A MAGNIFICENT second-half comeback saw Coventry United Ladies come from behind to beat C&K Basildon 2-1 and move to within just two points of second placed Charlton in the Women’s Premier League Southern Division.
Having trailed to Zoe Rushen’s 12th minute penalty, Coventry’s perseverance finally told when Amber Hughes levelled things up on 51 minutes before Claire Lacey’s own goal turned out to be a lucky winner for Michael Foy’s side.
The game was only five minutes old when Kerry Stimson made a well-executed sliding challenge to keep out Crissy Torkildsen’s effort but it was the visitors who got their noses in front with 12 minutes gone.
A quick counter attack ended with Nikki Miles bringing down Katherine Huggins in the box and Rushen tucked the resultant spot kick past Sue Wood in the Coventry goal.
The hosts responded with a real determination but despite carving out a string of chances, they went into half-time 1-0 behind.
Amber Hughes weaved her way into the area before seeing her shot well saved by Povey, Jade Brook’s 25-yard drive was pushed over by and Hughes was to be denied again this time from the crossbar.
However it only took five minutes of the second period before Coventry were level. Ash Neville picked up a throw in and drove towards goal before rolling the ball across goal for Hughes to prod home at the far post.
With the game there to be won Coventry were straight back on the offensive but they struggled to find a way past a stubborn Basildon defence.
Patience was the key through and in the 77th minute the ball was played out wide to Hughes, who took a touch and drilled a low cross through a crowded area which Lacey diverted into the back of her own net.
It was almost 2-2 moments later, but somehow Little blazed over from close range before at the other end Piggott narrowly headed over the bar.
Four minutes of stoppage time meant a nervy ending to the match, but Coventry held firm to pick up three points in the club’s quest to finish second.
Next Sunday sees Tottenham Hotspur travel to Rugby Town’s Butlin Road in Coventry United’s next Women’s Premier League home fixture, with a kick-off time of 2pm.
