DESPITE being reduced to nine women through injuries mid-game, Burton Albion's U18s put in a fantastic battling performance in a narrow 2-0 defeat at home to Coventry United.

With a squad decimated by injuries and illness, the Brewers took on United with just 11 players and that battling tone was set early as winger Alana Keary quickly won possession back straight from kick-off.

Chances were few and far between throughout the first half, with Brewers keeper Lola Smith having little to do but remaining assured with the ball at her feet, distributing well and creating attacks.

HALF-TIME: BURTON ALBION 0-0 COVENTRY UNITED

The second half began much in the same manner as the first had gone, both sides battling hard in midfield. Albion were looking dangerous through Keary and fellow winger Tilly Bridgett while not managing to work the ball past the Coventry goalkeeper.

But Coventry would soon take the lead and double it soon after, Macey COLLINS and Chloe CUMBERBATCH getting on the scoresheet for the visitors. The first goal was a wicked half-volley that hit the roof of the net, leaving Smith with no chance, while the second was bundled home after midfielder Freya Jennison-Hill twisted her knee clearing the ball off the line.

With no substitutes to call on, that left Albion with only 10 players on the pitch and the final eight minutes saw the Brewers reduced to nine after forward Hannah Cox suffered an ankle ligament injury.

Manager Paul Harman said: "I'm proud of the 11 girls that played today. They battled, kept their shape and gave us everything.

"Even when we went down to 10 and then nine players they kept giving their all and I couldn’t ask for more.

"We're looking forward to our next game in a week's time, with hopefully a full squad available, and looking for our first win of the season."

FULL-TIME: BURTON ALBION 0-2 COVENTRY UNITED