball to feet and both full backs Charlotte and Siddo started to play in our wingers. Oggy and Mozza were commanding the midfield and Mozza in particular was bossing the game with her strength and determination.

Lauren returned to the side and was busy up front with Jay - the Wolves back four were playing well and confident in their keeper. The management team were impressed with the shape and pattern of play when Wolves scored through a piece of sloppy defending ending in the ball being slotted past Adele - 1 down HOW???

We went in at half time and changed the side slightly to give Terri Murphy another spell up front, we started the same and were playing good football with Formo starting to get the better of her full back - then Jay battled hard to win the ball back after losing it in their left corner, then fell over and Wolves broke down the left whipped a great cross in and the forward headed it past Adele who nearly saved it with her legs - 2 - 0

Mozza was still bossing the game and was strong in front of goal when she shot and scored 2- 1 we were back and still playing the best football of the season, everyone on the side line were engrossed in a fine example of female football between two committed teams.

Formo then burst down the wing and was fouled, Gobby who had been masterful in defence stepped up to take the free kick from the right - watch the offside!!! Gobby placed the free kick perfectly onto Mozza's head 2 - 2 "What a game? What a Team!!!!"

The last 10 minutes was nail biting as both sides pressed for the winner Katie Smith made the tackle of the game taking out the attacker in the box fairly with a strong challenge - stopping a certain goal!. In the final minute Wolves had free kick which their player put into the box and Adele confidently collected the ball in both hands - safe!

A great game of football with every player contributing to the spectacle.

Girl of the Game - Kate Moran

Coventry City Ladies 0 - 1 Birmingham City
League 8/1/05

Following our Christmas break we entertained high flying Birmingham at a very windy Tile Hill. The conditions were extreme and this did not help the game at all.

Both sides found it difficult to pass the ball and the game was played from one side of the pitch to the other rather than end to end. The first shot came from Birmingham and resulted in a goal, the striker beat three challenges and we dived in , the space opened up and she struck it well into the net - Adele no chance!

We had an effort after that from Mozza which went close but the work rate couldn't combat the wind. Birmingham were then awarded a penalty which they missed but Coventry were unable to pop an equaliser in and we lost.

Girl of the Game - Katie Smith

Aston Villa Reserves 0 - 5 Coventry City Ladies
League 11/12/04

When Saturday comes...... we all get up early, get in our cars and travel the Midlands in search of glory and football greatness!!! On this Saturday, we had a great day and witnessed some great performances from the team. We had reverted back to 4-4-2 and started brightly on a claggy pitch which was bobbling along on the beautiful briny... sorry got carried away there!

We looked comfortable early on and won a corner which Paige placed on a dodgy corner spot and curled the ball into the near post and in off a Villa thigh, the man with the dog was not happy and complained to the ref that the ball was outside the D!!! "Walk your dog matey!" 1 -0. Paige was involved again shortly after when we were awarded a harsh penalty which Paige stepped up to take and shaved the outside of the post - still 1-0.

Jay was looking lively and had a quick turn and shot with her left foot which went into the corner of the net to the delight of the team and her - she has deserved some fortune following some great work lately. Jay made it 3 - 0 with a volley from a corner delivered well by India Koller who was having a storming game out on the left. We took control in midfield and Oggy and Paige were playing some fine balls through to the front two.

The second half saw us continue to dominate and play some good football - Charlotte Gassor who was restored to Right Back was solid in defence, supportive in attack and playing confidently. Jay was looking for a hat-trick and a chance came early but she missed but then the ball came through from yet another Oggy header to Jay who waited for the ball to drop and thumped it on the volley in for her third and our 4th!! - the call came "Right off you come Jay!" recognition for a fine hat-trick.

Then the goal of the game, the ball was played out to the left where the cultured left foot of India delivered a perfect cross on to Oggy's head who put it away well and capped a commanding midfield performance - great first goal Oggy!

We carried on playing well and came out convincing 5 - 0 winners.

Girl of the Game: Charlotte Gassor

Coventry City Ladies 1 - 0 Aston Villa
League 4/12/04

The team was restored to fitness and only Mozza was missing following her trip to casualty. We started confidently with the back four looking solid and the midfield working well, the girls passed the ball well and looked to be up for a good performance. A number of long range efforts were made from Gobby, Oggy and India but nothing came of them and we went in at half time 0-0. Jay Bradford was causing the Villa a few problems with her trickery and looked positive each time she got the ball.

The manager made a couple of changes and we continued to press without our goal being threatened as Adele's handling was again faultless. Gibbo who had come on at half time was through on goal when she had her leg taken away, the ref pointed to the spot and Paige Newell promptly put the ball in the net for a deserved 1 - 0 lead.

Villa as they always do fought hard and put the girls under pressure all over the pitch but again Katie Smith was resolute in her defending and we kept them out until the final whistle went.

Girl of the Match: Jay Bradford - Great skill and commitment.

Coventry City Ladies 1 - 0 Shrewsbury Town
League 27/11/04

We needed to bounce back following two very tough results after good performances so we started brightly with Mozza and Oggy controlling the middle of the park and India and Gobby playing up front we were making progress down both flanks through Formo and Jay. This pressure paid off with the ball being worked out to Gobby who slotted it away low into the corner to put us one up!

We continued to press but again our pressure wasn't resulting in goals, the side were suffering physically as a number had been poorly in the week.

We had a lot of injuries and the trainer/physio Ann "the ice pack" Ogle was on the pitch more than some of the players!! Shrewsbury played well on a sticky pitch and their keeper made some great saves.

Mozza was back to her old self commanding the middle until she got a knock and was carried off by the Physio and an ice pack applied!

We hung on for a well deserved victory

Girl of the Match: Katie Moran - great until she went off!

Coventry City Ladies 0 - 2 Derby County
Open Cup 20/11/04

Following our close league game the previous week, we went into this game with a point to prove and to get as many efforts on target as possible. The previous two games have been close affairs and this started no differently with both sides playing cat and mouse. We had a new strike force in place with Gobby and Jay up front.

We had a few efforts in the first half and Adele wasn't troubled too much, we went in 0-0 at half time after paying the better football and having the best chances.

The second half started much as the first half and we made a change bringing on Gibbo up front, following this change an early chance came her way and with only the goalie to beat blasted over the top from 8 yards - this was not to be our day!

After this Derby went ahead from a mistake further up field and they capitalised on it and went one up, we changed the side as tiredness began to tell and a chance came to Charlotte Gassor playing up front which she scuffed with her weaker left foot. With a couple of minutes left Derby sealed the game with a break away goal.

Girl of the Match: Terri Murphy - Strong performance at Right Back

Derby County 1 - 0 Coventry City Ladies
League 13/11/04

We travelled to Derby on a lovely sunny Sunday morning with the leader of the pack Mark "I know Derby really well" Rogers and we had a scenic trip around the two sets of cooling towers and eventually arrived at the venue.

We started with the same team that beat West Brom and started well with Coventry playing good football from back through to front, all the girls were working well and hard and the work paid off as the ball fell to Mozza from a through pass who just shot wide with only the keeper to beat!

Another excellent piece of football started at the back by Mareade who is a cool customer, beat one girl passed it through the midfield to Formo down the right who passed it into the middle where Terri set up Gobby for a screaming shot that the keeper saved well. Coventry had all the possession and two further clear cut chances were missed, one where an excellent piece of work from Siddo which she cut in and shot wide.

Then came the moment of the match, Derby put in a ball at pace straight towards the goal area City did not deal with the first header and the ball popped up to a startled Mareade and it hit her arm - Penalty! Derby scored with a strong kick - Half Time losing 1- 0 we did not deserve to be behind!

Second half started and the game was very even all through with few clear cut chances coming either teams way, two more chances went begging one when the ball was fired across the goal and Terri just couldn't get on the end of it to bag an equaliser.

We lost our shape a little but the girls all worked well and the team spirit is high, we have another chance to put it right in the cup on Saturday - against Derby!!!

Girl of the Game - Amy Sidwell - worked well at left back both in defence and attack .

West Bromich Albion 0 - 5 Coventry City Ladies
League 30/10/04
Match Report by Darren George

Firstly congratulations to our hosts for providing a very playable pitch despite the recent downpours. Second and more importantly we all wish the Albion keeper a speedy recovery after she was taken to hospital . Hopefully there is no serious damage.

The sky blue girls had shown improved form for the last 2 matches and despite having only 11 players available carried on where they left off against Blues 2 weeks earlier. Manager Ogle decide to revert back to a 4.4.2 formation for today's fixture in view of the conditions and a lack of substitutes.

City took the game straight to Albion and it wasn't long before they took the lead when right midfielder Jade Formaston was able to spin and fire her shot into the far corner from 12 yards. Terri (Kipper) Murphy soon added a second when following some good work from Formaston and Katy (Mozza) Moran , she hit her first time shot hard and low past the advancing keeper

Albion were scrapping hard for every ball and were showing a willingness to pass the ball rather than boot it ( well done ). Their very lively No. 20 was proving a handful but the combination of Katie (whisper) Smith and Maireade McMenemy worked well to keep her under check. Amy (Siddo)Sidwell was enjoying a superb game at left back and birthday girl Charlotte (LOTT) Gassor was getting stuck in including some great headers (Well done m8).

In the middle of the park Jade (Oggy) Ogle was ripping it up for the 2nd game running and Captain Stacey (Gobby) Doughty was as impressive as ever. Top scorer Katy Moran added City's 3rd following a superb run and cross from Jay Bradford , which the keeper found too hot to handle and Mozza followed in brilliantly to stab the ball home from 5 yards. Moran made it 4 when pouncing from 10 yards to slot it home with her left foot City keeper Adele Rogers was once again dominating her area and acting as an extra defender whenever Albion threatened.

Into the second half and Moran completed her hatrick in style by running on to a through ball before rounding the keeper and slotting home with her left foot again. Shortly after, Albion's substitute Keeper was hurt following a collision with Jay and Very wisely she was kept on the pitch until the ambulance arrived to take her to hospital. The game restarted 30mins later and City continued to press forward but Albions original keeper pulled off some tremendous saves to deny them . One particular move involved 6 different players and resulted in Jay hitting her first time volley just over the bar (superb stuff). Both teams continued to battle hard and play good football in difficult conditions but the game ended with a final score of 0 v 5 to the Sky Blues.

Full marks to both sides for great effort , good football and superb spirit. The Coventry management agreed that Katie (Whisper) Smith should be given the girl of the game award. Good news I have just heard that the keeper is fine which is the best news of all.

Coventry City Ladies 1 - 0 Birmingham City Ladies
Open Cup 16/10/04
Match Report by Darren George

Oggy is perming his hair so the match report has been provided by Darren George!

These two sides had met only three weeks earlier and on that occasion the Sky Blues had been thrashed 5-1 at Moor Lane having played dreadfully. Today was to be a different story altogether.

Coventry started brightly and dominated most of the early exchanges , with Jay Bradford and a fit again Mozza combining well upfront. Jay is playing with renewed confidence at the moment and is starting to fulfil her pre-season promise very nicely. Wingback's India and Formo worked the lines well in both directions and the centre three of Oggy, Paige and Gobby were winning most of the loose possession play. Coventry had three or four shots that drifted wide before Captain Gobby unleashed a 25 yard screamer that smacked the crossbar and went over, much to Blues relief.

Coventry deservedly took the lead when following some superb work down the left from Jay, Formo was able to bundle the ball into the net with (we think) her Bum. Birmingham of course pressed forward but the back three of Charlotte, Whisper and Maireade protected keeper Adele superbly, Maireade in particular used her pace on two or three occasions to make timely interventions. Highlight of the first half for me was a magnificent piece of goal keeping from Adele which saw her motor off her line and throw herself in front of the oncoming striker. Goalkeeping doesn't come any better than that a brilliant save (well done m8).

As expected Birmingham enjoyed more of the play in the second period but Coventry still carved out the better chances, with Formo causing havoc down the right. Oggy was having her best game of the season which gave Paige the time to use her class for those trademark passes. Charlotte had to be replaced by Siddo following a clash of heads and Siddo was back to her very, very best clearing up every scrap of loose ball in the nick of time. Both Kippa Murphy and Loz Graham got stuck in as well when introduced to the play and with five minutes left City might have doubled their lead when Mozza who had worked her smelly socks off, went on a great run going past two defenders and as the keeper advanced we all expected her to chip it over the top, however Moz decided to trick us all and carry on running in the direction of the corner flag (a trick learnt from her dad we presume) and the chance had gone (got ya Moz)...

It didn't matter as shortly after the ref blew for full time and the Sky Blues had secured a very good win. Oggy was elected girl of the game but all fourteen had performed with great spirit and pride. WELL DONE ....

Coventry City Ladies 1 - 2 Wolverhampton Wanderers
League 9/10/04
Match Report by Darren George

With manager Ogle called up for International duty , assistant manager George asked the girls for a display filled with team spirit and high work rate. I think its fair to say that he got exactly what he asked for and more. Trying a new system and with the influential Mozza out through injury today's match against a very strong Wolves team was always going to be a tough test for the girls after their poor performance against the Blues two weeks ago.

However the girls got off to a flyer when they were awarded a penalty after only 2 minutes for a late challenge inside the box. Paige did the business with a calmly taken kick which gave the keeper no chance.. The Coventry girls carried the game to Wolves during the first ten minutes with wingbacks India and Formo doing some good work down both flanks. Jay Bradford had been encouraged to use her considerable skills more frequently and some lovely step overs and scissor moves were causing the Wolves defence to rush in and commit fouls. Good efforts from Formo and India might have given City the cushion of a two goal lead but Wolves were always dangerous with a more direct approach and began to create chances of their own. However the back three of Katie, Maireade and Charlotte were doing very well in their new roles.

Wolves finally managed to equalise when from a good cross from the right an excellent finish from striker Di Paulo brought the scores level. Formo was then dumped on her backside from a very bad challenged which lead to a very nasty fall on her arm. From the freekick Formo very nearly restored the lead only to see her effort tipped onto the bar and over for a corner Half Time 1 v 1.

For the second half Kippa Murphy replaced Loz upfront as the City girls were asked to raise the tempo even more. Paige, Gobby and Oggy were working very hard in the middle with Paige showing a great mixture of skill and determination with some very good heading (well done m8). Both Oggy and Gobby went close to scoring with very good twenty yard shots but Oggy's went narrowly wide and Gobby's was well saved by the excellent Wolves keeper. Shortly after Oggy made way for Siddo to have a go in a new position and she slotted in well.

Wolves of course created chances of their own but were a little fortunate to be given a freekick when the ball appeared to strike Formo's hand accidentally as she was running back to defend. The freekick was well taken and Adele was only able to half save and the ball was bundled into the net from out of her hands. Perhaps a little unlucky but thats football i guess. Coventry didn't allow their heads to drop and pressed forward in search of an equaliser. Paige sent a lovely ball through for Formo to run onto but alas she was ruled offside (very close me thinks). No lucky breaks in the closing stages for the sky blues and so Wolves were able to take all three points.

Well done to Wolves but this was a very much improved performance by the Coventry girls who ALL contributed to a superb performance full of grit and most importantly TEAM SPIRIT. Special mentions for Jay who played with more confidence and flair, Formo who was superb and played on when perhaps she shouldn't have and above all Girl of the game Paige Newell who showed that she is capable of mixing it as well as having class. More of the same from now on m8. Mr Ogle would have been pleased today and if Mozza is back, next weeks Cup game with Blues should be very exciting.

Birmingham City 5 - 1 Coventry City Ladies
League 25/9/04

After a decent start to the season, we came up against a real test of the team's spirit and skill and we did not pass the test in any area of the pitch. Birmingham dominated the midfield battle and had strength up front which we couldn't or wouldn't match. We were 2 - 0 down from sloppy midfield and defensive play before we got out of bed. Our forwards did not have a sniff until we made a couple of tactical changes to give us some width and we managed to get a goal back through a Katy Moran header following good wing play from Jade Formaston.

Second half down hill, we are in with a chance but we did not play well and Birmingham wanted to win more than we did and we conceded early and were 5- 1 down before the wine gums had been digested - No more Wine Gums at half time!!!!

Coventry were poor throughout the pitch from the goalkeeper through to the attackers and deserved to be beaten by a side who did well in all areas. we have a chance to redeem ourselves in the cup on the 16th and hopefully we will not have to go to the changing rooms for a chat again!!!

Girl of the Match - Jade Formaston (always battled and kept trying despite her team-mates laclustre performance).

Coventry City Ladies 19 - 0 Stratford Town Ladies
Open Cup 18/9/04

Stratford visited Coventry with it all to do and from the start Coventry showed their class against a team that tried very hard to match us. Early on Jade Formaston slotted home from a rebound, straight afterwards India Koller drove powerfully into the net from the angle of the box, the first of three and a good performance after injury. Coventry were dominating play and from a corner the ball bounced out to Charlotte Gassor who had a low drive which ended in the onion bag from 10 yards - 3 - 0.

The best goal of the game then came which was started by Charlotte at the back playing it to Lauren at fullback who passed inside to Oggy who popped it to Formo, on again to the overlapping Lauren who crossed for Katy Moran to head in at the front post - we want more of this play this week a great goal!!!! Formo added another close range effort and Mozza was involved in the sixth, chesting down for strike partner Kippa Murphy to score with her left foot.

Stratford were finding it difficult to get out of their half and their goalkeeper was in great form, Mozza placed the ball into the corner after a one on one with the keeper and India made it 8 at half-time with another strike from 8 yards.

Changes were needed at half time to provide the squad with as much game play as possible, the second half started the same ay as the first and Stratford were tiring following their hard work and effort to keep the score down. India got her hat-trick from 18 yards - superb finish from the rebound. Jay Bradford finally got on the Coventry score sheet with a tap in after a parried save. Katie Smith got her first in her temporary role of centre forward, her strike partner Abbey Gibson netted the 12th from 6 yards and Katie Smith got her second from good work and an inch perfect pass from Paige Newell.

Lauren bagged one with a low drive after great midfield play from Oggy - 14 - 0. Gibbo added her second as Stratford tired even further despite great saves from the keeper who was having a stormer!!! Katie Smith got her hat-trick with a great strike from 18 yards not bad for a centre half, Adele Rogers was out of goal replaced by her understudy Formaston selected for her size!!!!! and promptly gt on the score sheet with her first goal for the club.

Jay Bradford sealed the result with two goals at the end, the first after good work from Gibbo and Paige and the second a curling effort to the far corner from the cross from Lauren.

Difficult to select a girl of the match with a good performance from Lauren at full back but my vote goes to India Koller who was strong and determined on the left side.

Girl of the Match - India Koller

Aston Villa 1 - 3 Coventry City Ladies
League 11/9/04

Following a nervy start against Derby last weekend the team was changed following the work done on Wednesday at training. The first few minutes showed that the side were more organised and immediately got into a pattern of play restricting Villa all over the pitch. The back four commanded by Stacey Doughty were in control allowing the midfield to create the openings for Moran and Murphy M&M not S.A.S!!!

The first goal from Katie "Mozza" Moran was finished well following her desire to win and hassle the defenders without the effect of bananas. We got a quick second from a well worked (scuffed corner) to the near post which was put away with aplomb by Jade Formaston - the management were happy. A third quickly followed again from Mozza who beat the advancing keeper slotting the ball into the far corner. Coventry continued to dominate with strong performance from Charlotte Gassor and Jay Bradford - both playing out of position but doing a grand job both in defence and attack.

The second half saw some changes in personnel and the strength of the wind which put Coventry under slightly more pressure with Villa getting stronger and eventually the goal came. This was the only goal conceded due to strong defending and good organisation from Adele Rogers, Stacey Doughty and Katie Smith. The whole squad deserved the victory as all played well and showed that we can play football and battle with the best!!

Girl of the Match - Jay Bradford

Coventry City Ladies 1 - 1 Derby County
League 4/9/04

This was the first fixture of the season and the side were brimming with confidence following two great performances against U16 sides in pre season friendlies. Derby looked a very organised side from the kick off and Coventry struggled throughout with marking and organisation which allowed Derby to get an early goal. The management team and parents were shocked at the below par start and changes were made both through injury and tactically.

Coventry battled hard and got back into the game with a gaol from Katie Moran who "had scared the Derby defence from the start with her agression and strength"s.

The second half followed a similar pattern with both teams cancelling each other out with Stacey Doughty commanding at the back and Adele Rogers supporting the side with a great display between the sticks. Jade Ogle was pushed into the middle during the second half and played extremely well.

A draw was a fair result in the end but improvements will need to be made!!!

Girl of the Match - Stacey Doughty (folowed closely by Adele Rogers)