Panting strike not enough for Sadler's Pompey Women as Coventry grab the win

Pompey Women suffered their second defeat in a row, with a 2-1 home loss against Coventry at the PMC Stadium in the Women's National League.
Rachel Panting is challenged by the Coventry keeper. Picture: Jordan HamptonRachel Panting is challenged by the Coventry keeper. Picture: Jordan Hampton
Rachel Panting is challenged by the Coventry keeper. Picture: Jordan Hampton

A goal from Rachel Panting proved not quite enough as the Blues suffered disappointment at home '“ writes Ollie Cook.

Jay Sadler made four changes from the side that crashed out of the league cup last week, with Bekah Tonks, Rachel Panting, Eilidh Currie and Sarah Eadon all coming into the side.

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Unbeaten in the league so far, like Pompey, Coventry travelled south expecting a tough test. 

It took the away side just five minutes to break the deadlock when Helen Dermondy tapped in a flick on at the far post. The goal was originally ruled out by the linesman, but after a lengthy conversation, the referee awarded the goal '“ much to the disbelief of the Pompey team. 

Four minutes later Pompey were back in the contest. Panting's run down the right-hand side was topped off with a rocket that found the top left corner of Wood's goal. 

The referee was in the thick of it again on 23 minutes when he overruled the linesman's decision to give a Pompey throw. Coventry played the ball into the box following the throw in and Jefferies' lay-off found Brook who fired past Levett. 

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Pompey '“ who were still in disbelief '“ saw Coventry awarded a penalty on 43 minutes when Southgate brought down Jefferies in the area. 

Scorer of the first goal, Helen Dermondy, took responsibility from the spot. But, her effort scraped wide of the post, and Pompey were let off the hook. 

Pompey started the second half knowing their luck would need to change if they wanted to fight back into the encounter.

In a game that was largely played in the midfield areas, Pompey had the better chances in the second half.

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Ten minutes into the second half there was a large break in play which saw Shannon Albuery eventually substituted after a collision with Sarah Eadon in the Coventry area.

Pompey almost had a second on 61 minutes when Rachel Panting's effort cannoned off the visitors' crossbar and Hannah Geer's follow up was fired over the bar.

The Blues were on top during the second half but couldn't find an equalising goal.

The visitors ran out 2-1 winners in the end, resulting in Pompey's first league loss of the season. 

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Pompey: Levett, Tonks, Southgate (c), Currie, Geer (Russell 76'), Rowe, Perkins (Bradley 66'), James, Panting, Albuery (McLachlan 58'), Eadon. Unused subs: Kirby, Carter.

Next up for Pompey Women is an away trip to Oaklands Park to face Chichester City in the Women's National League South on Wednesday evening. Kick-off is at 7.45pm. Tickets are available to purchase on the night and are priced at £4 adults, and £1 for under-16s.