Clinical Coventry secures three points for Firebirds

Another magical display from Eleanor Coventry pioneered a tremendous fightback from the South West Firebirds, who defeated Wanneroo City 4-2 on Sunday at the WML Stadium.

Opening their season at home as reigning division one champions, Stephen Suttie’s side were in dire straits from the outset, as the City showed no fear in the final third of the pitch.

The visitors continued to ride their luck and by the half hour mark, were up 2-0 – and looked certain to bank three priceless points.

However in a sport where physicality and height can often prove crucial, the shortest person in a Firebirds kit stood head and shoulders above them all.

Eleanor Coventry – who has scored in every competitive Firebirds match so far this season – lived up to her Golden Boot form of last season with a superb hat trick.

The plucky striker’s heroics put her side back in the lead for good and Suttie’s side added a fourth late on to get the party really started.

Post-game, Suttie believed his side would be able to iron out some kinks from the opening round display.

“We were very poor in the first half,” he said.

“It was round three, but it was only our first game of the season – whereas for Wanneroo, it was their third, so they were a lot sharper than us.

“We were very cheap in possession and were below par. Their pressing was very good and we were under a lot of pressure – which led to our turnovers.

“But we got better as the match wore on and in the second half, we were back up to what I think is our level and were very strong.”

Suttie’s side travel to Port Kennedy on Sunday morning, who have picked up only two points from a possible nine so far this season.

Having said that, the Firebirds coach is taking nothing for granted.

“It was good to have a good, solid hit out and get the cobwebs out,” he said. “We banked the three points and that was all I was worried about – because it was our first game of the season.

“I’m pretty confident this week having had that pretty intense game under our belt, we can go up to Port Kennedy – who have been going OK – and get a result.”

Following Sunday’s clash, the Firebirds host UWA Nedlands on May 12.