Match Report | Sutton Coldfield Town 1-1 WCWFC

City begin 2026 with a hard-earned point on the road

Photo by Dan Keley

City’s first match in 2026 saw them travel to The Domino’s Arena to take on Sutton Coldfield Town in FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands action.

Before the Christmas and New Year break, City won their last two matches without conceding, following victories over Lincoln United and Barnsley respectively, which meant City went into Sunday’s fixture in sixth place on sixteen points, the highest City have ever been in their history.

There was a good pace about the game from kick-off, but it was City who had the first opportunity of the game in the 8th minute; however, Maia Clark’s effort from the edge of the box went over the bar.

A few minutes later, Kaye Haggett played in Clark, who beat the offside trap, but her effort was held by The Royals’ goalkeeper.

Just before the 20th minute, Worcester almost took the lead after a delicious ball was played into the box from Haggett, and Nyah Edwards got in between the two defenders; however, her effort just skimmed the crossbar.

Just before the half-hour mark, Edwards had her second chance of the contest on the half turn, but couldn’t connect fully with the ball.

Moments later, Jodie Whiteman was forced into action for the first time, but the effort was comfortable for the City keeper.

Just after, midfielder Laila Rich had an effort when the ball broke to her inside the box; however, her effort was deflected wide.

In the 32nd minute, the hosts took the lead, against the run of play, after a long ball fell to their attacker, who slotted the ball underneath Whiteman.

Annie Sime had an effort from the edge of the box in first-half stoppage time; however, the keeper held onto the ball to ensure Sutton Coldfield went into the break with the lead.

The second half lacked any rhythm at the start as Sime and a Sutton Coldfield player received treatment in separate incidents; however, Clark had a shot immediately from the restart, but the keeper made a save.

Ten minutes later, City hit the post after Connie Matthews' cross was connected with by a City player.

Just moments later after a Haggett corner was fumbled by the goalkeeper into the net to give City a deserved equaliser.

In the 73rd minute, the hosts had a header from a corner, but Whiteman held onto the ball.

Deep into stoppage time, Clara Zaffignani had a strike from the edge of the box, but her effort was pushed behind for a City corner.

The game finished with both sides earning a point apiece at The Dominos Arena.

 Next up for City is a rescheduled trip to Northampton Town following the postponement a few minutes before kick-off last month, with the FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands fixture taking place on Sunday, 11th January 2026, with a 02:00pm kick-off.

Venue details will be announced in due course, so please keep an eye on our social channels for further updates.

Thank you, City fans, for all your continued support. Up the City!!