Hazannah Parnell scored the only goal as Coventry City Ladies 1-0 victory at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers helped go a long way to vanquishing the memories of last season's disappointment. A 4-2 loss at home to Wolves on the 15th of March 2009 marked City's last defeat in the league and put paid to any hopes of catching Derby County for the lone promotion place. This weekend's win puts the Sky Blues on the brink of clinching the title as victory away to Sporting Club Albion would seal top spot in the Midland Women's Combination League and a place in next season's Northern Premier.
Parnell's winner, her sixth goal in only ten appearances for the Sky Blues, came from Jade Formaston's right wing cross in just the second minute of a tight contest. The winger blazed down the sideline before swinging a ball in to the far post where the prolific striker had stolen in to prod the ball home. With the opening ten minutes being one way traffic, City were lucky not to be pegged back as they scrambled clear an Anna Perks effort much to Manager Paul Cudby's relief.
There was further cause for alarm around the half hour mark as Danni Selmes sent a ball across the face of Coventry's goal, fortunately none of her team mates kept pace and City remained ahead by the most slender of margins at the break. Selmes had another chance to drag her side level shortly after the restart but Netty Manca got down well to make a good save from a rasping drive.
Both sides defended stoutly and snubbed out any attacking endeavour from their opponents. Centre half partnership Natasha Lynch and Gemma Clarke have proved almost impassable all season and on this showing will take some beating. Natalie Wilcox was superb as ever at right back and debutant full back Megan Wilton, a recent signing from Aston Villa, was equally assured on the left.
Cudby gave a frank assessment at full time "we weren't at our best today and the game was far from a classic but we dug in and got the win. It's a vital three points and puts us ever closer to our target. Next week is a massive game for the club, one of the biggest in it's history, the squad know how important it is but won't be overawed by the occasion". The match will be played at the Tipton Sports Academy on Sunday the 28th of March at 14:00.
Team: - Manca; Wilcox, Lynch (c), Clarke, Wilton; Formaston, Hanson, McKenna, Dermody; Parnell (Singleton 50), James.
Subs Not Used: - Morgan, Christie, Newnes, N. Miles.
Goals: - Parnell (3).
Booked: - None.
Sent Off: - None.