Coventry City Ladies remarkable season ended in disappointment as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to TNS in their final game of the season. Paul Cudby's side found themselves reduced to ten after the dismissal of Hazannah Parnell but the damage was already done as the plucky hosts spoilt Coventry's unbeaten season.
The Sky Blues were behind as early as the first minute, an overzealous shoulder charge from Nikki Miles resulted in a penalty that sent Sarah Morgan the wrong way. With half an hour on the clock City pulled level, Katy Ward was felled 25 yards out on City's left, Helen Dermody stepped up to crash home the resulting free kick for her 15th goal in what has been another stellar season for the winger.
It remained level at the break but TNS had continued to dominate proceedings. The pattern didn't change early in the second half and Coventry conceded the lead once more on the hour mark. Kelly Henson was dispossessed in midfield allowing some slick passing work to reach the touchline where the ball was pulled back and rolled in at the far post to put the Sky Blues firmly back under the cosh.
Parnell was dismissed with 20 minutes remaining as she retaliated to what looked to be a well aimed stamp. After going to ground in a challenge with the keeper, Parnell was the recipient of boot to the midriff, the firey forward sprung to her feet and confronted her assailant which let to pushing and shoving before hands were raised. While Parnell saw red the other party received only a caution.
The incident served as a wake up call to the league champions as they mounted a sustained period of pressure which included forcing ten corners but sadly no goals. "We just couldn't find a free header or that vital finish today" bemoaned Cudby. "It's obviously disappointing to lose but in fairness we were poor for much of the game today. We picked it up after Haz was sent off and were probably the better side over the second half but it wasn't enough. It's a disappointed way to have ended what has otherwise been a marvellous season though".
Team: - Morgan; Whitfield (Lowe 65), Lynch (c), Wilton, Wilcox; Dermody, Miles, Henson (Christie 75); Formaston, Parnell, Ward..
Subs Not Used: - Rodgers.
Goals: - Dermody.
Booked: - None.
Sent Off: - Parnell.
Covsupport News Service would like to thank Adam Etheridge and Tim Kalns for all the reports on Coventry City Ladies this season.