Craig Nicholls was happy with the response of his players after Coventry City Ladies opened their FA Women’s Premier League Cup account with a 0-0 draw at home to Nottingham Forest.
After losing 1-0 to Cardiff City in the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division last week, Nicholls demanded a reaction from his team in what turned out to be an eventful match at the Bedworth Oval.
Ex-Sky Blues defender Emma Hollingsworth struck the crossbar with a first-half header, before debutant Natalie Brace replicated the feat after the break, as she came within inches of marking her Coventry City debut with a goal.
“After the Cardiff game I asked for a reaction and for a little bit more team spirit and work ethic and the group responded very well,” Nicholls stated.
“We contested everything against a team full of powerful players who played quite directly. Some of our play was excellent and the players were a lot braver to try and play in tight areas.”
Nicholls handed a full debut to attacker Amie Savva, whilst the returning Brace came off the bench at half-time, and the Coventry boss was duly impressed by their efforts.
“I thought Amie and Natalie did very well. Amie had only trained with the group twice so to link up with the other players was a major positive.
“Natalie gave us another great option and her positivity rubs off on other players. Amie has been away at Worcester University but was previously at West Bromwich Albion, whilst Natalie has obvious links with the club.”
The result puts both clubs at the top of Group 5 of the competition on one point, whilst the third team in the group – Derby County – host the Sky Blues at the end of October, with only the group winner guaranteed a place in the knockout stage.