Varsity 2025: Points shared as Coventry University Women’s Football Club end losing streak

An early Varsity fixture saw a 9:30am kick-off between the University of Warwick Women’s Football club and Coventry University Women’s Football Club. It was one that ended with points being shared at Coventry University’s Westwood pitches, with a 3-3 draw at full time. Both teams drew out a big crowd, the Warwick supporters coming bearing banners and chants.

Warwick Women’s team use Varsity fixtures as a way to honour their leavers. The match started with 1st and 2nd team Bucs players fielded and then players from Warwick’s three other teams subbing on and off, all those who played are in third or fourth year. This effort was aided by rolling subs on the day.

In the first half Warwick dominated possession and in the first 15 minutes of play Alice Atkins opened the scoring, converting a well taken corner by Shammah Nhamoinesu. Not long after, Izzy Karaiossifidi in a crowded box saw in another goal, making the score line 2-0 to Warwick.

Coventry did not lose moral however, and challenged Warwick with a shot on target which was saved by Warwick’s goalkeeper Natalia Nabbidoust. Strong in their attack once again, Coventry got a goal over the line, making it 2-1, and getting Hannah Baksh on the score sheet.

This was a significant result for Coventry’s side as it broke their 35-year losing streak at Varsity

Substitutes were made for Warwick and coming off the bench Ella Cowell made an instant impact deflecting another chance by Coventry. Minutes later, shouts could be heard by the Warwick fans as a controversial tackle was made on one of their players in the box, however the referee deemed it no pen.

Izzy Karaiossifidi got herself on the score sheet again before half time, a corner saw the crowding of Coventry’s keeper and Karaiossifidi found her opportunity.

The second half saw more equal possession between the teams, Coventry’s forward Olivia Sharman broke through Warwick’s defensive line with speed and shot the ball into the back of the net.

Warwick had multiple shots on target; however all were saved by Coventry’s goalie Sophia Collier, who’s second time it was playing in this position.

Warwick was dominating possession in the last 20 minutes, yet in the 83rd minute Olivia Sharman got herself a brace.

Once again yells came from the Warwick supporters, ones of ‘offside’ yet the flag was not up. The referee does not call it, and the game ends in a 3-3 draw. This was significant to Coventry Women as it broke their 35-year losing streak at Varsity.