The Coventry City Ladies opened up an early five point advantage at the top of the Midland Women's Combination League courtesy of a 5-2 victory at home to Leafield Athletic. The Sky Blues had to work for the win though, coming from behind twice as the visitors threatened an upset before Helen Dermody lead a four goal onslaught. Last season's top scorer netted two second half goals with Jade Formaston, Robyn James and Emily Hanson each scoring one apiece.
Leafield nicked a surprising lead and looked good value for it as their gung-ho attitude paid early dividends. As the half wore on Coventry began to find their feet and looked every bit like the league leaders going forward. A spell of intense pressure culminated in Formaston's left footed equaliser shortly before the referee blew his whistle to bring an exhilarating 45 minutes to a close.
More excitement followed in the second half as the visitors were the beneficiaries of two early penalties, however, their failure to convert one of them left the door open for City's rousing response. Dermody pulled Coventry back onto level terms before James handed the Sky Blues their first lead of the game. Dermody latched onto a rebound for City's fourth after Hanson's effort had been saved. Hanson wouldn't be denied though and struck with a header from a Robyn James cross to put the result beyond any doubt.
Manager Paul Cudby was pragmatic about his team's performance, "It was a very entertaining game and we could easily have lost it three or four to one. They hit the cross bar twice and missed a couple of one on ones that could have put us in a right hole. There wasn't a lot wrong with our attacking play, indeed, we created a lot of good chances and the reason we won is that we converted more of our opportunities than Leafield".
"We need to defend far better than we did today over the coming weeks and I think the players realise that, we were let off today and I think the players will respond accordingly. We'll put a great deal of work in at training this week and make sure we're ready for Rotherham away. It'll be a tremendous challenge for us and I'm sure we'll stand up and be counted".
Team: - Morgan; Wilcox, Lynch, Forbes (Clarke 46), H. Miles (Ogle 70); Formaston, N. Miles, Henson, Dermody; Tinto (Hanson 46), James.
Subs Not Used: - Manca, Archibald.
Goals: - Dermody x2, Formaston, James, Hanson.
Booked: - None.
Sent Off: - None.