Coventry City Ladies boss Craig Nicholls admitted that there was “definitely a lot more positives than negatives”, after the Sky Blues defeated Leicester City Ladies in an eight-goal thriller on Tuesday night.
The Sky Blues twice took the lead in the opening 30 minutes through Nikki Miles and Helen Dermody, but were twice pegged back by the Foxes, before Miles headed in to give the visitors a lead at half-time.
An own goal after the break edged Coventry into a 4-2 lead, only for the resilient hosts to pull another goal back, from the penalty spot, to set up a tense finale. However, Karen Clough’s emphatic finish eight minutes from time sealed a 5-3 victory at Judgemeadow, the first under the new stewardship of Nicholls.
“The game was all about getting minutes and to look at both different players in certain positions, and changing formations,” admitted a satisfied Nicholls. “The ladies approached the game very professionally and played some very attractive football going forward, scoring some quality goals.
“We looked a threat every time we went forward with good movement and clever ideas in the final third. We dictated play for long periods which was good to see and Sue Wood in goal didn't have a save to make from open play.”
Leicester City Ladies enjoyed a successful season last year, finishing as runners-up behind Stoke City in the Midland Women’s Combination League. However, the Potters – unlike Leicester City Ladies – were rewarded with a place in the FA Women's Premier League Northern Division
Coventry’s failure to gain a license to the FA Women’s Super League – and subsequent demotion to the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division – means that Tuesday’s workout was a potential indicator of the standard of opposition that they are likely to face this year. They start their season by hosting Sussex-based Lewes at the Ricoh Arena on Sunday 25th August.
Nicholls highlighted minor concerns at the team’s vulnerability from set-pieces, but was pleased to get his first win on the board as manager.
“Once or twice, the lack of concentration on dead balls was disappointing, but that is obviously something we can work on. We have to remember it’s only our second pre-season game, so there are definitely a lot more positives than negatives to focus on.”
The Sky Blues wrap up their pre-season schedule with home ties against Milton Keynes Dons on Sunday, and a week later against Sheffield FC. The fixture against Milton Keynes Dons will take place at the Bedworth Oval, and will kick-off at 2pm.