Nicholls Praises Squad Strength

23 October 2013 00:43
City Ladies Boss On Win At Charlton Manager Craig Nicholls praised the strength of his squad, after Coventry City Ladies picked up their third win in four games with a 1-0 victory over Charlton Athletic.

Destiney Toussaint’s first-half goal at Thamesmead, her first since the opening day victory against Lewes, earned the Sky Blues all three points, to push them into third position in the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division.

The summer appointment made two changes from the team that thumped Chesham United last weekend, but was delighted with the way his replacements seamlessly slotted into the team.

“We had a few players missing against Charlton due to injury and other commitments but we showed that the strength of the squad is very good,” he stated. “Nicole Dale was unlucky not to play against Chesham after some tactical changes and on Sunday she was excellent for us.”

Nicholls hasn’t named the same team twice in Coventry’s eight games this season, which perhaps goes some way to explaining the team’s inconsistent start to the season. It does look like the Sky Blues are starting to find their feet however, with three wins and three clean sheets from their last four games, whilst the manager has been particularly encouraged by the manner in which they have been playing recently.

“I’m very pleased with the run we are currently on, but the way we have played has more pleasing. We are showing good quality going forward, but also a great commitment as a group to help and support each other.

“But there is always more to give. Yes we have played well in the last two games but if we thought that was the hard work done, that would be very naive. As a group we have to continue to learn and develop.”

Meanwhile, long-serving midfielder Helen Dermody has spoken about her hope of topping her tally from last season.

Dermody netted 11 times last season and she believes that there is now some expectation on her to provide goals for the team, particularly after the summer loss of top scorer Courtney Sweetman-Kirk.

“I do feel there is a small responsibility for me to score goals this season but after the Chesham match it just shows that anyone in the squad is capable of scoring.”

She added: “I haven't set myself any personal goals for this season but I would like to beat my total of last season.”

Source: Coventry MAD

Source: FOOTYMAD