Coventry City Ladies were beaten by a late goal in their opening pre-season game at Birmingham City.
At Stratford Town, Birmingham City who play in the WSL had the better of the play in the opening exchanges but produced little to trouble Sue Wood in goal.
Paul Cudby's side might have lost some of their team to a Futsal tournament but they were giving Birmingham as good as they got.
New signings Courtney Sweeman Kirk fired high and wide from 25 yards and Gina Goulding was on target with a left footed drive but it was easily saved.
A high tackle saw Callen Barber receiving treatment and she was replaced on the half hour mark by Leanne McKenna.
There were more injury concerns for the Sky Blues when a poor tackle by Eartha Pond on Sweetman-Kirk left the player who is off to China with the GB University squad needing treatment.
Maz Gauntlett had a chance from the edge of box but drove over and it was 0-0 at half-time.
Maz Ballard, who had a shot in the first half saved, had two early strikes go just wide with Coventry's sub keeper Sarah Morgan beaten.
The replacement Sky Blue keeper sent a clearance straight to feet of Christienson but a fabulous one handed save made up for it.
Coventry countered with a free kick floated in by Helen Dermody and nodded out to corner of box where a terrific strike by Formo sent the ball just inches past top corner.
Unnecessary corner given away and as close as Blues have got .... thunderous header by Harrop superbly headed off the line by Katy Ward.
With ten minutes to go, Morgan has pulled off three excellent saves but had no chance when Maz Ballard jinked through unmarked and stroked into corner from six yards.
City team: Wood (Morgan 46), Butler, Ward, Barber, Lynch, Foster, Farrow, Goulding, Philliposwky, Sweetman-Kirk, Gauntlett Subs Formaston, Dermody, McKenna
City are home to Arsenal next Sunday. Kick off at Sphinx Drive is at 2pm.