Premier League North Division
Coventry City LFC 2-2 Newcastle United LFC
Coventry City First Team Coach Paul Cudby feels his side are starting prove they have what it takes to compete in the Premier League North Division after drawing 2-2 with Newcastle United at the Greene King Stadium, Hinckley.
After falling behind early on, the Sky Blues responded well but had to wait until deep in the second half to find an equaliser. The home side took the lead through Kirsty Robson; however the match ended all square when Bethanie Gardener scored her second and Newcastle’s equaliser with just seconds on the clock.
Cudby said, "It was a good point to get against a well established Premier League team, we played some really good football, the girls all worked their socks off again and we were pleased to have probably been the better of the teams too.
It was disappointing to concede late on, and everyone was really flat after the game - which I think is another sign of how far we've come. I'm sure we'll keep improving and working hard to push on.”
He added, “We've got two tough away games now, Curzon in the league are another well established side in this division, so it'll be another good challenge for us, and then Cardiff away in the league cup will be an even game with both of us looking to win the game to progress.”
The Sky Blues got off to the worst possible start. With just thirty seconds gone, Newcastle United striker Bethanie Gardener put the away side ahead with a well taken finish. The early goal was one of few highlights in what was a fairly poor opening 45 minutes.
Paul Cudby’s side picked up the pace in the second period and almost drew level minute when Leanne McKenna made a courageous run from defence in the 60th minute, but fired her right-footed effort over the bar. Coventry continued to put pressure on their opponents and the home side deservedly drew level in the 69th minute.
Referee Matthew Giblin awarded the home side a controversial penalty after a late challenge on Jade Formaston. Christina Torkildsen missed from the spot, but was quickest to react to stab the ball home at the second attempt.
It was no surprise to see Paul Cudby’s side take the lead for the first time in the match four minutes later when in-form striker Kirsty Robson found herself through on goal, one-on-one with the keeper before firing home right-footed into the bottom left-hand corner.
With the clock ticking closer to full-time, it looked as though the Sky Blues were on target to record their second victory of the season, but Newcastle United had other ideas when Bethanie Gardener fired low past Sue Wood in the final minute of play to make sure her side took a point with them on the long journey.