TNS 0-1 Coventry City Ladies (match abandoned)
Midlands Combination League
1st October 2006
Coventry City Ladies match against TNS was abandoned at 1-0 to Coventry City after a serious leg injury to TNS player Casey Starlin following a clash with Coventry defender Natasha Lynch.
The Sky Blues had wanted to continue with the game after Starlin's removal from the field, but were informed by the referee the match was to be abandoned. More news will follow concerning this matter.
Following last weeks defeat by Derby, Coventry came to the game with a new look diamond midfield with youngster Kirsty Robson playing in just behind the front pairing of Wade and Byrne. This seemed to suit Robson as she made some blistering runs throughout the game, even adding in some Ronaldo-like stepovers to bamboozle the opposition.
The first half of the match had been very even with most of the play occurring in the middle of the park. Coventry's best chance occurred after 22 minutes. TNS's goalkeeper fumbled the ball out on the left of the penalty box and Sinead Wade had managed to latch onto it, but her cross to Mel Byrne was blocked by a defender.
The second half began with a ten minute torrential downpour, but this failed to dampen Coventry's spirit as Wade put Coventry in the lead four minutes after the interval. It seemed like Coventry were destined to take all three points after the goal when the injury occurred and the game was abandoned.
Coventry City Ladies say they hope Casey Starlin has a speedy recovery.
Coventry City Squad: Kerry Williamson, Natalie Wilcox, Natasha Lynch, Alison Forbes, Jenny Lowe, Maria Cartwright, Emma Lipman (Julia Marshall, 65), Kelly Henson, Kirsty Robson, Mel Byrne, Sinead Wade (Kelly-Ann Willis, 65). Suns not used: Amanda Whalley