Coventry City Ladies made a triumphant return to League action against Leafield Athletic on Sunday. The Sky Blues ran out comfortable 5-0 victors in a game that was played in difficult conditions.
Keeley Lowe gave Coventry the ideal start when, in the second minute, she side-footed the ball home from namesake Jenni's centre. As the gusting wind began to pick up so did Coventry's play. Formaston's pace caused problems for opposing left back Ashington all afternoon and in the 22nd minute the speedy winger burst free to provide Lowe with a pinpoint cross to head in for her second goal and a 2-0 lead.
10 minutes later Formaston found herself out on the left as Leafield's defence failed to clear it's lines from a corner, Saulter collected the loose ball and rolled it to 'Formo' who had time to pick out the top right hand corner from outside the area for Coventry's third.
Jade Formaston
The second half followed much the same pattern as the first, Leafield were unable to carve out any clear cut chances whilst Coventry twice rattled the crossbar. Shortly after the hour mark the Sky Blues mounting pressure eventually led to a deserved fourth.
A clearing ball from Captain Lynch found Formaston who was able to run infield before supplying Lowe who'd drifted wide right. Lowe's ball into the area was touched on by Wade to the hard working winger Natalie Brace who'd covered a lot of ground to arrive at the far post for a tap in.
With the game in hand Coventry turned to their bench, Manager Stuart Wilson was also able to hand a debut to goalie Adele Rodgers. The 16 year old shot blocker had been with the club since playing for the Under 9's and would soon be involved in the thick of the action.
Leafield searched in vain for a late consolation, however, Rodgers got down well to make a strong stop from a thunderous Montgomery free kick. Finally, Lowe rounded off her hat-trick when she reacted quickest after Leafield keeper Stephanie Draper made a good save from a Brace effort.
Line-ups: -
Coventry City Ladies F.C.
Kerry Williamson (Adele Rodgers 69), Helen Dermody, Jean Lowe, Kirsty O'Sullivan, Natasha Lynch, Alison Forbes, Jade Formaston, Danni Saulter (Kelly Henson 78), Sinead Wade (Kelly-Ann Willis 68),
Keeley Lowe, Natalie Brace.
Leafield Athletic Ladies F.C.
Stephanie Draper, Clare Bagnall, Leanne Ashington, Donna Hawkins (Jo Salcott 46), Faye Montgomery, Lindsay Nightingale, Holly Hearndon (Lorraine Robinson 71), Kate Fellows, Kelly O'Donnell (Loren Curwen 66), Leigh Dugmore, Lydia Mullett.