Coventry City extended their winning streak in the Premier League Northern Division to four games thanks to a thumping 4-0 win at Derby County on Sunday.
By Matthew Roper
Craig Nicholls’ side were awarded a penalty shortly after the half-hour mark when Helen Dermody hit a long range shot which struck the hand of a Derby player inside the area and Maz Gauntlett made no mistake from the spot to make it 1-0.
Derby came to life in the final 15 minutes of the first half but City’s defence stood firm, blocking an effort from Amy Perry and goalkeeper Sue Wood thwarted Melissa Johnson to keep her clean sheet intact.
The hosts continued to try and find a way back into the match after the re-start but it was the Sky Blues who doubled their advantage on 53 minutes when Nikki Miles headed home from a well drilled Dermody corner to make it 2-0.
The next real chance came ten minutes later. Hughes, who caused problems all game down the right-hand side with her pace and quick feet, cut in and bent an effort just over the crossbar from 20 yards.
Coventry were denied another penalty on 73 minutes when the ball looked to a have struck a Derby hand again and five minutes later Lowder had a goal chalked off for an offside infringement.
By now the Sky Blues were relentless in attack and the scoring was increased further six minutes from time. Another whipped corner kick by Dermody caused issues and the ‘keeper flapped at it before Hughes superbly finished with an acrobatic overhead kick to give the visitors a three goal cushion.
City weren’t finished and three minutes into stoppage time Callan Barber added a fourth with an audacious chip which sailed over four Derby defenders into the top corner of the net.
Manager Craig Nicholls was delighted: “A superb 90 minutes from the girls, we’ve got a real good team ethic and that was shown today as we never stopped working for each other. Confidence is high at the moment and we played some brilliant football.
“We’ve had to reshuffle the pack a little today, and to win 4-0 just shows the flexibility and quality we have within the club. Roll on next week’s tie with Preston at the Ricoh.”
Amber Hughes also said: “It’s great to get my first start for the club after the team has been in amazing form and picking up results. It was another really good team performance today and we have quality in abundance.
“The work ethic was second to none and we adjusted well with some players out of position. On a personal note I am delighted to grab my first goal and very happy to be involved with this brilliant club – the atmosphere within the squad at the moment is great.”
Photo: Marc Evans
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