By 
Aston Villa Women met Coventry United for the second time in four days, facing them this time in the Continental Cup.
Words: Regan Foy | @findfoy
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Aston Villa Women dropped points in their Continental Cup game against Coventry United Ladies this evening, despite quick starts in both the first and second half.
Phoebe Warner put the away side ahead in under a minute – but Amber Hughes was quick to equalise for Coventry, much like the game on the weekend.
Hughes looked to give Coventry the advantage before the ten minute mark as she broke away down the right-hand side, but Jade Richards was able to move quickly to recover. Some great build-up play allowed Aston Villa a chance of their own, but Sophie Haywood fired just wide as she broke into the box.
Both sides had chances following this, with United firing over the bar despite an open goal, and Miles clearing a Villa chance off the Coventry line.
The 32nd minute saw Coventry United take the lead, as Dermody – who had fired it over the crossbar 20 minutes earlier – made no mistake and slotted home with a beautiful goal.
Just before the half-time whistle, Charlotte Greengrass could have equalised after a ball over the top from Jade Richards – but Coventry ‘keeper Wood pushed it out for a corner.
The second half saw Aston Villa Women start strong again, and Sophie Haywood was able to level the score after just five minutes of play.
Five minutes after that, Charlotte Greengrass was subbed off for Shania Hayles after receiving some treatment on the pitch after sustaining an injury.
The 63rd minute saw last weekend’s goalscorer Nadine Hanssen replace midfield general Marisa Ewers as Aston Villa pushed for a third goal.
Ten later, former Aston Villa Women player Hayley Crackle almost came back to haunt her old club with a stellar strike – but was denied by Daniela Kosinska in the Villa net.
Emma Follis replaced Emily Syme in the 78th minute.
In the run-up to the final whistle, Aston Villa had chances from Asmita Ale and Shania Hayles – but Coventry held strong and the game went to penalties.
Penalties, in a group stage, you may ask?
In the Continental Cup teams will play each other once at the group stage with each game being played to a conclusion. If the result of a group match is a draw after 90 minutes then a penalty shootout will take place with points distributed as follows:
• Teams will receive three points for winning a group game in 90 minutes
• Teams will receive two points if a group game is tied after 90 minutes and they win the penalty shootout
• Teams will receive one point if a group game is tied after 90 minutes and they lose the penalty shootout
The penalties saw Coventry net all three of their attempts – and Asmita Ale net Aston Villa’s first – but the woodwork denied Jodie Hutton and Melissa Johnson, and a save from Wood against an Emma Follis shot, ensured that Coventry grabbed two points at home – whilst Aston Villa left with one.
