A SUPERB all-round performance ensured Coventry United Ladies a place in the semi-final of the Birmingham County FA Women’s Cup thanks to a four-goal salvo away at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.
Chrissy Torkildsen opened the scoring on 43 minutes at Keys Park and three second half goals from Ali Hall, Helen Dermody and substitute Sammi Ryder round off a 4-0 victory.
The visitors played their past in a lively opening period with Hall coming close on 16 minutes but her header whisked agonsingly over the goal and Amber Hughes fired an effort inches wide moments later.
At the other end Kimberley Holden failed to test Sue Wood in the Coventry goal before the breakthrough came just minutes before the break.
A Dermody free kick was met by Hall first time and although her effort was saved by Gardner, but Torkildsen time her run well to poke the ball into the back of the net.
Wolves began the second period brightly but after keeping their opponents at bay, it was Coventry who scored again on 56 minutes.
Anna Wilcox and Hughes combined down the right before Hughes curled a ball across the edge of the six-yard area and Hall drilled low into the corner from close range.
Moments later the visitors stepped up the pressure and that told shortly before the hour mark. Hall crossed the ball into the area for Dermody who fired the ball home at the far post.
Ryder was introduced for Gauntlett and she made an immediate impact by scoring a fourth and final goal within minutes of her introduction.
Hall was again at the heart of the action by bursting forwards and driving a cross low into the box and there was Ryder to take a touch and stroke home.
The hosts threatened to add a consolation goal late on but Coventry were able to preserve a clean sheet and marched on to the last four.
This Sunday Coventry welcome league leaders Brighton & Hove Albion to the Oval in a must win game if they are to achieve promotion to the Super League.
