PROMOTION to the Women’s Super League is out of Coventry City Ladies’ hands after an injury-time free kick by Sophie Perry earned Premier League Southern Division leaders Brighton a 2-2 at the Bedworth Oval on Sunday.
Jade Brook looked to have scored the winner for Coventry after Kate Natkiel had equalised following Amber Hughes’ fourth minute opener.
But Perry struck two minutes into added on time to keep Brighton 14 points away from fourth-placed Coventry, although Michael Foy’s side do have four games in-hand on their rivals.
The hosts took the lead after just four minutes when Hughes charged down a dangerous back pass by Brighton’s Amy Baker to score from close range.
Sue Wood was called to action in the Coventry goal to deny Kirsty Barton before on 20 minutes Wood did well again to keep out a Charlotte Gurr header.
The visitors eventually pulled level on 27 minutes thanks to Natkiel who collected Lucy Somes’ cross before firing a half volley into the top corner.
Midfielder Helen Dermody twice came close towards the end of the second half but her first effort whistled narrowly wide before Baker tipped her free kick over the bar.
After the break Brighton almost got their noses in front for the first time in the match but Taylor could not push her effort past Wood.
Both sides continued to create chances and it was Coventry who struck again on 63 minutes. A clever counter ended with Dermody teeing up Brook and there was no denying the midfielder who found the top corner of the net from distance.
Brighton re-shuffled with a triple chance and after Taylor’s powerful header was saved by Wood, Perry scored with a smart free-kick to earn the Sussex side a point.