Coventry City Ladies secured their first victory in the Premier League North Division thanks to an impressive 5-2 victory over Rochdale AFC Ladies at Liberty Way, Nuneaton.
The Sky Blues took the lead through Jade Formaston, but the advantage last only five minutes when Rochdale drew level. Goals from Milly Durrant and Kirsty Robson restored Coventry's lead, but they were pegged at 3-2, however two goals in the final five minutes of the match secured an impressive first home for Coventry City Ladies.
Coach Paul Cudby was understandably delighted to have picked up his first three points of the season against an opposition he holds in high regard, however the Coventry City coach still insists there is room for improvement despite the 5-2 victory.
"We knew Rochdale weren't going to be an easy side to play. They pulled two goals back against Leicester in their previous match so we knew they were going to be tough, but credit must go to our players, they dug in and got the result.
We were disappointed with the two goals we conceded but it was pleasing to go and get the win, especially in the final ten minutes. Some of the football we played today was brilliant, but we just need to learn how to start the game better.
Maybe we started slow because some of the players were nervous, but having said that I expect more from us a group because we can now use this first win and impose ourselves on future games and play our natural game."
He added, "Today we passed the ball well and scored some good goals, but there are still things we can work on, but all in all it was a good result against a good side.
After a goalless first half, the Sky Blues immediately picked up the pace after the re-start and deservedly took the lead thanks to a well taken goal by Jade Formaston. The former Aston Villa player was given time and space in the penalty to beautifully loft the ball over the helpless Stephanie Bell in the Rochdale goal.
Rochdale responded well and equalised just five minutes later through Keeleigh Savage, but it didn't take long for the home side to re-take the initiative when Milly Durrant drilled home a right footed shot.
Kirsty Robson doubled Coventry's lead with a cross come shot which found the bottom left-hand corner of the net, but Rochdale refused to throw in the towel and got back to within one goal of their opponents after a clever flick by Chantelle Parry deceived Sue Wood and dropped into the back of the net.
As the match progressed, Rochdale unsurprisingly committed players forward in search of an equaliser, but the Sky Blues were able to hit Phil Pearson's side on the counter and extended their lead through Christina Torkildsen who turned her marker well powered a right-footed shot home to make it 4-2.
With just seconds on the clock, player of the match Leanne McKenna capped of a fantastic second half performance by Paul Cudby's side with a superb long range effort which lobbed the Rochdale keeper and secured Coventry City Ladies first victory of the 2010/11 season.