After last weekends disappointing League Cup exit at the hands of the Leicester City Women the Coventry City Ladies got back to the more pressing concerns of a promotion chase.
TNS were the visitors to the Coventry University Sports Ground on a stormy Sunday afternoon and put up a brave fight before succumbing to the Sky Blues. Jade Formaston's double early in the second half proved too much for the Welsh outfit as Coventry triumphed 2-1 for their twelfth straight League win.
The game began in a midfield stalemate as the teams felt each other out. TNS' lone striker Kim Bebbington had the first chance 12 minutes in but could only direct her header into the midriff of City 'keeper Nina Robery. The Sky Blues began to dominate possession and carved out enough openings to be comfortably in control of proceedings. Forwards Keeley Lowe and Kelly-Ann Willis linked up well and both had efforts that sailed high and wide after good build up play.
At the other end Bebbington was again causing problems with her strong running, City Captain Natasha Lynch stood up well to twice block shots before Bebbington fired a third effort high and wide. Both Lowe's, striker Keeley and left back Jenni, were involved shortly afterwards. Jenni Lowe's marauding attacks along the left flank created havoc for the TNS back line all day and never more so than in the 23rd minute. Lowe's curling cross came back off the crossbar with TNS 'keeper Sarah Martin well beaten. Natalie Brace threw herself at the loose ball and her volley fell to Keeley Lowe whose header found only the waiting arms of Martin to relieve the pressure.
Coventry kept the pressure on as chances fell to Kelly Henson, Helen Dermody and Natasha Lynch but with Martin constantly frustrating the Sky Blues and keeping the scores level at the half time it was beginning to look like it might not be City's day. Manager Stuart Wilson introduced Jade Formaston for the re-start as Dermody picked up a knock late in the first half.
Just 3 minutes into the second half right back Fin Corley found herself one on one with Robery and her shot from the right edge of the area left the 'keeper no chance as 9th place TNS grabbed a shock lead. Coventry's reply was instant, flooding the box Brace climbed highest to win a contested header. The ball dropped to Formaston who was forced wide but her perfectly placed lob drew the sides level.
Formaston's 52nd minute winner came as a result of Brace's determination and tenacity wide on the left, her persistence helped her win the ball off Corley as she dallied in possession. From a deep position Brace pulled the ball to the edge of the area were Keeley Lowe was waiting to in turn spread the ball to Formaston who fired low to Martin's right and in off the far post.
A double substitution compounded Coventry's dominance as the fresh legs of Danni Saulter and Katie Moran bossed midfield for the remainder of the match. The Sky Blues couldn't convert dominance into goals though and were constantly frustrated by the inspired Martin. Keeley Lowe, Moran, Saulter and Brace all had good efforts but the third would not come.
Coventry survived a late goalmouth scramble to deny TNS a point and keep the pressure on League leaders Leicester City Women who won 2-0 at Derby County. Up next for the Sky Blues is a re-scheduled tie away to Wolverhampton on Thursday evening. Wolves currently sit fourth but are out of title contention, Coventry remain 2 points behind the Foxes.
Team: - Robery, Pinner, Lowe. J, O'Sullivan (Moran 59), Lynch, Forbes, Dermody (Formaston 46), Henson (Saulter 59), Willis, Lowe. K, Brace