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Under 10 Team Match Reports Stoke City 1 - 1 Coventry City Ladies So having travelled a good 60 miles we finally got ready to play football, the line up was Daniella in goal, Kate and Lucy in defence, in midfield we had Ebony and Sophie, with Summer and Jade upfront, no subs. Cov City got off to a good start, putting Stoke under pressure. A few minutes in and Cov hit the bar, and caused Stoke’s keeper to make several saves. City really dominating the game now and clearly creating some good chances. But Stoke remind us this was not going to be easy, Stoke City broke in between our defence leaving a one on one situation with Daniella, was quick off her line and saved with her legs. About 20 mins in and Cov City score, from a big kick out of goal from Daniella, Jade mange’s to pick the ball up and take it forward and slots it in the right hand corner, leaving the Stoke keeper at full stretch. ! – 0 to Cov City, Well done Girls. The first half comes to an end, Cov City 1 – 0 up, but it has been tuff at times. Cov City Ladies have found not every young ladies is as polite as them, Stoke are a very physical side. The shirt pulling and late tackles have rattled all of Cov City’s side, good old Sophie constantly reminds the ref about the unsporting conduct, but he doesn’t listen. Lucy and Kate have both been strong at the back working well together. Both Ebony and Sophie having to really battle in the middle of the park to win balls for Cov City, but its paying off. Both Jade and Summer having chance’s but unfortunately just not find the net in the first half today. So the second half gets under way, no changes to Cov City who are now kicking from left to right. Straight away from the kick off Stoke put Cov City under pressure, moving forward down the left, Cov City are forced to defend, but in doing so get dragged across to the left, the ball breaks back into the middle, where it finds a Stoke attacker in loads of space, she line’s herself up and shoots, Daniella saves and pushes it out for a corner. Cov City defends the corner easily and moves the ball out of defence into attack. Cov City keep pushing forward, from a throwing the ball travels across the front of Stoke’s goal mouth, but Cov City just cant put it in the back of the net, but Stoke clear it out and Summer is quick to attack, she picks the ball up and shoots/crosses the ball back across the face of the goal, but unfortunately Sophie, not for the want of trying just cant reach to get on the end of it to score. Unlucky Girls, there has been some battling and good football to create these chances. Again from another throw in on the right the ball is played throw to Sophie charges at the Stoke goal, gets to the edge of the box and has a cracking shot at goal, but it just goes wide of the far post. Cov City keep pushing forward, for another goal, Stoke have no reply apart from loads of substitutions. A few good runs from Ebony nearly pay off, Kate and Lucy are strong at the back, stopping any Stoke attack. Another chance, Summer shots as the ball is cleared from Stoke defence, but we just watch it go over the bar, unlucky. Yet another chance this time for Jade, the ball just sits up in front of her and she volley’s it straight back at the Stoke goal, the keeper was very lucky to keep it out. Cov City dominating much of the second half creating a lot of chances. The referee indicates last 30 seconds of the game and from a throw in the referee blows for a penalty for Stoke indicating Cov City have handled the ball in the area. Stoke score and make it 1 –1, few seconds later the referee blows for full time. Cov City were very unlucky and deserved the 3 points from the game, but that’s football, it was a cruel way to finish the game as in my opinion Stoke were never really in it, Cov City Ladies dominating the play and created the chances. Very unlucky girls, but it shows how vital it is to take and score any chance you may create during the game. Well done, a great team effort, with some excellent football and encouraging individual performances. Coventry City Ladies 4 - 0 Birmingham City On a very cold bitter Saturday morning Cov City Ladies prepared themselves to take on Birmingham. It has seemed ages since we have played a game at home, here we were in familiar surroundings waiting to begin, but unfortunately nobody had told the groundsman. After a few phone calls Gemma had it sorted. A big thank you to John for rushing off to buy a whistle, and a big thank you to Kev for stepping up and referring the game. So the team was Daniella in goal, Kate on the left and Lucy on the right both in defence. Ebony and Sophie in midfield, with Summer and Jade up front, Sian on the bench. So City kick off and attack Birmingham’s goal, first chance sees a ball out from the right from Ebony into the middle to Jade who moves the ball into the box where Summer is, who just puts it to the keepers left side but the Birmingham goalie just manages to save it. Good positive pressure from Cov City Ladies. More chances from Cov sees one from Summer and a cracking shot from Sophie, unfortunately neither go in. Birmingham attack City’s goal but Kate and Lucy work well together, Lucy getting in front of the ball and blocks a couple of moves taking a couple of knocks on her chest, leg and back but she stays strong and focused even on this cold morning which must have stung a little. On a couple of occasions Birmingham broke through but Daniella was up for it, catching one shot, and on a one on one situation where she came out and collected the ball from the players feet. Good team play sees Cov City Ladies go into half time 2 nil up, both goals scored by Jade. Second half starts no changes to Cov City Ladies, City start off very well. A few minutes in and some good work by Ebony from a throw in picks the ball up, takes it into the box, around one player and shoots across the front of goal, the keeper saves and pushes it out but no one from Cov City Ladies follows up to stick it in the back of the net. Yet again good work from both Kate and Lucy allows the ball to be moved out of Cov City’s defence, and into an attacking move. Lucy brings it out up to the half way line plays the ball onto Sophie who attacks down the right hand side, she plays a terrific pass across the front of goal, but Summer cannot put it in the back of the Birmingham net. Birmingham reply with a cracking shot on goal, but Daniella manages to make the save and pushes it over the bar out for a corner. Some confusion in front of goal from the corner kick allows Birmingham to score, but it’s still 2-1 to Cov City Ladies. City reply with some good football, another attack down the right from a throw in where Jade picks the ball up and leaves one player standing and attacks Birmingham’s goal and scores, 3-1 City. Sub for Cov City Ladies, Ebony off for Sian who gets straight into the game. Sophie makes an excellent run passes three players and wins a corner. A corner is taken and the ball comes out of the box on the left where Jade is poised and puts in at the back of the net. 4-1 Cov City Ladies. Birmingham reply and catch Cov City napping and score 4-2 Cov City Ladies. The final whistle blows and Cov City Ladies win 4-2. Jade scoring all four goals, but excellent effort by each player resulted in another win for Cov City Ladies. Well Done Girls. Cov City Manager Gemma said it was a very good result today, the girls passed the ball around well and as a team scored four tremendous goals. Overall a very good result and I am very pleased. West Bromich Albion 2 - 3 Coventry City Ladies Cov City’s line up starts with Daniella in goal, Kate and Lucy in defence, Sophie and Ebony in midfield, with Jade and Summer up front, and Sian on the bench. First few minutes of the game and Albion are straight in attacking City’s goal. Lucy and Kate work well and battle hard and keep Albion out. Four minutes in and City gain a corner on the right after putting pressure on Albion’s defence, but City can’t take the advantage. Kate tackles hard at the back and starts another City attack, she moves the ball forward out of City’s half to Jade who takes the ball around one player, into the box and shoots but the Albion keeper just gets a hand to it. Against the run of play 10 mins in Albion attack and score 1-0 to the Albion. City soak up a little bit of pressure now, and Albion luckily can not convert their chances. Lucy and Kate both working hard and are coping with the pressure. Sophie and Ebony keep battling and supporting the defence whilst moving up field to support our attackers. Jade and Summer keep pushing forward trying to break down Albion’s defences. Around 15 mins in and City’s defence stop another attack, Kate picks the ball up and slots it through the middle Jade moves forward and scores 1-1.Whilst City celebrate, Albion are straight in from the kick off, and from a couple of moves of the ball they score 2-1 Albion at the end of first half. City has played well as a team, Jade and Summer unfortunately not converting their chances, but there has been some hard work by Ebony and Sophie trying to make that something special. Kate and Lucy’s tackling and movement of the ball out of defence has been second to none. Daniella’s goal kicks off the ground have been the best they have been all season, which has helped the game. Second half no changes to the team but from the off City apply pressure on Albion, Summer has a cracking shot but the Albion keeper manages to keep it out. The ball moves out of defence down the left where Jade picks it up and hammers it into the right hand corner away from the keeper, 2-2 all now to play for. From more good work from the team their efforts nearly pay’s off. Kate plays the ball into the middle where Jade picks it up and swiftly moves it out wide to the right hand side where Summer pushes forward further down the pitch and crosses it straight into the box, where Jade had continued her run and attacks the ball and pushes out to Sophie who shoots but again City are denied. Excellent effort girls. Another attack down the right leads to a cracking shot on goal by Summer, who forces the Albion keeper to push the ball out for a corner, Jade takes the corner and the ball comes out of Albion’s defence, and Lucy has pushed up and attacks the ball. City is full of confidence and is dominating the game. City attack and this time the ball hits the back of the net after a deflection making it 3-2 to the City. Sian comes on straight into the thick of it but stands up well, City keep applying the pressure on Albion’s goal. The game finishes 3-2 to the City,an excellent team performance City moved the ball with ease and confidence. Every team member played and supported each other and it resulted in city turning the game around. Well done all the Cov City Ladies you all deserve that win. Quality. Knowle Town 0 - 2 Coventry City Ladies The team’s line up this week was Jade and Summer in the middle up front, Kate on the left and Sophie on the right, and in defence Lucy and Sian, and Daniella in goal, no subs. City are straight in at the off, Lucy very strong in defence, she wins the ball and plays it out to Kate, who in turn plays the ball up front to Jade, who takes it forward into the Knowle box, she then passes to Summer who plays the ball straight back to her and between them a chance goes begging. But this is the old Cov City Ladies team back on form again like they were at the beginning of the season with some very good football being played. 10 minutes in and Summer battles hard out on the right, she plays a long ball into the middle, in front of Knowles goal, under pressure Knowles’s defenders take a swing at the ball in panic, the ball sits up nicely for Jade to easily slot it in the back of the net, 1 – 0 to the City, phew haven’t said that for a while (1 – 0 to City) C’mon the City Ladies, nice one. Next 10 minutes City are really enjoying the game and are playing great football. City are a changed side, after the disappointing game the previous week against Villa. Last few minutes of the first half and Sophie passes the ball from the right to Jade who has a cracking shot which hits the post and rebounds out into the path of Summer, who takes one too many touches and just cant get it in the net. First half finish’s 1 – 0 to the City. Second half starts, City start again to apply the pressure on the Knowle goal. City are again playing some great football now and it’s a joy to watch. 10 minutes in and Knowle charge forward, City’s confusion leads to a goalmouth scramble, but City manage to defend and Daniella gets her hands on the ball to stop the scramble. City attack again now from Kate who plays a terrific ball from left to right into Sophie’s path, she controls and takes it forward and strike’s the ball well at goal, but it just hits the side netting. Knowles’s turn now to attack, but Sian and Lucy work extremely hard together. Another chance for the City comes from a great long ball from Jade down the middle, looping it straight over the Knowles defence, Sophie try’s but just cant find the net. A huge kick from Daniella into the path of Jade on the left and has a cracking shot at Goal, it it’s the post and goes in 2 – 0 to the City, C’mon Cov City Ladies. The game fishes with City wining 2 – 0, a great team effort from the whole team saw some good saves from Daniella, some good defensive work from Sian who worked well with a very on form Lucy who supplied some strong confident defending all the game. Great effort and forward running from both Sophie and Kate who were both very unlucky not to score on numerous occasions, very good effort from Summer and some terrific play from Jade, having found her goal scoring boots and being back on form. This game was a pleasure to watch from the sidelines. Well done Girls, Keep it up. Manager Gemma Smith said overall she was very very pleased with all the girls performances today, thought City played with a positive attitude which was a good thing, passing the ball around well and scored 2 very, very good goals. Overall I am very pleased. Got to mention the 10 minute friendly that was played after the main match. Everybody playing out of their normal positions saw Sophie in goal, Jade Summer and Kate in defence, with a striking team of Lucy, Sian and Mean Machine (Daniella). City won again 2 – 0 with goals coming from Jade, who scored the first one, and Daniella, after grit and determination and also bowling a few opponents over and out the game, she scored. Another good team performance. Aston Villa 9 - 1 Coventry City Ladies The team was Daniella in goal, Lucy and Sian in defence, Kate and Ebony in the middle, with Jade and summer up front, with Courtney on the subs bench. City played really well for the first 11 minutes with some good football at both ends, then from the left side the Villa striker shoots low and hard and Daniella gets her hand to it but just cant keep it out. Then again in the 13 minute Villa score now making it 2 – 0 to the Villa. But City battle on, Sian & Lucy’s battling pays off, Lucy moves out of defence having won the ball up to the half way line, where she plays the ball down the left side, Jade chases it down and plays it back into the middle, into the path of Kate, who strikes it well but the Villa keeper manages to keep it out and City win a corner. But nothing is gained from this set piece. 18 mins and Villa strike again and score, its now 3 – 0 to Villa. But 21 mins in and a Villa defender under pressure handles the ball in the area, the ref awards a penalty, Jade steps up and scores making it now 3 – 1 to Villa. Another attack down the left, this time from a throw in, Jade throws over the top of the Villa player’s head’s straight to Kate who flicks it up and cracks a beauty of a shot at goal, but again the keeper denies her a goal and manage’s to keep it out. The first half finishes 3 – 1 to the Villa. Unlucky Cov City Ladies. Second half, no change in the City side, City start off really well attacking Villa’s goal but can’t convert any of their chances, this last for about 8 minutes then Villa string a couple of neat passes together and catch our defence flat footed, and Daniella at full stretch cannot keep it out, 4 – 1 to Villa. 18 mins in and again Villa score, another quick goal, 5 – 1 to Villa. Change of keepers brings on Courtney for Daniella. But there is no warm up for Courtney, Villa are straight in and make it 6 – 1. Another 3 more goals followed in quick succession, one of which was a bit controversial as it was clearly kicked out of Courtney’s hands. The game finish’s 9 – 1 to the Villa. Not a good game for the Cov City Ladies, they have had better games and the score line does not indicate the effort and chances that City had. Wolverhampton Wanderers 7 - 1 Coventry City Ladies Well here we were again back at the Wolves meadow, ........ I mean pitch, and the grass was still long and hadn’t been cut, never mind. After Gemma had persuaded the Caretaker that we were not the home side, and we were certainly not going to put the goals up however many times he told her where they were they were stored, the team gathered themselves and were presented with their new kits in the changing room. So the line up was as follows, Daniella in goal, Lucy and Sian in defence, Sophie and Kate in midfield, with Summer and Ebony up front, unfortunately no subs this week. City kick off but lose the ball after a few touches and Wolves are straight in and attack our goal, but luckily the shot goes wide. City turn it around and start putting pressure on to Wolves, Sophie and Kate working well together to control the game, both sides evenly matched. City are caught on their back foot and 9 minutes in Wolves take the lead, 1 – 0 Wolves. City are straight back in causing Wolves to panic, 12 minutes in, and City’s first real chance, Sophie picks the ball up and runs at the defence, she goes round one player and gets brought down out side the area, free kick to City. Summer steps up and strikes it well, again Wolves panic, defenders are swinging wildly at the ball but manage to put it out for a corner, but City can’t produce anything from this set piece. City really playing well now, you can sense a real team effort, a totally different game to the match played here a week earlier. 17 minutes in and Sophie’s battling pays off and she wins the ball and attacks down the right side, she plays the ball forward to Summer who takes on one Wolves player and leaves her standing, cuts inside and shoots just wide and into the side netting, unlucky. All the team are playing with confidence now. Sian’s efforts not going unnoticed, the Ref tells her not to be so physical, but she is determined not to let Wolves through. Lucy stands strong in the middle and takes the ball from a Wolves player who had managed to attack down the middle, she keeps the ball close and moves forward, looks up and plays the ball to Summer, who quickly plays it out wide to catch Sophie running into the box who cracks a shot across the front of goal and forces the Wolves keeper to push it wide left of the goal post for another City corner, again nothing gained from this set piece. Wolves don’t know what has hit them this week, City are playing by far the better football, Sian and Lucy are strong at the back, Kate and Sophie are just dominating the middle, Ebony although out of her normal position is working hard alongside Summer. 24 minutes in and a big kick from Daniella straight to Summer who turns one player, then plays the ball out to the right again to find Sophie who takes a tremendous shot again at goal, but again the keeper manages to push it out wide for another City corner, so close, but its just not going to go in. The first half comes to an end and Wolves are leading 1- 0, there’s been some great team work from City and they are so unlucky to a goal down with the amount of chance’s that they have produced, a great first half Girls, well done. Wolves kick off the second half, city are eager and move straight in pushing Wolves back into their own half. 3 minutes in and the ball goes out for a goal kick. A weak kick form the Wolves keeper puts the ball at Summer’s feet, who shows how to strike the ball and slots the ball over the keeper into the back of the net from well outside the box, what a goal, true premiership style. Well done Summer, City back in the game now, score 1 –1. City pick up a free kick down the right, Sophie takes, plays the ball into the middle, Kate fights hard but just can’t get on the end of it, Wolves clear the ball out and try to attack, but Ebony stops them dead and carries the ball forward back into there half and goes for goal, she moves into the box and shoots, the keeper can’t hold on to it and it bobbles out but City do not respond and the Wolves keeper manages to recover, another unlucky chance for City. 16 minutes in and again Ebony picks the ball up, she charges down the left, takes it around one player cuts inside and shoots, the keeper again pushes it out, this time City quickly respond and Sophie just puts it over the bar. Against the run of play City find them selves defending and from a bit of a goalmouth scramble Wolves score making it 2 – 1 Wolves. A few minutes later City again allow Wolves in and 21 minutes into the second half Wolves score to make it 3 –1. Daniella deny’s Wolves another goal, one on one and she stands up and the ball goes out wide. City are fighting back, Wolves are happy to keep defending, as they have no other option. Again Summer and Sophie all having shots, the whole team are working hard but its just not going in. The final whistle goes Wolves win 3 –1. Very unlucky Cov City Under 10’s, the score does not reflect the true game. All the parents were very pleased with the effort and team work the whole team showed in this game, even in the long grass City still played by far the better football. Keep it going Girls. Manager Gemma Smith said (in between lots of laughing in the dressing room) the ref let us down today, he cost me £7:50 and he dint do his job properly, a number of times the ball went out of play and he failed miserably to give us a throwing. Today the Girls played very well, erm, one of the best performances I’ve seen them play, erm, a very equal game, both teams played very good football and over all I’m very pleased. Wolverhampton Wanderers 7 - 1 Coventry City Ladies City’s line up to start this game was Daniella in goal, Sian and Lucy in defence, Kate and Ebony in midfield, with Jade and Summer up front, with Courtney and Sophie on the bench. City in desperate need of a win to regain their confidence that the team had at the beginning of the season. Wolves were straight in from the start, City were put under pressure, Daniella saves and pushes the ball wide. City attack down the left, our first real attack, Summer chases the ball gets the cross into the centre of the box but Jade just cannot get on the end of it. Another attack from a throw in on the right, Summer takes the throw in to Kate who receives the ball, returns the ball back to Summer who cuts back inside and has a shot on goal, but its just wide. Wolf’s reply by attacking City’s goal, confusion at the back and no communication between City’s players allows Wolves to go 1-0 up. City push forward again, Summer and Kate work hard in the middle and the ball gets played out to the right to Jade who takes a cracking shot at goal, but the keeper saves to deny City an equaliser. Wolves are strong and attack City’s goal, Daniella keeps the ball out for a Wolves corner. City stands and watches the corner Wolves first to the ball, 2-0 to Wolves. City carries on battling but cannot score, again Wolves force another corner and yet again City stands and watch, Wolves 3-0 now at half time. Start of 2nd half and a few changes are made Sian comes off, Sophie comes on into midfield and Kate drops back into defence. Sophie makes a big difference and encourages the City team to start playing football, first few minutes of the second half and City are putting Wolves under pressure. City attack, Wolves are caught out, the ball is played out wide to Jade who takes her chance well and scores making it now 3-1 to Wolves. City keep pushing forward but Wolves are strong, from the right Wolves shoot and the ball loops over Daniella and hits the back of the net, 4-1 Wolves. City pick themselves back up and try to go forward. Substitution, Daniella off for Courtney, whose put straight under pressure and pushes the ball out for another corner, again City fail to defend the set piece and Wolves score5-1. All down hill from here and City cannot reply, Wolves dominate the last 10 mins and City just defend Wolves score another 2 to make the final score 7-1. City need to get the winning streak back, get their heads up and learn from these last few games and show character and start playing football like we know they can. “Come on the Under 10’s” Aston Villa 5 - 1 Coventry City Ladies So City starts this game with Daniella in goal, Lucy and Kate at the back, with Ebony a Sophie in midfield and a front line of Jade and Summer. Sian and Courtney as subs. From the kick off Aston Villa were very strong, their front players shooting at goal with every chance they got. City soaked up a lot of pressure, Daniella being called upon several occasions to save the shots. From a goal kick Villa was first to the ball and made City pay by scoring, 1-0 Villa. City reply with a break from the back, a big clearance from Kate into the path of Sophie who pushes forward, but the ball goes wide and City cannot score. This was one of City’s best chances as Villa dominates the football in the first half. Twenty minutes into the first half and Villa hit the bar and the ball comes back out to the edge of the box where a Villa player loops the ball up and Daniella just cannot reach it 2-0 Villa. City again attack Villa’s goal but cannot put the ball away. After 24 minutes Villa play the ball through the middle splitting City’s defence and leaves Villa’s striker one on one with Daniella who came out but could not keep the ball out. 3-0 Villa. Just before half time City win a free kick in the middle of the pitch, Summer steps up and plays the ball into the box, Villa quick to act but Jades wins the ball and puts it away for City 3-1 Villa Ref blows for half time. Start of second half no change to City side City start off with a promising attack, Jade one on one with Villa keeper, but the ball just runs out of Jades reach and the keeper manages to gather it up. City are starting to have chances now, City force a throw in Ebony to Summer who takes her chance and shoots from outside the box the ball just a little too high and goes over the bar. Still 3-1 to Villa but City are playing well and are now beating Villa to the ball. After a good spell and against the run of play Villa attack City’s goal and scores 4-1 Villa. City bring on their Subs, Sian comes on for Lucy in defence and Courtney comes on for Daniella in Goal. Villa are straight in with an attack and put Courtney under pressure and makes a couple of good saves but Villa scores 5-1Villa.City push forward down the right side, Sophie runs the ball into the corner and crosses it into the penalty area where Ebony shoots and goes wide. A few minutes later the Ref blows for fulltime, Villa win 5-1. Coventry City Ladies 3 - 7 West Bromich Albion From the kick off then the City’s line up is Jade Murray and Sophie Bourton up front, Ebony Wake and Sian Thomas in Midfield and Kate Pickersgill and Lucy Easterlow in defence with Daniella Francioso in goal, Courtney Seddon sub. First few minutes of the game both teams working hard but Albion are first to react to a loose ball and take their chance, Daniella at full stretch but 1-0 to Albion in off the post. Albion are all over City, they are first to the ball and looking for another goal. Albion’s pressure forces a couple of saves from Daniella, but from a throwing City are slow to react and the ball is played into the middle where Albion scores in off the post again. 2 – 0 to Albion. City replies from the kick off forcing the ball back into Albion’s half, the pressures wins us a throwing, Jade to Ebony who returns the ball, Jade moves the ball forward to Sophie who plays an excellent pass to the edge of the box straight into Ebony’s path who strikes the ball well and scores, making it 2 – 1 Albion. Albion come back again splitting City in half, Daniella makes to great close range reflex saves but just can not keep the third shot out, Albion score making it 3 – 1. City are straight back in to the thick of it and Ebony & Sian are battling hard in the middle, the ball gets played out to Jade, who swings the ball straight into the Albion’s penalty are where Sophie’s attacks it along side Albion’s keeper, Sophie just can not put it away and Albion just do enough to keep it out. The first half finishes 3 – 1 to the Albion. Second half begins with one change, Courtney Seddon on for Daniella in goal. City start well with a shot on goal from Ebony and a couple of half chances but City cannot score. Corner for the Albion, Courtney gets to it and Jade clears the ball out to Sophie picks the ball up and runs the full length of the pitch straight into Albion’s box passing several players but just cannot control in front of goal and Albion’s keeper manages to save, unlucky Sophie. Courtney’s big kick out, Jade picks it up and runs it into Albion’s box where she shoots, Albion’s keeper again manages to get a hand to it pushing it out, only as far as Sophie who follows up and strikes it into the back of Albion’s net. City trying to come back but its still 3 –2 to Albion. Lucy and Kate are working hard in defence trying to deal with Albion’s constant pressure, with a couple of extra saves from Courtney they manage to keep them out. Pressure from City now as the team constantly battles to turn the game around. Unfortunately City are split in defence and Albion sneak in behind and score. 4-2 Albion. Minute’s later City cant hold on to the ball and Albion pick it up and score again. 5 – 2 to the Albion. City go forward again, Sophie goes down under a tackle, she’s not hurt but wins the free kick, Jade steps up but it just goes over the cross bar from the free kick. But again Albion are working City’s defence and again get in behind and score to make it 6 – 2 to the Albion. City don’t give up though and the team battles on, Sophie forces Albion to give away a throwing on the right, she takes it and gets the return pass, she smartly crosses into the danger zone in front of goal where Jade is first to react and scores, 6 – 3 to the Albion still. 23rd minute and City are caught standing watching the ball, Albion take their chance and score, 7 – 3 to the Albion. Last few minutes now and City are trying hard, attack after attack on the Albion goal but its too late, at the final whistle it stays 7 – 3 to The Albion. Unlucky Cov City Ladies. Manager Gemma Smith said it was a good game with some good end-to-end football from both sides, West Brom were a very good and organised team. Coventry City Ladies 1 - 5 Stoke City Ladies City kicked off, straight away forced a corner but nothing gained from this set piece. The ball travels out from Stokes defence, couple of passes and its in Cov City’s box, Daniella Francioso runs out to clear the ball, unfortunately it hits and rebounds off a Stoke player and ends up in the back of the net. Cov City now 1-0 down. Stoke are taking the game to City, beating us to the ball and applying lots of pressure to our defence Lucy Easterlow and Ebony Wake. City pick up two consecutive corners and are close to producing a goal from Sophie Bourton’s near post battles with the Stokes keeper. Good spell from City Summer Johnson and Jade Murray linking and working well together. Pressure from Stoke hitting City’s goalpost on two occasions Stoke is making City work. End to end play Stoke are quick to reply to City’s attack on their goal. Daniella being called upon to make saves. Fifteen minutes into first half and Stoke score, off the back of City’s uncertainty at the back 2-0 to Stoke. City replies straight away Summer making Stokes keeper stretch to save, City’s attacks are being broken down by Stokes determination to stop City playing football. Another attack Jade goes forward from the half way line, passes to link up with Kate who plays a great ball into Sophie in front of goal, but again Stoke stops City. In the 25th minute of the game Summer picks the ball up on the edge of the box, shoots between the keepers legs and the ball hits the back of Stokes net. 2-1 to Stoke. City are making it hard work for themselves as the first half comes to an end. Second half one change in the City side Sian Thomas on for Ebony Wake. Two minutes in and City are now 3-1 down, Stoke scoring and taking their chances well. Sophie’s battling produces free kick inside Stokes half, Jade knocks the ball into their box, Stoke clear only as far as Kate Pickersgill who shoots just over the bar. Lucy, Sian and Daniella working hard constantly soaking up Stokes attacks on goal. City reply by putting pressure on Stokes goal, Jade and Summer cannot convert their chances. Sub for City Courtney Seddon on for Daniella. Pressure again from City, Kate and Sophie working hard trying to find that gap but Stoke are determined not to let them through. Again City let Stoke move in, Stoke pick a loose ball up in front of our goal, Stoke’s No16 shoots, Courtney gets her hands to the ball but just cannot keep it out 4-1 to Stoke. Sub for City, Cody Williams on for Lucy. City now take the game to Stoke but again are caught lacking in front of goal. Stoke happy to keep defending and wait for their chances. Stokes No16 picks the ball up in her own half, runs straight down the middle, City are caught with no defence and scores. 5-1 to Stoke. City makes some last ditch attempts and from a corner ball played low and hard into the middle of Stokes box where Jade desperately tries to put it away, Stoke defending in numbers, leads to a goalmouth scramble where Jade shoots but it goes wide of Stokes goal. Game over, ref blows final whistle 5-1 to Stoke City. Manager Gemma Smith said City played well again today against a good side. Stoke took there chances well. The Score didn’t reflect the out come of the game. Birmingham City Ladies 4 - 5 Coventry City Ladies Coventry City welcomed new signing Kate at today’s away match to Birmingham City, which was not an easy game to start in. Straight from the start Coventry City attacked the Birmingham goal, but against the run of play after 3 strong attacks Birmingham pick the loose ball up and scored making 1 –0 to Birmingham. City replied by putting pressure back on their goal by creating a couple of chances making their keeper stretch to stop City scoring. But 9 minutes into the fist half Jade Murray picked the ball up and after a strong run into the Birmingham half plays a neat ball through to Sophie Bourton who strikes the ball into the bottom left hand corner putting City on even terms again at 1-1. Play now moves to the centre of the park, Kate and Summer Johnson battle hard to take control for City. At the back Ebony Wake and Lucy Easterlow soak up the pressure, constant battling from these two leads to City’s second goal. Ebony’s strong tackling pushes the ball out of defence to Summer who moves forward passing a Birmingham player, into there half where she release’s a ball to Jade who slots it home to make it 2 – 1 to the City with Shouts of “QUALITY” coming from the side line. City are strong now and Sophie from the edge of the box just puts the ball over the bar. Birmingham keep coming back though, Daniella Francioso having to make a couple of good saves and being supported strongly by Lucy. Its end to end play now, both sides having chances, City get a free kick outside Birmingham’s box, Summer steps up but City cannot finish and the ball goes wide. Birmingham stay strong and create their own chances, they force a corner, City are back defending. Sophie attacks the ball and plays it out of City’s box to Summer who turns and takes it forward into Birmingham’s half, she goes round 1 player and forces Birmingham to give a way a corner. City fill the box up, Jade takes the corner finds Summer at the back post who loops the ball over the keeper into the opposite corner making 3 – 1 to City. Birmingham kicks off and take the game to City with some strong attacks on City’s goal, across comes in Daniella gets her finger’s to it and forces it out for a Birmingham corner. They take the corner Sophie battles hard and wins the ball, she plays the ball out of danger to Jade who steps passed one player and plays a little through ball splitting the Birmingham defence where she finds Summer who shoots but the Birmingham keeper matches the excellent shot and saves to deny City a goal right on the stroke of half time. City leave the pitch for a team talk leading 3 –1. Second half begins, no change in the City side, Birmingham kick off, City are caught standing still and a couple of passes later by Birmingham and its in the back of City’s net making it 3 –2. Lots of pressure by Birmingham now make City defend deep in there half, but Lucy and Ebony stand strong and don’t panic. After another Birmingham attack Daniella plays a short ball out wide to Sophie who takes it passed a Birmingham player and plays the ball over the half way line where Summer picks the ball up, turns and sees her chance and unleashes a cracking shot putting the ball over the keeper and into the back of the Birmingham net, making it now 4 –2 to the City. Birmingham reply with some strong attacks, but City defend well, lots of play in the middle of the pitch, both sides having their chances at each end. Sophie’s constant battling wins City a free kick inside the Birmingham half, Jade takes the kick but Birmingham defend well and pick the ball up, Sophie will not let them keep it, she wins the ball and plays a strong ball back into the middle where Jade runs on and strikes the ball making it 5 –2 to the City. Time for a sub now, having played well Daniella comes off and Courtney Seddon comes on. City start soaking up the pressure, and Courtney is called upon straight away and makes a strong save pushing the ball out for a corner, but luckily Birmingham cannot capitalise on it this time. City sub again, this time hard working Lucy comes off for Siam Thomas to take her place; Sian is straight into the thick of it but handles it well. Then from a throwing City are caught napping again and Birmingham’s number 11 scores making it 5 –3. City kick off, but Birmingham are hungry now, they steal the ball and nearly score another. Wave after wave City soak up Birmingham attacks. City sub again Kate comes off and is replaced by Cody Williams, again Cody is called upon straight away to defend another Birmingham attack but she copes well. Both Sian & Cody work well, picking up where Lucy left off tidying up the loose balls at the back. Another Birmingham attack but Cody stands strong and forces the ball out of defence to Sophie whose strong run forward cannot open up the Birmingham defence this time. Birmingham attack again, Courtney producing a terrific save at close range, but unfortunately cant hold on to it, Birmingham are first to the ball and make City pay by scoring, making 5 – 4. City reply with some strong attacks on goal, Summer and Jade forcing saves out of the Birmingham keeper. Last few minutes and its end-to-end play now. The final whistle goes and City win the game 5 -4. “QUALITY” the Manager Gemma Smith said, it was a good game and both side’s took their chances well, she was happy City came out on top and did not give up. Well done Girls. Coventry City Ladies 6 - 1 Knowle Town Coventry started well and had a couple of chances before Jade Murray put the home side ahead with a goal that was pure football, several passes came from defence through midfield of Sophie Bourton and Ebony Wake before a neat ball was played to Jade who hit it first time to score, Jade increased the lead shortly after again with a nice shot that went in off the post. It was not all Coventry with Knowle replying several times but excellent defending from Lucy Easterlow and Cody Williams keeping them at bay but when they did break through they found the formidable Danielle Franciasco (AKA Mean machine) in outstanding form and bravely saved at the Knowle forward's feet a couple of times. However a strong run from Lauren Smith reduced the deficit to make it 2-1 at half time. Sian Thomas came on for Williams and slotted in well in defence mopping up several raids from the visitors but the young sky blues got their 2 goal lead back when Jade Murray scored her third to claim a hat trick. Summer Johnson added the forth a few minutes later when a corner from Murray fell to Sophie Bourton whose shot was turned in at the far post by Summer Johnson. Courtney Seddon replaced Danni in goal making a couple of good saves from the opposition before Jade Murray added another two goals to bring her haul for the day to 5 much to her dads bemusement as apparently its will cost him a fortune for all the goals she scored. Manager Gemma Smith was delighted with her teams performance and praised all the girls for their efforts today in a good competitive game from both sides yet the score line doesn't show how well Knowle played. |