Coventry City Ladies coach Craig Nicholls felt that his side's 2-0 victory over Bradford City Ladies which sent them top of the WPL Northern Division table was a superb ninety minute performance.
Nicholls said to Matty Roper: : "it was a superb 90 minute performance full of quality, determination and focus. Individually and collectively we worked so hard to make things happen and got our rewards second half for being patient and persistent."
"It's nice to be top of the table at Christmas but this is only half the job. We have to remain focused, there is still plenty of games to play."
Coventry City LFC entertained Bradford City WFC at the oval on Sunday, the game being the last tie of 2014 for the girls. A win for the Sky Blues would take them to the top of the Premier League table, whilst The Bantams were looking for a third straight league victory.
City started the game brightly and came close after just 33 seconds. Good build up released Destiney Toussaint down the right, her low cross was then met by Amber Hughes who struck the crossbar, the rebound was also inches away as Bradford managed to clear off the line with what looked like a handball.
The game continued to be lively and fast paced after this, with Coventry City undoubtedly the better side. Quick, controlled passing made for an entertaining half, and on 23 minutes Ashleigh Neville came close again with a curling effort. Just 3 minutes and Bradford carved out their first chance, Chantelle O'Hara firing straight at Sue Wood from 18 yards.
Coventry continued to press after though and the woodwork denied Amber Hughes again on 35 minutes. A good passing move allowed the winger to cut inside and fire a ferocious effort off the bar from 25 yards. Hughes had another chance just before half time as Ashleigh Neville's cross was volleyed straight at the Goalkeeper. More chances were created by the home side but the Bradford defence stood firm to ensure the scores remained level at the break.
Half Time: Coventry City LFC 0-0 Bradford City WFC
The second half was very similar to the first in respect of Coventry dominating possession of the ball, but very little chances were created in the opening exchanges, that was until the 58th however as City took the lead. A superb mazy run by Amber Hughes, who showed intricate feet, allowed her space to cross for Helen Dermody who nipped in front of her marker to prod home and make it 1-0 to Coventry.
The Sky Blues continued to dominate after scoring and confidence seemingly grew as they knocked the ball around with real ease. A high press was also visible again as City didn't allow the away side any time on the ball when they did have possession. More chances were created by the home side but credit has to go to Bradford's defence who were dogged in their approach as they kept the scoreline down.
With 81 minutes gone, Bradford came close to an equaliser from a corner before Coventry broke up the other end and scored to make it 2-0. A swift counter allowed Amber Hughes to steam forward before sliding a perfectly weighted through ball to Destiney Toussaint, she then kept her balance despite close attention from a defender before finishing neatly across goal from a tight angle.
Toussaint came close again with five minutes to play as Bradford gave the ball away, the away 'keeper stopping her low drive with her feet. The final chance of the game fell to The Bantams from a set-piece, as Rachel Lee struck the crossbar from 25 yards with a brilliant free kick.
The full-time whistle soon blew to conclude the affair and signal another victory for The Sky Blues as they moved to the top of the FA Women's Premier League table.
Full-Time: Coventry City LFC 2-0 Bradford City LFC