Derby’s revenge mission was dashed by two late Coventry strikes in the Second Round of The FA Women’s Cup. The Rams had been beaten 4-1 last month in the league, but despite having taken the lead, Derby were again left scratching their heads as Coventry ran out 2-1 winners.
Striker Keeley Lowe – on-loan from Birmingham – proved the difference as she bagged a brace, responding to Emily Jeffrey’s opener.
Lowe could have opened the scoring as early as the seventh minute but she was unable to add a telling touch to Jade Formaston’s excellent cross.
Derby responded with long spells of possession but were unable to create any clear openings in what was a half of very few chances.
Amy Pearce in the Derby goal was pressed into action in the 36th minute, when she was forced to field Kirsty O’Sullivan’s stinging 25-yard drive.
Coventry were dealt a blow just before half time when Helen Dermody was forced off following a heavy challenge, but with England U17 star Formaston showing glimpses of her potential, you always felt Coventry had the upper hand.
Derby started the second period strongly and forced Coventry goalkeeper Kerry Williamson into a smothering save after Lauren Steadman broke into the area.
Derby finally broke the deadlock in the 56th minute when Jeffrey rose highest to power a header into the top corner following a right wing corner.
Formaston hit back immediately with a clever run and shot which crashed against the crossbar, but the equaliser soon followed.
In the 63rd minute, the impressive youngster flicked on at the near post and Lowe confidently rolled the ball home from close range.
The game was turned on its head in the 79th minute though, when Lowe rounded off the best move of the match. Formaston carved her way down the right before whipping in a cross which was powerfully converted by the onrushing Lowe with a bullet header.
Coventry boss Stuart Wilson was delighted with the victory and if the Sky Blues can make it through another round he is hopeful of playing one of the big guns at the Ricoh Arena.