Workington-born midfielder Rio Hardy is proving an instant hit for Coventry United after joining them in the summer.
She hit the final goal in their 4-0 victory at Watford in the FA Women’s Cup on Sunday to earn Coventry an away tie at Billericay Town in the fourth round next month.
Rio has now scored six goals in 13 games across all competitions this season and she will hope to add to that impressive total on Wednesday when Coventry entertain Tottenham Hotspur.
It will be their final group match of the Women’s League Cup, where victory will send them through to the knockout stage.
The 25-year-old was Coventry’s ninth new signing of the summer, agreeing a one year deal after leaving Cypriot side, Apollon Ladies FC.
Hardy, who has previously played in the Champions League for Apollon, spent two years in the Cypriot league as well as having spells in Iceland and America.
Jay Bradford, the Coventry manager said at the time: “Rio is a player that we have been keeping track of for a while. Her stats speak for themselves so I’m excited to see her flourish in the Championship.”
On her arrival, Hardy said: “This is a very exciting next step in my career and I’m very happy to have signed for Coventry United. The club’s ambitions match my own and I can’t wait to get going.”
Hardy played in Cyprus with her twin Steffi Hardy who is still there and recently helped Apollon win the Super Cup, beating Omonia Ladies 5-0 in the final.
Steffi is a centre-back and captained the side, although admitting it’s been a bit different playing for the first time without twin Rio.
The twins went to Stainburn School in Workington and started playing football with Seaton and Workington Reds before joining Cumbria’s School of Excellence.
The two moved to Blackburn Rovers under-17s and ladies teams before sampling America, studying and playing at the University of South Alabama.
They joined full-time Icelandic club Grindavík in March 2018, before making the move to Cyprus in January 2019.
It has been hinted that in the not-too-distant future Steffi could be joining Coventry United to play again alongside Rio.
