Women's football news
Coventry United Ladies FC visit the Dripping pan this Sunday as the Rookettes return to league action in the FA WPL South.
United, formerly Coventry City (they switched from City to join the new club in 2015) were runners up in the league to Spurs last season. Along with Charlton, United were amongst the pre-season favourites for the title this year, though losing at home to Pompey in the second game of the season won’t have been in the script.
They got back to winning ways last Sunday, though, battering minnows Haringey Borough Women 16-1 in the FA Women’s Premier League Cup. Last season United pinched the points at the Pan, Steph Smith bagging the only goal of a tight game last April. Lewes manager John Donoghue knows what to expect.
“Coventry are well organised, show a great work-rate and a strong team spirit. The players always seem to know their places and exactly what’s expected of them. Our respective club staff enjoy a lot of good-natured banter, a sign of the mutual respect between the clubs. This is an aspect of our league that I enjoy. We go out onto the pitch looking to beat the opposition, but that doesn’t mean we have to see them as an enemy off the pitch. That said, we’ll be going for the win.
We were unfortunate not to take all three points in our last league game, against a strong Basildon side. We’ve continued to progress on the pitch and on the training field. New players are integrating well within the squad, we’re getting to know one another and, as in last week’s thriller against a good Saints side, I’ll be looking to see that translate into our play. The cup victory was important as it gets us a win on the board and shows that our fitness and concentration levels are where they need to be.”
Amy Taylor, Leeta Rutherford and Dani Lane all scored to help defeat a hard-working Southampton Saints side in extra time. Charlotte Owen missed that match and will be assessed before the team to play Coventry is announced. New signing Sarah Kempson enjoyed a run-out with the DS last weekend but it remains to be seen if she gets a place in JD’s starting line-up. Tash Wells is back in training, Vickey Carleton has returned from her Northern Ireland training camp, though she has now been called up for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Gates open at 12:30, kick off is 2pm
We still have a couple of Beach Huts available for Sunday: £60 includes 6 x adults admission plus programmes, goodie bag and the best view in the house.
The Chuck Wagon will be open for hot food & drinks, Rook Inn open for cold drinks.
Adults £5, Concessions £3, Kids Under 16 go free