Lauren Pickett’s well-taken goal helped London Bees ward off spirited Coventry Ladies and make it back-to-back wins in FA Women’s Championship.

Coventry, newcomers to the second tier, dragged themselves level in the first half through Amber Hughes but the Bees were good value for the win.

The Bees took the lead after Megan Alexander’s drilled cross found the head of Taylor O’Leary who rose highest to fire her header into the roof of the net after 18 minutes.

Coventry attacked well in the first half and caused problems out wide for the Bees’ defence with crosses and direct running.

They found the net on 31 minutes as Hayley Crackle’s deflected low cross fell to Rosie Axton who held the ball up well and played in Amber Hughes, who turned and slotted past Sarah Quantrill.

Bees responded quickly as Pickett beat her marker on a counter-attack, rounding the keeper and finishing well to give her side a 2-1 interval lead.

The Bees had an opportunity to add to their lead in the second half after Pickett was brought down by Nikki Miles on 64 minutes after cutting inside the penalty area.

Nikita Whinnet stepped up to take the penalty but her low shot was straight at Sue Wood who pushed the ball away.

Bonnie Horwood then hit the bar for the Bees after he lofted shot from 25 yards almost dipped over the keeper.

Coventry pushed for a winner but were unable to find the equaliser despite having lots of the play towards the end of the match.

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