Coventry City Ladies booked their place in yet another semi-final as they dispatched the Loughboro Students 1-0 in a one-sided League Cup quarter final tie. Emily Hanson's fifth minute goal proved the winner in a game that was far more comfortable than the scoreline would suggest.
Hanson, who made it 6 goals in her last 3 matches, had already made two good chances to break the deadlock before scooping the ball home for the games only goal. Helen Dermody fired in an effort from the edge of the box which fell to Hanson who was still on the ground after having lost out to Loughboro keeper Vicky Hewitt in an earlier aerial challenge.
Paul Cudby was forced into a defensive re-shuffle when a twisted knee deprived Coventry of in-form right back Natalie Wilcox. Cudby will be hoping for a speedy recovery from Wilcox, the reliable defender's understanding with Formaston on the right flank has helped sustain Coventry's current run which has seen them win 11 of their last 12 matches.
The Sky Blues were rampant in the first half, creating a plethora of good chances to increase their lead. Danni Saulter came close but fired just over after Hanson's deft flick had played her through. Jade Formaston would've been disappointed not to have gotten on the scoresheet when Natasha Lynch's 29th minute free kick sailed over everyone to leave her 1 on 1 with Hewitt, the winger could only fire directly at the keeper as she came out well to narrow the angle.
Cherelle Archibald returned to the starting line up & looked fully recharged after a spell on the sidelines, her ball to Saulter wide on the right created a great chance as the attacking midfielder swung in a cross for Dermody who poked her effort wide of the upright. Formaston used her body to great effect when she shielded the ball from a Loughboro defender long enough to create some space & deliver a pin point cross onto the head of Hanson who was only denied by a tremendous Hewitt save.
Hewitt once again pulled off an heroic save diving full stretch to her right to deny a rasping Saulter effort after Hanson had once again found her with a good lay off. Kelly Henson delivered a superb deep ball to Hanson after playing a neat one-two with Abigail Cockayne, Hanson breezed by her marker but was pulled back on the edge of the area leading to a free kick that Henson fired just over the bar as the first half came to a close.
Loughboro made a fight of it in the second half but never really tested Adele Rogers in the Sky Blues goal. Coventry limited their visitors to just 3 shots from distance as they kept a clean sheet for only the second time this season. As in the first half, City carved open the Loughboro defence at will but couldn't deliver the final blow.
Dermody, Formaston, Saulter, Lynch & Henson all missed the target in the closing stages, with second half substitute Jade Ogle forcing another good save from Hewitt. The result sees Coventry join Copsewood & TNS in the semi-final, along with the winner of the postponed Leicester City/Derby County tie, and adds to an already congested fixture list.
Team: - Rodgers, Wilcox (Forbes 20), Lowe, Henson, Lynch (c), Cockayne, Formaston, Saulter, Archibald (Tinto 69), Hanson (Ogle 74), Dermody.
Subs Not Used: - None
Goals: - Hanson (5).
Bookings: - None
Sent Off: - None