Coventry City Ladies hung on for a narrow 2-1 victory over visiting Rotherham as they stretched their advantage at the top of the Midland Women's Combination League to 11 points. Goals from Emily Hanson and Helen Dermody either side of the break handed the Sky Blues a two goal lead before Helen Lynskey's free kick pulled one back to leave City's nerves jangling throughout a tense second period.
A competitive opening ten minutes saw both teams create good chances with Hanson and Robyn James going close for City before Lynskey ballooned an effort high over Netty Manca's goal. Lynskey was again guilty of wasting a clear cut opportunity when Caroline Wood picked up possession from Leanne McKenna's loose ball across the back. Wood headed for the by-line and pulled back to Lynskey who had enough time and space to place her effort but shot wildly high and wide.
City had to wait for their tenth shot on goal before placing one on target, Hanson's 30th minute effort was blocked for a corner though. Dermody swung in the resulting set piece and Hanson was first to it, stealing in in-front of Rachel Rutherford to bravely head home. As half time approached only a vital touch from Rutherford took the ball away from Hanson as she looked certain to notch a second from another wicked Dermody cross.
The second period began with a flourish as the Sky Blues added a sublime second in the 48th minute. James split the visitors back line with a superb through ball for Dermody to latch on to and blast past Charlotte Whiteley for her ninth goal of the season. Rotherham refused to roll over though and Lynskey finally got on the scoresheet just a minute later, her free kick from 20 yards took a slight deflection as it crept into the bottom corner despite Manca getting a hand to it.
Manca was far busier than usual over the final 30 minutes. The visitors pressed hard and flung players forward as they went in search of an equaliser. Coventry were forced into some desperate defending as both Lynskey and Wood had close range efforts scrambled clear. The Sky Blues couldn't take advantage of the gaps that were beginning to appear at the back as Rotherham continued to push forward. Dermody and substitutes Kate Ward and Hasanah Parnell all failed to trouble Whiteley with City's best effort being a cross that cannoned off the bar.
Paul Cudby will doubtless be delighted with the three points as City continue to pile pressure on second placed Sporting Club Albion. Whilst the Baggies have a large gap to close they do at least have two games in hand and the knowledge that eight of the Sky Blues' nine remaining league games are away from home. That difficult stretch begins next week with a trip to bottom club Loughboro Foxes.
Team: - Manca; Whitfield, Lynch (c), Clarke, H. Miles (Ward 61); Formaston (Henson 79), McKenna, N. Miles (Parnell 61), Dermody; Hanson, James.
Subs Not Used: - Morgan, Archibald.
Goals: - Hanson (30), Dermody (48).
Booked: - None.
Sent Off: - None.