Ladies manager Chris Holloway isn't bitter over City's rejected WSL license...
Coventry City Ladies Chris Holloway has admitted that he doesn’t feel any bitterness towards the FA, despite the Sky Blues being refused a license to join the new FA Women’s Super League format earlier this month.
Holloway was speaking after the stunning 4-1 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park that lifted Coventry to fifth in the FA Women’s Premier League with just one game remaining.
It was the fifth meeting – and quite possibly the last for some time – between the two sides in all competitions this season – as Villa were successful in their application to join the restructured league next year.
Holloway admitted: "Personally I don't (hold any bitterness). The FA have a job to do and we have to get on with it regardless of the outcome. We needed to win last night, not only for the three points, but also for each other as a team.
"I am really pleased for them getting in as Joe (Hunt, Aston Villa manager) is a great lad and has done a fantastic job there.
"They have some great girls who have come through their ranks and I really hope they kick on next season, and we can edge closer to be in contention next time around."
Emma Folles’ early strike gave Villa the lead, only for Karen Clough to equalise almost immediately. Clough then teed up substitute Natalie Reay to put the visitors ahead, before Kim Walton headed home her first goal of the season to wrap up the points. The returning Maz Gauntlett added gloss to the scoreline in injury-time with a magnificent free-kick.
Gauntlett last netted in September 2011 – also strangely enough in an away victory against Aston Villa – but has spent the last 19 months on the sidelines with knee ligament damage. She made her long-awaited return in the Birmingham FA County Cup final last week, scoring in the penalty shootout, to help clinch victory against Sporting Club Albion.
Holloway commended her impact since returning from injury, as well as reserving special praise for the medical team that gradually helped her back to full fitness.
Holloway proclaimed: "What a story, 19 months of going through every emotion for the girl, so the penalty in the final, topped off with Tuesday night’s finish was such a great feeling for everyone.
"Andy Frampton and the medical staff deserve so much credit for all they have done with Maz and the other girls, so last night was for them. Kim (Walton) scoring also made it a double celebration too."
The Sky Blues now have over a week to rest before they finish their campaign at home to Portsmouth. Victory could potentially lift them into fourth position in the table, topping last season’s sixth-placed finish.
The final fixture of the season will take place at the DCS Stadium, home of Stratford Town Football Club, and will kick off at 2pm.