DERBY COUNTY 1-2 COVENTRY CITY LADIES BY ADAM ETHERINGTON
Coventry City Ladies bounced back from their midweek County Cup exit at the hands of Birmingham City to claim victory from a goal down in a tense affair against a battling Derby County side. The win came courtesy of two goals from winger Nat Brace and keeps the Sky Blues' promotion push on track.
The Rams took an early lead when Lorna Abbey's cross from wide on the right sailed past everyone in the box, catching keeper Williamson by surprise. The misguided centre dropped under the crossbar and rocked Coventry back on their on heels.
A heavy underdog, Derby seemed satisfied to defend deep and try to frustrate the Sky Blues whilst protecting their lead. The negative strategy was paying off, as Coventry were creating a glut of chances but were unable to convert any into an equaliser.
Half time came and went and as Derby began to look like they might be home Coventry's persistence finally paid off, breeching Derby's stubborn defence in the 76th minute. Captain Natasha Lynch surged forward into opposition territory finding Brace who had cut inside from her wide position. The pacey winger confidently stroked the ball home finding the bottom corner with a well placed right foot effort from just inside the penalty area.
Brace's equaliser keeps alive a streak that has now seen her score in 4 consecutive league outings. Her second just went to prove that when you're playing well things seem to happen for you. Coventry had been throwing everything forward looking for a winner but to no avail, when deep into injury time the tenacious Brace swung in a hopeful cross that evaded both her team mates and a despairing goalie finding the net and deservedly securing all three points.
The Sky Blues Ladies take a break from league action this weekend when they travel to Bromsgrove for a local clash with West Brom in the second round of the League Cup. Coventry received a first round bye and now face a team that they've failed to beat in their two prior meetings this season, drawing 3-3 at home and falling 2-1 on the road.