City Ladies Take Derby Beating

Coventry City Ladies suffered their second loss in the Women's Premier League Northern Division after a disappointing 5-0 defeat against Derby County Ladies at the Pingles Stadium, Nuneaton.

 

Emily Jeffery put the away side ahead in the 56^th minute but Precious Hamilton did most of the damage with a devastating 13-minute hat-trick, before Hannah Ward got the fifth to send the Rams into third spot and bring Coventry's four game unbeaten league run to an end.

 

Despite the score-line remaining goalless at the interval, both teams had chances to take the initiative. Jade Formaston struck a right-footed volley just over the bar for the Sky Blues and Hannah Ward fired the best chance of the half just wide following a quick Derby counter attack.

 

The second period looked as though it would follow in the same fashion as the first until ten minutes into the half when Emily Jefferey was given time and space in the Coventry penalty area to turn and fire home the opening goal of the game.

 

Coventry City responded well but Leanne McKenna's header direct from a corner sailed just over the bar. As Paul Cudby's side pushed forward in search of an equaliser, they were cut short at the back on the break and Derby were able to double their lead in the 63^rd minute through Precious Hamilton.

 

The Derby winger's pace was a threat to the Coventry defence, but she scored her second and Derby's third with her head after some good work down the left from Hannah Ward.

 

As the Sky Blues continued to push forward in search of a consolation, they were once again undone by Precious Hamilton’s speed and the winger completed a fantastic individual hat-trick in the 76^th minute after firing home right-footed past Sue Wood.

 

Hannah Ward made five with a clever finish in what was a bad day at the office for the Sky Blues which was made even more miserable when Captain Natasha Lynch uncharacteristically lost her cool and was sent off for a late challenge with just minutes to go.

 

First Team Coach Paul Cudby said, "We were all disappointed with the performance, it was a bad day at the office and I take full responsibility for it. We'll take it on the chin, learn the lessons and make sure we put things right on the training ground.

Next Sunday, City Ladies travel to Millwall Lionesses for a League Cup tie.