Coventry City Ladies goalkeeper Sue Wood has praised the 'character' of the team, as they added to their unbeaten streak with a 1-1 draw against Charlton Athletic on Sunday.
The Sky Blues looked to be heading for their first defeat since early-October when Eliz Ibrahim nodded the Addicks into an 87th minute lead, only for Maz Gauntlett to rifle home an injury-time equaliser.
“Sunday's performance had plenty of positives,” admitted Wood, now in her fourth season with the club.
“We created some good chances in the first-half and were disappointed not to capitalise on these. In the second-half we didn’t really get going until they scored, but the team showed great character to grab the equaliser late on.”
Manager Craig Nicholls made three changes from the team that drew with Keynsham Town a fortnight ago, bringing Rebecca Anderson and Maz Gauntlett into the starting line-up. Beth Poppleton was also drafted in for her debut and Nicholls was full of praise for the contribution that the trio made.
“Beth came to us just after the start of the season and she has been training with the first-team and playing for the reserves.
“She had really impressed with her performances so it was a chance for her to step up and I feel she dealt with the game and pressure very well. Becky Anderson needs a mention as she came back in and performed superbly. She pulled her quadriceps muscle early on and just kept playing, and I think that just shows the spirit and determination the players have at the moment.”
Meanwhile, the last-minute equaliser was a special moment for Gauntlett, who has been troubled with injury problems for the past two years.
She was stretchered off against Reading in a FA Women's Premier League tie in October 2011, but returned in sensational style earlier this year, netting a penalty in the shootout to help Coventry retain the Birmingham FA County Cup against Sporting Club Albion.
“It's a massive boost for Maz,” added the Sky Blues boss. “She has been working hard in training and also has got a personal trainer to really help on the fitness side. To score and play 90 minutes was fantastic.”