City Ladies Announce Pre-Season Programme

Last updated : 27 June 2011 By Steve Carpenter
COVENTRY City Ladies head coach Paul Cudby is looking forward to a challenging pre-season which will include a clash with FA Cup winners Arsenal

The Sky Blues will face Laura Harvey's side, who won the FA Cup at the Ricoh Arena in May, on July 17 as they prepare for their first season in the top flight of women's football.

Preparations begin with a difficult away fixture against Super League leaders Birmingham City on July 10 which is followed by a trip to British Universities before the ladies take on North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham.

Cudby's side will host Swansea and Manchester City before rounding up pre-season with a trip to Brighton on August 14, one week before the start of the new season, and Cudby feels the schedule will provide a tough challenge for the season ahead.

"We're really pleased with the calibre of the opposition we've got lined up for pre-season," Cudby confirmed. "To have the top two teams as things stand in the FA WSL will be a fantastic test for all of us.

"British Universities are going to the World University Games in China in August , Tottenham have just gained promotion to the Premier League South and Manchester City pushed us all the way last season in the Premier League North.

"Swansea will also be a tough test after they qualified for the Champions League via the Welsh Premier League, so just like our fast approaching season, there will be no easy games and plenty of tough challenges."

Schedule:

Sunday 10th July Birmingham City (A) 3pm ko
Wednesday 13th July British Universities (A) 7.30pm ko

Sunday 17th July Arsenal (H) 2pm ko

Sunday 24th July Tottenham Hotspur (A) 2pm ko

Sunday 31st July Swansea (H) 2pm ko

Sunday 7th August Manchester City (H) 2pm ko

Sunday 14th August Brighton (A) 2pm ko

Sunday 21st August 1st team first league game