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 Chocky's match reports...2014/15

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Choccy Pen

Choccy Pen


Posts : 880
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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptyMon May 04, 2015 10:24 am

Crawley Town Vs Coventry City

So we set off nice and early for the long trip to face Crawley in a relegation decider. After some slow traffic we arrived at the Broadfield Stadium with forty five minutes to spare and joined the sold end section for away fans. The atmosphere was great as City were the best placed of the six teams attempting to avoid the three remaining relegation places, Crawley were in the bottom four as we had the chance to send them down and cut out the journey the next season. City fans were in a mixed mood as I was the only one that predicted a win whilst two thought we would be relegated. T.M changed the line up from the one that surrendered against Crewe in goal was Burge, with Willis, Johnson, Martin and Stokes at the back, in midfield we had Ward, O’Brien, Fleck and Barton with Proschwitz and the returning Tudgay up front.

City attacked the away end in the first half and won a corner in the first minute. City were looking the better side as Crawley, not surprisingly looked the more nervous. City won a free kick taken by Fleck; it was floated into the area and Proschwitz rose to head it home but in the process clearly impeding Jensen in the Crawley goal and the referee, Mr S Martin, who had a good game rightly ruled it out. City were buzzing around quite well and were looking the better side when Fleck came close to breaking his goal scoring duck this season with a shot that was just too high. A minute later Proschwitz failed to connect with a header as City looked to ease the tension but at that time all the other games involving the teams in a relegation fight were level. Slowly Crawley started to get more of the ball and City were forced to block a shot as we sat back more looking for the counter. Town then fired one over as good support came from City fans as many were glued to their smart phones checking updated scores. City were defending well with Martin winning most things in the air and Burge catching the ball from crosses and corners. Seventeen minutes gone and O’Brien flew into a tackle and was late and sent the Crawley player to the deck, Mr S Martin seemed to reach for his back pocket at first but instead decided to have a word we all strained to see fearing a red but thankfully only a yellow was produced it could have been worse. As we recovered from that good news filtered through from Crewe as they went a goal down at home to Bradford, this didn’t effect the positions but it did mean Crewe would have to score, at least to send City down. Crawley were looking slightly better as McLeod fired over. City’s best player however was Tudgay who was busy and winning just about ever header but he was alongside Proschwitz who again failed to win headers or failed to read Tudgay’s flick ons. A goal meanwhile for Orient meant they were out of the bottom four pushing Crawley a place further down but this had no effect on City. O’Brien then had a good shot blocked as City started to rally in the last minutes of the half. Then a minute later Tudgay got the ball in the box and was brought down, PENALTY. We were all surprised when Proschwitz took the ball for the spot kick. The German lined up in front of the City fans ran in and placed a poor and weak shot to Jansen’s right the veteran keeper went the right way and pulled of an easy save. Many City fans berated the German who has been poor from day one. The first half ended as Jensen left with a massive grin on his face and City fans had our head in our hands.


Results were still going City’s way as the second half kicked off. The penalty save lifted the home side but it was the German that came close to making amends with a shot that went just wide. Soon the momentum was with Crawley as they knocked in a cross but Martin was on hand to clear but Town got the ball in again and Pogba headed the ball home to stun the away fans. This lifted Crawley above City. City were still reeling form the goal when McLeod was given time in the box but his shot was charged down by Burge. Changes were needed and they came with Maddison replacing Barton and to the wishes of the away fans Nouble replaced Proschwitz. City fans who had been quiet had just started to sing again when news came through that Notts County were leading at Gillingham this meant City were only goal difference outside the drop zone and if Crewe could level City would be in the bottom four. Finger nails were now being bitten as more and more kept on eye on the smart phones and the scores. City fans were now back in full voice as the changes gave City the upper hand again. O’Brien had another shot blocked but the captain fearful of another booking wasn’t quite his industrial norm, Maddison then fired over as City were getting closer. City kept up the pressure when O’Brien got the ball wide just as I shouted “early cross” the ball went in and Tudgay got up to bury the ball past Jensen to spark off massive scenes of relief in the away end. This dumped Crawley back into the bottom four rescuing Crewe. Crawley were now struggling as City started to dominate and O’Brien had a shot blocked. Into the last ten minutes as we heard Colchester had taken the lead again Preston meaning Crewe were back in the bottom four and Colchester were out of it. City were not sitting back with safety almost guaranteed but kept going forward as Tudgay put a header just wide. Johnson had a header blocked from a corner as another significant goal went in sealing our League One status when Notts County concede at Gillingham. In near the end Nouble robbed a defender and set off unopposed towards goal but for once the big forward picked out a City player as Maddison ran in from deep to give City the lead and again to spark off mad celebration in the away end, many of us still refused to sing “We are staying up” Seconds later a great ball into our box seemed certain to be converted until Martin threw his leg in the way to hook the ball from McLeod and the ref blew for full time and the end of the season.

On the way out I overheard some Crawley fans claiming “Coventry wanted it more, they were better in possession” and “Lee Fowler’s set pieces were not as good as normal” as for once an old player didn’t come back to haunt us.

Man of the Match
1st Marcus Tudgay: Lead the line brilliantly won a penalty and scored.
2nd Aaron Martin: A rock at the back.
3rd James Maddison A bright future


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Choccy Pen

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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySun Apr 26, 2015 9:19 am

Coventry City Vs Crewe Alexandra

So survival was just ninety minutes away as we took on struggling Crewe at home where avoiding defeat should have been enough. Only one enforced change due to Willis’ injury. The line for the last home game of the season was in goal Burge, with Phillips, Pennington, Johnson and Stokes at the back; in midfield we had Fleck, Barton, O’Brien and Ward with Nouble and Proschwitz up front. Ticket price reduction meant a crowd of near 15,000 turned up at the Ricoh. We had a minutes silence for the Bradford Tragedy thirty years ago.

Crewe had the first shot attacking the end their fans were in but it was blocked. Soon City were looking the busier side and far more dangerous as Barton had a weak effort go wide. The referee Mr Sarginson wasn’t falling for play acting by Crewe and ran the game well. Then almost a breakthrough as Fleck cross come shot went over the head of the keeper as he almost fumbled it into the back of the net but just about did enough to keep it out. O’Brien then went wide with a shot as City continued to press. City were working the spaces well and came even closer when Barton found room in the box he headed the ball wide to the captain and O’Brien’s point blank shot was saved by Rachubka in the away goal. City were still looking for a goal as Nouble header over and Proschwitz fired wide. The German then had a header blocked as City continued to be on top. Trouble was Crewe were looking to hit City on the break and this happened on the 21st minute when an attack up field saw Colclough shot Burge got a hand to it only for Dalla Valle force the ball over the line to give the away side the lead. This deflated City and not surprisingly gave a lift to the visitors as Dalla Valle went close. Alex then won a free kick parallel to the box the ball was delivered and Colclough scored to make it two nil in front of a stunned home crowd. Nouble and O’Brien both had shots before the break but City left the field with it all to do.

Changes were needed for the second half and they came as Barton, who had missed placed a couple of passes was replaced with Maddison and Pennington was replaced by Martin. City were fired up for the second half and Nouble looked angry and in one incident was very lucky not to be booked as he fouled a player after the ball had gone. City had now recovered and were threatening again as Nouble was played in but he tried one of his shots from a narrow angle and hit the side netting. O’Brien fired over as Crewe were defending in numbers. Stokes did have some freedom down the left a knocked in a few crosses but their never seemed to be enough players in the box. Phillips was then replaced by Odelusi. Ward who was having by far his worst game yet, fired at the keeper. Vale won a couple of corner both dealt with the second by a good punch by Burge. A good move finally saw an accurate effort from the edge of the area as Odelusi effort was heading in before the keeper just about turned it around the post. Vale then broke Dalle Valle knocked in a cross for Haber to make it three. The parallels with the J.P.T game a couple of seasons ago were remarkable as Crewe have yet to loose in the ground. Many who paid ten pounds got up and left whilst I got my radio on to listen to C.W.R and the scores in the other games. Both teams had shots blocked as Crewe were comfortable as our situation changed each time a goal went in elsewhere. City kept trying and finally got in a good cross Proschwitz rose to head in his first goal and ran straight to O’Brien who supplied the cross. Six minutes was added on but City were still shooting from distance and off target. The game ended with our fate to be decided in the final game of the season it is still in our hands and we would need two more results to go against us but we should not be struggling in the third flight.

Man of the Match
1st No one: Nuff said
2nd No one: See above
3rd No one: A clean sweep

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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySun Apr 19, 2015 10:33 am

Bristol City Vs Coventry City

Normally by now “end of season” fatigue had set in but not this season as we still had something to play for. This time we had a tough task of facing the Champions in all but name and many City fans were fearing a hammering. We settled in the in the opposite end we normally go in as a new stand is almost built meanwhile to our left the top framework of the new stand was laid along the length of the pitch and the whole ground looked like building site. The pitch was in remarkable condition considering they have a rugby team play on it as well and we will be getting a similar surface next season. The home side only needed a point to win the league and we were very close to the home fans in the end section. Mowbray sent out an unchanged side with Burge in goal, Willis at right back, Pennington and Johnson at the centre with Stokes at left back, in midfield we had Fleck, O’Brien, Barton and Ward in midfield with Nouble and Proschwitz up front.

City attack where we were in the first half and started well when Nouble fired just over early on as the atmosphere with the City fans was good with a song “this is how we party” as the Robins’ fans were fairly quiet. At the other end Bristol put a header over as the back four were defending well. Nouble was then booked for a foul by the referee Mr Coote who went on to have a good game. Two home players soon joined Frank in the ref’s book. O’Brien blasted over as City were starting to realise they could get a result. Then City put together a good move ending with Fleck forcing the keeper into a save the ball fell to Barton but his shot was charged down. Ward as normal was playing well in midfield and came close to his first goal when running deep from midfield he curled a shot that just missed the far post. In the last seconds top scorer Wilbraham headed just wide. The half ended with City fans pleased with the effort in the first half.

City were solid at the back with Johnson and Pennington looking particularly solid at the back. The Robins did up their game in the second half and it took a couple of good blocks in the early minutes of the second half to keep them from finding the target. The game wasn’t great as a point would have suited both teams as Willis picked up a harsh yellow card before he was caught in the penalty area and was injured he was replaced by Phillips. Bristol fired a couple of shots well wide and over as Burge could of almost joined us in the away section. With twenty minutes to go City won a free kick, Proschwitz stepped up and went very close with the kick. The big German then had a shot blocked as the wait goes on for his first goal. Minutes later Freeman broke in a speedy run down the pitch O’Brien chased him but wasn’t fast enough but he didn’t stop him from taking a big kick at the player missing by a mile but when the move broke down the captain was booked for intent. O’Brien was soon subbed with Maddison coming on. City were still looking for a goal and Proschwitz attempted to chip the keeper a great effort. Then confusion at the back as keeper Fielding rolled the ball out but none of his defenders realised and the ball went free, Fleck trying to get to it but a home player got to it first and fell over. In injury time we were amazed to see a steady stream of home fans leaving and not staying behind to celebrate. City saw out the rest of the game with no problem and not a shot on target against.

Man of the match
1st Reda Johnson: A man mountain
2nd Matthew Pennington: Played his part
3rd Grant Ward: Midfield dynamo

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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptyWed Apr 15, 2015 9:59 am

Coventry City Vs Oldham Athletic


Got to the ground as the players wore Bowl Cancer awareness shirts, very ironic and I’m pretty sure I could tell plenty of people about that. Meanwhile the away end was sparsely populated thanks to a person on a bridge on the M6 meaning a massive tailback preventing many fans not getting into the game until later on. On the pitch T.M. decided to keep an unchanged side including subs as City looked to take a step closer to safety. The line up was in goal Burge, with Willis, Johnson, Pennington and Stokes in defence; we had O’Brien, Barton, Ward and Fleck in midfield with Nouble and Proschwitz up front. Only four players started the game at Oldham were we were hammered 4-1 earlier in the season those being Willis, Fleck, Barton and O’Brien.

City started off brightly defending the “Naughty Corner” end in the first half when Proschwitz managed to worm his way into the area with a dribble before having a shot blocked. Two minutes later City came even closer when Ward found Johnson, he cushioned a header towards Proschwitz the big German made a poor contact with a header only managing to hit the post when he should have scored. Oldham then had a rare attack and won a free kick. The City players lined up to defend but Oldham player Brown was left totally unmarked on the left, O’Brien who was the wall pointed this out to his team mates but none went over but then it was too later as Brown received the ball and had plenty of time to knock in a cross the ball fell and was flicked home and yet again it was a former City player as Danny Philliskirk grab the goal. This gave a lift to the away side and City had to defend a corner before the Sky Blues started to go forward again. Form this point Oldham started to waste as much time as possible and the referee Mr Madley let them. City continued to press but Oldham looked confident at the back but were nearly undone when Ward played in O’Brien but his shot was beaten away. Fleck then tried his luck from distance but the ball was saved. City continued the pressure and won a corner before the ball came in O’Brien was sent flying to the deck by a foul off the ball that the referee and nearest linesman missed but some how the far linesman should have spotted and if he did Oldham would have been reduced to ten. Jim was furious and argued with the referee who called over the players involved for a lecture. Some more poor running of the game when an Oldham player on the ground clearly handled the ball missed by Mr Madley and crew. Ward then had a shot from distance saved as Athletic were more than happy to sit back. The pressure continued as City didn’t look like scoring but form one move Proschwitz somehow found room from an impossible angle to get a powerful shot in on goal but no trouble for Coleman in the away goal. Another corner came but this one broke down O’Brien was to get the ball back but was clearly blocked by a player’s arm the ball raced on and Pennington slid in but to everyone’s amazement Mr Madley gave Oldham a free kick and booked Pennington. Half time City loosing but scores elsewhere meant even a point could be a big boost.

The second half started with City knocking the ball around well but the front two were being well contained and City lacked the final ball but it was nearly all City. The effort shown had its effect in the ground as City fans started to sing and this spread around the entire home end and created the best atmosphere at the ground since the Gillingham game. Mowbray then made his first change sending on Maddison, whose only goal came against Oldham, no for Barton. Proschwitz had another tame header on goal before another change as Jackson came on for O’Brien. To say Jim wasn’t happy at being changed was an understatement as he left he kicked the dug out and threw off his boots. The game continued in the same vein as City dominated without looking like scoring and Oldham was allowed to waste time, shots that did come in were easy saves for the keeper and Maddison and Proschwitz both had efforts on target. Jackson had an attempt blocked as the pattern continued. Mowbray then made his last change switching to three at the back he sent on Odelusi for Willis. Maddison got another one on target as some fans were still getting into the ground. City then really went for broke as Fleck dropped back into the back three Johnson moved up front as it was “kitchen sink” time. Oldham were beginning to tire as they started to chalk up yellow cards but they still seemed no way through. Then with minutes left the ball broke kindly for Nouble but instead of driving the ball home he blasted over leaving the travel weary Oldham fans to sing “going down”. City were venerable to the counter attack and it took Fleck back in defence to clear one attack. Then a real big surprise as the fourth official held up 6 minutes of added time when there should have been about three, looks like the Mr Madley had been paying attention to time wasting after all. A minute later Nouble got the ball on the right of the penalty box and managed to turn and knock in a cross it was a red flag to a bull as Johnson steamed in and planted a header past the keeper to spark off scenes of joy all over the ground, a goal City deserved. City kept up the pressure until the end as Oldham hanged on for a point. According to the BBC stats City had 11 shots on target which is the most this season by 4! With the results going our way this could prove to be a massive point.

Man of the Match
1st Red Johnson: Another goal
2nd The Fans: Normally only given ironically after a bad team performance but 7,000 fans proved they could still get the ground rocking.
3rd: Grant Ward Prompted well from mid field

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Choccy Pen

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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySun Apr 12, 2015 3:27 pm

Coventry City Vs Colchester United

This was our third of five games against fellow relegation strugglers as we tried to end the home hoodoo but the good news was Reda Johnson was back. Colchester have been on a good run but were still in the bottom four as just under 9,000 turned up to see the game. The line-up was in goal Burge, with Willis, Pennington, Johnson and Stokes at the back, in midfield we had Barton, Fleck, O’Brien and Ward with Nouble and Proschwitz up front. It was a strange day as the bottom 8 played each other any of them that could win the game would be a big boost.

City lined up to attack towards the “Naughty Corner” in the first half but Colchester won the toss and decide they will kick towards their fans in the 2nd half. City started brightly as O’Brien had an early shot on target before Colchester had a shot blocked at the other end. From the start it was great to see Reda back winning headers and using his strength, he lifted the crowd and his own team mates. The game itself wasn’t any great shakes but City were shading it as O’Brien got a header in on target before Colchester who were sitting back and trying to hit City on the break forced Burge into a save with a shot low down. Colchester fans were making a great noise with a song City fans sing away “We are United boys, making all the noise everywhere we go”. In the centre referee Mr Webb was having a good game as City were still looking the better side without looking like scoring. Barton then fired wide before Proschwitz fired at the keeper. Then a long ball was played over the top and Nouble took off after it but the keeper and a defender just beat him to the ball. The ever busy O’Brien had a shot blocked before City won a couple of corners that didn’t really trouble the U’s defence. Barton then again fired wide he seemed to have been give a “shoot on sight” instructions but for him it was “miss on sight”. City were slowly wearing the opposition down as Nouble forced the keeper into a save. One thing I didn’t want to happen was for the game to continue being scoreless and the tension mounting but then with ten minutes of the half to go City won a throw in and the ball was played into midfield then a great ball saw Stokes go clear down the left he looked up and cut back the ball to a waiting O’Brien who made a good contact in an attempt to pass the ball into the net meanwhile I had the perfect vantage point and could see the ball was in from the moment it left his foot. Everyone was up celebrating as Jim went joint top scorer. The goal lifted City as we went looking for a second goal. Barton had another shot this on more accurate but it was blocked. We were winning all the physical battles on the pitch and Colchester looked poor. City won a couple of corners as Colchester found it hard to get out of their own half before the half time whistle went.


We all knew Colchester would have to change tactics in the 2nd half and would come out fired we hoped City wouldn’t sit back but whatever Mowbray said at half time wasn’t listened to as United ripped into City from the off. Suddenly Moncur found acres of space down the right he cut in and blasted a shot goal-wards, Burge was alert to keep it out. City were still being pushed back a minute later when Massey was free and his shoot seemed similar to O’Brien’s and was heading for the corner until Burge got his hand on it and divert it wide as he was looking for his first home clean sheet. After that corner was tidied up City seemed to get a grip again as Johnson was winning everything at the back. City started to push forward again then had a great chance to make it two as Proschwitz was played in the forward took the ball well and advanced, rounding the keeper with skill he had a tap in but to everyone’s amazement hit the post. City were looking OK at 1-0 but many times this season we lead at half time and failed to win so everyone was on edge. Mowbray made his first change off went Proschwitz and was replaced by Maddison. The young midfielder got straight into the action showing some good skill he carved out a chance for Nouble but he blasted over. T.M made another change no doubt to add to the defensive strength off went Barton, who had a decent game and on came Phillips who played down the right of midfield a place his dad also played in. At the other end City were still fending off attacks when Johnson went down tackling someone but got up to receive a harsh yellow card for handball, the free kick came to nothing. A final change saw O’Brien taken off and replaced by Odelusi. With only a goal lead anything could happen as we held our breaths as a long distance shot went wide. The introduction of Maddison was having the desired effect as he was holding the ball up well and showing skill, one incident saw him in the area go one way, check and go the other opening up the defence and his shot struck the crossbar. Phillips then had a shot blocked as we counted down the clock. When Colchester came close with a shot just going over, City kept up the pressure with a free kick which resulted in their keeper colliding with one of his own defenders the ball fell to Nouble with his back to goal and no one in it but his over head was wide. Their keeper was now struggling but Colchester were throwing everything forward sometimes they didn’t help themselves when one of their players managed a foul throw the last action saw Phillips and Madison close down a move before their keeper could only kick to touch and the ref blew to signal a rare home win and City move away from the drop zone.

Man of the Match
1st Reda Johnson: Back at last
2nd Chris Stokes: Attacked well
3rd Lee Burge: Important saves at an important time
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Choccy Pen

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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptyTue Apr 07, 2015 9:35 am

Notts County Vs Coventry City

No trouble for the short trip to Nottingham to face County in a massive six-pointer. Easter Monday away is always a nightmare with no wins for 9 games and only two since the Second World War add to that not winning at Meadow Lane since the 60’s this had all the hallmarks of a home win. City were without Turgott and Fleck but did welcome back Maddison and Johnson on the bench. The forward line raised more then a couple of eye brows in the over packed away stand as Proschwitz partnered Jackson up front with them was Nouble, in goal was Burge with the back four consisting of Stokes, Pennington, Martin and Willis midfield was made up of O’Brien, Ward and Barton.

There was great support from the City fans as the game started. First action saw Jackson intercept the ball in midfield and race in on goal but his shot was no problem for Roy Carroll in the Magpies’ goal. Notts County soon won a corner but made a total mess of it, they won another one minutes later but again comically mucked it up. O’Brien then tried a shot that was blocked. The game was fairly even when Burge was forced into his first save of the day. The referee Mr Simpson was not having a good game and fell for Alan Smith diving awarding a free kick which was hit into the wall. County meanwhile were looking awful by far the worse side I have seen this season and it easy to see why they are in so much trouble on the other hand City were not doing too much better themselves. City were defending well but the front three were seeing very little of the ball. Another block and a tame shot by County as the game continued and was low in quality. Then Jackson put one wide before O’Brien had a shot blocked. City did get slowly into the game as Barton and Ward started to get more of the ball and forced three corners in a row. At the other end a real chance but Martin slide in inside the area for a perfectly timed tackle. Willis then on a rare attack just failed to find Proschwitz who was having his best game so far which isn’t difficult. The last action finally saw chief moaner Smith go into the book for foul, half time no goals tension mounting.

City looked a lot better at the start of the second half as Barton started to get forward and had a shot that took a big deflection and went out for a corner. Barton fired a tame shot at Carroll as City now were clearly on top. Ward was prompting well from midfield. Jackson then knocked in a great cross but no one could get on the end of it. City kept on pressing as the ball broke for Proschwitz he entered the area and tried to pull the ball back for O’Brien but a defender intercepted and knocked it out for a corner. County seemed to have survived the pressure early on and were trying to get forward and from one corner that Burge missed but Stokes was on the line for an easy block and clearance. Minutes later County came close again as they hit the left hand post but City cleared. Mowbray decided to change things and took off Jackson and threw on Maddison for his first game of the year but too much pressure had been put on the teenager to be our saviour. City won a corner and it was flicked on Nouble went for it and was pulled down but so often this season it was on the opposite side of the linesman and the referee bottled it he was surrounded by City players as for the second time this season County got away with one. City were soon looking more hungry for the win and kept coming forward and we almost had a massive slice of luck when Willis cross was miss hit it headed towards goal forcing Carroll to save. The second chance was then made as Odelusi replaced Proschwitz. City won another corner that fell to Pennington but instead of putting his boot through it lobed it into no-mans land. As time was ticking down Nouble had a chance he beat the defender before being dragged down only a yellow card for the blatant foul as County had another defender covering. Ward wasted the free kick. Then almost with the last kick Barton found space and only had the keeper to beat but his header was tipped over by the Northern Irish keeper and City had to settle for a point.

We left only a point clear and it we need to find some form at home to save us now we need to beat Colchester.

Man of the Match
1st: Grant Ward: Ran midfield
2nd Adam Barton: Looked dangerous
3rd: Aaron Martin Defended well.


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Choccy Pen

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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptyThu Apr 02, 2015 9:04 am

Coventry City Vs Leyton Orient

So on a rainy April Fools Day we turned up for the first of a series of games against relegation strugglers. The game had been moved back from Good Friday and the evidences was in the car park as a large tent hosting the Insomnia Gaming Festival, a showcase for computer games, was up in the car park. Only one change to the side that started against Peterborough as Tudgay was out injured the line up was in goal Burge, with Willis, Pennington, Martin and Stokes at the back, in midfield we had O’Brien, Fleck and Ward with Nouble and Odelusi in forward wide positions and Samuel up front.

City were first to show with an off target O’Brien shot before Orient got a shot in on target and the game looked even. City were playing well and Samuel was looking dangerous until Bartley took him out with a bad tackle the referee Mr Bond angered the crowd by not booking him, Samuel received treatment but after coming back on broke down again and had to be helped off and his injury looked serious which would be a massive blow to our safety chances. His replacement was a surprise as most excepted Turgott to come on George Thomas came on instead to face the team he made his debut against. City were working hard and soon won a free kick quite away from the goal but this didn’t put Ward off as his kick wasn’t too far away from the top corner. Orient were a big physical side but struggled to keep the ball in on times with defender Cuthbert being the most guilty he also took the long throw ins but City were defending stoutly. The London team came close from a corner with a header going wide. Their best chance seemed to be from set pieces as the defence blocked another header. City were struggling to get going up front despite the promptings of Ward from midfield who looked the best player on the pitch. City fans then had a mass penalty appeal as a ball struck the hand of an Orient defender in the box. Mr Bond, the referee then angered the City fans by booking Nouble. City then put together the best move of the game with Nouble down the left, he crossed and O’Brien threw himself in getting a touch to the ball we watched as it rose up and just missed entering the goal. In injury time Orient knocked in a good cross a City defender tried to clear but could only flick it on straight to former player Dagnall who only had Burge to beat but the keeper pulled off a great reaction save to keep things level at half time.

City started well in the second half as O’Brien had a shot blocked. City kept up the pressure when Ward took a corner the ball came back to him he shot and hit the far post but when Nouble got the ball the keeper was down after colliding with a team mate forcing the referee to halt the game. City were now on top as O’Brien delivered a great ball for Thomas his shot beat the keeper but the ball was cleared off the line. Ward then fired in from distance that was tipped behind for a corner from the corner Martin just headed over. City kept up the pressure and then it was the turn of Odelusi to have a shot turned around the post. Leyton seemed to have ridden the storm in the pouring rain but then things fell apart as Dagnall found White unmarked in the box and they scored. Mowbray far too late made the changes as Haynes came on for O’Brien and Turgott for Odelusi but now Orient were well entrenched as their keeper was warned three times for time wasting until the final whistle went spiralling City back into the relegation dog fight and needing to win away again as Notts County our next opponents drop into the bottom four.

Man of the Match
1st Grant Ward: Best player by far.
2nd Jim O’Brien Set up several chances
3rd John Fleck Passed well.


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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySun Mar 29, 2015 10:20 am

Peterborough United Vs Coventry City

A nice close trip to London Road for a tricky clash with The Posh, got to Peterborough with plenty of time. It was a windy day in Cambridgeshire as we entered the ground as the hosts were in the top six after a good run. The line up was in goal Burge, with Willis, Pennington, Martin and Stokes at the back, O’Brien, Fleck and Ward in midfield with Tudgay, Nouble and Samuel making up the forward three. I took up my position two rows behind the drummer as the away fans made good noise before kick off.

It was a slow start until after four minutes Samuel had a chance to go clear but couldn’t quite get away but he got a shot in on target but no trouble for Alnwick in the Posh goal. The game itself was pretty poor with the wind affecting the game. Both teams were struggling to get their forwards in the game with Nouble looking off his game. At our end the next point of interest happen when a Posh player had a shot blocked but it was pretty turgid stuff. The atmosphere was good as City were containing play-off contenders Peterborough without any trouble at all with all the back four looking solid. As the half was drawing to a close Tudgay had to go off with a recurrence of a hamstring strain he was replaced by Odelusi. Minutes later City came closest yet as the hard working Ward fired a ball into the area Samuel got to it but smacked it over the bar. Half time no goals away fans satisfied with the first half.

Second half had to be better entertainment. The second half saw The Posh throw on a player for a debut and it was none other than Luke Williams a player so bad he was kicked out of our team that struggles to score for being so bad and then gets a loan deal at a play off team; he must have one hell of an agent! Williams was receiving plenty “City reject” chants as City attacked the end we were nearest. First action saw Williams fire well wide much to the amusement of the away fans. Jack Payne then fired one wide as Peterborough continued to look poor. City were trying to get things moving and one good attack saw Fleck fire on goal but with not much power and it was easy for the keeper. Burge then saved his first shot as the game went on. Mowbray then decided on a tactical change as Nouble went off who wasn’t having a great game and Turgott came on. At the other end Luke Williams was still looking poor as did most of the Peterborough players. Turgott had his first chance but blasted over. City were looking the better team without threatening then a good move saw O’Brien find Odelusi, he put in a shot that was deflected, we watched as the ball went in the air suddenly Turgott was the only player that reacted and raced onto the ball and beat Alnwick to it knocking the ball into the net to spark off mad celebrations in the away end. This could be a massive six points as Peterborough tried to hit back but the defence was well dug in a resisted the push. Burge was catching everything behind the defence as City looked comfortable. City then should have had a chance to make it two as from a corner Odelusi was clearly brought down in the box we waited for the whistle but Mr Williamson amazed everyone by not giving a penalty yet another stonewall penalty got given. City looked in control as Peterborough were just pumping aimless balls into the box it was hard to see how they were in the top six. City sent on Webster for O’Brien to see out the game. City had no trouble closing out the game to record a double and our third away win on the spin now to start winning at home.

Man of the Match
1st Aaron Martin: Solid
2nd Jordan Willis: Showed some great skill going forward
3rd Grant Ward: Worked hard in midfield.


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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySun Mar 22, 2015 10:21 am

Coventry City Vs Doncaster Rovers


After two good wins on the road there was an air of optimism around the Ricoh as we prepared to take on Doncaster Rovers. It was also “Legends Day” as forty ex-City players turned up to celebrate. Maybe some of today’s line up we be at a “Legend’s Day” in years to come, they do let anyone in. The line up was in goal Burge, with Willis, Pennington, Martin and Stokes at the back, in midfield we had O’Brien, Fleck, Ward and Barton with Samuel and Nouble up front.


Just as the fans had settled down O’Brien slipped in Samuel and the forward knocked the ball passed former City keeper Bywater to give us an early lead and to put him joint top scorer. Let another early goal scored at The Ricoh. City started well but Doncaster started to get into our half and a long ranged shot was turned aside by Burge. Then Nouble lost the ball in midfield and raced back to get it and had no complaints when referee Mr Boyeson booked him. Minutes later Samuel showed some neat skills in midfield and beat a couple of players before being brought down and the ref booking a Rovers player. After Stokes headed wide Razak, already on a booking fouled again, not enough for a 2nd yellow but the referee gave him a stern lecture. City came close to making it two when Nouble drove into the area eventually finding Barton whose shot hit the foot of the post. The Doncaster manager Paul Dickov then got Razak off before he was sent off. City found room and Samuel had a go on target. Rovers were now slowly getting the upper hand and should have levelled when after a good move the ball fell to Tyson who tried to curl it around Burge but hi it straight instead. Samuel was still proving to be the main threat with a good run before laying the ball off to O’Brien who blasted over. Minutes later the O’Brien was booked not long after O’Brien fouled again and Mr Boyeson looked like he was about to send him off but thankfully didn’t. It was then Fleck’s turn for a run before being hacked down and the referee drew the anger of the fans for not showing a yellow card. Doncaster put on some pressure towards the end of the half but City stood firm to go in leading.


After the “Legends” were shown to the crowd City started the 2nd half. Odelusi came on at the start to most it wasn’t O’Brien, who could have been sent off with the next tackle but Barton who was replaced. Doncaster, attacking towards their own fans started the better at the start and pushed City back. After five minutes some sloppy defending saw Wellens work his way into the box and despite a last ditch tackle he managed to knock the ball past Burge to level the game up. It was now nearly all Doncaster as City struggled to pass the ball through Fleck and other players failed to control the ball like Willis. Action was needed from the bench and we got it as Phillips came on but to everyone’s surprise it wasn’t Willis he replaced but Nouble, a goal conceded and off goes a forward! The change didn’t make much difference as Rovers attacked again and sub and youngest ever City player Clarke-Harris broke through all too easily his shot was saved by Burge but the forward tucked away the rebound for yet another “old boy” to score or set one up in recent home games. A final change was made with O’Brien going off and Jackson coming on. It was still nearly all Doncaster who deserved to be leading as City were now putting in a poor display. It got worse when Martin was letting the ball run out for a goal kick he was caught out and despite having a few chances to clear the Rovers player seemed more determined before playing in Forrester who made it 3-1. City could offer no more and the fans left down in the dumps after starting the day in such an optimistic mood.

Some one needs to sort out our home form as our next games against Leyton Orient, Colchester, Oldham and Crewe all apart from Oldham are fighting relegation.

Man of the match
1st Dominic Samuel: Looked dangerous in the first half.
2nd Gavin Ward useful in midfield
3rd Jim O’Brien No one else came close

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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptyWed Mar 18, 2015 8:39 pm

Fleetwood Town Vs Coventry City

With Kev and Rach having a day in Blackpool, Paul and I decided to go by coach. We left at 3.25 and a horrid four hours later we arrived for our first visit to the town. This was down the M6, bad decision by the driver and leaving far too late. We entered the terracing and heard that the team was the same as started against Chesterfield, the line up was in goal Burge, with Willis, Martin, Pennington and Stokes, with Fleck, Barton and Ward leaving Nouble, Samuel and Tudgay up front.

It was St Patrick’s Day a day we have only won once on away and that was at Man United. The Highbury Stadium is a fine ground with three sides looking like a non-league ground and one looking very modern built for league football. Fleetwood attacked the away end first had had a shot blocked by Barton. Both teams were probing early on but the defence of both teams were looking solid. City won a couple of corners and so did Fleetwood. City forwards were looking the livelier and giving Fleetwood some problems. At the back City defenders were defending well. Samuel blasted over as it was clear we had gone wide and this was stretching the home side. The Cod Army keeper then push a Samuel shot over the bar. In midfield too City were looking good with Ward using the ball well. Town started to make some inroads as they fired over from distance. Minutes later they won a corner and this was flicked on by Procter and the ball looked like it was going in until Stokes flicked it over. Then they put one past the far post as time ticked down in the first half. The game was now coming to life as Tudgay went on a surging run but his shot lacked power. Half time no goals we were happy as Fleetwood were just outside the play off places.

Second half saw the Sky Blues attack towards us and they seemed to upped their game from the off. Tudgay working harder then anyone gives him credit for almost charged down a keeper’s clearance. City still trying to play good football then put a good move to together as Fleck found Samuel the forward teed up Nouble who’s shot was just curled past the left hand post. City kept attacking and Ward was very nearly brought down in the box in one move forwards. Tudgay then had a shot but unfortunately he stretched too far and pulled up holding his hamstring. He was replaced by a clean shaved O’Brien who looked a lot younger. The referee Mr Banks then issued his first card as he continued to run the game well. City were slowly starting to look the far better side but it was easy too see why Fleetwood concede so few goals. The fans were enjoying themselves with songs like “if we score we’re be 1-0 up”. Fleck then tried a shot but I could see why he has a poor goal scoring record as the ball went to the keeper. O’Brien then almost got on the end of a miss cue as the game headed towards the last twenty minutes. City now were well on top and it was hard to see how Fleetwood are still in with a chance of a Play Off place. On the 70th minute mark a ball found Stokes and his shot across the keeper Maxwell was pushed away for a corner. Ward took the flag kick and picked out Stokes and his header smacked against the crossbar. A point away to a team so high up would suit many managers but not Mowbray as he took off Barton, after a good stint and threw on Odelusi. 0-0 is a precarious score line as a shot was deflected wide of Burge in the goal. Stokes was now struggling in his last game of what turned out to be a successful run but he stayed on with Webster waiting on the side. With ten minutes to go City won a free kick and my wish that we could score free kicks like other teams was ignored when Odelusi smacked it into the wall. The sub was proving to be a fresh handful for the tiring Fleetwood side as three of them crowded him out. Just as we seemed set for a good point suddenly something better came along as O’Brien played a great ball to Samuel who skipped past a defender and only had the keeper to beat from a narrow angle, which he did with a low shot to send the harden travelled bunch on the steps into ecstasy. It was exactly what City deserved. City needed to make a change as Stokes was out and he was replaced by Webster to see out the game. Five minutes they signalled which seemed spot on to me. Fleetwood started to knock in long balls but City were in no mood to give away the lead and frankly Fleetwood were not good enough. City seemed to ride out the injury time without any scares and in the dieing seconds Nouble closed down a goal kick and this time it hit the City player to the ground we watched as the ball seemed to be rolling in slow motion towards the goal but it hit the post both Nouble and Maxwell seemed mesmerised by the incident but when the ball rebounded Nouble got up of the deck to slide the ball in to wrap up a great win and three points. This was Burge’s first clean sheet in the league as he only had two shots to face.

We set off for home happy and I got back after another slow trip at just past 1.

Man of the Match
1st Chris Stokes: Cleared one off the line almost scored twice.
2nd Grant Ward a good midfielder
3rd Frank Nouble Another goal whilst playing down the middle
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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySun Mar 15, 2015 11:03 am

Chesterfield Vs Coventry City

So we set off and for me at least to cross another ground I had never visited off my list. The Proact Stadium is a good one with ample street parking a short walk away.
Tony Mowbray had made his first signing as player number 36 of the season. The line up was Burge in goal with Stokes, Pennington, Martin and the returning Willis at the back. In midfield we had Barton, Fleck, and debutant Grant Ward in midfield. Up front we had Tudgay, Samuel and Nouble. The Chesterfield manager and former City midfielder Paul Cook wanted his side to win the next two home games for a push for a play off meanwhile City were looking nervously over our shoulders as the bottom four played each other.

City attacked the far end in the first half and it took Ward four minutes to get his first touch but it was the home side that had all the play early on but news from Orient meant City dropped into the relegation zone. City put in a rare attack and Willis got in a deep cross Tudgay took up position and jumped well to the head the ball back across the keeper to give City the lead. As normal Tudgay didn’t celebrate but we did as City moved back out of the bottom four. City blocked a couple of shots as Chesterfield hit back. Burge then fielded a couple of standard saves. Burge was then nearly embarrassed as a shot went under him but thankfully it was deflected wide. At the other end City were growing in confidence with Tudgay working hard and Nouble finding space before Barton fired over. Chesterfield won three corners in a row but City were solid at the back. City then won a couple of corners all taken by Ward and his delivery wasn’t too bad. It wasn’t a bad game with Chesterfield looking the better side but City well in the game. A City born player then could have scored as Ian Evatt headed straight at Burge. Willis looking industrious got in a good block to concede a corner. With the count down to the end of the half on Chesterfield got the ball and O’Shea tried his luck from outside the area and it took a deflection off Ward and beating Burge to level the game up. We pondered as we dropped back into the bottom four whether Mowbray would be sacked like Pressley for results elsewhere? Samuel had a shot as City responded. City got to half time level hoping attacking the away end in the second half would spur them on.

Chesterfield had another shot on target but Burge was equal to it with a great save. We had a go at the “Football League is upside down” song. The away fans were giving great support as T.M. decided on a change of went Samuel who didn’t do too much in the game and sent on Odelusi. City then set up an attack as Barton brought the ball forward and found Ward, he drove the ball into the area were Odelusi steamed in for a tap-in to spark off celebrations in the away ends and on the pitch. City now back out of the bottom. It was now a more even contest as both teams went looking for the next game. Both sides won corners and again City looked comfortable defending set pieces. City launched another attack as Nouble was frustrating Chesterfield with his dribbling. Then City came close to a third as Odelusi had a shot and the ball fell to Stokes his shot went straight to the keeper. Burge made another important save as Chesterfield pushed forward. Then a long ball up front was missed by the Chesterfield defenders and Nouble pounced, he was too strong for the defender and he had a free run on goal. He ran towards us and drew keeper Lee out a little shimmy then he placed the ball beyond the keeper to give City a 3-1 lead a breathing space. City now were looking confident and knocking the ball around well. Then Chesterfield started to put on the pressure but City were standing firm. Any hopes of relaxing for the final minutes was stopped as a good move saw Aribiyi fire in low to put Chesterfield back in the game. We then thought we had won the game when Barton lashed the ball home but he was off side. Jackson then replaced Nouble to see out the game. We were now worried that we were going to see another Sheffield United and the City players did look nervous but City saw out the game for a vital win. Chesterfield had eleven shots on target this is the most by three we have faced in any game this season!


Man of the match
1st Jordan Willis: Solid
2nd Frank Nouble: A handful
3rd Lee Burge Praised by the Chesterfield fan on their phone as having a good game.
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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptyWed Mar 11, 2015 9:59 am

Coventry City Vs Bradford City

So we had our game in hand a chance to pull away from the bottom four visiting were Bradford City a team with a knack in the last couple of years of beating higher division teams. The Bantams’ main danger man was Hanson as unlike City they hold on to players that score. This was the reverse fixture of the opening day of the season that seems a long way back now and Jim O’Brien and Marcus Tudgay were the only City players to start both games! The state of the pitch had again deteriorated thanks to the “egg chasers” playing on it recently. The main news was the dropping of Samuel from the 1st team as T.M. sent out his side with Burge in goal, Phillips, Pennington, Martin and Stokes at the back, in midfield we had Odelusi, O’Brien, Fleck and Barton with Tudgay and Nouble up front.

The first incident happened in the 3rd minute when Hanson found room in the penalty area sung and shot over when he should have done a lot better. Despite that City had settled down well as Tudgay and Nouble combined leaving Marcus to play in the big forward but from yards out somehow he fired wide. City were certainly a lot more direct under Mowbrary and have cut out taking every free kick quickly. City won a corner but referee Mr Friend spotting some shoving by City and awarded a free kick if it was the other way around I doubt he would have awarded a penalty. City attacked again and it was the livewire O’Brien who was racing around trying to get City going and the captain almost laid on a goal when his deep cross after a corner was read by Martin who beat the keeper to the ball only to see his back-header sail just over. City’s back four were keeping Bradford at bay and Hanson was being well marshalled by the central defenders. Phillips then blasted wide as the teams looked fairly even. Nouble then fired wide before Odelusi hit one over. O’Brien was still haring about and tried his luck with a stinging shot that was blocked. Then another great chance as Tudgay rose high to get a free header but failed to hit the target. Then just entering injury time Odelusi got the ball and cut inside showing some skill and drawing players towards him, he then slipped in Phillips who blasted for the corner of the net and Nouble slid in to tap it home and to give City the lead.

Bradford made two changes for the second half but the first action of the second forty five minutes saw Phillips go down without anyone near him he needed treatment and had to go of with concussion on came Webster and City had to a reshuffle at the back. Bradford were now in control and it started to feel like the siege we had against Milton Keynes. The away side were firing in a series of quality crosses but it was Burge coming off his line time and again showing good handling a bit like his keeping coach used to. Burge then had to smoother a shot straight at him before City won a corner in a rare attack. Mowbrary made his second change taking off Odelusi and throwing on Samuel. O’Brien then was pulled back by the ref for having his feet too high in a clearance. The referee Mr Friend seemed to be giving everything Bradford’s way in the second half and ignoring fouls on the City players. Pennington was then book not too surprisingly with a badly timed tackle before the third and final sub as surprisingly O’Brien was taken off and even more surprisingly Proschwitz was sent on meaning City had four out-and-out forwards on the pitch defending a lead. Meanwhile Nouble was brought down in a manner that might of even got a Wasps player in trouble on Sunday but Mr Friend missed it. It was still mostly Bradford as City lost the ball in midfield and Martin ended up bringing down a player on the edge of the box. “Line the wall up correctly” I shouted to Burge as Yeates stepped up and curled a brilliant free kick into the net the third time in four home games the away side have scored directly from a free kick at the Ricoh. City did respond and gained more of the ball whilst Bradford were still going all out for a win making it an entertaining affair. City finally had a shot in the second half but it was wide. Then Nouble went on a run into the box he should have squared it to Samuel who was unmarked but didn’t and he was crowded out. Then a golden chance as Stokes picked out Proschwitz in the box and the big German who has looked hopeless so far somehow dragged his shot wide in one of the misses of the season. The game could go either way as we headed towards the end when Proschwitz lost the ball in midfield I demanded he be taken off and City play with ten men. Bradford exploited the mistake and got in a good cross Hanson, who had been very quiet, leapt and header down it looked a certain goal until Burge showed great reflexes to get a hand on the ball and stop it crossing the line. That was it and City moved a mere two points from the drop zone when we should have won the game.

Man of the match
1st Lee Burge: Commanded his area well
2nd Jim O’Brien: Worked hard
3rd: Marcus Tudgay: A lot of his work went un noticed
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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySun Mar 08, 2015 10:03 am

Coventry City Vs Port Vale

So we waited for Mowbrary’s first team selection but it had only one change the line-up was in goal Burge, with Phillips, Martin, Pennington and Stokes at the back, in midfield we had O’Brien, Fleck and Barton with three up front Tudgay in the centre and Samuel and Nouble in more wider positions. Just fewer than 10,000 turned up a disappointing turn out. Vale had plenty of ex-Cov connections with Robert Page as manager and winger Mark Marshall who we should have signed last season and Carl Dickinson at full back. City meanwhile had temporary players, a temporary manager and a temporary pitch which was showing signs of ware.

We wanted a good start and we got one as O’Brien decided to try one from near the “22” and to our surprise it beat Chris Neal to give City the lead and to put the Captain as top scorer with a mere five. The first player into Mr Russell’s book was Dickinson for a foul on Nouble. City kept up the pressure when Tudgay fed Samuel whose powerful shot was deflected wide by a defender into the side-netting. Vale, backed by their noisy following slowly got back into the game and again, like against M.K. Dons it was a City old boy, this time Marshall who was the main danger. One main difference between our side and Port Vale’s is that Vale hold on to their top scorers in Tom Pope whilst we sell anyone scoring over ten, no danger this season. Vale came close to levelling it near the twenty minute mark with a header. Before a drive saw Pope throw himself at the ball but thankfully was just short. Vale won an increasing number of corners. Tudgay then fired high as City were getting the ball forward a lot quicker, Pope then header over in a good game. A Vale player then had his foot too high and Mr Russell awarded a free kick but most damage was done to the player as he was taken off on a stretcher not before he was booked. Samuel then had a shot blocked before Phillips cushioned a header back to Burge. Marshall was still the main threat as Martin just about stopped one of his runs. With five minutes to go City broke as a ball over the defence fell to Pope he slide the ball past Burge on his left post, Pope looked off side but the linesman on our side ran back shaking his head in response to the off side appeals from the fans. Marshall again weaved his way in before having a shot blocked before Samuel forced an easy save from Neal. Then with seconds of normal time remaining Marshall got into the box and received the ball and beat Burge, the former City player was about to celebrate before showing respect to his old team by not celebrating.

City started well in the second half as Phillips had a shot the fullback then found space but O’Brien refused to pick him out instead sending a ball to the left that resulted in an off side. Marshall again won a corner before the other danger man Pope had a shot blocked. Finally T.M. made the changes as Odelusi and Williams came on for Barton and Tudgay as City switched to a conventional 4-4-2. Marshall forced Burge into a save but in the 69th minute City broke forward via Nouble he held the ball up and fed Odelusi with only the keeper to beat and just as I said “he must score” he did to level the game up. Vale hit back and piled on the pressure and soon won a free kick, O’Connor took it and was inches away from Burge’s left hand post. Vale were looking like they could break into the box until an angry O’Brien brought one down before picking up a yellow card, O’Connor took the kick again and this time he was on target. Jackson replaced O’Brien as City tried but in truth Vale looked comfortable as they saw out the rest of the game but thankfully City stayed out of the bottom four and have a chance on Tuesday to open up a gap but we need to start winning.

Man of the Match
1st Jim O’Brien Hard work and a goal
2nd Aaron Phillips Needs the ball more
3rd Samni Odelusi Scored a goal

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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptyWed Mar 04, 2015 12:21 pm

Barnsley Vs Coventry City

We travelled the short trip to Barnsley with knowledge of a new manager but the main talking point of his contract only eight weeks! “Temporary Tony’s Sky Blue Army”. He joins most of the squad whose contract will be up at the end of the season. Oakwell is always a nice place to visit and it was no different last night as we heard the team news with Burge in goal, Phillips, Pennington, Martin and Stokes at the back, O’Brien, Fleck, Barton and the returning Odelusi in midfield leaving Tudgay and Samuel up front a partnership that between them has scored one fifth of City’s league goals this season, seven.

With the game still settling down their keeper Davies attempted to clear the ball but Samuel was on to this and charged the kick down the ball rebounded and went inches wide. Barnsley to have a new manager making his first home appearance as the Tykes were trying to look for their forth straight win and taking them away from the drop zone. The “Old Boy” curse almost surfaced again when Martin Cranie headed wide from a corner. We hoped Barnsley would be inflicted by that curse as well as the only goal scorer from last season’s cup meeting, O’Brien was know our captaining in fact Cranie was the only Barnsley player to start in that game last season and was playing tonight whilst Fleck was the only City survivor. City again were lax during a corner as Cranie got in another header but thankfully it was straight at Burge. The atmosphere in the away end was quite good unlike the quality on the pitch, as we taunted the quiet Yorkshire folk with “He thought you were s***” in reference to O’Brien. The very same player then almost proved us right with a great ball to Tudgay who bent it around the keeper hitting the post. Most City’s attacks were halted by the linesman’s flag as Samuel kept drifting into an off side position. The game then settled into a dull phase with both side looking poor Barnsley looking not as poor as City. The home side did then launch a dangerous attack as Scowen raced forward and threatened to break through until Martin brought him down and earning a booking from the referee My Harrington. Tudgay headed over after a cross from Phillips but it was still dire stuff. Samuel then had a shot but it lacked power. Half time came with no much excitement.

Second half saw City attacking the away end but it was the home side doing most of the attacking as they headed over from an early corner. Burge then had to field a shot straight at him. At the other end City should have taken the lead after a deep cross from O’Brien found Odelusi at the far post his header as weak and straight at the keeper. Barnsley then won a free kick it was delivered well and Waring got to the ball before I could say “open goal” it was in the back of the net. The caretakers immediately made a change replacing Tudgay with Proschwitz but the big man failed to win a header for the rest of the game. Nouble then came on for a disappointing Odelusi. Three minutes later we had the latest in a long line of forward players to play this season as Blair Turgott replaced Barton and City went all out attack. Nouble was making a difference as he started to run at the defence causing some problems he then set up Samuel who managed to get two shots charged down before Nouble fired the ball across the goal,. Stokes was close but he seemed to be on the back-foot any contact he would have scored. Nouble showed more great skill on the left and seemed to be brought down but the referee’s view was blocked and the linesman was on the other side of the pitch. City won a corner and Pennington was picked out but his header was cleared off the line and that was it.
Thankfully other results went for us but Mowbrary has his hands full.

Man of the match
1st Frank Nouble: Needs to play up front TM.
2nd Michael Pennington: Calm at the back
3rd: The fans: Another miserable night.
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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySun Mar 01, 2015 10:41 am

Coventry City Vs Milton Keynes Dons

So we were in an interim period waiting to see who the new manager will be in the meantime Neil MacFarlane and Dave Hockaday took charge. Not too many changes to the team but one talking point was letting Jamie Jones leave and not replacing him but the main topic of conversation was the return of Carl Baker. The line-up was in goal Burge, with Phillips, Pennington, Webster and Stokes in defence, in midfield we had Barton, O’Brien, Fleck and in an attacking role Williams leaving Tudgay and Samuel up front.

Most eyes were on Carl Baker as the 2nd placed club started well and it was the former captain who had the first chance when he found himself with a shot on goal from a narrow angle but Burge blocked the shot. City were also looking good and carved out a chance when a great ball from Fleck sent Samuel in on goal but the keeper McLoughlin came out and blocked the shot. Williams took the corner and he picked out Stokes on the far side the defender got a good header on goal and despite a player on the goal line the ball hit the back of the net to signal the first goal for the impressive left back. City fans were still buzzing from the goal when we broke again through Fleck who took the ball forward and slid it to Samuel who made no mistake with City’s 2nd and his 4th doing something in five games the other forwards had failed to do in 30 odd games, score more than three goals. The Dons hit back and almost got right back into it as one of their forwards had a clear shot on target until Barton slid in with one of his long legs to perfectly hook the ball away. Baker was behind just about every move the visitors made and had a shot blocked as he tried to find room for a shot. A dangerous ball was flashed across the City box but City were standing firm with Barton nipping in for countless important interceptions. Another good cross from Baker seemed to be heading for a team mate until Pennington improvised with a back heel to clear the danger. Baker had another shot blocked but at the other end Samuel and Tudgay constantly had their shirts tugged without the referee spotting the offence. O’Brien then cleared the ball with an over head kick. City hung on comfortably until half time and where provisionally out of the relegation zone.

Second half saw the massive disappointment that is Williams being taken off and replaced by George Thomas. If City were under pressure in the later part of the 1st half the 2nd half was a total siege. An early blocked shoot followed by a couple of corners finally lead to Burge saving with his legs. Burge in goal looks a totally different keeper from earlier in the season he now looks a lot more confident and assured. Near the 55th minute City launched a counter attack involving Phillips but City lost the ball and Dons quickly sprang forward, Baker got into the gap left by Phillips showed good skill to find Powell who stabbed home to bring their team back into it. The noisy away fans now could sense a come back with we looked like we could lose a two goal lead twice in a row. O’Brien had a shot blocked in a rare foray forward before the caretakers made their first change off went Tudgay and on came new singing Nick Proschwitz the 10th forward player with have brought in from another club this season. The big German forward didn’t look too bad the rare times he had the ball. Burge was on hand again to push away a shot as the 2nd placed team still were dominating. City survived another couple of corners as I was already looking at my watch to see how much time we had left. O’Brien again cleared with an overhead kick as it was all hands to the pumps. Baker had yet another shot saved as he was trying his hardest to keep City in the bottom four. Another blocked shot before some missed shots for the away side as City counted down the clock. You could tell Burge had been coached by Oggy by the way he was wasting time by kicking the mud off his boots before each goal kick. Baker was still the main threat and he was about to dribble his way into the box before Barton brought him down. The free kick was in a similar place where McSheffrey scored from but Baker found the wall and not the back of the net. Another blocked shot before O’Brien was withdrawn, if Pressley was still in charge no doubt the fans would have rounded on him instead they applauded as the captain was replaced by Finch. City changed formation to 4-5-1 to see out the game as we had given up on attacking. City players were still throwing themselves in front of every shot getting some vital blocks in. At the back Burge’s handling was good but City were just about hanging on. Burge was finally booked for time wasting as everyone was biting their finger nails. In to injury time now as Baker put one over before yet another block then very deep in injury time Phillips was booked for a crude challenge giving the away side a free kick, the sent their keeper forward the ball into the box got a flick on but Burge smothered it. The City fans wanted him to kick it quick for a shot on goal but when he did the referee blew for full time to signal a long awaited win and a climb out of the bottom four.

The end of the game it certainly looked like MacFarlane was saying goodbye to the fans and players.

Man of the Match
1st Lee Burge: Looks like he is a good keeper after all
2nd Adam Barton: Some important defensive work
3rd Matthew Pennington: Far better at centre back than at right back.

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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySun Feb 22, 2015 1:32 pm

Sheffield United Vs Coventry City

My 14th trip to Brammel Lane always a nice ground to visit as we got there in plenty of time to spare, we had the first influence of U21 coach Dave Hockaday as he brought in defender Chris Stokes from Forest Green Rovers but he had the difficult task of marking Campbell-Ryce. The full team was in goal Jones, with Stokes, Pennington, Martin and Phillips; we had O’Brien, Barton and Fleck with forwards Williams, Tudgay and Samuel.

City attacked the away end in the first half and started fairly well. Referee Mr Drysdale got in early with a yellow card for United. After seven minutes we had a very half-hearted anti Sisu protest. City were the first to have a shot as City continued to probe. Old City player Michael Doyle almost got to a cross then Jones had his first shot to save. O’Brien was then booked as the game was even and City were looking better then for a while. Jones was looking confident and I hope he is signs. O’Brien then had a shot but it was wide. Then after eighteen minutes Baxter flew in on Barton two-footed the City players surrounded the ref who took his time before sending him off that even Blades’ manager Nigel Clough said was a red card. City started to take control with Barton pulling the strings. Pennington then had a header on target as City kept pressing. After a wayward shot by United Samuel was booked as many City fans predicted we would have a player sent off before the end of the game. The home side won a corner but Jones caught the ball and launched it down field, Samuel latched on to it and showed great pace and strength to go through then to beat the keeper to give City the lead. A blue flare was lit in the away end as City fans celebrated. Samuels and O’Brien both had shots as City looked in control. Aaron Phillips also had a good game fired over before knocking in a great cross. Barton was added to the list of booking before the half time came.

Bad news from our relegation rival as most were winning.

We expected United to come out firing in the second half but it was City that started the better as Phillips crossed to Samuel his shot was saved by former City stopper Turner but Samuel was on hand to knock the ball back into the net to make it two. United started to push forward but City were standing firm with Martin outstanding at the back. As the rain came down City made their first sub and it was a surprise as Barton went off to be replaced by Finch, maybe Barton was suffering for the tackle early on or he doesn’t like the rain as we sang “He’s off because it’s raining”, what ever it was a blow. Minutes later Williams went off after his best performance so far but nowhere near good enough he was replaced by George Thomas. The youngster immediately got into the action shooting not far wide. “We are staying up” sang the City fans but I refused to join in as I sang that in our top-flight days. Tudgay then had a shot as only one result looked likely. Then Tudgay had the ball in the area and unselfishly tried to find Samuel. Untied now were getting more of the ball and it took a cracking tackle in the penalty area by Martin to prevent a shot. Third and final sub was then taken as Stokes went off after a great debut to be replaced by Haynes. United were getting closer and missed an easy chance but minutes later a goal bound shot was brilliantly blocked on the line by Pennington but the ball fell to Doyle who lobbed Jones to put the home side back in the game, so for the second week running a former City player scored against us. Now the home fans were fully behind the team and City were wobbling and two minutes later Murphy fired them level to disbelief in the away end. To our amazement a stream of home fans were still leaving the ground. United sat back happy with a point City pushed forward but couldn’t find a goal and with a series of bizarre results coming from teams around us we left in the relegation zone.

Man of the Match
1st Dominic Samuel at last a forward with pace
2nd Adam Barton Would have won if he didn’t have to go off with an injury.
3rd Aaron Martin Outstanding at the back
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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptyWed Feb 11, 2015 12:46 pm

Coventry City Vs Scunthorpe United

Still unable to cycle or drive I decided to head for the Ricoh using public transport and to be fair the ground was well served from near were I lived. Got in the ground around seven and after a cup of coffee took my seat in sparsely populated ground. Later the team was announced it was in goal Jones, with Phillips, Martin, Pennington and Willis in defence, in midfield we had Williams, Fleck, O’Brien and making his 50th league appearance Barton, up front we had Tudgay and Samuels. Most eyes however were on Jordan Clarke and Gary McSheffrey in the Iron’s line up.

City attacked the home end first as Williams put in a shot early on. City won a corner but it came to nothing as both sides seemed evenly balanced. At the other end McSheffrey hit a good cross that Jones scrambled to get to. Both sides were still probing when a ricochet found Williams and he shot first time just wide. United then shot wide in a game well run by Mr Johnson the referee. Then a real chance as Williams played in Samuels who broke free he entered the area with everyone screaming “shoot” but he delayed too long allowing a defender rob him with a good tackle. At the other end Sheff went down too easily unfortunately the referee thought it was a foul and ordered a free kick. Sheff lined up to take the kick before sending it directly into the net with Jones stranded a great finish, Sheff refused to celebrate the goal which drew warm applause from the City fans. Jones then had catching practice in the goal before City started to hit back with a good cross from Phillips. City were looking good in midfield with Barton using the ball well but most passes were sideways and too slow. Barton then put in a good cross and Martin forced the keeper into a save. Fleck then did well to pick out the marauding Phillips but his shot was off target. At the other end Osborne fired on wide after a cross from Jordan Clarke. City came closer with five minutes to go when Tudgay found Samuels and his shot was parried by the visiting keeper. Half time City loosing as I and many checked the scores from the bottom four teams thankfully they were all loosing.

Second half saw the same things with City’s slow build up proving easy for Scunthorpe to defend but it could have got worse after 57 minutes when McSheffrey went down in the box but thankfully Mr Johnson indicated it was a dive and booked him, Sheff never changes. The fans were getting impatient at the slow build up play when after an hour Madden found room and hit the crossbar a lucky escape. Finally some action on the bench as George Thomas and Ryan Haynes replaced Willis and the disappointing Williams. The change didn’t seem to make much different as the crowd became increasingly frustrated. O’Brien, lively as ever threw himself into a tackle and in some ways was lucky to only get a yellow card. Pressley made his final change and it wasn’t a popular one off went O’Brien and on came Jackson as the fans turned on the manager with “You don’t know what you are doing”. Samuels then got a shot it but he was nowhere as good as he was on his debut. City were finally getting forward a little quicker and a good work from Jackson and Barton set up Tudgay who needed a good touch to score but got the ball stuck under his feet. Samuels then blasted a cross wide as City looked doomed to defeat. Jones then kept City in the game saving with his legs as time went on. Scunthorpe went high before Thomas, playing far too deep, also fired over. Five minutes of injury time was added and two into this Jones had a goal kick as all ten outfield players went up for the attack Fleck flicked on the kick to find Tudgay whose first time volley seemed too high until it dipped and found the back of the net for a great goal putting the forward on two league goals making a real contender for top scorer this season. City go four points clear but have some tough games coming up.

Back on the bus got home at 10.30.

Man of the match
1st Adam Barton: Passes well should shoot more
2nd Aaron Phillips: Good to have him back
3rd: John Fleck: Set up the goal

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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySun Feb 08, 2015 7:46 pm

Preston North End Vs Coventry City

After my accident on Friday and a hospital appointment Saturday I thought I had no chance to make the game but the N.H.S must be on turbo because I got home around ten. Not long after Paul rang waiting for the others when they joined the car they suggested that they could get to me which they did. So there was I will a freshly broken clavicle heading north. The most boring stat about this game was the fact we have never won a league game at Deepdale. This was my fiftieth visit but did see us win there in the league cup. We were looking forward to the new attacking players that had been brought in since the last game but we hoped Nouble wouldn’t be dropped. In the ground we heard the team news and Nouble was playing but on the wing were he is wasted. The line up was in goal Burge, with the back four of Willis, Webster, Martin and maybe playing his last game Pennington. In midfield we had Nouble, O’Brien, Barton and Fleck with Samuels and new boy Luke Williams up front.

The away-end were in fine voice but the game wasn’t great as Preston looked as bad as we were. I was worry about Burge being in goal but he looked calm enough “between the sticks”. Then out of the blue Gallagher crossed and Davies totally unmarked beat Burge to the ball to fire the home side into a lead. Preston then should have made it two minutes later but he went high. Fleck and Barton were working hard on the wing and Samuels was trying to find space up front but Williams wasn’t playing too well up front and Nouble was isolated on the wing. The Lillywhites then went very close as Davies had close range header on target but Burge leapt to his left and tipped it over the bar a great save. After 40 minutes City finally had a shot, not on target but at least O’Brien had a go. The half ended with Burge pushing the ball over the bar.

We all hoped City could get a shot on target in the second half. “You’re nothing special, we loose every week” was sung by the City fans taunting the home fans. Finally after 54 minutes we got a shot on goal but Pennington’s header was nothing to worry the home keeper. Then City should have levelled as Williams did well down the left and squared the ball to Nouble who only had the keeper to beat but he skied it. Pressley decided on a change as Tudgay was ready to come on and Williams was being taken off then O’Brien raced over spotting that Nouble had picked up an injury and demanded that Nouble be taken off and Pressley listen to his orders and made the change, I started a “Jim O’Brien’s Sky Blue Army” chant. Another shot at Burge from a free kick was just about held onto by the keeper. City were getting slightly better as Barton tried his luck from outside the area forcing a corner. Samuels then had a header saved as tick ticked on, not like I noticed because I didn’t have my watch on. Then more injuries as Webster had to go off and the manager made the bold move by throwing on George Thomas. The busy O’Brien then had a shot blocked before Fleck put in great tackle. City got closer towards the end as Samuels curled over before Fleck hit a cracking shot onto the post and that was it.

Man of the match
1st: Jim O’Brien: Player manager
2nd: Adam Barton: Shoot more often
3rd: John Fleck: Tried his best.

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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySun Feb 01, 2015 10:25 am

Coventry City Vs Rochdale

As promised Steve Waggott landed two new players for this game as we took on Rochdale who were looking for a play off place. The line up was making his home debut Jones, with Johnson, Webster, Martin and Willis in defence with O’Brien, Finch, Fleck and debutant Samni Odelusi, up front and great to see him playing there Nouble and making his debut was Dominic Samuel.

We waited to see what the new players could deliver and after a minute Odelusi had a shot on target. Meanwhile Samuel was looking lively up front with Nouble playing well but Rochdale were also playing well but the defence were holding well. Then a great piece of skill as O’Brien flicked the ball over his own head and raced into the other half but his final ball was wasted. Odelusi than beat his man passed it received a cross but headed it wide. The referee wasn’t very good giving several strange decisions. City’s set pieces were again poor as we struggled to find any heads from corners. At the other end Rochdale were looking strong as they had a shot blocked. At the other end Willis made great progress and crossed to Nouble who headed narrowly wide. Sisu out chants rang down from the “Naughty Corner” as the game went on. Then after the twenty third minute Nouble took the ball forward Samuel found space and was screaming for the ball as he had a clear run but Nouble held onto the ball before putting in a great pass to O’Brien who went clear with a run in on goal with only the keeper to beat but Lillis came out and blocked but the ball fell to Samuel who hit it first time from outside the area into the back of the net. Rochdale hit back as Rafferty got room down the left easily beat Johnson before finding Camps who beat Jones from the edge of the area a little bit too easily. With the crowd still recovering from the goal City hit back six minutes later as Nouble held onto the ball and passed to Odelusi, the winger jinxed towards the box before curling the ball past the keeper to give the lead again a great goal. Rochdale then had a shot blocked. City then came very close as Samuel showed some trickery out wide and slide a ball along the ground to Nouble but despite throwing himself at it could make contact for a tap in before half time came with City leading and everyone hopeful.

Nouble had limped off so we were worried to see Haynes warming up but it was Johnson who again was injured. Rochdale started brightly in the second half and forced a couple of corners. City seemed to be sitting back as Rochdale were on top as they went close with a header. City slowly started to get back into the game as Nouble had a shot pushed around the post. Rochdale then went close in an entertaining game. The referee then had a big moment as Webster seemed to be taken out off the ball but the opposing player was only booked. City were still sitting too deep as Jones pushed over a shot from distance. The corner wasn’t defended well as a player headed it back and Dawson miss-hit his header to level the game up. Webster then headed just wide as City were coming out of their shell a bit more. A big moment as Webster seemed to slip leaving Henderson a free run on goal but to our relief Mr Woolmer blew for a foul only he saw the Rochdale player was rightly furious and was booked for protesting. To give Rochdale credit they were not sitting back looking for a draw they kept pushing forwards looking for all three points. Rochdale went close again before Samuel also went close. Jones pulled off a good save as either side could win it. Pressley then made his second change as the tired looking Odelusi went off to be replaced by Jackson meaning Nouble was switched wide. It was the sub that then forced the keeper into a save to his left. Jones again saved in an end-to-end match. Samuel went down in the box but it was nowhere near a penalty. Martin then was the next to test Lillis in the goal but it was another save. The game ended with both teams going for a win in one of the most entertaining games of a dull season but only a point means City are still hover above the drop zone.

Man of the match
1st Frank Nouble: Please keep him up front
2nd Dominic Samuel: A massive improvement on the plodding Madine
3rd: Samni Odelusi: Looked skilful and pacy

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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySun Jan 25, 2015 10:44 am

Yeovil Town vs. Coventry City

It was decided to go by coach for the long trip to Dorset. No hold ups on the way in the longest trip of the season and we were soon at Huish Park. Yeovil were bottom but had just got two good results whilst City had good news on the injury front and a new keeper to watch. The team was in goal Jamie Jones, with Willis, Webster, ex Yeovil player Martin and the welcomed return of Johnson. In midfield we had O’Brien, Fleck, Finch and Nouble with Jackson and Madine up front. Before the game we spoke to Steve Waggott about things. He was disappointed at the results, he said that he was 50/50 if Madine was going to join the club and it was up to Sheff Wed, he was hoping to bring in a speedy left winger and a defensive midfielder.

We stood on terracing a rare treat these days and thankfully it was a dry day. City attacked the far end in the first half. We had to defend a few early free kicks but we looked solid enough. Madine was the first to test the keeper but it was an easy enough save. Then after twenty minutes O’Brien was brought down and Willis surprised everyone by taking the free kick but he put it over. The game was very dull two poor sides that struggle to score. I was keeping a close watch on Jones in the goal and he looked confident enough he had good handling and looked better than Allsop. After half an hour Yeovil got a shot on target but it was tame and straight at Jones. Both team seemed to find it difficult to keep the ball on the pitch apart from Fleck who was passing well. City’s back four were dominate with Webster and Martin winning everything but the game was very, very dull. I then notice, on the crush barriers a Sheffield Wednesday fan had scratched “Wednesday” onto them but he missed out the “e” this was the highlight of the first half.

The second half must be better and it was as City looked to attack a bit more and won a couple of early corners. Meanwhile it was apparent that Nouble was totally wasted out wide as he had two players marking him and when we won a corner he didn’t go into the box and use his height instead , no doubt on instructions stayed outside the area. Then a big moment as Johnson made it into the area he was brought down and the excellent referee Mr Haines awarded a spot kick. Madine took it to the keeper’s right but Steer guessed correctly and push it away meaning we have now had three out of four penalties saved this season each one taken by a different player. Madine then headed over form the corner. At the other end Jones showed good handling by catching a shot at the other end. Yeovil had a couple of shots go wide but they were not given much space by the City team working hard. Nouble then had a rare break but his cross was missed by Jackson in the area who may have been shoved over. Pressley threw on fit again Tudgay for Jackson and the front man immediately was caught off side twice. Fleck fired over as City looked for a way in. Madine then came close with a header but putting in another shot but could not get enough curl on his shot. Not long to go and a scramble was cleared at the other end with the home fans appealing for a penalty. Yeovil had a couple of late chances but wasted them before the referee finally blew to end a dull game.

Got home just after 9.

Man of the Match
1st Andy Webster Solid
2nd Jon Fleck Passed well
3rd Jamie Jones At last a keeper
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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySun Jan 18, 2015 10:38 am

Gillingham Vs Coventry City

The day started well enough with breakfast at Lutterworth something we like to do now and again. The trip down was uneventful as we stopped for a coffee just before the Dartford Bridge. Not long after we notice the team enter, Paul made a bee-line for Pete “the cone man” whilst we watched as Allsop and Madine had a go on the “grab a toy crane game”. We reached Gillingham in plenty of time and parked up for a mere £3 and the staff there offered everyone that used their car park a free biscuit, very nice. Inside the ground, which our end is open on top of some scaffolding we heard the team news in goal maybe for the last time Allsop, with Willis, Webster, Martin and Haynes at the back, Nouble, Thomas, Fleck and Swanson in midfield with Madine and Gillingham legend Jackson up front. So we started two massive games in which we needed a least four points from.

Gillingham, who have no manger and had lost four in a row, attacked the away end first and had a shot, blocked in the opening minute. Minutes later City won the first corner of the day at the other end. Fleck then had a shot blocked before Gillingham should have taken the lead when a player we should have never let go, Cody McDonald fired in a shot Allsop parried but the ball fell to home debutant Marquis with only the keeper to beat but Ryan got to his feet quick and showed great reflexes but blocking a shot at close range. Sometimes going to away games can be a real laugh and the entertainment today was provided by a fan in the way end by a fan that had “12 Yager Bombs” according to him anyway. He was great fun singing out his home address and other songs keeping the other fans singing. Then Gillingham fired wide in a pretty good game. Madine had a shot at the other end but it was the City wide players of Nouble and Swanson who looked the most dangerous. Marquis then fired one wide as the game could go either way. It was Marquis again going close as he fired in an overhead kick that hit the crossbar. Another effort from Madine was blocked before at our end another shot went wide. Then Gillingham launched a dangerous attack and it seemed that McDonald was going to break free but Willis tracked him back well and just did enough to prevent him shooting. The ball was cleared to Swanson who ran at the Gills’ defence. He beat one, he beat two and into the box he looked like he would score goal of the season until he was brought down and the referee Mr Linington awarded a spot kick. The last time City scored from a penalty in the league was last season at Gillingham and this was the fourth longest run without scoring one from the start of the season for around 66 years. Madine stepped up and tucked the penalty away to give City the lead. Half time City winning but Gillingham still well in it.

City started well with a shot from Fleck before Jackson turned in the area but couldn’t get any power on it. Gillingham then started to take a grip and pushed City back with a series of corners and shots most of them wide. Willis then made a good serge up field. City were then forced to make a change as Thomas went down with an injury and was replaced by Barton. City then had a good chance as Nouble found room and looked set for a run on goal but was halted by the lineman signalling, correctly, off side. The pressure grew as Gillingham were throwing everything at City but the Sky Blues were not countering very well. Another blocked shot and a couple more misses from Marquis as the clock counted down. With 15 to go Pressley took off a disappointing Jackson and threw on Miller before Marquis again had a shot blocked and then one saved. With ten to go Pressley decided to “shut up shop” sending on Finch for Swanson but this backfired in the worse way possible as half a minute later another attack saw the ball fired in and Marquis was on hand for a tap in and we had a deflating feeling in the away end. McDonald headed one over before the same player raced into the box and went down under a challenge from Haynes, it was difficult to tell if there was enough contact but the lineman was ideally placed and had no hesitation giving it and since the officials had a good game it maybe was a spot kick. McDonald stepped and scored with a very well taken penalty that Allsop would never have saved even if he went the right way. City tried to hit back with a shot from Fleck, whose goal scoring record at City is nothing short of embarrassing before Haynes forced a save. And deep in injury time Gillingham countered leaving McGlashan to rifle home and send City nearer the drop. Rumours are Pressley has lost her dressing room one thing for sure he has now lost the fans.

Man of the match
1st The fans Sang throughout and are desperate for at least one good season
2nd Danny Swanson: Showed a willingness to run at defenders
3rd Jordan Willis: Unlucky to be dropped.

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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptyTue Jan 13, 2015 10:00 am

Coventry City Vs Swindon Town

Normally this game might have drew a 10,000+ crowd but good old “Believe in better” Sky decided to air the game on a Monday night that and wet and miserable weather meant only the hard core of around 7,000 turned up on the night. It was a night of another protest but it seems every time we do this we loose heavily. A win would lift City eight places to 10th meanwhile Swindon needed a win by two goals to top the table. Pressley made the predicted changes to the side that beat Walsall but goal scorer Tudgay wasn’t even in the squad! The team was in goal Allsop, with Pennington, Webster, Martin and Haynes at the back, Nouble, Connor Thomas, Fleck and O’Brien in midfield leaving Jackson and Madine up front.

The game started with a “Sisu Out” chant as City attacked the away end in the first half. City started brightly when Nouble fed Jackson, the Canadian got in and forced the Robins’ keeper Foderingham into a save. Seven minutes was the mark for the protest as fans held up the large red card with “Go” on it to represent the seven years Sisu have been ruining the club. The cards were still up when Toffolo whipped in a cross and top scorer Williams scored with a header. Swindon the team with the best away record in League One were no surprisingly full of confidence as they set up another attack with a through ball into the box that Allsop stayed static for forcing Webster to find “row z” before lambasting the keeper. City won a free kick but O’Brien’s set piece was not accurate enough and that pattern continued throughout the game. Swindon playing 5-3-2 a formation our fans demanded be dropped, the same formation is also used by Bristol City and both Robins use it well with fullbacks given licence to get forward giving City plenty of trouble. After 16 minutes a neat move saw Thompson get into the box with a free shot but Nouble shoved him down from behind a clear penalty but thankfully the referee Mr Stroud didn’t follow that up with a red as the forward did deign a clear goal scoring opportunity. Williams stepped up and sent Allsop the wrong way to put them top. “We are top of the league” sang the away fans something City fans haven’t sung that this time in the season since the late 60’s. Swindon were now in control as Smith fired one wide but then City had a great chance as the ball fell to Connor who blasted over keeping the appalling goal scoring record of City’s midfield intact. Smith, a former target of Pressley, then fired wide again as City looked like they could loose by a hat full. At the other end Madine was being marked out of the game but Nouble and Jackson were looking better as the smaller of the two had a shot blocked. City then had a chance as a ball found Madine and he ran into the box but I had no confidence in a goal and he was blocked out before he could shoot. Another O’Brien free kick came to nothing as the half drew to a close.


City needed an early goal in the second half to get back in it and would have done if any other player on the field would have had a great cross from Nouble land on their head but it fell to Connor and his header looked more like a back pass and a shot. At the other end Swindon were happy to counter and nearly made it three but Allsop stuck a leg out to block the ball in a good save. City were trying but they were out classed by the visitors but then a rare mistake as a ball from the back fell to Fleck if he raced into the area but was closed down when an earlier shot might have produced a goal but the midfielder has yet to score this season. Our only hope seemed to be Nouble who was causing trouble out wide and one run saw him drag a shot wide. Pressley then made a change taking off O’Brien and bringing on Swanson. Pennington then headed over from another Nouble cross as City kept trying. Young George Thomas came on for Jackson with ten minutes to go but before he touched the ball a mix up at the back saw Obika ghost in round Allsop before making it three. City fans ended with the anthem “we’re s*** and we’re sick of it”.

Man of the Match
1st Frank Nouble: The only one with skill
2nd Simeon Jackson: Ran all night but no service.
3rd No one: No one else deserves a mention
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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySun Jan 04, 2015 10:32 am

Walsall Vs Coventry City

We decided to go by train for today’s game with a station next to the ground it was no touble. Problems at the back as Webster warmed up but didn’t make the starting line up so it was a very inexperienced back four but this was nothing as the shock waiting for us as who was playing up front. The first line up of the year was in goal Allsop, the back four were Phillips, Pennington, Willis and Haynes, in midfield we had O’Brien, Thomas, Fleck and Nouble with Jackson and the big news Tudgay up front.

Walsall have had one defeat in 9 and a win would put them in the top six whilst for the second game in a row we were facing one of the division’s top scorer this time in the shape of Tom Bradshaw. City have an appalling record in the first league game of the year when it is away in the midlands with out a win in six also to rub salt into the wounds this was the first time in 51 years City were not playing a league game around F.A. Cup Third Round Day. City started well attacking the far end and won an early corner. The set piece came in and O’Brien advanced into the area and went down, at last a penalty. In the last 66 years we have only gone longer without scoring from the spot in a league game five times. To our surprise it was Tudgay who stepped up and fired a poor shot down the middle and The Saddlers’ keeper O’Donnell saved. City fans were still reeling from this when another attack came in and O’Donnell came out to clear but his clearance fell to O’Brien who hit the ball first time over his shoulder and twenty plus yards out straight on target for a great goal, celebrations in the away end amongst the 1,700 + City fans including Carl Baker. It was City’s first gaol in the first half for ten games. Walsall stung by the goal hit back as Sawyer couldn’t keep his shot down and then Walsall won a free kick allowing referee My Boyeson use his magic spray as it is allowed now in the league but he needs practise as City fans criticised his wobbly line. The free kick was comfortably saved by Allsop who has another two games before his loan ends. Bradshaw then fired over before City’s midfield started to get a grip on the game with Fleck passing well, Thomas working to close down the home team and O’Brien a threat on the wings things were looking up. Fleck tried his luck from distance but went high. City kept up the pressure when Tudgay got his head to the ball only to see O’Donnell push it onto the crossbar. For the first time since the start of the season we had laud “Sisu out” chants from the City fans as no one is happy at the direction they are taking the club. Then Nouble cut in from wide in one of his runs and the shot was deflected wide. The corner was well delivered and found Pennington whose shot looked in until O’Donnell pulled off a brilliant save to keep his team in it. Allsop then save from Michael Cain, no I wasn’t hallucinating there is a player by that name. At the back City were solid which was something considering the average age of the back four and it was the on loan Pennington who was the pick. At the other end Jackson was always looking for room whilst Tudgay was running the line superbly. Walsall went close with a free kick as City really needed a second goal. Half time came with City on top and Radio W.M. picked out O’Brien supported by Phillips as the main danger.

Second half and really to no surprise Walsall came out pumped up and pushed City back. A powerful shot was deflected wide. Allsop then had to smoother a shot from a close ranged Bradshaw. Then it was Walsall’s time to curse their luck as Allsop push out a shot Forde got the ball back in hitting the post. Walsall were winning plenty of free kicks but when Mr Boyeson finally gave City a free kick there were plenty of ironic cheering in the away end. Then almost a controversial moment as Nouble was heading back from an attack the ball was played towards him miles off side but the flag stayed down and Nouble realising his chance played the ball past the keeper but wide. Things were getting heated as Thomas slid in with a poor challenge then Sawyers race in and stated push and shoving, Mr Boyeson kept calm and gave Thomas a yellow card, no complaints there but the travelling fans were not happy Sawyers got away Scot free. Then City had to change again as Phillips went down with a unfortunate injury and the average age of the back four lowered as Finch came on. City were more in control of the game now but at only one goal ahead it was not inconceivable that Walsall could still get a result. Pressley then went for a more solid look as Barton replaced Jackson. Walsall then made their third change as to the delight of City fans former player Manset came on giving the away following the chance of “City reject” and “It could have been you” songs to the player that could have been a first choice here if he had some patients. City running down the clock Nouble got the ball wide and a trick or two confused the defender before winning a corner. Fleck took the kick and picked out Tudgay on the far post and the forward buried the ball into the net for a well deserved and long awaited first goal for the club. City fans were in a buoyant mood as the referee blew for full time leaving City closer to the play offs then to relegation.

Man of the Match
A real tough one as I could pick any three from the eleven that started
1st Marcus Tudgay Finally the player we thought we were going to get
2nd Mat Pennington Best young loan since Jordan Henderson
3rd Jim O’Brien A Baker type goal from the captain.

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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptyMon Dec 29, 2014 9:43 am

Coventry City Vs Chesterfield

So the final game of 2014 as we took on Chesterfield for the first time in a league game since 1961 on a cold day at the Ricoh as Chesterfield had a good following pushing the crowd to over 10,000. City lined up in a 4-4-2 formation with Nouble finally coming back into the team. In goal, maybe for the last time was Allsop, with Pennington, Webster, Martin and Haynes at the back, O’Brien, Connor Thomas and making his 100th league appearance Fleck in midfield with Nouble on the left. Up front were Jackson and Madine. It was reported this was a 5-4-1 formation but Jackson pushed up on Madine and Nouble hugged the left touchline so it wasn’t. Big danger man today was Eoin Doyle who had already scored 21 goals in 24 games something I checked several times to make sure was right. He had 31 shots on target only failing to score with seven of them and his 18 league goals is only six fewer than the entire City squad.

City needed a bright opening and got one when Madine flicked on a ball to Jackson who fan free and forced Lee in the Spirities goal to save with his leg. A minute later the keeper blocked a Nouble shot. City were still looking lively in the opening exchanges with Thomas doing well in midfield and Nouble causing no end of problems out wide. Nouble then had a shot blocked forcing a corner before Fleck fired wide. City kept up the pressure with another corner as Chesterfield were pegged back. The away side started to find their feet but the back four were defending well. The away side got their first shot on target but straight at Allsop. Jackson then picked up an unnecessary booking from the very good referee Mr Handley. City had to defend a couple of corners before Madine flicked one over the bar after a Haynes cross. City were certainly playing a lot better than at Doncaster and were trying to pass the ball forward a lot more too much passing back resulting in booing from the home crowd. League’s One top scorer, Doyle had been anonymous so far but in the 31st minute a miss place pass by Thomas saw the forward advance on goal but his shot was save by Allsop who took up a good position to smother the shot. Then minutes later Nouble again ran at the back four and was brought down, “Penalty” we shouted as Mr Handley ran in by recent experiences I expected him to give Nouble a yellow for diving but instead pointed to the spot. “What happens now?” I asked someone sitting near me, unfortunately the ref trotted over to his assistant a correctly awarded a free kick instead as the foul was just outside the area. O’Brien hit the wall with the kick. Chesterfield fired one over the bar as the 1st half came to an end.


Madine headed over early on from a corner but Chesterfield were more in the game in the second half as they tried to keep Nouble quiet. Any attacks on City’s back four were repulsed with Webster commanding in the air making Doyle look average. Nouble had a shot as City still looked more likely. Jackson then fired just over. At the other end a shot just fire wide with the aid of a deflection form the visitors left back. City then came very close as Nouble fired in a cross somehow Chesterfield scrambled the ball away as three City players went in for a tap-in. City were still too slow in knocking in crosses as the game hit a flat phase. With eight minutes to go Martin advanced forward and was given room encouraged by the crowd he left fly from distances forcing the keeper to turn it around the post. Another scramble saw City go close late on. A minute later City won a free kick and Madine went for power only to see his shot hit the post. Deep in injury time Pennington raced into the box but blasted wide and wee had settle for a point.

Man of the Match
1st Andy Webster A rock at the back
2nd Frank Nouble Should be a regular
3rd Simeon Jackson Some one to take the pressure off Madine
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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySat Dec 27, 2014 10:45 am

Doncaster Rovers Vs Coventry City


With Paul on his annual break at Centre Point we took the coach up to Donnie with Paul joining us later. We had a trouble free trip to Yorkshire before we were ushered into the ground’s bar for a drink before taking up our posts at The Keepmoat. Pressley opted for 4-4-1-1 again with Allsop in goal, Pennington, Martin, Webster and Haynes at the back with O’Brien, Barton, Fleck and Finch in midfield, Maddison playing just behind Madine up front.

Doncaster have a poor home record this season but they launched the first attack and won a corner, this set-piece was half cleared and delivered back in the box where Butler rose unchallenged to head past Allsop to give the home side the lead, “I hate you Butler!” After that bad start City started to play the ball around well before Barton fired one wide. Then after 12 minutes Maddison made it into the area and was brought down but for the 5th time in 6 league games a blatant penalty was not given and Maddison was booked as we continued to have no luck. City kept knocking the ball around sideways making it easy for Doncaster to keep their shape and deal with anything that came in to the penalty area which wasn’t much as both fullbacks took time in swinging in crosses and Madine had a couple of defenders on him. Rovers we happy to hit City on the break and on the 22nd minute Forrester broke and ran some distance, into the area and beat Allsop to his left to make it 2-0 a well taken goal. City kept passing but they were not positive enough to worry Doncaster. City were reduced to firing wide as we struggled to get a shot on target. Half time soon came.

Second half we hoped to see Nouble on and a switch made to 4-4-2 but we persisted with a formation designed to frustrate the opposition and hit them on the break. Meanwhile the away following were in fine voice with plenty of songs including “Kirkland’s coming home”, over the rumour that City will sign Chris Kirkland in the New Year. We were also singing for Nouble to come on. Doncaster were playing better in the second half with a two goal cushion and came close by grazing the post. City were winning several free kicks fouls no different to the one in the area, one free kick by Maddison hit the wall and Fleck’s follow up was blocked. Finally there was action on the bench but not Nouble as Jackson came on for Finch. Things slightly improved and finally eight minutes later finally Nouble came on surprisingly replacing O’Brien but a minute later the wheels came off as Barton upended a player and four Doncaster players surrounded the referee demanding action the ref caved in and gave a slightly harsh yellow card followed by a red and the lease likely player to be sent off had gone. It got worse as Maddison committed a needless foul again not really a yellow card but the ref sent him off as well. “Three more and they call it off”, sang the City fans. Doncaster were now in complete control, not surprisingly and wasted a couple of chances. “This is embarrassing” and “we’re s*** and we’re sick off it” were two songs from a fed up travelling support.

On the way back down the M1 the travelled into increasing snow as the coach slowed down to around 40mph we could hear the snow crunch under the wheels, we hear that coach three had broken down but thankfully we got through the snow and back home.

Man of the match
1st The fans long suffering when are we going to get a break?
2nd No one No one deserves it
3rd The Harry Shaw driver always going forward, unlike the passing, got us home



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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySun Dec 21, 2014 10:17 am

Coventry City Vs Fleetwood Town

Arriving at the ground it was clear who the new owners were with big Wasps signs all over the ground added to the fact they had also taken the main changing room but the one City now have was personalised with City emblems and had a new pitched laid for the rest of the season so relation seemed to be good with the tenants and the landlords that is until Sisu yet again suck their oars in trying to throw their weight about with yet another legal action something bizarrely C.C.F.C. where trying to distance them selves for are we seeing a spilt? This was the very first meeting in a competitive game between the clubs and with the price dropped to £10 we had a crowd just above 10,000 but we must have had the smallest away league following ever I can remember as under one hundred Fleetwood turned up a club punched well above its weight but one with a bigger budget than City. Johnson was out with an injury as City attempted to win for the first time this season in a league game without him starting. The line up was in goal Allsop, with Haynes, Webster, Martin and Pennington at the back, in midfield we had O’Brien, Barton, Fleck, Swanson and McQuoid leaving Madine to plough the lone furrow up front a role he hates.

City won a corner in the opening seconds but soon the game settled down against a team that doesn’t score or concede many. Fleetwood had an early shot go wide before O’Brien managed the first shot on target after ten minutes. Five minutes later Allsop was forced to tip over. Then out of nothing with neither team looking a threat Evans crossed from the right it skimmed off Webster’s head and into the back of the net, City’s conceded league goal for five hours. Now Fleetwood shut up shop early and they already started to waste time. Allsop caught a shot on target as the Cod Army were trying to hit City on the break meanwhile the one up front was easily being dealt by the Town defence calling into question the tactics of playing a single forward at home. Soon this changed as O’Brien received instructions from the bench and Swanson pushed up to support Madine which was bizarre since Swanson is a wide player and our joint top scorer McQuoid was wasted out wide whilst our best forward, Nouble wasn’t even in the squad. The move did improve things and it was McQuoid cutting in from wide who almost silenced the critics forcing Maxwell in the away goal to push over. However City’s passing was far too slow and tended to go more sideways than forward making it easy for a well drilled defence to cope. Town were having more luck at the other side as Allsop had to come off his line quick only to be lobbed but thankfully the ball went wide. Fleetwood came close again but fired wide. Half time City trailing by a single goal and not looking too good.

Second half Pressley made a change he needed and threw on Maddison for McQuoid and the young midfielder come forward made his mark but is was another local lad who should have made an impact thirty seconds into the half when Haynes was sent flying in the box the referee Mr Collins booked him for diving! I am now convinced there is a conspiracy to stop City winning any league penalties this season as we have had four cast iron penalties turned down in the last five league games and if we had converted them all we would be now a point off the play offs. City were now gaining the upper hand as Madison started to pull the strings and was soon tripped, no booking for the Fleetwood player, Maddison took the kick but it was straight at the keeper. City were playing the better football but Fleetwood were resolute at the back. The away team did seem to get away with plenty of fouls with no action taken by the referee. Finally a Fleetwood player went into the book as City kept pressing. Pennington, who again impressed from fullback, headed wide. Then three good blocks in a row prevented City getting a shot on target. Some decisions by a referee were bizarre including awarding Fleetwood a throw in when a Fleetwood player clearly headed it out. S.P. decided to make another change taking off Swanson and throwing on Jackson. Maddison then had a shot along the ground saved as the pressure continued. Then finally in the 77th minute Pennington knocked in a deep cross Madine headed towards goal which might have gone in but Jackson was on hand to make sure and City were deservedly level. City kept up the pressure as Madine headed not far wide. Mr Collins then again angered the home fans with a booking for Jackson after going up with the keeper. City won a couple of free kicks which the ref didn’t think worthy of a booking as City couldn’t break them down again and had to settle for a point at least moves us slightly further away from the drop zone in points.

Man of the match
1st James Maddison Turned the game
2nd Michael Pennington Far too good to stay with us
3rd Jim O’Brien Full of running
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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySun Dec 14, 2014 2:37 pm

Port Vale Vs Coventry City

A trouble free trip to The Potteries, unlike last season, meant we had time to spare at Vale, finding a very cheep and very good café near the ground to have a drink and keep out of the cold. Inside the ground we hear the team was to line up in a 4-5-1 formation with no sign of Nouble the team was in goal Allsop, with Pennington, Webster, Martin and Johnson at the back, in midfield we had McQuoid, Fleck, Barton, O’Brien and Swanson leaving Madine up front. Vale have a former City player in charge Robert Page a City fan as a chairman and five former players on the books, three on the bench and two starting Carl Dickenson and Mark Marshall.

Vale who have a recent good home record and it looked like it as they attacked the away end in the first half and they looked lively. The main danger as we feared was little Mark Marshall who was giving Johnson some problems early on. Vale had a chance in the early minutes but fired into the side netting from a corner. Vale had a penalty appeal turn down as a player went down in the area the referee Mr Heywood had a good game called it correctly. City broke the siege with a corner won by Fleck. Then in the 18th minute Vale appealed again for a penalty that looked more like a dive before minutes later Johnson slid in to win the ball and Marshall went down, he was the only one claiming a spot kick. At the other end the cool Barton had a good shot deflected just wide as City started to get more into the game. Johnson then got forward and played in a good ball for Madine but a defender did well to get to the ball first. City were still playing a lot of sideways balls but looked solid before Vale went close again. City were finding room and attempting shots on goal but Vale defenders were keeping close tabs sometimes too close on Madine but they were getting away with it. Then Vale came very close as a corner came over to Robertson his header was close to Allsop but the keeper showed great reflexes to get to it and keep it out. In the last five minutes of the half McQuoid slid in and got the ball sending Marshall to the ground the ref decided to book the loan player. Pennington was again looking a good player when he played in Fleck for another shot on goal. Half time it was no score for the 4th league game in a row. I tuned into Radio Stoke to hear what they thought and was surprised by the verdict as the guy reporting stated that “Coventry could have been 1 or 2 up”. He claimed City players were queuing up to shot on target. Something I hadn’t seen were it looked pretty level.

Second half saw Haynes come on for Swanson and the change seemed to have its effect as Haynes got forward and City were looking better. Vale started to hit back but the defenders were standing firm lead by Webster and Martin. City were still looking lively and one player having a good game was McQuoid out wide and in the 57th minute he set one up when he knocked the ball back to Pennington the fullback knocked in a great cross to the far post where Johnson got his head to the ball and sent it across Neal in the home goal and the ball drifted into the net to spark off celebrations with the away fans “Reda Johnson baby” we sang as the defender went joint top scorer with a mere five goals and gave us a sniff of three points. City were still looking solid at the back Marshall now was still working hard but getting no change from the City fullbacks. Robert Page threw on former City player Alex Nimely whose one goal in his spell at the club was partially responsible for our relegation and he didn’t really have a kick. Meanwhile Pressley took off McQuoid and threw on Finch to see the game out for a win. City kept working with Madine leading the line well but not getting anything from the referee. Another City reject then was thrown on as Chris Birchall was included. Vale fired over but the home fans were becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of chances as the back four held firm back by a hard working midfield. Six minutes of injury time. Willis came on to add another level of defence to see out the game as City seemed to be coasting to a 1-0. Then five minutes into injury time a pumped ball forward was hooked on by Madine straight to O’Brien who had a free run on goal, the midfielder advanced and shot the keeper saved it but Madine was on hand to slide it home to wrap up the game. The away end went mad I and another guy I never met engaged in a big bear hug before the referee blew for full time and we could leave with a consecutive away league win and clean sheet. I tuned in to Radio Stoke to hear what the guy said about the game and I must admit he must be a City fans as he claimed Vale had one shot on goal and City about twenty!

Man of the match
A real difficult choice as most players got a similar mark and four of us went for four different players so I will go for someone else on reflection.
1st Andy Webster A rock at the back
2nd Michael Pennington a real find lets hope his club don’t rate him
3rd Gary Madine ran all day finally got his reward
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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySun Nov 30, 2014 10:50 am

Coventry City Vs Walsall

A crowd of just over 8,000 turned up at The Ricoh to see the local derby against Walsall. With injuries mounting up S.P brought yet another loan defender in the shape of Matthew Pennington. The line up was in goal Allsop, with Pennington, Webster, Martin and Johnson at the back leaving the midfield of O’Brien, Finch, Fleck and Haynes and up front was Nouble and Madine who had his loan spell extended by another month.

The pitch is so bad it is hard to pass on but someone forgot to tell Walsall that as for the first twenty minutes got the ball down and seemed to be moving it with no trouble at all. Despite all their pretty play Walsall were failing to break down the back four who were looking solid. Their best player was Sawyers who looked a class above the rest of the Saddlers team. City finally got forward as Johnson shot across goal but it was again pretty dire stuff. Then City had a great chance as the ball was played into the area James Chambers grab Madine around the neck in the penalty area and dragged him down the referee Mr Clark didn’t want to know when it looked our third clear penalty in a row despite that the ref did OK. City were the first team to have a descent shot as a Nouble drive took a slight deflection just going wide. Deep in a forgettable first half O’Brien met a cross and forced the keeper into a save at last.

The second half had to be better and City showed better urgency at the start of the second half. Madine was working hard up front but Walsall are a team that don’t score or concede many and I could see why. Change was needed and it was no surprise when Haynes went off who looked a little lost on the wing. Swanson came on and his direct running improved things. He won a couple of corners the ball from the second came out to Fleck his shot was parried before it was cleared as Madine head straight to the keeper. Pennington who was looking good headed wide. Walsall sent on former City player Manset who performance made us pleased he didn’t stay. Then the moment of the game as Madine received the ball from a throw and tried an audacious shot from near the half way line forcing the keeper into a save. Jackson came on for Nouble. Time was going on and after 85 minutes Walsall had their first shot on target before the game ended.

Man of the Match
1st Gary Madine Lead the line well
2nd Matthew Pennington Good debut
3rd Danny Swanson Needs to start
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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySun Nov 23, 2014 10:42 am

Colchester United Vs Coventry City

So we set off for one of the longest journeys of the season and a straw poll in the car had two wanted Pressley to be sacked, two for him to stay and one abstention but all were worried about the current form. After a coffee break we arrived at the marvellous Colchester ground a half an hour before kick off. A surprise on the bench as Shaun Miller returned but the 1st team was in goal Allsop, with Johnson, Webster, Martin and Phillips playing in defence with Reda at left back. In midfield we had O’Brien, Finch, Fleck and Haynes playing out wide with Nouble and Madine up front. O’Brien was made captain despite Reda. City were playing in last year’s away kit because both our kits could clash with United’s blue and white stripes.

City failed to have a shot on goal in the last match but we didn’t have to wait long as Madine got a header on goal but nothing to trouble the keeper. City fans were in fine voice as City attacked and should have scored when Nouble was played through but he miss hit the shot making it easy for Walker in the U’s goal. City were defending well but Colchester had trouble crossing the ball and the game in fact wasn’t great. The front two were looking better but being held in check by the home defence. City put in a couple of crosses that were dealt with. At the other end their top scorer Sears and former loan player was being kept quiet. Colchester won a free kick wide and they got it on target but Allsop took on chances and turned it over the bar. The half ended with out much fuss in a poor game and Radio Essex admitted that’s why both teams are where there are, couldn’t argue.

City attacked the 502 away fans in the second half and both sides were shooting wide. Suddenly City started to play better as Haynes started to get used to his role. City came close as the ever dangerous Madine had a shot blocked. Colchester’s manager was worried as he made three changes early on to see if they could get into the game. City then came very close and a good cross came in Madine headed the ball back across the goal to see Johnson throw himself at the ball but just miss. Then it was time for Pressley to make a change and it was a surprise as O’Brien went off and didn’t look too happy on came Swanson, it turned out to be a master stroke. Minutes later City went forward well with some nice passes Nouble feed Swanson his shot was saved by Walker and it seemed to go in slow motion as Madine made contact and sent the ball onto the post and over the line to start the celebrations in the away end but the celebrations temporary stopped as the referee didn’t give it straight away but there were no flag and the goal stood. The referee Mr Woolmer was having a good game. “Gary Madine the goal machine” sang City fans as we smelt the first away league win of the season. City now were full of confidence and looked more likely to score than concede as Haynes crossed and a Madine shot was expertly blocked by a defender. Allsop had to come out smartly to head away before Danny Swanson who was causing no ends of trouble won a corner. Martin then fired just over from a corner before S.P. decided to shut up shop and send on Barton for Nouble. Another good move late on sent Haynes through but his shot was saved by Walker. Then deep in injury time Swanson broke free and was brought down in the box but Mr Woolmer said no penalty we were still protesting when he blew for full time and a victory.

Man of the Match
1st Gary Madine: The goal machine
2nd Danny Swanson Turned the game
3rd Frank Nouble Played well
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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySun Nov 16, 2014 3:13 pm

Coventry City Vs Notts County

Reda Johnson made it back in time for the game but maybe it was too much for him to play meanwhile County’s keeper Carroll made it back from Romania and being a keeper it was easier for him to play. The line up for the game on what Pressely described “as the worst pitch in the Football League” was in goal Allsop, with Willis, Webster, Martin and Haynes; in midfield we had O’Brien, Fleck, Finch and Barton leaving Nouble and Madine up front. This was out first home in a 100% Rugby ground. We had a minutes silence before the kick for the Coventry Blitz.

City attacked the away end in the first half on a cold day and it was City who had the first shot a good effort from Baton just wide. That as good as it got as both defences were on top Madine was wining the ball in the air up front but did have precious little support from midfield whilst Nouble was quiet. It was very dull and poor entertainment, no doubt many City fans wished they went to the England game, kicking off just after the end instead. After twenty minutes Willis was forced off with an injury and was replaced by Phillips. The full back cleared off the line as County threatened. City were poor and were hoofing the ball at every opportunity so much so I thought Adie Bothroyd was back in charge. In the last minute of the half Phillips went up with Carroll for the ball but the Northern Irish fell to the floor like he was shot, he rolled around and banged his fist into the ground the gullible referee Mr Bull had a word with his linesman just in case an elbow was used but no were but still Mr Bull booked Phillips. Carroll limped off like he wouldn’t play again for weeks.

Carroll was on in the 2nd half were he spent most of it moaning to the referee things he learnt at Man U. Meanwhile City were still looking for the first shot on target. It was still poor stuff from both teams were the first goal would probably win it. City almost had a shot on target as Finch tried his luck from the edge of the area firing just high. Madine then fired over from a free City as City were looking better and as normal Haynes seemed to be the main threat. Then a long ball from County was not dealt with Webster backing off allowed Thompson a clear run on goal where there could only be one outcome a goal for the visitors. Swanson then replaced Phillips who became the 10th sub to be subbed in our history. Swanson looked livelier and tried to get things moving. Then Madine in the box was brought down by the knee of a County player as clear as penalty as you are every likely to see but for some reason Mr Bull said no penalty. Barton then headed just over before the game ended with City not having a single shot on target and slipping closer to the drop zone.

Man of the Match
1st Ryan Haynes will be sold next year
2nd Gary Madine should have had a penalty
3rd Adam Barton Played well

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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptyThu Nov 13, 2014 9:22 am

Coventry City Vs Plymouth Argyle

After Pressley’s rant the other day on certain players he will ship out the talk was who? It wasn’t the case of who was playing in the game but who was left out, many were rumoured to be the culprits including Willis, Barton, Nouble, Connor Thomas or just about any player apart from O’Brien. Excluding Johnson on international duty and Martin cup tied the noticeable absentees were Simeon Jackson and Marcus Tudgay. Meanwhile Nouble was relegated to the subs bench but after the boss said he wasn’t happen with the player’s work rate in the last two games, so maybe Nouble wasn’t one of the players that would be shipped out. The line up was in goal Allsop, with Haynes, Webster, Willis and Phillips at the back, in midfield we had Fleck, O’Brien, Barton and Finch with Madine up front supported by Maddison.

The pitch was looking in a terrible condition as City attacked towards the away contingent as we tried to make it in to the last eight of the competition. It was a slow start but City were getting in their challenges early on a side managed by John Sheridan who played against City for Leeds in the F.A. Semi Final many years ago. First chance fell to Plymouth as a slip in defence saw Reid race in but Haynes tracked him back and slid in with a good tackle. Jim O’Brien was captain for the night and was his own busy self trying to get things ticking for City. It truth it was turgid stuff as City all too often passed sideways or back instead of forward. The Devon club then had the first chance when Reid fired in from the edge of the area which was saved from Allsop, which got a big cheer from me, good to see him stop a shot. The clock was ticking and I realised we yet to have a shot on target when Maddison weaved his way toward the box and went down the referee Mr Adcock deemed it to be a dive and booked the teenager. Then City had a chance as Madine broke on the right but his shot was wide. So that was it for the first half very poor in entertainment in front of a crowd twice as big as leaders Bristol City had for their tie on Tuesday.

The second half must be better and pretty soon we had our first shot as Haynes made contact but it was an easy save for City fan Luke McCormick in the away goal. Minutes later we got closer as Fleck found room and crossed for Phillips whose shot was deflected just wide. Plymouth counter attacked but the home defence coped with the cross. City’s back four were standing firm against the League Two high flyers. Finally the player we all wanted on, came on as Nouble replaced Maddison and immediately made an impact by closing down some defenders and winning a corner. O’Brien took it and picked out Madine whose header beat McCormick to give City a lead and after five years Madine’s first City goal. The big forward raced over to congratulate the captain for his set piece. The Plymouth manager threw on Marvin Morgan the man that destroyed City at Shrewsbury a couple of seasons ago. City were looking for the killer second as Nouble and Barton both fired at McCormick. City were happy to sit back but with 15 to go came close to conceding when a Smalley shot was heading goal wards Allsop just got his fingers to the ball to keep it out and Phillips was on hand to clear. The manager then decided to shut up shop by sending on Thomas for a tired looking Madine. Finally the moment we had waited for as Barton was booked, not the Barton booking but the resulting free kick where Mr Adcock used his spray. This free kick was dealt with and the ball played forward to Nouble who had two players between him and the goal to the encouragement of the crowd he took them on the beat the back peddling defenders before firing in off the keeper to wrap the game up. City now could coast as Plymouth were beaten Finch had a couple of chances to shoot but passed instead before Nouble broke again and Fleck raced to join the attack before the big forward lost the ball. In the dieing seconds Morgan almost broke through but Webster was riding piggyback on the forward and was booked. City were heading toward the first clean sheet for 14 games which was on our return to the Ricoh. Mr Adcock who had a good game finally blew his whistle as City joined Leyton Orient, Gillingham and Bristol City in the Area Semi Final, three games and two ties from Wembley.

Man of the Match
1st Jim O’Brien Ran all night
2nd Frank Nouble Turned the game
3rd Andy Webster Solid
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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptyMon Nov 10, 2014 8:57 am

Coventry City Vs Worcester City

So a silly Sunday kick off faced us at The Ricoh in front of another sub 10,000 crowd. We had a minute’s silence for Remembrance Sunday as the City players had poppy armbands and the side was at full strength with Ipswich allowing Nouble to play up front with him was Jackson, in midfield we had Maddison, Barton, O’Brien and Finch with, Willis, Johnson, Martin and Haynes in defence and Burge in goal.

Straight from the kick off Worcester attacked and had an early shot greeted by the large away following. Worcester looked strong early on as well expected from the non-league side fired up for their biggest game of the season. Another shot came in but it was blocked. After a while the home crowd were getting restless as City couldn’t seem to get the ball as another Worcester shot sailed over. Worcester won a corner and to everyone’s surprise City kept Jackson and Nouble up front. City were finally but slowly getting into the game as Maddison in midfield was using the ball well then City won a free kick which after a header forced the away keeper into a save. Worcester were still coming forward and certainly not “parking the bus” and they closed down Burge at every opportunity and twice his lack of ability on the ball saw Worcester player block his kicks. City then had a great chance and a good ball to Jackson saw him in a race with a defender the forward got passed him and ran on goal but he didn’t even get a shot in as the defender got back when the forward should have tested the keeper. Worcester won a another corner in the 38th minute which was caught by Birch who was then shoved to the ground but then something I have never seen in watching football since 1979 our keeper kicked out and the referee Mr Joyce had only one cause of action to send off the keeper and to award a penalty. I just couldn’t believe what had just happen, who can we be cursed with two keepers as poor as the one’s we have got, Burge may be young but his actions were inexcusable. There was a delay as Allsop was sent on but the home fans had their heads in their hands again as Nouble was taken off. Geddes stepped up to beat Allsop to spark mad celebrations in the away end. City were in a state of shock and looked desperate but the coolest head in the team was the youngest player as Maddison weaved his way in the box he was brought down for our first penalty of the season. Johnson took the ball and stepped up and blasted the kick that was easily saved by Worcester’s 2nd choice keeper despite being a few yards off his line.

Half time the non-league side a goal up and deservedly so, City had a battle to avoid humiliations. Nine minutes into the second half it got worse as goal scorer Geddes was allowed room and he finished well to make it two. S.P. made his second change taking off Willis and sending on McQuoid as City attempted to come from two down for the second home game in a row. City still didn’t look like they could get back in the game when Pressley made his last change off went Barton and on came the biggest disappointment of the season Tudgay. By now it was anyone’s guess what formation were playing as Johnson stayed up front. As Worcester tired City got more into the game and again it was Maddison who was looking the most likely with a shot on target. Haynes down the wing were also having some success. City were winning an increasing number of free kicks and one, taken by Maddison found the head of Johnson who made contact and sent the ball into the back of the net. “Worcester have lost their bottle”, I said twice, as one of a number of Worcester Sauce puns flying about. Mr Joyce who had a good game wasn’t being fooled by any time wasting and was cracking down by dishing out yellow cards. Into injury time and we had seven minutes to find a goal but it looked more likely the visitors would score on the counter attack and twice they should have done with free shots on goal but both times Allsop pulled off good saves to keep the score down, hopefully he can play like this more often. The pitch wasn’t helping matters heaven knows what it will be like after the middle class “egg chasers” have been on it but in the end it was too late as we left the ground.

On leaving Jim O’Brien went over to confront some fans to applause from other fans before we left to think about a day off next month.

Man of the match
1st No one No surprise
2nd James Maddison We can’t relay on a teenager
3rd Ryan Allsop At last I award a keeper, kept the score down



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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySun Nov 02, 2014 10:38 am

Leyton Orient Vs Coventry City

For only the second time this season we had a full car for a trouble free trip to the East End of London. In the ground saw Malc before hearing the line up and the return of two former loan players, the full line up was in goal Burge, with Willis, Johnson, Haynes and making his second debut Aaron Martin. In midfield we had O’Brien, Fleck, Barton and Finch leaving yet another front two in Nouble and making his second start Gary Madine.

City attacked the Washing End in the first half as a guy in a flat overlooking the pitch during the first half was busy doing his washing. Sadly just after 30 seconds Johnson had a clash of heads with Leyton’s giant Italian forward Plasmati with the man from Benin coming of by far the worst and after spending such a long time out this was the last thing we wanted to see. The stretcher came out but it was waved away in the end Johnson left with help and a head wound he headed for the dressing room to see if he could be fixed up. City down to ten the home side took advantage of the numbers and pushed forward as City defended waiting for news from the dressing room we got the news seven minutes later as Webster was sent on. City still seemed shaken by the injury as Leyton went forward looking for their first home win. Slowly City got back into the game and stopped playing the long ball to the tall front two. Up front Nouble was being his normal handful meanwhile Madine, who was hopeless in his first stint was now looking bigger and better. Madine was then brought down near the touch-line “That’s assault” I shouted to the ref, “ask Madine he knows about that”, I added after the forward had spent time inside. At the other end the home side had a shot on target as City improved. Then Madine had a chance as he was played through but good covering by the defender prevented him getting a clean shot. Then on the half hour mark Nouble powered his way into the box and seemed to be brought down for what London Radio said was “a very strong claim for a penalty” but Mr Simpson for some reason denied us our first spot kick of the season. City then got their rewards when Madine raced onto the ball after a defender slipped; he got to the by-line and knocked the ball back for the on rushing O’Brien to bury to City a deserved lead. City were playing well looking solid at the back and all the midfield playing well including young Jack Finch. Finch was then booked just before the break as half time came with City one up and looking comfortable.

Early in the second half Fleck had a shot saved before the home side won a corner, from that corner Cuthbert beat Burge from close in the ball ran along the line before it clearly crossed before a City player hacked it away we hoped for a second the referee missed it but he awarded a goal and it was level. Leyton were lifted by the goal but City came close with a good volley from O’Brien. After an effort from Madine City won a corner, it went over to Madine and as he headed it Mr Simpson blew for a foul just before Finch headed it home. Then a very rare sight as Barton, who was playing well threw himself into a tackle and picked up a yellow card as we sang “Barton goin’ to get ya”. Minutes later it went quiet Baudry found room and knocked in a great cross Jay Simpson rose unchallenged to head home to give the O’s the lead. It looked like Orient were heading for their first home win “why must this always happen to us?” I thought as it had been arguably the best away performance of the season. With ten minutes to go Orient were already wasting time but to our surprise they took of Plasmati who was causing plenty of trouble up front. S.P. made the changes as Jackson came on for Webster and then Maddison replaced Finch. City went all out for a goal but with three minutes to go we held out breaths as a long ball from the home side saw a player latch on to it Burge raced off his line and outside the area hacked the player down, thankfully he was heading away from goal resulting in only a yellow card for the keeper. A minute into injury time City attacked and a cross was sent it, Leyton’s keeper Woods flapped at the ball and O’Brien was first to the ball to smacked it home through a sea of legs to level the game up. Radio London blamed Leyton’s lack of ambition for not winning. Many minuets were still remaining as the home side pressed forward in the last seconds Batt elbowed O’Brien but again the referee bottled it only giving the player a yellow card.

Man of the Match
Before the game we all gave O’Brien man of the match to save time and we were right.
1st Jim O’Brien Two goals
2nd Gary Madine Looking good
3rd Frank Nouble Played well


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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySun Oct 26, 2014 10:50 am

Coventry City Vs Peterborough United

First off the good news, as I headed off to the Ricoh, back were Johnson and Nouble but then the news I have been waiting for weeks Allsop had been dropped. S.P. switched formation to 4-4-2 and at the same time bizarrely had the pitch narrowed, I wonder if Wasps would allow him to do that in the future? The line up was in goal making his league debut was Burge, with Haynes, Hines, Johnson and Willis, in midfield we had O’Brien, Thomas, Fleck and Barton with McQuoid and Nouble forming the on-loan forward partnership up front.

The Posh were sitting in second place as City tried to bounce back from the drubbing at Oldham in front over 8,000 at the ground. City started fairly well as McQuoid planted a header wide early on. Smith then put one wide at the other end but it was already apparent that the returning two were leaving their mark with Nouble providing a presences up front and Reda winning headers at the back. City won a corner before United won two but all were well defended against. Then the first real chance as Thomas brought the ball out and had time, he spotted Nouble go on a run wide and threaded a real good ball to him, the big forward raced in on goal and fired from a narrow angle forcing Alnwick into a save when a square ball to McQuoid might have been a better option. The game looked pretty even until a miss kick from Alnwick found its way up field Johnson found himself in no-man’s land when Peterborough’s Maddison ran at the defence drawing in Hines he slipped the ball to Taylor who beat Burge to give his team a goal lead. Washington was then very lucky not to pick up a booking as he flew in on Willis as the referee Mr East decided not to produce a yellow but the official did run the game well. Maddison then fired wide as City started to struggle. Johnson then picked up a yellow card for a foul which no one could complain about giving the visitors a free kick central to the goal. Maddison took the free kick but Burge had it covered until the ball swerved the keeper attempted to change direction but slipped and watched as the ball sailed past him for a second. No doubt I and the crowd would have slatted Allsop if he had let that one in. For the third league game in a row City were two down but this time were looking well beaten. Washington went close again as City were hanging on. A couple of blocks and defending a few corners saw City make it to half time only two down and the home fans were all pretty fed up with things. To me it looked City had no chance of even a goal let alone a come back.

City needed a fast start in the 2nd half and this is what we got as McQuoid won a free kick that was headed over by Johnson. City kept up the pressure when O’Brien, who hardly had the ball in the first half advanced to find Nouble, the big forward held the ball up and passed to Fleck then the midfielder spotted Haynes on the overlap and played it to him, the teenager advanced into the box before firing, from a narrow angle over Alnwick to bring City back into the game. The fans woke up as yet again City reduced a two goal deficit to one. Peterborough responded with an attacked as the ever dangerous Maddison brushed past Thomas but Connor got a hold of his shirt and dragged him back earning a booking. The Posh, who were in control were now looking nervous as City’s midfield began to dominate. Fleck shot wide before a Nouble shot was saved, still Peterborough always seemed to have a team capable of scoring and in one attack managed to get a shot on target but thankfully Burge was in the right place for an easy catch. No one could complain about the entertainment value of the match as it could have swung either way. Another standard save from Burge followed by one from the Posh keeper before Pressley decided on a change whilst City were on top off went McQuoid and on came Jackson and it proved to be a masterstroke by the manager as forty seconds later when the sub received the ball and found Haynes, the fullback crossed to Fleck who looked like he had a free shot on goal but instead he flicked a header sideways for the advancing O’Brien to smash home and like Haynes to score his first goal for the club. The Ricoh was in raptures and still buzzing about the well deserved goal for Jim when another attack saw Nouble pick up the near the centre circle and dribbled his way toward the box, no Peterborough player could get near him as he made it with a shimmy to the edge of the penalty area and fired a shot, from where I was sitting I knew it was only going one way looping of a defender’s foot and over Alnwick into the net, the crowd went mad Nouble ripped off his shirt and celebrated with a dance. Pressley made his change at the right time unlike United’s manager Darren Ferguson made two changes but by now City had a grip on the game. The defence were looking at more solid led by Reda at the back meanwhile in midfield all the players were having a good game Barton keeping cool and winning more tackles then he normally does, Fleck passing well, O’Brien as normal working hard and causing problems and even Connor Thomas was having a good game with some great tackles breaking up the visitors attacks in midfield. Nouble was then floored but the referee angered the crowd when he gave the free kick to the away side for backing in by the forward. Finally a Peterborough player was shown a yellow card when Jack Payne fouled O’Brien. City defended a corner before Fleck needed treatment after a great tackle. Peterborough then fired a free kick over. It was clear now that Nouble was creamed crackered but remained on as he was holding the ball up well and trying to play Jackson in who was stretching the defence with his pace. S.P. then took off O’Brien to great applause and threw on Finch. Five minutes were added on but City were in no mood to throw away the three points. The final whiles went to signify our first win from two goals down for just under twenty years! The team took part in a mass group huddle at the end of the game and City fans, for once, went home happy.

Man of the Match
Plenty of candidates
1st Frank Nouble: Three goals in five games, sign him up or he could be another McGoldrick
2nd Reda Johnson: Really missed him at the back
3rd Ryan Haynes A goal and an assist
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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptyWed Oct 22, 2014 10:49 am


Oldham Athletic Vs Coventry City

With Paul visiting his University daughter in Manchester and meeting us there the remaining three decided to go by coach. To say the M6 is a terrible motorway is an understatement after a nightmare journey to Oldham last season it was almost as bad this, never stopping but crawling up north, it took us 3 hours 20 minutes to reach Boundary Park. Just enough time for a coffee as we learn that Nouble wasn’t quite fit enough for a place on the bench but not too far off and S.P. changed formation again playing either one or two up front depending on your viewpoint and yet another new partnership. The team in goal Allsop, the back five Phillips, Hines, Webster, Willis and Haynes in midfield Fleck, Barton and O’Brien with Miller up front and Maddison just behind him.

Two hundred City fans made the trip, down to the real hardcore. City attacked the far end in the first half as O’Brien threw himself into a tackle and the referee Mr Miller waved away appeals for a foul and the referee went on to run the game well. Maybe City needs to develop a nasty streak and are too nice a great example of this was when an Oldham player went down after a good tackle by Webster it wasn’t a head injury and Phillips advanced forward until he was told by another City player to kick the ball out. Oldham settled first but any attacked seemed to be met by Webster who was winning headers and tackles to keep them out. One difference between the sides that Oldham have plenty of physical player, not dirty but strong and the main one was Forte who started to give City loads of problems and eight minutes in he headed down to Philliskirk who turned and sent in a shot on target Allsop got his had to it but somehow the ball rolled past him and into the net. I and many City fans castigated the keeper as yet again his inability to stop anything but straight at him resulted in a goal. Oldham unbeaten in 11, I can’t remember City ever going that long unbeaten, now the home team were full of confidences. We meanwhile were still insisting on slow build ups and not using our attack minded wing backs whilst Oldham got the ball forward quicker. We had to hang on but now our defence was falling apart as of all people Willis lost the ball to Forte and the big forward raced through on goal drew Allsop out and fired past him with the keeper going feet first trying to stop the ball when any decent keeper would have gone head first, another mistake from the Number One a bigger one from the defence. City tried to hit back and had a chance when Mr Miller awarded a free kick after a foul on Maddison, the youngster took the kick it hit an Oldham player and deflected past the keeper to bring City back in the game. City fans in fine voice sang “we want to go home, Oldham’s a s*** hole, we want to go home” then the best song of the season as Oldham fans responded “We know Oldham’s s *** hole you want to go home”, classic. City’s passing was poor apart from Barton but the worst passer on the field was “Rio” Hines who kept hoofing balls to no one throughout the game. Now if City could make it to half time a least a goal down then we had a chance. Then Oldham won a free kick near the halfway line but cheeky Kelly saw Allsop miles off his line and went for goal it looked in all the way but thankfully it hit the crossbar with Allsop no were, again anger turned on the keeper “all we are saying just give Burge a chance” I sang on my own to the tune “Give peace a chance” by John Lennon. Then yet again the middle of the defence opened up and Ibhere raced through but to give Allsop credit for once he was off his line quick and got to the ball first clearing it but Oldham picked the ball up and passed to Forte who was on his own and scored three shots three goals. Half time 3-1 in the cold wondering why we bother and fearing a hammering.

Second half no chances as City attacked the away end and also had the perfect start as Miller, who was lurking near the back of the defence seized on a lose ball before rattling the post with a shot. City fans kept singing as Oldham coasted the game looking for more goals. Forte went close again before S.P. made a change switching to 4-4-2 bringing on Tudgay and Jackson taking off Miller and surprisingly Webster. Tudgay’s first action was to foul a player. It didn’t make much difference as Oldham fired a shot at Allsop before something I never thought I would see, a ball was heading to the top corner and Allsop saved it! With City chasing S.P. made another bizarre choice taking off O’Brien and bringing on Connor Thomas. Minutes later Ibhere met a cross and headed past Allsop to make it 4-1. Tudgay did get a header on target before the game petered out leave the angry away following to make their way home in the wind.

Got home just after midnight
Man of the Match
1st The fans Horrible night but kept singing all night
2nd No one No one wins it again
3rd James Maddison
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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySun Oct 19, 2014 10:23 am

Coventry City Vs Bristol City

City took on the league leaders and the team with the highest budget, at the Ricoh with the news of a change of formation and the shock inclusion of Adam Barton in the team as Swanson, Finch, Hines, Nouble and Johnson were all out which, with our vastly under funded side, third lowest budget in League One, seemed to make it a difficult task. The team was in goal Allsop, with the back three of Webster and the two Jordans; in midfield we had Pugh, O’Brien, Barton and Phillips leaving Coulibaly, Jackson and McQuoid up front.

There was a massive following from Bristol, no surprisingly as Coulibaly had the first shot of the game which was blocked. The Robins then won a corner that was dealt with and launched a counter attacking winning a corner at the other end. Things were looking even until Pack tried his luck from long range Allsop never got near, something he is good at, and the leaders went ahead. There was plenty of anger shown towards the keeper who hopefully will return to Bournemouth when his loan is up. City hit back winning a series of corners before O’Brien, working hard as normal, fired on target saved by the keeper. The visitor’s keeper, Fielding, who didn’t look that great then conceded a corner. O’Brien then blocked a shot as the midfield were not playing too badly. Allsop then fielded a shot straight at him before a shot from the leaders was blocked. The away fans were singing “we are top of the league” and I can never image City fans being able to sing that. Then Bristol should have made it two with a free header inside the box with only the keeper to beat he headed well wide. It was clear Pugh was struggling and was added to the injury list and was replaced by Haynes. It was clear the Robins were winning the physical battle all over the pitch as City didn’t have any muscle in the team. Then Ayling raked his studs down the back of O’Brien’s leg and the midfielder angrily reacted the referee Mr Duncan should have booked the player but apart from that didn’t have a bad game. Then dreadful defending similar to the defending against Crawley as a flick on fell to Agard he was allowed through the defence and slip the ball under the Allsop to make it two just before half time. The fans booed the team off the field.

Pressley made a change in the second half taking off Coulibaly and throwing on Maddison who was outstanding for the U21’s on Monday. O’Brien won a corner before Haynes picked out Phillips who threw himself at the ball but could only head over. In the 54th minute City fans joined in a minute’s applause for a Bristol City fan who recently died of cancer. Bristol won a couple of corners and seemed to be strolling it whilst City despite the possession found it hard to break them down as the passing was normally backwards and too slow. S.P. made a change taking off McQuoid and bringing on Miller. The sub fired wide soon later before a Phillips header was saved. Then City put in a good move started by Barton who passed to Webster he advanced into the other half and with no one closing him down had time to pick out Maddison, the youngster then played a great ball beyond the defence were Miller had got in behind the definers before smacking the ball past the keeper to give City hope, finally some incisive passing. Clarke was getting forward well helping the attack as City attempted to draw level. Then something that illustrates the differences in the squad as Bristol threw on Jay Emmanuel-Thomas. Then late on City were caught in a counter attack, Emmanuel-Thomas played in Wagstaff as soon as he got the ball I knew he would score as Allsop is incapable of stopping any decent shot on target and the leaders wrapped it up this lead to a mass exodus with fans wondering if we can survive this season?

Man of the Match
1st Jim O’Brien Runaway leader for player of the season
2nd Aaron Phillips Always a goal threat
3rd James Maddison Looked good after coming on


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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySun Oct 12, 2014 10:36 am

Crewe Alexandra Vs Coventry City

A trouble free trip up the M6 took to the very familiar Gresty Road to face a team so bad they already had a minus 21 goal difference this was a must win game for City. Good news was Jackson declined to play for Canada in a friendly unlike Crewe’s top forward but Johnson and Nouble were still out with worrying injuries. Crewe was the scene of our last away league victory and another good following made the short trip to Cheshire for the game. With other injuries Jordan Willis was given the Captain’s armband and the team was Allsop in goal with Phillips, Finch, Willis, Hines and Pugh at the back, O’Brien, Fleck and Thomas in midfield leaving Jackson and McQuoid up front. City played in the white away top and sky blue shorts which looks a good combination.

Gresty Road has seen some poor performances in the past and it didn’t start well as the bottom team attacked City early on. The home side won a free kick early and it was floated in well suddenly centre back Ray had a free header on goal but he header over when he should have hit the target. City fans were getting a little edgy claiming that Crewe were “a pile of dog sh**”. City slowly got into the game as Thomas was putting himself about and one tackle he won the ball and past to Fleck who forced the keeper to push over. Later in the other area loan player Brandy threw himself down in the area referee Mr Breakspear waved away penalty appeals. The big question was why the flip has a player as good as Brandy been allowed to move to Crewe on loan he would be ideal for City fast, skilful and always plays well against us. Crewe didn’t look bottom of the table as City’s forwards were struggling to get the ball when Allsop did well to push a free kick away City fans grew increasingly nervous. City won a corner and it was well delivered and met with Hines with a thumping header but straight at the keeper anywhere else it would have been a goal. Then on the 25th minute an attack down the middle saw Brandy being played in the forward raced into the area drew the keeper out and slid it under him to put the bottom side a goal up a goal that they deserved. City fans were not too happy. City tried to hit back as O’Brien covered every blade of grass trying to inspire the team back into the game. Then back up the home end Thomas allowed a player past him and Finch came out and tripped up the player earning a yellow card from the ref. “No one every scores direct from free kicks in League One” Paul said but we hoped the free kick would be delivered to Allsop’s right because he is very weak to his left, unfortunately that’s exactly where Cooper placed the kick it wasn’t in the top corner but was on target and incredibly Crewe who can’t score were two up. A lot of anger was directed at the very average Allsop and he responded with a hand signal back. Crewe sat back a bit as O’Brien tried to drive City forward you could see he was growing increasingly angry with his team mates. Halftime came with City two goals down we were hoping for maybe a change of formation as the 5-3-2 seems to be too predictable.

Second half no doubt after a roasting by Pressley City tore into Crewe like they should have done from the off and almost got back into the game when Phillips hit the post from close range and Crewe just managed to scramble the ball away but this encouraged the away following. City then won a free kick taken by Pugh it was well delivered and went through a sea of legs hitting Grant and ending up in the back of the net suddenly City were back in the game. Now Crewe were looking nervous as City attacked but couldn’t force the keeper into a save. With attacks petering out Coulibaly was sent on when he should have been on from half time. The sub set up McQuoid whose shot was blocked. The Brandy clearly threw himself to the ground to the anger of the City fans the ref just gave him a long lecture when it should have been a booking for diving. S.P. made another change as he sent on Miller for Hines and changed formation to go all out. City pressed and won a couple of corners in the rain. The third and final change happen when O’Brien, who had ran himself into the ground was replaced by Maddison making his league debut. Brandy was still the main danger and with eight minutes to go skipped past Finch but the youngster stuck out his leg and brought him down no arguments about his second yellow card either and City were reduced to ten men. Crewe then made saw they kept the ball for as long as possible and City’s attacks were too slow and predictable and so City fell to a defeat and for the first time the loyal away fans were voicing doubts about the manager next up at home the league leaders.

Man of the match
1st Jim O’Brien Ran all day
2nd Jordan Willis Solid at the back
3rd Danny Pugh created some chances.
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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptyWed Oct 08, 2014 9:36 am

Coventry City Vs Exeter City

What a day! As work finally began on a new railway station at the Ricoh the Council who for a year protested at a possible franchise with Coventry City promptly sold the ground to a London rugby club. Meanwhile in this “meaningless cup” a crowd that matched the last league game here turned up to the game proving that the prices for the League are way too expensive. Most people were looking forward to a game played under a full moon and there were plenty of “rugby” jokes about as some fans had to queue to get in. S.P. made a few changes for the game in goal was Burge, with Phillips, Webster, Willis, Finch and Haynes in defence; midfield consisted of Connor Thomas, Fleck and Coulibaly leaving McQuoid and Jackson up front. Exeter had won the last four games but were missing their main keeper who was on International duty with England’s U20’s either he is a massive talent or England are really struggling for keepers his name Christy Pyn.

City kicked off under a full moon as the home fans were making good noise. City started well in our first game against The Grecians since the 1958-1959 season and it was someone else based on the South Coast as Bournemouth loan player Coulibaly had the first chance breaking from midfield before firing wide. Exeter then launched a counter attack forcing Burge to come just out of his area and handle the ball which meant a booking a chance for referee Mr Madley to use “the spray” but something he needs to work on because it was a poor effort for the official that ran the game well. City were still buzzing (no Wasp pun intended) around the area when Fleck had a shot pushed away unconvincingly by Exeter’s reserve keeper. Meanwhile at the other end our own reserve keeper had some catching practise. City were putting in some neat moves in an enjoyable game. Coulibaly had another long range effort on target as City looked for the breakthrough. Exeter won a corner that was dealt with by Webster and the centre back showed composure by bringing the ball out and passing to Fleck who had a chance to play a long ball to the forwards but instead passed back. Some of the crowd were getting a little restless at the lack of forward passing at times but then another counter from a corner saw Fleck send Jackson race clear he steadied himself before blasting wide of the goal. With ten to go City won a corner Coulibaly played it short to Fleck, he then played back to the winger who had acres of space for a cross instead he returned the ball back to the midfielder who was now in the penalty area, his shot was parried by the keeper the ball dropped to Phillips who blasted the ball on a volley back past the keeper to give City a lead, a good goal. City now had the bit between their teeth as Webster fired wide from a corner before entering injury time and the ball fell to Phillips who let rip from outside the area dipping the ball over the keeper to make it two. Aaron’s father made a name for himself with long range goals looks like his son is the same.

Half time we tried to think of a hat trick scoring defender but I don’t think we have had any.

The manager was forced into one change as Clarke replaced Webster and he decided to give some experience to Maddison who replaced Fleck. The young midfielder looked at home and comfortable on the ball. The Exeter fans were trying to get behind their team as they won a couple of corners. They did have a great chance with a header but it was straight at the keeper. The understanding between the front two seemed to be growing as Jackson played McQuoid through his shot was deflected by the keeper but was hit too hard and the ball ended up in the back of the net the forward was taken off immediately and replaced by George Thomas for his first game since he made his debut looking lost at Leyton Orient last season. The little forward also looked like he could use the ball. City were looking for more when Maddison played Jackson through who shot across the penalty area. About this time the away fans started to sing backed by a drum they made a good noise and fair play to them for the long journey. Jackson came close again as Coulibaly crossed the Canadian’s shot was blocked. Haynes then almost set up George but the defender just beat him to the ball. Fans for then some reason switched on the lights on their phones and it made the place looked quite festive. Then Exeter sub Ollie gave the away fans something to cheer as he scored late on. City ended with a 3-1 victory with 9 academy players on the pitch.

Man of the match
1st Mohammed Coulibaly Looked dangerous all night
2nd Aaron Phillips Two great goals
3rd Simeon Jackson Ran all night deserved a goal
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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySun Oct 05, 2014 10:17 am

Coventry City Vs Crawley Town

The great slip in attendance continued as just under eight thousand turned up at the Ricoh for the game against Crawley. So what has happened maybe three defeats in a row, playing really badly in out last game, three home games in a row, expensive tickets dearer than Villa’s Premier League Clash with Man City, small numbers of away fans, Crawley hardly being a big draw, League One Football and maybe the uncertainly over the Wasps’ take over but still it was triple on last season’s gate against the same team despite the price of a ticket also tripling. The morning rain might have put some off as well but it relented as S.P. made four changes to the side in goal was Allsop, with Phillips coming in at right back, Hines, Webster and Willis at the back and Pugh making his home debut. In midfield we had Fleck, Thomas and O’Brien leaving yet another new combination up from of Jackson and McQuoid.

Last game we failed to have a shot on goal for over ninety minutes and out eyes were on our watches to see who long it would take? It didn’t take long as Fleck found room and struck the post within the first two minutes not strictly a shot on target but encouraging. Fleck went wide before McQuoid had a good shot blocked this was already miles better then against Preston as O’Brien and Fleck ran midfield the front two combining well and the wing backs getting forward. O’Brien then had a shot saved as City continued to dominate. Then with a quarter of an hour gone O’Brien went down and the referee Mr Salisbury who refereed well looked like a cricket umpire thinking about an L.B.W. appeal eventually he signalled for a free kick. McQuoid took the ball but was over ruled by O’Brien who stood near the ball with Pugh, O’Brien took the kick straight at Ashdown in the away goal but the keeper couldn’t hold the ball and McQuoid was on hand to knock the ball home to give City the lead and to put him back as our top scorer. City just got better and better as they were giving Town all sorts of problems. Seb Hines then went close with a header from a corner as City looked for a second goal. City went close on a number of occasions until Phillips in an attack lost the ball but he dived back in and won it again injuring himself in the process but not before passing to McQuoid he fed in Jackson who only had the keeper to beat which he did with a low shot and City lead by two, it was a great team goal. “Now” I thought “keep it tight until half time and we could coast this game”. City were light with Phillips carrying an injury when a long ball had City back peddling allowing Edwards room and to curl a shot around Allsop to bring them back into the game. Amazingly it happened again a long ball was dealt with and McLeod was in a slipped the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-2, two shots on target two goals. The atmosphere dropped at the ground as no one could believe after playing so well we were level but bizarrely a similar thing happened at Northampton last season when City went two up with eight minutes to go but ended up drawing 2-2. Phillips was forced off with an injury, maybe if he was taken off straight away we would not have conceded twice, on came Clarke. After a couple of minutes City resumed as the better side until the half time whistle.

No doubt Crawley came out in the second half not to loose as City continued on top but despite his best efforts and a first touch that wouldn’t be out of place in a higher division Clarke didn’t have the same attacking skill as Phillips and Pugh was more a passer than a dribbler. It was Clarke who had the first effort firing over before McQuoid fired wide. City were finding it hard to break down Crawley and frustration got the better of them when Thomas was booked the midfielder looked like he could be heading for another booking but most fans wanted him to be taken off as he constantly gave the ball away finally he was replaced but not by surprise sub Adam Barton but by Mohammed Coulibaly. The on loan winger looked dangerous as he was prepared to run at the defence and in one combination found McQuoid he shot across the face of goal and just missed the on rushing Pugh at the far stick. S.P. then took off McQuoid who had worked hard and brought on Miller as City still did all of the attacking but could break down Town and the game ended in a frustrating draw.

Man of the Match
Maybe the best team performance I’ve seen this season?
1st Josh McQuoid Worked hard scored one set one up
2nd John Fleck Good in midfield
3rd Jim O’Brien Always dangerous
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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySun Sep 28, 2014 10:20 am

Coventry City Vs Preston North End

Another disappointing crowd turned up for the class with Preston. Team news was not good as Nouble failed a late fitness test meaning City had no tall player up front against a physical Preston side that should be in the shake up for at least a play off place. The team was in goal Allsop, with Clarke, Hines, Webster, Willis and Haynes at the back, Swanson, Fleck and O’Brien in midfield leaving a new starting strike force of Jackson and Tudgay.

It was a slow start as City struggled to hold onto the ball with the main culprit being Tudgay who showed absolutely no understanding with Jackson. Before the game S.P. warned the referee Mr Robinson about Garner and the Preston team in other words they tended to dive and this they did throughout the game also moaning and complaining every time a decision went against them and it worked. Preston started the better and looked sharp having a penalty appeal rightly waved away in the 5th minute. The Lillywhites won a couple of corners as City fans winced every time the ball went near Allsop a keeper no one seems to have trust in. Swanson then went into the book when he hacked down a wide player going past him and he couldn’t complain about the card. Then Allsop punched a catchable cross as the away side were on top. City were struggling to get going as Fleck was being kept in check meanwhile City kept pumping balls long to the front and to nobodies surprise were not winning many headers meanwhile the wing backs were not getting forward resulting in no threat at all. Preston we getting closer and City had some luck when a header was planted on the crossbar. It took a great block by Haynes to prevent a shot on target before Garner threw himself down in the box. City were defending fairly well with Preston main danger coming from the pacey Humphrey on the right wing but thankfully he couldn’t cross. City were hanging on and everyone was happy to hear the whistle of half time thinking the second half couldn’t be as bad.

No doubt some choice words from the boss at half time galvanised City who looked far better in the second half as the midfield started to pass the ball and the wingbacks started to get forward. Haynes had a good run resulting in Jackson having a shot. Preston still looked dangerous as Humphrey got around Webster but his shot was block was a last-ditch tackle from Haynes. City looked flat upfront one example was when City broke from a corner Swanson took the ball forward but Tudgay and Jackson failed in get in front of the midfielder and he ran out of choices. Minutes later the fullback was booked for a foul resulting in a free kick it was delivered well leaving Tom Clarke to score a goal that was coming. S.P. made a change and finally gave Mohamed Coulibaly his league debut and the on loan winger looked lively. Top scorer Josh McQuoid soon followed the home crowd were not pleased Tudgay remained on but “the best laid plans of mice and men” came to nothing as Garner was brought down by Webster and their top scorer tucked away a good penalty just beating Allsop to his right. Miller came on for Webster before the referee took over as Coulibaly pushed over Garner the forward sprang up and waved his arms in the face of the ref and Mr Robinson booked the City player. City tried to find a way through but to no avail and ended the game without a single shot on target unforgivable at home. City’s performances have steadily got worse but thankfully Nouble will be back the next game but is it time to ditch the 5-3-2 formation?

Man of the Match
1st No one
2nd Ryan Haynes Defended well but didn’t get forward enough
3rd Jordan Willis Look solid


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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySun Sep 21, 2014 10:24 am

Rochdale Vs Coventry City


One thing most Coventry fans know about Spotland is our terrible record there four games four defeats but for the first time since 1926 we travelled their for a league game. A steady trip up the M6 saw us arrive in plenty of time to experience something very rare, paying on the turnstiles as Rochdale do not send any tickets out and give the away fans an entire side stand. Spotland is a very small ground but not a bad one with good views. S.P. was forced into a change as Reda was suspended he also decided to give Haynes a rest after he had proved to be less effective in the last couple of games. The line up was in goal Allsop, with Clarke, Hines, Webster, Willis and Pugh at the back, in midfield we had Thomas, Fleck and O’Brien leaving Jackson and Nouble up front.

City started fairly well against the Division’s top scorers on an excellent playing surface mowed in circles. Pugh had a few shots blocked as City tried to find a way through whilst Dale relied on the long ball. City were steadily probing when Clarke found Jackson as the Canadian with some nice skills found space before firing over. It was then the turn of Nouble to fire over as City looked comfortable and O’Brien looked City’s best midfielder. Then at the other end Dale put in the best move so far leaving Hery to run past Allsop the keeper dive and his hand caught the leg of the midfielder and he went down, no doubt about the penalty but we held our breaths for a second as the referee Mr Gibbs ran over but thankfully he didn’t produce a red card as the player was heading away from goal. Henderson took the pen sending Ryan the wrong way to give the home side the lead. City tried to hit back and from a corner stand in captain Webster headed the ball on target but it was an easy save for the home keeper. Jackson wasted a chance as City were finding it hard to break down the home defence. The half was played out with no more chances.

Second half saw S.P. make a double swap off went Thomas and surprisingly Fleck and on came Swanson and Finch. It was mostly City as O’Brien fired not too far wide from distance. City then had the ball in the net but the good referee had already blew up for an offence. City were finding it hard to create anything as both fullbacks didn’t get forward as much as they should. Then Dale should have sown it up as Connell was left unmarked in the box and he hit the inside of the post before seeing the ball roll to safety. It was frustrating for City as Swanson looked good dribbling found it hard passing and Pugh looked off his game Nouble and Jackson worked hard but didn’t have much of the ball only O’Brien was playing well trying to run things from midfield. With just over an hour gone we almost had a controversial moment as during one attack a Dale player clearly handled the ball it was on the ref’s blind side but in full view of one of his linesman but no flag went up and Dale made it into the area and shot narrowly wide. City did then record our third shot on goal but again nothing to trouble the keeper. Then Pugh had a chance to shoot from just outside the area but decided to take another touch and the chance was gone. Just when the fans wanted a chance one came as Pressley threw on Tudgay for Webster to go all out we switched to 4-4-2 but we were surprised that Nouble was the player to go wide whilst the two smaller players went up front. Then with ten to go City had the chance as Tudgay found room and only the keeper to beat, the keeper came out and blocked the forward’s shot when he should have been given no chance. City kept on trying but in the end slumped to a defeat and the worst performance of the season.

Man of the Match
1st Jim O’Brien: Best by far
2nd Jordan Willis Solid
3rd Andy Webster Had a shot on goal

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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptyWed Sep 17, 2014 10:40 am

Scunthorpe United Vs Coventry City

We met Paul east of Nottingham and drove to Scunthorpe via the “A” roads arriving in good time with hardly any traffic. Last time we were here Pressley had just been announced as manager and the away following were particularly under whelmed by the appointment a lot has happened since then as the line up proved only three players from that City time were playing tonight one of them Gary McSheffrey was captaining the home side tonight the others came on as subs Willis and Fleck. Tonight’s line up was in goal Allsop, with Clarke, Willis, Webster, Johnson and Haynes at the back, Thomas, Fleck and O’Brien in midfield leaving Jackson making his first start and Nouble.

The Irons had been in poor form but were fired up from words from their manager and chairman came out strong attacking the away end in the first half. McSheffrey was the first to show cutting in and forcing Allsop to tip the ball over the bar. Another corner saw McSheffrey name sung in praise by the away fans It was still mostly the home side as Sheff fired into the wall before Madden fired wide at the other end Thomas tended to be the downfall of most moves. City as normal were trying to pass the ball and Jackson seemed to be on the wavelength but things improved after a quarter of an hour when Jackson threaded a perfect ball to Nouble who steadied himself before firing low past the keeper to give City the lead. Suddenly City looked in total control dominating all over the as pitch as Haynes pulled one back to Nouble who fired wide. At our end Taylor seemed to climb over Johnson and the referee awarded a free kick but when I looked back Mr Haywood and produced a red for Reda to the anger of the crowd, no booking for Taylor but apparently Johnson went head-to-head with Taylor before moving his head towards the forward which these days is a red card offence. Scunny took the free kick ending with their forward scoring but thankfully it was off side. I was excepting Jackson to be sacrificed for a defender but S.P. went 4-3-2 a brave move. Now Scunthorpe were lifted helped by the referee who seemed to favour them as we hoped to get to half time with the lead. City were defending well at the back despite being a player down as Haynes put in a great block. Then with 8 minutes left Sheff got the ball and he looked well off side I glanced over to the linesman expecting a flag but he was well behind the play, then Sheff squared the ball and The Irons levelled. Fleck had a shot on goal before S.P. made his first change Jackson was sacrificed and Hines was sent on as City reverted to 5-3-1.

Second half saw a few fouls by the home side go unpunished. Finally a poor tackle by McAllister on O’Brien resulted in a yellow card greeted sarcastically with a massive cheer in the away end. City fans were still in fine voice as we still tried to play the possession game with Nouble working hard up front trying to hold onto the ball. At the other end the keeper block a shot from a narrow angle but a minute later a counter attack saw a great cross met powerfully by Taylor to give the home side the lead. S.P. replaced Thomas with Swanson and the little midfielder almost brought the away end to its feet with a great dribble beating two up three players before he was stopped just outside the area. Pressley then threw on Miller for Webster to go all out for a point. Now Scunthorpe were hanging on and looking tiered as City started to dominate but we struggled to break down a team with 11 behind the ball. The Scunny boss the took off Sheff who received a standing ovation from the away fans. City continued to press as O’Brien fired one across the box with time running out. City had a good claim for a penalty as a Swanson ball may of hit a hand before we won two late corners Allsop raced forward but the first was cleared only to win a second again it was cleared only for the City keeper to cleverly chip the ball back into the area ending in Haynes blasting over and that was it. The fans gave the team warm applause as they left as losing is never good but losing after showing heart softens the blow considerably.

Got back home at 12.35 not a bad trip as we look forward to Rochdale on Saturday and to break a very old hoodoo.

Man of the Match
1st Frank Nouble Scored worked hard alone
2nd Jordan Willis Come on leaps and bounds since our last visit
3rd Jordan Clarke Again looked solid

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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptyMon Sep 15, 2014 12:40 pm

Coventry City Vs Yeovil Town


It didn’t take me long to get back into the old Saturday home match routine and as I arrived at The Ricoh. I was delighted that I had picked up my tickets for the game Wednesday as a large queue was already building up an hour before kick off, my season ticket will arrive one day. Inside the ground it was a very disappointing 11,000+ crowd that welcomed the team onto the pitch which was looking a lot greener then a week ago as the brown areas looked like they had a spray with green paint but probably been relayed. The fans inside the ground were in an upbeat mood as Pressley and his staff had just signed a contract extending their possible stay up to four years. S.P. made one change from Friday week the team was in goal Allsop who has the best clean sheet record for any keeper that had played over five games since the Victorian Era! The back three were Willis, Johnson, Webster, with Haynes and Clarke in the wing back rolls; in midfield we had Thomas, Fleck and O’Brien leaving Nouble and top scorer McQuoid up front.

Despite being a third full the Ricoh was still rocking with a great atmosphere as City attacked the away end in the first half. Clarke was the first to have a shot but his shooting not his best aspect of his game and he screwed it wide. City pressed well early on with O’Brien looking sharp as City won a corner that was punched away. City kept up the pressure as Webster got a shot on target before O’Brien volleyed in a shot on target it was mostly City. More pressure saw City winning another corner taken by O’Brien as Johnson found room in the box to head it in to put City in front and the popular player highest league goal scorer. “Reda Johnson baby” to tune of “Don’t you want my baby” by the Human League boomed out from the “Naughty Corner” and most of the ground. City kept pressing when O’Brien rattled the crossbar with a great shot. O’Brien had another effort on target before Yeovil players picked him out for some fouls. Nouble who was playing well up front holding the ball up and proving hard to knock off it went close when he fired over. After a quarter of an hour Town had their first shot straight at Allsop. City were still playing some good football when Nouble managed to find space on the right and then he advanced into the area before firing wide. Meanwhile it seemed that Yeovil were getting away with plenty of fouls and referee Mr Whitestone seemed to have left his cards at home. Meanwhile Yeovil were getting more of the ball as City were content to sit back then the away side came very close as Leitch-Smith had a shot that rebounded off the crossbar falling to Hayter whose overhead kick bounced wide. Yeovil headed over as the half came to an end with City fans happy about the first half.

Jackson replaced the injured McQuoid for the start of the second half as City kicked off and Nouble attempted to dribble half the length of the pitch before forcing a save from the keeper. Then out of nothing the visitors levelled as Foley gave Webster the slip and lifted the ball past Allsop to draw the game level. City fans responded with the “Sky Blue Song” as the game could now go either way. Then a Yeovil defender pushed Clarke into the advertising hoarding breaking them and the referee had to step in when the players squared up but amazingly no booking for Nathan Smith for the shove from then on he was booed by the home crowd every time he touched the ball. With an hour gone O’Brien was sent to the ground for the 5th time and still the referee refused to book anyone, one large chap in the row in front of me was swinging his red jumper around his head demanding the referee show the same colour to a Yeovil player. City still looked the more likely to score when Nouble found himself in the area he held onto the ball before firing off a shot at Weale in the away goal the keeper couldn’t hold onto the ball and Jackson pounced to drive the ball in off a defender to give City back the lead. Jordan Willis then went down with and injury and was replaced by Hines. Most attacks were coming from the right via Clarke as Yeovil seemed to be keeping their eye on Haynes stopping him getting forward as much. City were still defending well with Johnson leading by example at the back. As the clock counted down City launched another attack ending with Jackson firing at the keeper. In injury time Nouble went off to a standing ovation being replaced by Phillips to see the game out. City comfortably defended the injury time to record a win and place City in the top six for the first time since December 2010.

Man of the Match
1st Reda Johnson Reda Johnson baby
2nd Frank Nouble the new Dele Adebola?
3rd Jim O’Brien always a danger from midfield
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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptyThu Sep 11, 2014 9:14 am

Sorry, posted on the wrong page...have copied it back onto the general chat footy page...opps.

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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySat Sep 06, 2014 10:49 am

Coventry City Vs Gillingham

With no news of my season ticket arriving on Friday I made my way down to the Gallagher Retail Park and got in the queue finally at 1.50 I got my hands on ticket a fairly emotion moment as I was now guaranteed I would be going to the big return. I decided to get to the ground early and arrived at 5.30! After a walk around I picked up edition 166 of “Twist n Shout” with two articles written by me, I missed writing articles for the fanzine. Another walk around the ground and a picture of “The Chin” whilst bumping into regular travelling companions and people I only see at away games. With an hour to go I decided to enter the Ricoh for the first time since August 11th 2013 where I attended a charity game in front of 8,000 whilst City were at Northampton and entering the ground for the first time for a league game since 20th of April 2013 against Leyton Orient where I opened my report with “So finally the last home game of the season was upon us and the sun was out many pessimists would feel this could have been our last ever game at The Ricoh.” Back to the present and the ground was already packed and buzzing I walked up and down the concourse, like I did during the Olympics to soak in the atmosphere before chatting to an old friend I hadn’t seen for over a year. With half an hour to go I climbed the steps to took my seat next to Paul who I’ve seen hundreds of times. The team was announced for the return and a surprise as leading scorer McQuoid, who seemed to improving with every game was not in the starting line up the team with the majority playing on the ground for City for the first time was in goal Allsop, with Clarke, Willis, Webster, Johnson and Haynes at the back leaving a midfield of Fleck, Thomas and O’Brien and up front was Tudgay and making his debut Frank Nouble a player with a terrible goal scoring record of a goal every ten games his best scoring run came when he was on loan with Gillingham! As we were gearing up to see the teams the P.A announced there would be a 15 minutes delay to let the rest of the fans in. Finally the team marched out to a massive roar as I fought to keep my emotions in check finally football was home.

The game started on the awful looking pitch, Northampton’s is superb. City attacked the South Stand in the first half which contained the Gillingham fans who as an away fan had to admire for the journey on a Friday night when the game was on Sky. The “Sky Blue song” rang out as City attacked and had a weak claim for a penalty turned down by the very good referee Mr Stroud. Then the first real chance back at the ground when Haynes crossed and Clarke laid the ball off for O’Brien to shot wide. After ten minutes another good attack Thomas threaded a ball through to Haynes the full back scampered to the by-line before picking out Nouble and the loan played made a firm contact passing the ball passed former City keeper Stephen Bywater to give City the lead what a start! Fans were up hugging each other and celebrating. The away side hit back as a shot sailed over Allsop’s bar and a ball was shot into the six yard box without anyone getting on the end of it. On the whole City were playing well Haynes was a constant threat going forward, Nouble was very impressive, at last some height but he had skill and pace as well, in midfield O’Brien was playing really well and alongside him a return to his City seemed to have brought the best out of Thomas who was having his best game for quite a while. At the back Reda and the boys were keeping everything tight with former City forward Cody McDonald neatly tucked into Johnson’s back pocket. City fans were loving the game with every pass cheered as Fleck’ influence grew as the game went on. The theory that City would freeze on the big night had already been blown out of the water. One great move saw several players involved before Nouble teed up Thomas for a shot giving Bywater some catching practice. It was quite a good game and Gillingham played their part playing better football than they did last season but they were finding it hard to get past the defenders and Allsop didn’t have that much to do. Nouble then won a free kick near the edge of the box “get your spray out for the lads” I sang to Mr Stroud but it is not allowed to be used in League One. The free kick was fired over by O’Brien. A potential flash point as Clarke and Joe Martin engaged in a little shoving some referees might have sent both off but Mr Stroud played it right with a couple of yellow cards. The team was full of commitment as Willis was winning some great tackles at the back. In the 38th minute Gillingham won a corner but City defended well and broke away with a chance for Fleck to run into open but he is not the quickest and the attacked petered out. Haynes was in the action again with another quality cross and then a shot before he was back in his own half keeping tabs on The Gills tricky winger. In injury time Gillingham upped the pressure with a couple of corners but City saw it through to half time.

Everyone was really happy at the performance at half time with many commenting on young Haynes display and on his last game at the Ricoh on his debut he threw up with nerves.

Second half saw City attacking the full North Stand as Nouble got down the side and cross for Fleck whose flick header went wide. At the other end Gillingham won a corner and for once the defence were caught napping as Hause headed powerfully over. City were sitting back and trying to hit Gillingham on the break before Allsop “dirtied his jersey” for the first time getting down for a save. S.P. then made his first change taking off Nouble who looked just like the player we had been missing this season no doubt not fully fit and threw on McQuoid to add more energy and work rate to the front line. A mix up at the back maybe down to lack of communication led to a Gillingham corner which came to nothing. City needed another goal to quell the nerves and it almost came as Fleck attempted to beat Bywater from 50 yards out with a chipped volley the keeper scrambled back and turned the ball onto the post. City fans were still buzzing and practically the whole ground rose to their feet when the song “stand up if you love City” echoed over from the North Stand. Then a frustrated McDonald took out Webster and was very lucky not to be booked. Gillingham put another header wide as the clock was counting down. Gill’s boss Peter Taylor made a double substitution to get them back into the game. O’Brien then tried his luck from distance but was saved as we entered the last ten minutes. Fleck then picked up a booking as some slack play threatened a Gillingham counter attack. McDonald fired into the side netting with five minutes were left before Thomas joined the others in the book before Thomas set up O’Brien who fired wide. S.P. then decided to “close up shop” as he made a double substitution off came Thomas for Finch making his league debut and then off came Tudgay who worked hard without any rewards and looked knackered and on came new loan defender Seb Hines and promptly went up front. Four minutes of injury time was announced but City spent most of than in the away half until Gillingham won a free kick but it was well defended leaving the ball rolling to Allsop who dramatically threw himself on the ball before a goal kick and Mr Stroud blowing for full time to signal a winning return to the ground.

Man of the Match
A real tough one as there was several candidates.
1st Ryan Haynes No doubt caught the attention of higher division teams
2nd Reda Johnson Immense at the back
2nd John Fleck Ran midfield
2nd Frank Nouble is it too early to sign him?
3rd Connor Thomas Best game for ages
3rd Joe O’Brien ran all night and was dangerous
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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySat Sep 06, 2014 10:49 am

Wycombe Wanderers Vs Coventry City

Thankfully the draw had been kind to us only sending us down the M40 to High Wycombe it could have been a lot worse. Memories came flooding back as we approached Adams Park as the last time I visited the ground 21 years ago we were in Division One and they were Division Four we had won the first leg of the League Cup 3-0 and I watched in horror as Wycombe went 3 up and even 4 up in extra time before City snatched two goals to go through. Things have changed since then but Adams Park is still pleasant place to visit set in a backdrop of hills and trees and helped out by having a 10% discount on food and drinks. SP made more changes than is allowed in this competition but with a home game at home coming up order to be played on Friday, “believe in better?” So the team was in goal Lee Burge with Clarke, Willis, Pugh, Phillips and Jack Finch, in midfield we had Swanson, Daniels and Thomas leaving McQuoid and making his long awaited debut Mohamed Coulibaly.

There was a good following in the away end as City attacked the far end dressed in the white away strip. The home team started the brighter with a shot and a header that went wide. Burge then had to come off his line quick to snuff out an attack. City were finding it hard to get going despite the best efforts of Danny Swanson who was looking by far the best he has been this season maybe because the Wycombe bade has a swan on it? Ten minutes gone and the City defence were looking solid when the Chairboys won a free kick “get your spray out for the lads” the City fans towards referee Mr Russell who was allowed to use the disappearing spray in the J.P.T. but strangely not the league. Not for the first time this season the entertainment value wasn’t great leaving the City fans to sing the greatest hits, song about old players also paying tribute to recently axed Carl Baker who according to rumour was released because “his legs have gone”. Wanderers then had a great chance as McClure found space but curled his shot wide. City were happy to sit back and defend and Clarke and the other defenders were looking solid. City launched attacks but it was the normal patient build up but just before the half hour mark Swanson threaded the ball to Coulibaly and the loan player drew the keeper out dinking the ball pass him we all waited for the net to bulge but a defender got back and cleared the ball off the line. Wycombe still did most of the pressing but their finishing was wayward. City were always looking to hit back as often as possible and just before the break Swanson played a great pass to McQuoid cut inside the thumped the cross bar with a great shot. Wanderers had a few more half chances until the half time whistle was blown by Mr Russell who ran the game well.

Second half saw City attacking the away sections as we hoped that we could avoid a penalty shoot out. Then a massive cheer went up from the City fans as Wycombe won a free kick and Mr Russell produced the vanishing spray. City’s distribution wasn’t the greatest and Lee Burge needs some practice his defenders didn’t always help once he threw the ball to Phillips he was going to knock the ball down the wing and McQuoid moved wide but the defender was closed down and passed it to Swanson he switched it to Pugh who suddenly had acres of space to run into and after a run he swept a cross to the far post to the on rushing McQuoid coming in from his wide position to met the ball first time to give us the lead it was a good team goal. SP with his mind on Friday immediately took off our top scorer and threw on young James Madison. Now Wycombe went all out attack as the game came to life and won a series of corners that City on the whole defended well but one fell to a home player but thankfully Burge pulled off a good save deflecting the ball onto the cross bar. Wycombe were going close on several occasions. Then SP threw on a player for his debut and again you had to ask if the youth team had a height restriction as Kyle Spence was even shorter than Madison but the youngster started to make a nuisance of himself. City fans started to sing “1-0 to the under 9’s”. City defended in depth and saw out a long injury time without too many scares to progress to the next round.

Man of the Match
1st Danny Swanson: Best game so far.
2nd Jordan Clarke: Defended well.
3rd Josh McQuoid: Top scorer
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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySun Aug 31, 2014 10:26 am

Swindon Town Vs Coventry City

For the first time this season we had a full car as we headed to Swindon via The Cotswolds why we can’t go the quick way via Oxford is beyond me. We reached the Wiltshire town in plenty of time and parked in the cricket club and to our pleasure they had a game on with plenty of time to kill we settled down to watch a bit of cricket. It was an end of season game Champions Bridgewater taking on mid table Swindon who were playing in the top flight after promotion in the second XI league according to the fans, both of them. After a bit of leather on willow we made our way to observe the Association game in Swindon’s old fashioned but without any charm ground. S.P. only made one change to his 60th league game in charge as Clarke was out with an injury the line up was in goal Allsop, with Phillips, Willis, Johnson , Webster and Haynes at the back, Thomas, Fleck and O’Brien in midfield leaving McQuoid and Tudgay up front. The County Ground is not a good place for City and have failed to win in the league here stretching back to the 60’s and the Robins were expected to be a contender for a play off place and a team that plays good football.

City playing in white tops and sky blues shorts and for once the combination didn’t look bad attacked the home end in the first half. The game itself was dire with both sides looking like they had nothing up front and most of us were wishing we had stopped behind to watch a reserve cricket match. It took until 26 minutes for a first shot and another 11 minutes for the first time a keeper had to stop a shot as Allsop fielded a tame effort. City were looking comfortable at the back with Phillips playing well in his wing back role. Swindon slowly started to turn up the pressure on City as the half drew on and won a couple of corners the second one was broken up and the ball was played to O’Brien who lead a 3 Vs 2 counter attack he had both forwards in plenty of room to his left and he picked out the far play McQuoid, the forward’s second touch was terrible as he ran in on goal it looked certain the Robins’ keeper Fotheringham would collect but Josh just got his toe on the ball taking it past the keeper and an easy tap-in to put the loan player joint top scorer on two. This was our first shot on goal. We goaded the home fans with “one shot and we’re 1-0 up”.

Half time Radio Wiltshire were hopeful of an early goal for the home side stating that Coventry were a good side.

Second half was a far better spectacle and the instruction from the home manager seemed to be “go to ground at every opportunity” trouble is referee Mr Deadman fell for it. Swindon won an early corner but City defended well and tried to hit Town on the break but this was difficult with no pace of height up front. Tudgay came close to opening his account after a good cross from Haynes. There was panic in the City box as the ball wasn’t properly cleared but the defence managed to get the ball away in the end. Despite the lack of pace form the front two they did combine well as McQuoid fed Tudgay who fired wide. Good work then saw Haynes go clear down the left but he was clearly held back something Mr Deadman missed. Then City had another chance as the ball was worked to McQuoid who was on the by-line with only the keeper to beat with on one in the penalty box he should have blasted the ball at the keeper but instead chipped the ball into no man’s land and it was cleared. S.P. then made a double swap sending on Miller and Jackson for the other forwards. City then came very close from a corner Webster flicked the ball but the keeper managed to push it out but did the ball cross the line? If only we had goal line technology. Swindon then won a corner which was cleared but the ball was crossed back in only for Rossi-Branco to head the home side level. This lifted the Robins as City started to wobble and the midfield gave the ball away far too often. Jackson then had a chance after beating a defender but under pressure fired over. Allsop had a few standard saves as the game could go either way. Then Miller had to go off with an injury and he was replaced by Swanson who went up front reducing the size for the front two even more. Fleck had a shot as we headed into injury time then a great chance as Phillips crossed Jackson found room but volleyed wide when he should have scored and we settled for a point.

Back to the cricket and Bridgewater ended on 252 whilst Swindon were 47-4 and lost another wicket before we left.

Man of the match
1st Aaron Phillips: Suited to the wing back role
2nd Ryan Haynes Another good game
3rd Andy Webster Unlucky with his header

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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySun Aug 24, 2014 2:21 pm

Milton Keynes Dons Vs Coventry City

With Kev and Rach travelling by train it was only Paul, Lisa and myself in the car heading down Brittan’s awful motorway system to MK. Paul turned off a junction too early and we found ourselves on MK’s endless straight boring roads looking for a sign to the ground which we did see, we stopped and asked a bus driver who’s English wasn’t great to ask for directions as Paul’s sat nav wasn’t modern enough to find the ground in the end we used his mobile phone to take us to the ground. We parked up and enter the magnificent stadium that is a total waste for the average attendance that they pull in. As you might guess only one topic was on everyone’s lips the return to the Ricoh. City only had 3,500 fans in the ground about half down from last season as S.P. sent out an unchanged side of Allsop in goal with the back five of Clarke, Willis, Johnson, Webster and Haynes, Fleck, Swanson and O’Brien in midfield leaving McQuoid and Tudgay up front.

In front of a paltry home support the Dons attacked the away end first and seconds after kick off Johnson gave away an unnecessary free kick by obstructing a player the free kick went straight to Allsop in the goal setting a trend for the rest of the game. It was a slow start to the game as City looked comfortable at the back did have a shot on target as Fleck tried one of his long rangers that didn’t trouble the keeper. City defenders then blocked a shot as MK were looking the better side. The “Sisu Out” song then started but it was shouted down by other fans as the main songs were about returning home and “Read Johnson baby” to the tune of “don’t you want be baby” by the Human League. Tudgay then went down after a clash that terrible referee Mr Sheldrake missed, the forward attempted to change his shirt on the field but the referee waved him off to get it changed but to everyone’s amazement the forward remained on the side lines for what seemed minutes as Sheldrake refused to wave him on just as City were attacking calls from the fans became even more frantic when MK attacked thankfully the ball went out and Tudgay was allowed back on and the referee continued to put in a bad display. McQuoid had a tame shot saved as MK were doing most of the pressing but the back three central defender were soaking everything up but City were nearly undone down the left as a player entered the box Haynes tried a kung fu kick tackle thankfully missing the player put his cross over. Then the hosts came close as a Bowditch ran into the area and Allsop blocked his shot but it fell back to him and his shot was headed off the line by Johnson. MK were buzzing around the box but all too often their shots were straight at the keeper who had an annoying habit of punching away corners when a catch would have been a better bet and his distribution wasn’t great no helped by having no height in midfield or up front. City best bet seemed to be in the excellent Ryan Haynes with his raids up front and crossing ability. Another player with more skill then you would think is Reda one moment saw him stuck in midfield but he got past three players with some trickery. A neat back heel saw Reeves break through but Allsop came out quick and was able to smother the shot. City did have a rare attacked winning a rarer free kick but O’Brien fired it at the keeper at least it was on target half time no goals.

The second half started it was a flat game with a flat atmosphere City had much needed height in the side in the second half as Connor Thomas had replaced Swanson and the visitors started brightly winning a corner before a great cross from Haynes fell to Clarke who volleyed wide. The game looked like first to score would win but both defences were on top as Miller came on for McQuoid and Jackson came on for Tudgay this improved the team a touch but it still looked more likely for a home than an away win not helped by the referee who gave most things to the home side. Miller then attempted to enter the box but had the ball kicked away in front of his head despite the obvious feet too high plea no indirect free kick was given. At the other end a rare lapse in defence as Webster under hit a header back to the keeper a MK player got the ball past Allsop but couldn’t finish from a tight angle then they should have scored as they found room in the area but the snap shot was over the bar. Finally the referee blew to signify a good point and a solid defence performance but really nothing else. “We want to go home” sang the City fans as they left.

Man of the Match
1st Ryan Haynes Looks good going forward
2nd Reda Johnson won everything in the air
3rd Andy Webster solid
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PostSubject: Re: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptySun Aug 10, 2014 10:58 am

Bradford City Vs Coventry City

It was good to be back in the car and on the road. We made it to Bradford in plenty of time and inside the ground we played “identify the new player” as we had seven starting the third highest in our history excluding the first ever game. We had only four players surviving from last season’s game here today’s line was in a 5-3-2 making his debut in goal Ryan Allsop, the three centre backs were Webster, Clarke and making his debut Reda Johnson the wing backs were Willis and making his debut Danny Pugh the three midfielders were Connor Thomas, making his debut Jim O’Brien and making his debut Danny Swanson leaving up front making his debut Marcus Tudgay and making his debut Josh McQuoid. This ground is not a good one for City who have not won here since the 1959. Optimism was higher than the same stage last season then again that would be difficult. I took my seat right next to the drummer!

City in their new white away kit attacked the far end first. It was nearly a great start when Clarke was played in on the right unmarked but his volley was too high. All eyes were on the new boys which was some task at the back Johnson looked ponderous whilst the front two ran around a lot, Pugh was doing all right at the back, Swanson didn’t get much of the ball but O’Brien was looking the better player and he shot across the goal after 15 minutes. Bradford were not as much “Dark Age football” as last season but still Hanson was the lynchpin up front a tall forward something we don’t possess as most of our players seemed little. It was the big forward who gave Allsop something to do after twenty minutes with a save. The keeper then managed to save a shot point blank but it was a poor finish. After a slow start the home team started to get more of the ball and were looking dangerous when a cross from the right was flicked on into the net by Hanson a well taken header. Then more problems this time from a corner Yeates got his head to it and a combination of Webster and Allsop managed to keep the ball out. The away fans then held aloft “Fix Football” banners and lambasted the Football League in song. City slowly started to get back in the game as McQuoid headed one over. City then won a corner taken by Pugh his set piece was well delivered and met by Johnson who became only the third centre defender to score on his debut to level the game up. The big Frenchman already had his name sung before the goal and could be in danger of being very popular with the fans. City ended on top with a couple of corners before referee Mr Dean brought an end to a good first half.

One of the reasons of the switch in formation was to cut down the number of silly goals but minutes into the half a long ball was heading out as Allsop seemed to say “leave it” but Clarke decided not to and headed it out for a needless corner. The set piece was sent in and seconds later the ref was pointing to the spot after a needless penalty given away by Johnson something he was a reputation for doing. Sheehan took the spot kick and sent Allsop the wrong way. City hit back by keeping the ball and trying to pass their way through and it nearly worked as Pugh forced the keeper into a save. Then it opened up for Swanson but his drive was blocked by a couple of Bradford players throwing themselves in front of the shot. Hanson was still the big threat up front meanwhile SP made the first change by taking off Thomas and sending on Fleck and the sub helped to change the game with some positive passing. City fans had half hearted appeals for a penalty was the away side pressed helped out by Johnson who now seemed to be playing as a forward. City were working hard and O’Brien seemed to be annoying the home side as he was constantly fouled. One difference from last season it looked like City were more dangerous from corners as a Pugh set piece found Webster and his header was scrambled off the line. SP then gave a debut to Shaun Miller coming on for Clarke as City went full out for a goal. Fleck then found room and forced the Bradford keeper to tip the ball over the bar as the pressure mounted. Then in the dieing minutes a cross was sent in and Tudgay forced a great save from the keeper only for Johnson to force the ball home to level it up and become only the 7th player to score more then one goal on his debut. Naturally there were great scenes in the away end as City looked like they had secured a well earned point. We were still celebrating when Bradford attacked and they were allowed to get a cross in for Hanson to head powerfully home to regain the lead. In injury time Fleck was seemed to be brought down in the box but Mr Dean said “drive” and booked him. So a 3-2 defeat so much for a better defence but hopefully the team can settle down and start getting results in a tough start to the season.


Man of the Match
Reda pronounced Reeda was the main talking point but not the best player
1st Jim O’Brien Looked lively
2nd John Fleck Should start
3rd Reda Johnson Cult hero already and joint top scorer in League One

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PostSubject: Chocky's match reports...2014/15   Chocky's match reports...2014/15 EmptyWed Aug 06, 2014 9:27 pm

Hi there, sorry it is a bit late but had a few probs with my PC...look forward to reading your reports...hope to see you at a game or two this year...cheers..Malc.

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