Coventry City Ladies crashed to their first defeat since April in today's FA Cup 3rd Round game with old rivals Derby at Coventry University's ground this afternoon.
For all but the last 5 minutes this was a very close game between two evenly matched teams but in the end Derby's greater physical strength and fitness told as they scored 2 goals in the last 5 minutes to give them a flattering 4-1 victory and move into the last 32 when the Premier Division teams join the competition. On this performance few of them will fancy meeting the Rams.
The first half was nip and tuck till Hannah Ward put Derby 1-0 up from a good cross from the left in the 31st minute. Not deterred the Sky Blues fought back with an excellent 25 yard drive from Emily Hanson 7 minutes later. 1-1 was a fair reflection of an even first half.
Coventry started the second half the better without creating any clear cut chances and it was Derby, somewhat against the run of play, who regained the lead with a well placed header from central defender Emily Jeffrey after 68 minutes.
Sky Blues battled well but against a much bigger side than they are used to facing were unable to get back in the game. Substitute Melissa Johnson lashed home a ferocious 20 yard drive in the 86th minute and a soft stoppage time goal from Jenni Anslow clinched Derby's place in the next round. Sky Blues can feel aggrieved about the margin of victory but can feel proud of their contribution to a cracking game.