Coventry City Ladies’ four game unbeaten run came to an end after they were defeated by Leeds United this weekend.
Hayley Sharp’s first-half strike gave the Whites the lead, only for Courtney Sweetman-Kirk to round Jules Draycott and roll into an empty net to draw the Sky Blues level with 13 minutes remaining. Sharp had the final say four minutes later though, lashing in from the edge of the box to ensure the visitors returned to Yorkshire with maximum points.
‘’We held our own and I was proud of the team’s performance,’’ admitted Sweetman-Kirk. ‘’Leeds are a very good team but we matched them all over the park, and we were very unlucky to come away without anything.’’
It has been a mixed few weeks to say the least for the Sky Blues. After suffering the heartbreak of being refused a spot in the revised format of the FA Women’s Super League, they had reason to celebrate after defeating Sporting Club Albion to retain the Birmingham FA County Cup last week. Their focus is now solely on their two remaining league fixtures, against Aston Villa and Portsmouth.
Sweetman-Kirk also welcomed the return of fellow striker Maz Gauntlett, who made her return in the County Cup final, having spent 19 months on the sidelines with knee ligament damage.
‘’It's great to have Maz back on the pitch,’’ she stated after Gauntlett’s 25-minute cameo appearance against Leeds. ‘’Everybody knows of her ability and when she gets chances, she is a deadly finisher.’
Ex-Birmingham City striker Gauntlett was stretchered off after half an hour in a 1-0 victory over Reading in October 2011. She had netted five goals in 10 games, but her season was cruelly cut short after falling awkwardly following an aerial challenge.
‘’Considering the length of time that she has been out, Maz has done well,’’ Sweetman-Kirk added. ‘’But obviously match fitness is something that will come with the more minutes she gets on the pitch. I’m sure it won't be long before she is back, getting her name on the scoresheet.’’
The action is coming thick and fast for Coventry City Ladies, who travel to Villa Park to take on their local rivals tomorrow evening (Tuesday 14th). It’ll be the fifth time that the two teams have met in all competitions this season, with the teams currently tied with two wins apiece. Victory for the Sky Blues will take them to fifth position in the FA Women’s Premier League, with just one game remaining.
The fixture will be free entry to all supporters at Villa Park, and will kick off at 7pm.
Match Pictures by Marc Evans; http://www.flickr.com/photos/wren-media/sets/72157633470791091/