Midland Combination leaders Coventry City gave National Division Birmingham City a real scare on their own patch, as the Sky Blues twice came from behind with goals from Katie Ward and top scorer Robyn James, before eventually succumbing 3-2 to a hotly disputed winner from Katy Green.
Coventry’s line up included no fewer than four players that have previously worn the darker blue of their neighbours, and with former Sky Blues Manager Stuart Wilson at the helm of the top flight club, tensions were understandably high.
Jemma Connor-Iommi notched the first of her brace two minutes into the second period. Sarah Morgan got down to save a direct free-kick but the Irish midfielder was on hand to stab home the rebound.
Robyn James worked tirelessly up front on her own for City and got her reward when she was on hand to pull the Sky Blues level in the 58th minute, after Jade Formaston’s volley cannoned back off the bar.
Birmingham restored their lead almost immediately, when Connor-Iommi picked up a scuffed clearance on the edge of Coventry’s area and slotted through a crowded box into the net.
Coventry's Hanson and Nicole Evans combined to set up Ward, who powered a header over Adele Rogers and inside the far post.
But Coventry’s back line was breached with just four minutes remaining, with Katy Green adjudged onside, as she slid through to finish coolly. The Sky Blues didn’t give up though and went in search of yet another equaliser, Helen Dermody’s cross shot coming closest, hitting the roof of the net with virtually the final kick of the game.
Coventry Manager Paul Cudby was immensely pleased with his side’s performance; “I’m incredibly proud of the players, they gave absolutely everything. They ran them very close tonight and to come to Birmingham’s place and score twice was excellent, they have a lot to be proud of”.
Cudby and his team will now focus on Sunday’s trip to Stoke City, as they look to bounce back to winning ways. The Sky Blues require 12 points from their final six games to guarantee promotion.
Pictured: Natasha Lynch battles with Amy McCann. (David Singleton)
