Choccy's match reports 2015/16

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There ya go my lad...

Might get to the first game at home and also Millwall away...

Coventry City Vs Peterborough United

We welcomed Peterborough United to the Ricoh on Saturday, the first of three home games in a week. This was the game Joe Cole was supposed to be making his home debut but was left out. Some fans had more pressing matters as an accident near the Arena Shops meant queuing traffic on the A444 and the game was delayed for 15 minutes. The line up was in goal Reece-Cook, with Phillips, Martin, Ricketts and Stokes in defence, leaving Murphy, Vincelot, Fleck and Lameiras in midfield with Armstrong and Fortune up front.

Peterborough in good form and were top scorers under new manager Graham Westley started the better attacking the empty end in the first half but City should have been in front after three minutes when Murphy intercepted a pass along the back four to run in on goal but his shot was saved by Alnwick in the Posh goal. Westley is infamous for his route one nasty style of football but not at Peterborough as he got the side to pass and keep hold of the ball making it difficult for City to build up any attacks. United, backed by a large and noisy away support put in a threatening move ending in a shot on target. City were struggling as Fortune was being well contained and the away side in a kit that looked like a red kit that had ran in the wash kept knocking the ball around looking for gaps. After 12 minutes they should have taken the lead when Washington was unmarked on the left but could only hit the side netting. Peterborough full of confidence from a being unbeaten on the road since Westley took over advanced again as Washington got the ball in the area he squared it to Anderson who had a simple task of beating Reece-Cook to give them a deserved lead. City’s unbeaten home record was in server threat as Washington fired wide again, Washington is not the most popular player with the away fans as he tends to miss easy chances. The poor referee Gavin Ward then got his yellow card out for the first time and no complaints as Martin brought down a player. Washington finally got one on target but no trouble for the keeper. City just couldn’t get going in the forward areas, the two forwards were isolated and the wide players were not getting down the wings with Murphy taking most of the abuse. United kept pressing as a player described as the Turkish Messi, Oztumer had a shot blocked. Peterborough then correctly had a goal ruled out for off side before another blocked shot and Washington firing high. Finally approaching half an hour City started to get more of the ball and had a chance but Fortune showed why his goal scoring record is so poor by firing straight at the keeper. This encouraged the team and the fans and City started to have more joy. Murphy from a tight angle got one on target before a blast from Fleck was also saved. Armstrong finally found room in the box and turn he fired in what looked like a tame shot but it was well disguised as it hit the foot of the post. City needed to keep this up and not to concede before the break, unfortunately this what happened as in an attack the ball was squared to Oztumer, outside the penalty area the diminutive midfielder let fly with a cracking shot to make it 2-0. Now last season Peterborough played well in the first half and lead by two but lost 3-2 but City looked miles away from such a come back. Posh had a shot go wide before Armstrong had one saved. Taylor was booked for Peterborough as the half neared the end half before Washington had a glorious chance to wrap the game up firing wide.

Half time talk was who to come on to turn things around and it seemed most wanted Kent to replace Murphy. Mowbray decided on two changes Kent came on for Lameiras and Fortune went off and was replaced by O’Brien who had played well in his last two games. City had a great chance in the opening seconds as Kent was picked out with a great pass and the wide player found room and tried to pick out Armstrong in the box but he embarrassingly ballooned the cross high into the Halloween air. Peterborough were forced to take Forrester off after a clash of heads in the first half and the midfielder throwing up at half time. City had upped the tempo and the crowd seeing what was going on started to get behind the team. Peterborough now had stopped playing and hoofing the ball was Alnwick started to waste time noted by Mr Ward looking at his watch. Fleck had a shot blocked leading to a corner but most corners were collected by the keeper. City were being driven on by Vincelot in midfield and O’Brien playing just behind Armstrong was starting to find room. City still looked venerable to the counter attack but on the whole the defence were looking solid with Phillips having his best game of the season so far. Kent was giving problems down the right cut in and had a shot blocked as the noise increased. O’Brien then was denied by the keeper pushing a shot away before saving an effort from Armstrong. It was now all City as Peterborough looked nervous and Alnwick kept wasting time. The game was not helped by a referee seeming to favour the away side. City kept up the pressure as Fleck had a shot but it hit the post, thankfully the ball fell to Vincelot who volleyed it back in to score and to put him second highest scorer. Surly City couldn’t come form two nil down again and win? City kept pressing in a pulsating game as Vincelot had a shot blocked. City looked like they could score with every attack as Kent had another shot blocked. Roared on by the crowd the players were determined to hold on to the unbeaten record as O’Brien went close. Murphy who had been poor the game up until then started to improve and had a shot blocked. A minute later Armstrong also had one blocked as Peterborough seemed to be hanging on and Mr Ward looked at his watch again as Alnwick wasted more time over a goal kick. O’Brien was causing real problems for the Posh defence and fired on wide as the hunt for the leveller went on. City were breaking up any attacks thrown at them and Stokes started a good counter attack as he released Murphy, the winger raced away and was brought down on the edge of the box earning a booking for Santos. Peterborough had a rare chance but thankfully it fell to Washington who hit it straight at Reece-Cook. Fifteen minutes to go as Armstrong had a shot blocked, O’Brien shot wide, Washington fired it at the keeper and Alnwick wasted time making the referee look at his watch for the 9th time, yes I was counting. Mowbray’s final change saw Haynes replace Stokes meaning City had three players on from last season’s game, Fleck, O’Brien and Haynes. Peterborough seemed to have gotten over the nerves and started to pass the ball again carving out some half chances but this gave us some room at the back as in a counter-attack Murphy ran passed his marker and into the box he picked out Armstrong who slotted the ball home to spark of mad celebrations around the ground. City were level and now were smelling victory. A good goal kick by Reece-Cook was won well with a good header by Vincelot but the other player went down like a sack of spuds holding his head Mr Ward enraged the home crowd by stopping play. Murphy now on fire had a shot go wide. Finally after nine watch checks and one warning Mr Ward booked Alnwick for persistent time wasting which got a massive cheer. In the next attack Murphy ran at his booked fullback got past him and found Armstrong, the forwards flicked the ball sideways before slotting it past the keeper to amazingly give City the lead. Peterborough now were broken and City could have easily made it four as Kent and Armstrong both had chances. Six minutes were then indicated mainly for Peterborough’s time wasting. City stood strong at the back as Reece-Cook fielded a weak shot from Washington before Mr Ward blew his whistle for a real treat.

After the game to prove he was on the away side Mr Ward told Westley that his side would play worse and win. We left the ground delighted and Peterborough left in disbelief. 21 shoots on target the most this season, 12 for us the most this season and 9 against the most this season as well.

Man of man match
1st Romaine Vincelot: Bossed midfield
2nd Jim O’Brien: Never shot running
3rd Adam Armstrong: Two great goals

Swindon Town Vs Coventry City

So after five away games on the coach we were finally back in the car again as we headed south to Swindon. The Robins were one of the teams picked out as play off contenders but are a real basket case of a club and are on a bad run runs that normally end against City. We arrived at the County Ground maybe the least popular away ground for us. The weather wasn’t great but at least we were under cover. The line up was in goal Charles-Cook, with Phillips, Ricketts, Martin and Stokes at the back, in midfield we had Kent, Vincelot, Fleck and O’Brien with Cole in just behind Armstrong.

The game got underway with the City stands in the stand taking the micky out of the City fans out in the rain on the terracing as nearly 1,500 Sky Blues fans had made the trip. Armstrong had the first shot going wide in the opening minutes before Cole had a shot blocked in a quite opening. Both teams were feeling each other out and keeping the ball and trying to pass it around. Early on Cole was taken out with a bad tackle and somehow escaped a yellow card for it but we are used to that at the County Ground. Swindon started to get more into the game with a blocked shot and catching practise for Charles-Cook. At the other end O’Brien had a shot wide before Kent darted in and had his shot blocked. Kent and Armstrong were starting to stretch the home defence whilst Fleck was pinging the ball around well. Meanwhile the referee Mr Whitestone seemed to keep pulling City players up for innocuous challenges. Charles-Cook had another straight forward save as he edged closer to Oggy’s record of the length of time without conceding. Fleck then got some flack from Turnbull but at last the referee took action and showed a yellow card. In injury time City attacked and a good cross from Kent the ball dropped to Cole he fired but a defender was on the line to kick the ball off the line.

Surprisingly Cole was taken off at half time and replaced by Lameiras. City started to look better in the second half and so did Swindon. Both sides had early chances before Ajose had a shot on target which was saved. Vincelot found himself in the book before another sub as Murphy replaced Kent. The sub got into the game and had a shot blocked. The game could have gone either way as both defences were stretched. Swindon made a double change as City attacked Fleck knocked a ball down the wing for Stokes to run onto to and the left back got to it and put in a good cross the keeper missed it and Vincelot was first to it and slammed the ball home to give City the lead, he celebrated with the wet fans on the open terraces and received a word from the referee. It was a long wait for the goal the first by a City player since the home game at home to Shrewsbury. City were now looking better as Armstrong fired just wide before going down in the penalty area holding his face but it was to see if there was enough contact. Murphy, who was making an impact, tried a shot. The final sub was then made as Armstrong who had another quiet game was replaced by Tudgay. Minutes later Muprhy busts into the box and was brought down, penalty. Tudgay got the ball as well held our breath with our terrible penalty record, the forward hit a poor pen and it was saved but thankfully it rebounded kindly and Tudgay followed up and made it two. Another milestone as Charles-Cook broke Oggy’s record and City were heading to the first league win at Swindon for ages. Swindon started to get forward more as Fleck was booked for a shirt tug. City were still looking solid when the Robins moved the ball forward and Gladwin finished really well to be the first player to score past Charles-Cook in a league game, “just a consolation goal” we hoped. In injury time a scuffle in the box and Martin brought down a player before Phillips handled and the referee gave a penalty and it was a penalty. Charles-Cook is a great keeper but he can’t save penalties and again he got nowhere near it and we had to settle for a draw.

Man of the Match
1st John Fleck: Ran midfield
2nd Romain Vincelot: Done the hard work
3rd Jim O’Brien: Looked good out wide.

Rochdale Vs Coventry City

Another night another trip up the M6 but the main topic of conversation was a certain midfielder about to make his debut not Chris Eagles who had gone to moneybags Bury but former England International Joe Cole. Spotland is a ground we had never won on but we did avoid defeat in the League Cup here earlier this season. The line up as in goal Charles-Cook with Phillips, Ricketts, Martin and Stokes at the back in midfield we had O’Brien, Morris, Vincelot, Armstrong, with Fortune up front and Mr Joe Cole playing in the hole.

City came out in a kit that must have made Cole feel at home as it was our Red England away strip. The kicked off and Cole got a few touches and close attention from some Dale players. Rochdale are a good side that likes to pass the ball and it was the home side that had the first chance with Charles-Cook on the ground were he made his debut and conceded his only goal, beating away a shot. The game was a bit level with both teams knocking the ball around well. Then City had a chance as Armstrong ran behind the line and Cole picked him out and the top scorer raced through but Dale’s keeper Lillis did well to block the shot. Dale’s players were being allowed to get away with a lot included a two footed tackle from behind. City then put in a good move as Cole picked the ball up and went on a good run before shooting wide. At the other end the home side fashioned a chance but the ball was straight at Charles-Cook. Another catch from a shot from the keeper at the other end City kept drifting off side as we tried to fashion a chance. At the other Henderson fired wide as Rochdale kept moving the ball wide to look for crosses into the box. City put another good move in as Cole fired wide and City started to get on top near the end of the 1st half. City won the corner and in the scramble the ball fell to Fortune who only had the keeper to beat but to his credit and came out and blocked at close range.


Second half saw Armstrong having a shot on target before Dale fired wide. Even without Johnson at the back City were looking solid with Stokes keeping his winger under warps. Armstrong had another shot on target but couldn’t get any power on the ball. T.M decided on the first change off went the disappointing Fortune and he was replaced by Tudgay. Then a good move saw Dale sweep into the box the forward could have shot but squared it to sub Bunny who looked like he had to score but Charles-Cook stood up and mad a good save. Just before the hour mark Cole was taken off to great applause from the City fans and also from the home fans, on came Kent and the sub almost made an immediate impact with a shot on target well saved by Lillis. O’Brien meanwhile was improving as the game went on and was more like the player from last season attempting to get City moving. Then a surprise change for the home side as they took off their big No 9 Andrew who was a real handful at the back. The officiating left a lot to be desired but finally Rochdale were pulled up for a foul when Henderson went into the books a minute later he flew in again on O’Brien, now I didn’t see any contact but some refs might have issued a second yellow. Some City fans were then left scratching their heads as Mowbray took off Armstrong but in fairness he wasn’t having the best of games, on came Murphy and he started to stretch the home side’s defence. It was Murphy who went close with a shot before the lanky Bunny, that’s his name, fired wide at the other end. Into the last ten minutes and the game could go either way and it was nearly Dale who should have done better with one of the chances. Charles-Cook determined not to be beaten caught the ball again as the game went into injury time as Stokes had to leave the pitch but because of no more subs left he hobbled back on again after treatment finally the ref blew his whistle for a good point on the road and we headed for home.

Took us three hours to make home with most of us confessing we are getting too old for this.

Man of the Match
1st Chris Stokes: Nullified the threat from out wide.
2nd Reice Charles-Cook: Yet another clean sheet
3rd Jim O’Brien: Got into his game late on.

Coventry City Vs Blackpool


There was a buzz around the Ricoh and it had nothing to do with the Wasps with news of the signings of Joe Cole and Chris Eagles training with the team. The two Internationals were back but the last time this happened Armstrong took a game or two to get over it but he is impossible to leave out the line up was Charles-Cook in goal with Ricketts, Johnson, Martin and Stokes at the back. In midfield we had Kent, Fleck, Vincelot and Murphy with Armstrong playing behind Fortune. Before kick off we had a minute’s applause for the people that lost their lives in the Bus Tragedy.

The game kicked off against a team in the bottom three but were one of the in-form teams around having won their last three games. The game started as the ball went out for a City throw and as the Blackpool players lined up to defend the set piece parallel to the box the lineman gave it the other way. City started well as Fortune put one wide. City were looking good early on as Murphy was played through but keeper Doyle, today’s obligatory former Coventry player came out and blocked the shot. The Tangerines were sitting deep and attempting to hit City on the break as Cullen had a shot blocked and had another one blocked a while later. Charles-Cook was then called into action for the first time saving a shot before at the other end Murphy got in a shot the keeper could only push away. City continued to press and won a couple of corners to no real effect. Midway through the first half the referee Mr Hill warned Doyle about time wasting I never seen someone warned so early in the game for this and it just showed Blackpool’s mentality on the day. Kent had a shot before Martin headed over. Another corner saw Armstrong head over. Blackpool were looking solid at the back as City found it hard to break them down but it was a complement to City’s home form. Fleck was running midfield whilst the City back four were looking untroubled. Murphy got a curling shot on targeted easily saved by the keeper. City kept up the pressure when the ball fell back to Stokes the left back hit a great shot forcing the save of the day from Doyle. Both Fleck and Kent had attempts but the supply to the forwards were not quiet on it. The half ended all level.

The second half started with Blackpool getting forward a bit more and had a couple of half chances. Up front Armstrong looked a bit leggy. City were soon in their stride winning two free kicks outside the area earning two yellow cards neither of them came to anything before Ricketts was brought down out wide and nothing was given. Both teams had shots saved as it was still a game of cat and mouse. Then the mouse should have scored as Cullen got through drew out Charles-Cook and fired wide to this disappointment of the Blackpool players. City kept on attacking and getting shots in on target before Fleck upended a player and received a yellow card that means a suspension. First change for City was Lameiras replacing Vincelot not long after Morris replaced Kent. Then a sight we didn’t want to see as Johnson stretched for a ball went down in pain, looked like a hamstring, the big defender was helped off the pitch and we will miss him. On came Phillips as Ricketts switched to centre back. Armstrong finally got the ball in the box but couldn’t create enough room to fire in a shot. Mr Hill then took centre stage after telling Phillips where to take a throw in from and when he didn’t awarded the throw to Blackpool, which is fair enough but seconds later Blackpool were allowed to take a throw many feet from where the ball went out. Five minutes of injury time was announced when it should have been seven as Lameiras before the end and Blackpool went back with a good point and our unbeaten home record remained in tack

Man of the Match
1st John Fleck Ran midfield
2nd Jacob Murphy Looked a threat
3rd Chris Stokes Raided well from left back.

Fleetwood Town Vs Coventry City

For once the trip up the M6 was trouble free and we arrived in Fleetwood in plenty of time. We were around the entrance with plenty of City fans when Fleetwood’s new manager a certain Steven Pressley came out. He was greeted like an old friend by the fans and the general message was “thanks what you did sorry it didn’t work out”. Inside the ground we heard the news that Reice-Cook seemed to have became the new number 1 keeper. The rest of the team was Ricketts, Martin, Johnson and Stokes, in defence and in midfield we had O’Brien, Vincelot, Fleck, Lameiras and O’Brien playing in the deep role this left Fortune up front.


City attacked the far end in the first half as O’Brien had the first shot of the game. It was the Cod Army that came close early on as Haughton found room and put one just past the far post. Minutes later Fleetwood came close again with another shot from the left hand side missing the post. The game wasn’t the best as Fleetwood where out to impress Pressley. Fortune had a shot blocked as City were struggling to get forward. Fleck then tried a long range shot that Maxwell in the Town goal saved. It seems these days ever other team has an ex-player and Fleetwood have Richard Wood on loan and the defender headed one wide. It was pretty even and dull stuff as Reice-Cook had to make a save. Murphy then had a shot blocked but the winger wasn’t on form early on. Hard working O’Brien had a shot but not on target. As the dull game went on City won three corners at the other end ending in Martin heading over the bar before the very good referee Mr Heywood blew for half time.

The local radio station said City were just about the best team.

Second half saw Fleetwood starting brightly and a shot from distance need Cookie to push around the post for a corner. City blocked a shot from Fleetwood but they didn’t seem to carry much threat up front and City were not much better. Murphy put one well wide before wasting a free kick as we looked to the bench for replacements. Murphy then had another shot but it was closer before O’Brien had a shot saved. City were slowly getting better as Fleetwood tired. Stokes blasted one wide before we won a couple of corners that was a test for their keeper. O’Brien missed before the ever improving Murphy had a shot blocked. Another attack saw Murphy thrown to the floor but the referee played on and when the game stopped he awarded the only card of the game. City finally made a change as George Thomas replaced Lameiras. As City got used to the change Town went forward with a save and then a shot blocked. Johnson had a shot go wide before Tudgay replaced O’Brien. City were getting better and better as Murphy was getting more room and taking on an increasingly tiring fullback then we came very close as Murphy hit the post minutes later Maxwell beat away a shot and it fell to Fortune with an open goal but he put it wide but he may have been off side. Fleetwood still counterattacked and Cookie had to save. It was nearly all City and if there was to be a goal it was only coming one way. It the last minute George Thomas was played in and skipped past a defender and fired in on goal the keeper parried but the ball hit Wood and we sucked the ball into the net as it seemed to roll in slowly and over the line to spark off mad celebrations in the away end. Connor Thomas came off the bench to replace Murphy to see out the game and deep in injury time Tudgay had a chance but sliced at it before Mr Heywood signalled for the end and a great win.
No problems getting home

Man of the Match
1st Aaron Martin: Solid at the back
2nd: Reda Johnson gave the forwards no chance
3rd Jacob Murphy: got better as the game went on

Yeovil Town Vs Coventry City

Twenty minutes before I was about to leave to pick Kev up for the Yeovil I looked at my coach tickets and realised the club shop had given me four Fleetwood coach tickets and not two Yeovil and two Fleetwood, so I raced over to the Butts to exchange and after picking up Kev we joined the other “nutters” on the coach for the long trip south. For once the motorways were clear and we reached the Somerset town in three hours giving us plenty of time. No surprisingly T.M rested a couple of older players but put out a strong side it was in goal Charles-Cook, at the back we had Haynes, Ricketts, Martin and Phillips, in midfield we had O’Brien, Fleck, Connor Thomas and Murphy, Lameiras playing deep with Tudgay up front.

After a pat-down by the stewards, first time this season I entered the open terracing and the predicted rain was holding off on a pleasant October night. City attacked our end in the first half. Yeovil won an early corner but it was a low keyed affair. City started to get into their stride when Tudgay juggled the ball got into position but fired high. Yeovil won another corner at the other end but Ricketts lead the back four well. City’s main attacks where coming down the left with Murphy linking well with Haynes. City were patient but finally found their way through when Murphy slipped in and fired a shot but keeper Krysiak pulled off a good save. O’Brien then tested the keeper with a low shot but it was an easy save. Another good build up again saw Murphy ghost in and play the ball to Fleck the midfielder showed why his goal scoring record isn’t too good by putting a powerful shot wide of the post and into the terracing. Yeovil were at full stretch but to be fair they looked organised at the back but one argument did ensue when their keeper refused to come off his line forcing their Number Three to clear for a corner and then had a real go at his keeper. City were still looking for a goal when Connor pulled a ball back to Tudgay whose first time shot was beaten away by the keeper. So half time no goals but City on top against a side that might just suffer their third relegation in a spin meanwhile Radio Somerset’s commentators said “they would settle for penalties now”

Second half saw Yeovil get more into the game and a good cross was well fielded by Charles-Cook in the goal. Yeovil then had a chance but blasted it over the bar resulting in “that’s why your going down” chant from the fans behind the goal. Mowbray then made his first change as George Thomas replaced Lameiras. Murphy who was a real threat in the first half was far less of one in the second as the home side pushed forwards. Charles-Cook had to be alert to push away a corner but minutes later Town’s player Bird had a one-on-one with the City keeper, thankfully Reice is quick and raced off his line and smothered any chance of a shot on goal. At the other end George finally got a touch and it was a good one a powerful shot on target parried by Krysiak, the ball fell to Tudgay but at a tight angle the forward could only hit the side netting. City’s shooting became increasingly wild as George set up O’Brien who blasted over followed by Murphy finding ball and putting the ball over the stand. The game was becoming more open when Yeovil broke through but again Charles-Cook was off his line like a sprinter to close down the shot. City then survived a scare as Bird planted a close header wide from a corner when he should have scored. Chares-Cook saved again before Mowbray gave two players their debuts off went Connor who to be fair was pretty poor and on came Ivor Lawton to the song of “he’s one of our own”, before O’Brien made way for a player I have been particularly unimpressed with in the two U21 games I have seen as Lateef Elford-Alliyu came on. Murphy then blasted another one over before City survived some late pressure and the very good referee Mr Johnson blew for full time.

Thankfully in the JPT we go straight to penalties. City won the toss and the penalties where down our end.

First up was Tudgay and he stroked the ball to the keeper’s right but it was well placed, Dickson level for Town, Elfrod-Alliyu then took his and my fears were founded as his kick was at a good height for Krysiak but it was a good save, Bird scored with the keeper going the right way, up stepped Murphy and put it away, Howells blasted one that Charles-Cook came very close to stopping, George tucked his away well before Laird sent the keeper the wrong way leaving skipper Ricketts to step up and see his kick saved leaving City to exit the 2nd cup competition of the season on penalties.

Man of the Match

1st Reice Charles-Cook: Cool, looks a prospect.
2nd Sam Ricketts: Still playing well wherever in defence he plays
3rd Jacob Murphy For his first half display alone.

Coventry City Vs Shrewsbury Town

With no game mid week City slipped to 7th and the pressure was back on as we entertained Shrewsbury at home. The main news was Lee Burge going down with the sickness bug but despite recovering it wasn’t thought he was fit enough to start so Reice Charles-Cook was to make his debut, the rest of the team was Stokes, Martin, Johnson and Ricketts in defence with Kent, Fleck, Vincelot and Murphy in midfield, Armstrong playing the deeper role and Fortune making a long awaited first start.

City started the brighter winning an early corner before Armstrong had a shot blocked. Today’s ex-City player, as every game seems to have one was Grandison in defence and almost a City player up front in Collins who had The Shrews first effort on target but straight to Charles-Cook in goal, the City keeper spent the rest of the game confidently catching everything. Shrewsbury had come to play football a tactical blunder by their manager the amusingly named manager Micky Mellon. Collins then deliberately handled the ball in the box but somehow escaped a yellow card. City were passing the ball around well and looking for gaps as Fortune added a physical presents up front. First real chance came when Kent raced into the box the defender slid in and conceded a corner with many City fans convinced it should have been a penalty. Kent then had a shot blocked from outside the area; the player is full of skill but does struggle to stay on his feet. Another flowing attack saw Armstrong played through and Lawrence raced over and dived in to most it looked like the defender caught Armstrong in the penalty area but referee Mr Sarginson was having none of it and awarded a corner kicks to cries of “you don’t know what you are doing”. City were still cutting holes in the away defence when Murphy combined with Kent before he just missed the left post with a shot. A goal was on the cards and it looked like coming when Armstrong was sent through he drew the keeper out and it seemed that Grandison leant on him and brought him down a big appeal from the main stand but still no penalty. This was very much like the Chesterfield game all one-way traffic but finally the deserved breakthrough when Fortune knocked the ball down to Armstrong the top-scorer lashed it in from the edge of the box to settle everyone’s nerves. Shrewsbury where now being run ragged when Kent was played through for a one-on-one but the away keeper Halstead stayed on his feet and blocked the shot. Not long after another break Halstead saved again the ball fell to Armstrong who teed up Murphy and his goal bound shot was blocked. City needed another goal as chances went begging. The Sky Blues kept up the pressure as Fleck worked his way into a good position and let fly from distance but again Halstead was equal to it springing to his right to push away the shot. City won a couple of corners as Martin planted a header just wide as the domination continued. Fleck was then booked upending a player and could have no complaints about the yellow card. Collins then had another handball offence as he had difficulty in heading or kicking the ball with Martin and Johnson winning everything. Kent had another shot go wide as we entered injury time Fortune was in the box and went around Knight-Percival who dragged him down and finally the referee pointed to the spot. City do have an awful penalty scoring record as Fortune outranked Armstrong in taking the kick and the forward planted the ball passed the keeper to give City a totally deserved two goal half time lead but it could have been easily five or six.


Not surprisingly after a Mellon bawling at half time Shrewsbury came forward more in the 2nd half but City were still in total control. A frustrated Shrewsbury found it hard to build up any attacks as City controlled all areas of the pitch as Armstrong had another shot blocked. Fleck then had a shot saved as I was surprised that Mellon hadn’t peeled off any subs yet. A player was then booked for fouling Kent and the resulting free kick was just headed wide by Martin. City had a hard work effort throughout the game typified by Johnson coming away from the back four he won a ball that the Shrews’ midfielder should have won, Reda then picked out Fortune, he controlled the ball and slid in Armstrong on a run into the area, the forward immediately blasted the ball past the keeper to sow the game up at 3-0. Collins was taken off by Mellon who might of used some fruity language at the performance of the forward. Another City attack saw the ball cleared but only to Armstrong who tried an audacious shot from outside the area going just over the bar. City then made some changes as Morris replaced Fleck and Tudgay replacing Fortune who made a massive difference today. Lawrence had a shot blocked at the other end before Lameiras replaced Murphy. The fresh legs were a further headache for Town as Tudgay had a shot on goal and Armstrong and Lameiras went close as we could sit relaxed enjoying the end of the game.

Man of the Match
1st Marc-Antoine Fortune: Made the difference today.
2nd Adam Armstrong: Joint top scorer in the English leagues.
3rd Ryan Kent: A handful and learning all the time.

Bury Town Vs Coventry City

I do hate the M6 not surprising as not for the first time in the last couple of years we had problems going up that motorway, we arrived in the ground at 2.45 just in time. The team was in goal Burge, with Ricketts, Johnson, Martin and Stokes at the back, in midfield we had Kent, O’Brien, Fleck, Vincelot and Murphy with Armstrong up front. Meanwhile Bury had five ex-City players starting Nathan Cameron, Chris Hussey, Peter Clarke, Danny Pugh and Leon Clarke and Reece Brown on the bench.

We attacked the far end in the first half and had the first chance after a couple of minutes when Murphy found room and forced a save from their keeper Lainton. All eyes were on Leon Clarke who was roundly booed by the City fans. Bury then had their first effort in a lively start. Kent had a shot blocked before City won a couple of corners. Bury had a shot wide as the game went on. Bury attacked again and Hussey went down and to everyone’s surprise the referee Mr Miller gave a free kick. Hussey took the kick and it found Leon Clarke who hammered the ball home to give the home side the lead. Bury were on top for a while before City recovered and started to get back in the game without threatening a goal. Leon Clarke, who was proving to be a right handful had a shot saved. Bury were working hard making it hard for City to get forward but Armstrong did have a chance but put it wide. Bury then won a corner taken by Hussey, the left back delivered the ball straight to Cameron who headed against the bar and City survived. Peter Clarke then threw himself down and appealed for a penalty before Kent hit one wide. Armstrong then was about to go past a player and was brought down and with no player behind him but going wide it should have been a yellow card but nothing for an awful ref and then in the final minute Armstrong had a chance but put it wide.

Half time we wanted a change at half time hoping Fortune would come on. No subs at half time as City attacked the end City fans were housed in. Early on Leon Clarke entered the area and it looked like a goal kick seconds later the referee to everyone’s surprise awarded a penalty. Players protested and Martin was booked for telling the truth. Clarke stepped up and put it to Burge’s left the keeper guessed right but the penalty was too well placed and the League One specialist got another one. Finally T.M made the changes he should have made at half time, on came Tudgay and Fortune for O’Brien and Murphy. The changes seem to lift the side as Fleck had a shot deflected for a corner. The corner was taken and Johnson got up to loop a header home to bring City back into the game. Fortune was making a real impact and did really well to turn in the box and get a shot in on goal. City now were starting to get the upper hand and should have drawn level just after the 70th minute when Tudgay found himself with only the keeper to beat but Lainton spread himself and pulled off a good save. City won a couple of corners and the pressure increased. Ex-player number six came on as Brown replaced Pugh. Fortune had a shot on target as City looked a lot better. Stokes blazed over as the attacks kept coming. Kent was looking dangerous but tends to overplay or crash to the ground too easily when a simpler option was on hand. City do not have two very attacked minded full backs by Ricketts almost put in a contender for goal of the season as his shot from out wide hit the crossbar. Lainton then save well again when a Fleck shot was deflected. Armstrong, looking better out wide out-smarted Hussey and entered the area before the former players brought him down but Mr Miller was having none of it. Fortune had another shot blocked before five minutes of injury time was announced. Leon Clarke went off to boos from the City fans reminding him that playing in front of 4,000 fans might now be as high as his career can go now. City couldn’t get another chance and we fell to a defeat but remained in 4th.

The journey back was far better but the next two away league games are Fleetwood and Rochdale, not looking forward to the M6.

Man of the Match
1st Reda Johnson: A goal and played well.
2nd Marc Antoine-Fortune: Close to a start
3rd John Fleck: Looked better with the big forwards on.

Coventry City Vs Chesterfield

It was shirtsleeve weather at the Ricoh as City took on Chesterfield. City lined up in goal Burge, Ricketts, Johnson, Martin and Stokes at the back with O’Brien, Fleck, Murphy, Kent and Vincelot in midfield with Armstrong up front.

It was a very warm day for mid September as we settled down for the only home game of the month in front of a slightly disappointing crowd of just over 11,000. It was a quiet opening with the main topic of Jim O’Brien’s clean shave a new look making look like a new signing. The first action was when an Armstrong shot was blocked. Chesterfield looked solid at the back and City were finding it hard to break them down as Armstrong missed wildly as he shot from forty yards out. The away side looked tidy on the ball but were not making much headway against the deep laying Fleck and Vincelot and the back four. City started to get some joy as Stokes played in Murphy, the wide player fired in a shot but it didn’t trouble the keeper. Chesterfield’s Sam Morsy fouled but the referee Mr Bond played an advantage but when that didn’t come to anything pulled it back for a free kick, great refereeing. The away side then got their first shot in but it was blocked. City were steadily improving and should have taken the lead after 26 minutes when Armstrong raced into the area side-stepped a defender, drew the keeper out but blasted over. Murphy was then sent down the wing but couldn’t control the ball on the touch-line and it went out for a goal kick. O’Brien then found space but blasted high as the City players seemed to have forgotten their “shooting boots”. It was now all City as the midfield were gaining the upper hand but the shooting wasn’t quite right as Murphy escaped down the wing but his shot was just a little too high. Kent on his home debut then had a shot blocked as City kept coming forward. It was then Fleck’s turn to have a shot on target. City won a series of corners to the familiar cry of “Come on Reda” but nothing came of them apart from an injured Chesterfield player in the box but City played on despite the Chesterfield players wanted the ball in touch, the away side won the ball and went forward lost it again and the ball went out for a throw in they then protested to the referee. Chesterfield had done well soaking up the pressure and hit back near the end of the half with Burge being forced to touch one over the bar. City came close in the final minutes of the half as Vincelot headed wide after a corner. Half time no goals but City on top.


Similar pattern at the start of the second half as Murphy got the ball and played it to the feet of Armstrong in the box, the top scorer dummied one way before quickly swivelling and shooting, the shot was accurate and into the back of the net giving City the deserved lead. This goal drew Armstrong level with City’s top league scorers from last season! Minutes later Morsy flooded Vincelot after the ball had gone but the crowd were angry that he had escaped a definite yellow card for the offence worst was to follow as seconds later he went in with his studs on the same player forcing Mr Bond into a booking when the player should have been walking back to the changing room. Murphy was now finding increasing amounts of space and in one raid cut inside and fired a shot which was heading for the bottom left corner until Lee in the Chesterfield goal pulled off a good save. Morsy then seemed to impede one attack waved away by the ref as the home crowd were baying for a red card. Chesterfield were increasingly coming more into the game but the crowd were incensed when Rickets seemed to win the ball cleanly outside the box but Mr Bond awarded a free kick, Morsy stepped up to take it and most of could see a controversial goal coming the shot hit the wall the ball was played back in and Ebanks-Blake tapped into an empty net but he was clearly off side to the frustration of the experienced forward who had been well contained by Johnson and Martin at the back. We were now entering the time when Chesterfield seemed to score most of their goals but it was still City looking most likely as Murphy had another shot on target saved. Still it was tense stuff as the away side were getting forward more as they won a free kick out wide the ball was sent in and it got a flick on forcing Burge to push away for a corner with a good save. City were still the most likely as an increasing tired looking Kent went on another raid and having a shot on goal. The Spirities were getting more desperate and seemed to all take it out on Vincelot as this time sub Dieseruvwe slid on the Frenchman earning a yellow card. City then made our first change as O’Brien went off and was replaced by Fortune who won most of his headers during the rest of the game. Into the last ten minutes as Johnson headed one wide from a corner before a weak shot by Fortune was on target but no trouble for Lee. Kent then had another effort on target as City just couldn’t get the killer goal. With about seven minutes to go Armstrong went off to an ovation, now most managers at this time would have put a defensive player on to see out the game but not Mowbray he threw on Lameiras to keep up the pressure. It was still tense stuff as Chesterfield pressed but the team held their shape and defended well. In one attack they managed to get a good cross in but Dieseruvwe headed over or so we thought as the sub and handled the ball and Mr Bond showed him his second yellow and then a red. City kept coming forward as Murphy played in the Kent the youngster rounded the keeper and scored but the linesman had long since lifted his flag for off side. City won a corner near the end of the game and this time Fortune kept it in the corner to waste time, that’s what Chesterfield thought as the big man showed neat skill to dribble into the box, the ball was cleared and Chesterfield counter attacked until Vincelot “took one for the team” with a foul. In the dieing seconds Stokes under hit a header back to the keeper and it looked like Chesterfield would have a free run on goal but Johnson as alert and hooked the ball away before the forward could get to it. Finally Mr Bond blew for full time signalling what one phone caller at C.W.R called a 1-0 hammering.

Man of the Match
1st Jacob Murphy: Deserved a goal
2nd John Fleck: Controlled midfield
3rd: Reda Johnson: One of the rocks at the back.

Scunthorpe Untied Vs Coventry City

Optimism was high for the trip to Scunny as we looked for revenge on a damaging defeat there, almost the same time last season that saw City go into a freefall that ended hopes of success. Team news was a surprise as T.M changed formation; the team was in goal Burge, with Ricketts, Johnson, Martin and Stokes at the back, with Murphy, Vincelot, Fleck and Lameiras in midfield leaving Armstrong and Tudgay up front. Scunthorpe fielded two Coventry born former players in Jordan Clarke and Gary McSheffrey.

The home side attacked the away end in the first half and soon won an early corner after a shot was blocked, McSheffrey took the flag kick applauded by the away fans. The corner was headed over. They then went close with a shot from longer range as The Irons were on top early on. City were struggling to get forward or even pass as Mark Robins’ side closed us down well. McSheffrey was causing trouble out wide and forced a corner which he took short. Burge then punched away the set piece as City were being hemmed in. Sheff then got one on target but it was an easy save for Burge. City were struggling to get forward and were being pressed back as away fans were already realising that this was the worst performance of the season so far. Twenty minutes gone and another corner taken short again but this time City’s defence went to sleep and allowed the played the freedom in the box thankfully he had a shot from a narrow angle and hit the post. Sheff had another couple of shots the second save well by a keeper looking far steadier than he did at Burton. City were now getting more of the ball but the build up was slow and ponderous reminiscent of the Pressley days. Armstrong hardly got the ball as Tudgay dropped deeper and deeper to pick up the ball at one stage he was as far back as the central defenders. The home side won a series of corners all defended well by City. In midfield only Vincelot was coming out with any credit as the rest were nullified and they kept close attention to Fleck as his old manager knows what he could do. With six minutes to go a corner almost resulted in a goal but Lameiras was on hand to head off the line. I was hoping City could make it to half time without conceding so we could regroup. In injury time Burge smothered a shot on the line as Mr Haines the referee blew for half time.

It was without doubt the worst half of football we have seen from City this season and we hoped for better in the second half it started the same with Scunthorpe wasting a chance. City had improved a bit and a good ball out found Armstrong who as about to burst into our half until Jordan brought him down earning a booking for the former Sky Blue before he had a shot off target. Finally T.M made a change, it could have been either of the wide players but it was Murphy that made way for debutant Ryan Kent, City switched to the formation we have used most of the season with Armstrong going wide and Tudgay going up front. City looked immediately better and started to make a contest out of it. City were winning more of the ball in midfield thanks to Vincelot whilst Kent had a good few touches of the ball. There then followed a raft of substitutions ending with Fortune replacing Lameiras. Scunthorpe kept winning corners but again Ricketts and rest defended well to keep them out. City attacked down the left as Clarke had a big grab of Armstrong’s shirt missed by the ref and linesman. Armstrong then was unluckily booked for kicking the ball away. Minutes later attacked down the right and a slip by Fleck let in Madden who had the whole goal to aim at and finished well. As Scunthorpe tired City got forward more one free kick was wasted by Kent before Tudgay was replaced by George Thomas. City did have a chance with a rare good cross, Vincelot got the head in putting it just wide but received a clash and had to have his head banged. City went all out in the final minutes including throwing Johnson up front but City couldn’t even muster a shot on target.

Man of the Match
1st Romain Vincelot: Worked hard
2nd Marcus Tudgay: Tried his best
3rd Sam Ricketts: Defended well.

Burton Albion Vs Coventry City

We made the short trip up the motorway for our first ever league clash with Burton Albion. This game seemed to a good choice for Sky cameras as both teams were near the top and if Burton would win they would go top whilst a City win would mean a move into 2nd place. City however had injury and call up problems and were facing a tough game. Outside the ground on a nice sunny day we bumped into Steve Waggott who told us two players could be on their way in a Liverpool International playing for one of the younger teams and another. He also claimed Maddison was the best young player he had seen even better the Shelvey Inside the packed terrace we saw the team run out and the line up was Burge in goal, with Martin, Johnson and Stokes at the back with Ricketts switching over to right back. In midfield we had Lameiras, Fleck, Vincelot, Murphy and playing his 50th league game for us O’Brien, leaving Tudgay as the lone front man.

City attacked the far end in the first half but it was the Brewers who had the first attempt on target. Burton were looking the better side early on as City struggle to keep possession but the defence was tight and working hard and soon blocking a shot on target. City started to settle down and see more of the ball but then in the 11th minutes Stokes was beaten out wide and the winger whipped in a cross Martin dived to beat a forward to the ball but only could deflect the ball past Burge to give the home side a lead. This meant Burton were top of League One the highest position in there history. Albion pushed forward looking for a second as their fans reminded us “we’re not famous anymore” whilst we reminded them that they “we’re only here to see the City”. City remained cool under pressure as John Fleck started to see more of the ball, controlling it well, finding space and accurately passing as he led City back into the game. After defending a corner City sprang a counter attack and won a free kick when referee Mr Bankes spotted a handball. Lameiras took the kick and just put it wide. City were getting closer when Lameiras found room he passed to Murphy the winger then picked out Tudgay in acres of space before I said “he must score” he did levelling the game up. Some fans found it hard to keep on their feet the terracing celebrating the goal. The game was now back on and anyone could win this. Albion’s main danger was down both wings as our fullbacks were at full stretch to keep them out but Martin and Johnson were winning all the important headers at the back. It was a close thing as Burton attacked and Naylor headed inches wide of the far post. Burge then failed to hold onto a cross but was first onto the ball. The game then settled down into an even affair until the home side put in a charge near the end of the half as Bevan had a shot blocked then it was City’s turn as Lameiras had a two shots blocked at the other end the ever hardworking Jim O’Brien had a shot blocked as City finished on top.

Half time to sit down on the terracing and have a rest before the second half on the whole we were pleased with the first half performance.

Second half saw City attacking the over packed terracing housing the Sky Blue Army. The Brewers started the better with Ricketts putting in a great tackle to deign a shot. Weir became the first player into the book of what was a good tempered game. City then saw a great counter attacking move as were defended a corner the ball was played to Murphy who sprinted down the pitch before winning a corner at our end Murphy took the corner was headed on by Martin and when Vincelot made contact he was defiantly on side, his scuffed shot rolled towards the empty net, two City players standing off side could have easily touched it but thankfully they left it and Mr Bankes awarded a goal. The Burton players were incensed and ran over to the linesman the referee made his way over and waved them away and had a word with his assistant. As I saw it the two players were not interfering with play or blocking any home player reaching the ball and Vincelot was on side thankfully the referee saw it that way and we could celebrate the goal for a second time. Burton hit back as it was easy to see why they had such a good start in the division but City were working hard and the defence were blocking their efforts. Naylor then had a shot wide before Fleck got into the book for a reckless challenge. City blocked another attempt as I started to look how long was left. Another great City move saw Fleck finding Lameiras and the player picked out Tudgay with a great ball but the forward’s chip was just a bit too high. With 15 minutes to go T.M threw on a long awaited 6’ forward as Marc-Antonie Fortune made his debut replacing Lameiras who had a good game, so were did the big forward play, well out wide naturally. Most of the pressure was at the other end but City looked good on the counter and another attack saw an audacious shot from some forty yards out by Murphy that wasn’t that far wide. Another attack saw Stokes cross and Tudgay found him unmarked at the far post with a back peddling keeper the forward crossed but Burton cleared the lines. T.M then made another change as Tudgay went off and on came Connor Thomas, with his head protection to the song of “I thought you were dead”. Despite the changes it was now all Burton and Burge who had butter on his gloves today as he could seemed to be able to hold onto anything pulled off a good save shoving the ball over the bar. The away side had a series of corners before they poked one wide where maybe they should of done better. Ryan Haynes replaced Murphy late on to waste time. Deep into injury time with Vincelot off with a cut Burton won a corner their keeper went up for it as Vincelot was patched up a sprinted back up, City defended the corner before Mr Bankes blew for full time as City returned to the automatic places a great day out.

Man of the Match
A good all round solid team performance
1st Reda Johnson: A colossus at the back
2nd John Fleck: Ran midfield
3rd Aaron Martin: Recovered well from his own goal

Coventry City Vs Southend United


The rains had died down as a good crowd of just under 13,000 turned up at the Ricoh most to see if City could climb to 2nd place in the table. No surprise in the line up as City’s numbers are already looking thin, the team was in goal Burge, with Phillips, Ricketts, Johnson and Stokes in defence, Fleck, O’Brien, Lameiras, Vincelot and Murphy in midfield with Armstrong up front. United turned up in a very bright yellow kit so bright they still would be able to play with the floodlights switched off.

First action saw a foul by Barrett of Southend that happened at any other time in the game would have received a booking setting the trend for a not great performance from referee Mr Handley. After another foul the away side had the first couple of shots at the goal the second being gathered by Burge. The Shrimpers, who had only scored once this season but were unbeaten on their travels were not as expected “parking the bus” but going forward and had the early running with a couple of shots. City were still looking vulnerable at the back and should have been behind when Mooney had the time but rushed his shot putting it over. City were trying to cope with Southend’s physical approach finally stated to make headway as Lameiras had a shot before O’Brien had a shot blocked. Then Murphy was played into the area and he seemed to have his heels clipped but the referee wasn’t interested. City won a free kick wide of the penalty area after some good work; Murphy took it and picked out Johnson whose header went wide. Armstrong finally got on the ball and made a run which was deflected for a corner. Southend went close again as they seemed to be getting the better chances before O’Brien had a shot blocked and then Fleck got into the book for a simple trip. Armstrong had a header cleared off the line as City were getting closer. Stokes then advanced and fired in a long range shot it went wide but to the anger of the Southend side a corner was awarded. The corner came in and Johnson had a shot blocked but the bustling centre back beat one of his own players to the ball before smacking the ball home to give City the lead. “Now don’t do a Crewe” I thought as Southend won a corner it was delivered in and Hunt was on hand to head it in to level the game up. Armstrong had a header on target before the away side lifted by their second goal of the season went forward again as Worrell got the ball in the area Phillips flew in and brought the player down, no doubt about the penalty. Mooney stepped up and blasted the kick, Burge got a hand to it but couldn’t keep it out and City were behind. The away side ended the half with another shot. It was clear that Armstrong up front on his own wasn’t working.

Second half saw what I hopped to see Tudgay coming on to win the ball up front, he is the closes thing we have got to a target man, he replaced Lameiras. United, backed by a good sized following from Essex started the better in the half with a couple of shots but soon City were looking a more balanced side. Finally Mr Handley showed a yellow card to a Southend player before three shots by City players were blocked as City were getting on top. City were again on the front foot as Ricketts entered the area and was brought down for a clear penalty that the referee agreed with. O’Brien was the surprise choice for the kick and he stepped up and placed the kick to the keeper’s left but Bentley guessed correctly and made the save; it looked like one of those nights for City. A frustrated O’Brien was next into the book as City pressed and Southend sat back. Then White joined others in the book after a foul, minutes later the same player tripped Murphy, now cards have been handed out for similar fouls so he could have been easily sent off for that. City were looking better and Murphy seemed to be the main threat down the wings. The Sky Blues were busy but Southend were defending well when Armstrong and Murphy combined well forcing a corner. Jacob took it and he picked out Ricketts who flicked his header home to level up the game. Now it was almost all City as Murphy had a shot well saved by Bentley in the goal. Then from the other wing O’Brien got a long ranger on target but again Bentley pushed it over. City kept pressing as Tudgay had made the difference up front holding the ball up and tasking the pressure off Armstrong. In injury time another good attack saw Murphy force yet another good save from the keeper and there was not time for the corner.

City fans applauded the team off after the efforts as we moved into 5th place.

Man of the Match.
1st Jacob Murphy: A handful
2nd Sam Ricketts: Solid at the back, won a penalty, scored a goal
3rd Marcus Tudgay: Deserves a run in the side.

Walsall Vs Coventry City

A short trip up the M6 close to the motorway and free parking made it an easy day for us. It was a very humid day as we entered the Bescot with a big away following. The side was unchanged for the 4th League game of the season goal Burge, with Willis, Ricketts, Johnson and Stokes at the back, in midfield we had Vincelot, Fleck and O’Brien with Lameiras and Maddison playing further up and Armstrong up front.

City attacked the far end in the first half against the team in third place but it was the home side with the first chance as Burge fielded a shot. At the other end Maddison flew into a 50/50 challenge but the midfielder came out the worse and had to go of for treatment he came back on but immediately sat down again before he was replaced by Murphy. City started to settle and Lameiras was showing some nice skill beating a couple of players. O’Brien had City’s first effort on target from a free kick. The game was pretty even when Murphy got a shot on target. Walsall were standing up to City and were keeping Armstrong quiet and they looked good coming forward as well not helped when City won a corner and it was poorly delivered and the Saddlers countered ending with a shot that was cleared off the line by Ricketts. Most Walsall’s attacks come down our right as they pressed us back. City were trying hard with Vincelot getting about in midfield but we were struggling to break Walsall down. At our end the eventual Walsall man of the match Laikovic had a shot blocked before Armstrong at the other end had one block to. O’Brien tried his look a couple of times but none on target then with five minutes to go Forde was played through in the box and he slid the ball under Burge to give the home side the lead and City trailed for the first time in the league this season a lead Walsall probably deserved. Half time City a goal down not playing too well.

Second half saw Morris replace O’Brien who did pick up a knock in the first half. Burge pulled off a good save early on before Johnson blocked a shot. Just after the 50 minute mark it got worse as a ball was played to City fan Bradshaw and he beat Burge to make it 2. A final change as Phillips came on for Willis who also may have had a knock. City did respond as Johnson planted a header wide then Armstrong came close to increasing his goal tally as he hit the crossbar with a free kick. Murphy then won a corner, the ball was played to him and he made his way to the edge of the box with screams of “cross it” Murphy turned inside and unleashed a great shot past the keeper to bring City back into the game. City couldn’t muster up any meaningful attacks and at one stage Walsall looked in complete control, Murphy was too lightweight and lazy, Morris too negative, Lameiras too quiet and Armstrong starved of service Fleck was trying to get things rolling and Vincelot was winning the ball in midfield. We minutes left Walsall should have wrapped things up when Mantom ran through the City team only to screw his shot wide. In injury time Johnson was thrown up front and won a good few headers which gave only further evidences that we need a target man at the club the game ended with a defeat our first away defeat for ten games. A real test now will be how will City respond?

Man of the match
1st Romain Vincelot: Worked hard
2nd Lee Burge: Some good saves
3rd Jacob Murphy: Great goal

Coventry City Vs Crewe Alexandra

After an unbelievable start to the season City were at home to Crewe. Now Crewe are a real party poopers beating us in the J.P.T in front of a packed house and always seem to get the better of us, last season completing the double over us and staying up by two points and almost relegating us so it was in trepidation I cycled into the Ricoh for this one. In the ground I heard the team news and not surprisingly it was unchanged with in goal Burge, with Willis, Ricketts, Johnson and Stokes at the back, in midfield we had Vincelot, Fleck and O’Brien with Lameiras and Maddison playing further up and Armstrong up front. Then the first surprise of the evening as the P.A announced that the game had to be delayed 15 minutes because of people trying to get in! What! A midweek game, early in the season against Crewe and people are trying to get in, incredible. City started well passing the ball around neatly whilst Crewe had already “parked the bus” and their keeper Garratt got a very early warning for time wasting from the not too great referee Mr Robinson. City were on top when Maddison fired over from distance. City players were showing great flare and the crowd of over 11,000 were enjoying the action when Armstrong dribbled his way into the area just dragging his shot wide. Fleck was running the show from the back and his ball found Lameiras whose shot was blocked and went out for a corner. Maddison took the flag kick and was cleared but only to the edge of the box and Fleck was lurking he ran in and slammed the ball home to fire City into the lead, it was the midfielder’s first goal since April 18th 2014 a home game (in Northampton) in a defeat against Swindon. His last league goal in Coventry was November 6th 2012 against Crawley. Crewe now had to come out and attack but it was still being dominated by City. Another minute’s applause for Jayden Parsons was observed by both sets of fans before a nice touch from the Crewe fans as they held out a “R.I.P Jayden Parsons” banner much appreciated. Fleck now hungry for goals had another attempt blocked. City were firing on site but not quite on target as Maddison sent one just over. Crewe were keeping close tabs on Armstrong playing deep so he had no room to run into but he was still causing problems as he had a shot blocked. Vincelot then fired over as City were looking for the second. Crewe were trying to get forward more and one occasion the City defence went to sleep during a quickly taken free kick their player Ray was left all alone in the box he turned to shot as two City players threw themselves into front of the ball before it was cleared. Crewe were improving and went close with a long range shot before O’Brien got on target. The crowd were still loving the action as City were clear at the top of the league when Maddison again fired just over. Then out of the blue Inman got the ball near the edge of the and curled in a great shot past Burge for the first league goal we had conceded this season, Inman scored two goals against us at the Ricoh in the J.P.T some years back. Crewe reparked the bus and their keeper went back to getting away with wasting time. The livewire O’Brien then got another strike on target and City tried to ware down Alexandra again. A rare ball over the top was aimed for O’Brien but it as Armstrong that beat him and the Crewe players to the ball and he was brought down just outside the area. It was again all City as Johnson got a header on target from a corner. As the half counted down Armstrong had a shot blocked and Lameiras put one just high before Maddison again shoot a little too high and again Armstrong was blocked. Half time all level City well on top but a nagging doubt if City could turn the dominance into a win.

Second half saw City defending the North Stand as O’Brien went close the other end. Then more neat passing saw Maddison slip in Armstrong, the forward out wide turned and placed the ball past the keeper to notch his 5th goal and got everyone up on their feet, “We’re top of the league” the song started but not for long as the next attack Haber was left unmarked and maybe off side to beat Burge to make in 2-2. On one could quite believe it, it didn’t seem to be our day, could Crewe snatch all three points? The Railwaymen started to come a bit more as Inman was proving to be a handful for Johnson at the back. Crewe then went close when Burge tipped over a stinging drive. Armstrong put one wide before the first change as Lameiras was replaced by Murphy. O’Brien went close as City started to recover from the equaliser before City blocked a shot the Stokes should have scored but just planted a header wide the player needed treatment after. City blocked another Crewe shot. With 15 minutes to go Crewe started to settle back and defend again as Stokes as played in by O’Brien but the fullback’s shot was blocked. Then a ball over the top was aimed at Murphy who hardly had a touch but showed his pace forcing the keeper to dart from his line to fly in and get a touch to divert the ball away from the sub. City were still buzzing around the box looking for an opening when Armstrong had a shot blocked. City went forward again and with 7 minutes left O’Brien found himself in midfield and unleashed a drive from outside the box it bounced once before finding the net. At last City were back in front as the ground started singing about being top again. Now if that happened many managers would have threw on another defender or a defensive midfielder but not Mowbray he took off an attacking midfielder in Madison and threw on Tudgay. Then O’Brien was floored with an elbow missed by the ref and the goal scorer was replaced by Morris. Tudgay had a shot saved as we entered injury time, and Murphy also had a shot before Vincelot stuck his head in near some flying boots got a kick in the head but carried on before the ref blew to signal a great victory.

Man of the Match
1st Jim O’Brien: Ran all day and scored
2nd Jon Fleck: At last a goal and ran midfield
3rd: Adam Armstrong: Too good for this division.

Millwall Vs Coventry City

One of the hardest ground to get to in Britain so we set off early and then let the tube and train take the strain as we passed Barnet’s new ground and then Wembley before making our way to the New Den a ground we had never won at. Saw Malc outside the ground as we joined the sell out in the away end were the atmosphere was very optimistic. The line up was in goal Burge, with Willis, Ricketts, Johnson and Stokes at the back, in midfield we had Vincelot, Fleck and O’Brien with Lameiras and Maddison playing further up and Armstrong up front.

Could City follow up the superb display against relegated Wigan with one against relegated Millwall? Well it didn’t look great after four minutes when a shot came in at Burge the keeper couldn’t hold it and it popped out to Gregory who went past Burge but the keeper made contact with his hand and the referee Mr Woolmer awarded a penalty maybe a bit soft but a decision that normally goes to the home side. Gregory took the kick to Burge’s left but the keeper guessed correctly and push the ball away for a corner much to the joy of the fans in the stand behind. City fans will still buzzing about the save when City sprang forward and the ball fell to Maddison who passed it to Armstrong some 35-40 yards out from goal suddenly the loan player saw the keeper off his line and fired from the moment it left his foot it was in the back of the net City fans watched with opened mouths as it cleared the keeper and ended up in the back of the net, what a goal the away end went mad. Then the referee had something else to deal with as Beevers seemed to elbow Maddison but got off with a yellow card Maddison was also booked. Maddison had a shot blocked as City looked comfortable and an annoyed Millwall soon got a second yellow for a bad foul. Burge in the goal got a couple of good punches in on the ball as Millwall tried to hit back. Then after 19 minutes things got better as Maddison picked out Lameiras and the Portuguese player jinxed his way into the area and beat the keeper at his near post to make it 2. We couldn’t believe it two up away to Millwall “We’re top of the league” sang the City fans. City still jumping from the second had to check their sanity minutes later when Lameiras picked out Armstrong who found space and sprinted past the defence and made it three! We just could believe what was happening City looked like they could score with every attack whilst Milwall looked very poor. Some Millwall fans had already had enough and left for the exits. We were loving this some of the best football we have seen for quiet a while. All Millwall could do was dive and foul City players as another one went into the book. A good tackle from Stokes prevented an attack as City were coasting. City almost made it four when a Lameiras cross hit the crossbar before Millwall came close with two shots one hitting the crossbar and another just going over, half time City three up.


The Lions made two changes at half time to see if they could get back into the game but their long ball tactic was meat and drink for Ricketts and Johnson at the back whilst the City midfield kept hold of the ball looking for opportunities to get forward as the home side chased shadows very unsuccessfully. City had the first chance and it was again Armstrong with the shot but this time straight at Forde in the home goal. It was Vincelot that was breaking up the attacks that came forward leaving Fleck to spray the ball around O’Brien the attack out wide with Maddison in the middle and Lameiras to wreak havoc when he had the ball. Another booking for a frustrated home side who could get the ball off the City midfield. They did managed a shot on target but it was straight at Burge another routine catch from the keeper as Millwall tried to find their way back in without any success. TM then made his first change taking off Maddison and giving a debut to Jacob Murphy who had just signed on loan from Norwich, the player went up front and Armstrong went wide. The home side were forced into shooting from distance as the City fans were enjoying singing “we’re top of the league”. Then Millwall had a great chance as the ball broke they had a one-on-one but Burge was quick off his line to smother the attack. Another change was then on the cards as Lameiras left to a standing ovation and Tudgay came on. Armstrong then had a shot on target as City still more likely to add to the score line than Millwall. Ten minutes left another sweeping move saw me switch to commentator’s mode “O’Brien, Tudgay, O’Brien GOAL” a great goal as the two combined to score even Tudgay looked happy. “We want the Old Five” sang City supporters who knew a bit about our history. Minutes later Millwall should have pulled one back as Gregory had a shot on target but it his own player and was cleared, we then saw a great turn of pace from Murphy and forced a good save from the keeper. Johnson planted a head wide when he should have done better and that was it the referee blew for full time with City top.

A good journey back with a load of ecstatic City fans, made it home for 9.

Man of the Match
1st Adam Armstrong: Unplayable
2nd The rest of the team apart the subs
3rd Marcus Tudgay: Great one-two

Rochdale Vs Coventry City League Cup

Not a Happy Hunting Ground for City as we have lost all our five previous trips to Spotland in deepest Lancashire. It was a slow journey up the M6 as Britain must have the worst motorway system in the western world. After three and a half hours in the car we arrived at the small ground and for the first time in a cup tie at this ground City were the underdogs. T.M was forced into two changes with Armstrong not allowed to play and Willis injured he also had Reda wrapped up in cotton wool and decided to give a debut to keeper Reice Charles-Cook, the others were Phillips, Martin, Ricketts and Stokes, in midfield we had Morris, Fleck, Vincelot, O’Brien and Lameiras with Tudgay up front. City were in the new red away kit as the game got underway.

It took five minutes before the first shot but no trouble for Charles-Cook as it was straight at him. Both sides looked solid at the back and not much was happening until the 11th minutes when Dale keeper Lillis kicked the ball out and it hit Tudgay on the back and the away fans were not happy as the referee Mr Ilderton booked the forward but no offence was committed. Recently a City supporter called Jaydon Parson passed away so City fans held a minutes applause on the 15th minute Rochdale fans also joined for the tribute to the 15 year old. City blocked a shot as the game as lively without being too entertaining and the home side edging the game. Not long after Dale should have taken the lead when Lancaster headed wide from a corner. City slowly got more into the game and Tudgay could only head straight at the keeper. At the other end Charles-Cook was looking like a capable keeper handling well and pulling of a save or two he also distributed the ball confidently when closed down by players. Lameiras then went on a good run before being brought down the free kick was straight at the keeper. City were now looking by far the better side lead by Ricketts from the back the captain had a shot at the keeper saved. Ten minutes before half time and City had a big shout for a penalty as a cross was seemed to be handled. Then a rare loose ball was seized upon and Dale had a run on goal until a timely interception by Phillips. With five to go Charles-Cook was at full stretch to push away a shot. Lameiras had a shot blocked at the other side as City were playing well without troubling the keeper. When it looked like it was going to be level at half time McDermott got the ball on the left hand edge of the area turned and hit a brilliant shot over Charles-Cook to give the home side the lead.

The second saw City’s passing going astray early on until we settled down as Fleck went close. The first chance soon came as Maddison replaced Vincelot. Dale went close before Fleck had a shot saved. Dale then went close but again City were growing into the game and Ricketts and Martin were starting to cope with the Dale sub that came on at half time. Martin put in a good tackle as the gamed ticked on. With half an hour to go it was clear that Dale were happy with a goal lead and were sitting back in numbers. Another change was soon made as O’Brien, who didn’t have the best of games was replaced by George Thomas. City now were on top as Maddison and increasingly Tudgay had shoots blocked and it was the forward who had a goal ruled out, correctly for off side. Went it looked like we would go down to another Spotland defeat when City won a corner which was cleared but Stokes got the ball back in and Tudgay was on hand to stab the ball home, some City fans went wild others like me thought “oh no extra time!” City went looking for a winner and minutes later we thought we had it when Tudgay scored again but he was off side. Maddison had a shot saved before extra time. Now the League Cup could learn something from the J.P.T and go straight to penalties, no strength sapping extra thirty minutes and we could get home a lot earlier.

Not much happen in the first period apart from a brilliant save by Charles-Cook a point blank save before dropping on the ball on the line.

With Millwall coming up we hoped the City players were no getting too tiered but they kept working as the home side started to dominate but City had the best chance when Stokes robbed the ball and race in on an angle with the keeper a square ball would have seen an open goal but the defenders shot went wide. Seconds remaining when Dale thumped the right hand post of Charles-Cook and that was it more delays and penalties.

Rose sent Charles-Cook the wrong way with the first before Tudgay confidently levelled, Henderson put the ball the opposite way of the keeper before Morris levelled at 2-2 with a well taken pen. Kennedy then put the ball high into the net with Reice going the right way but didn’t stand a chance, Maddison made it -3-3, Kennedy made it 4-3 before Lameiras stepped and approached the ball like a mouse on tip toes the Portuguese played thumped the underside of the bar leaving Rafferty to just beat the keeper to send them through. City fans applauded and sang the team off after a good effort and our best ever result at Spotland.

Most of us were at all bothered at being knocked out of the League Cup as we do not have a large enough squad to cope and we are glad we don’t have to face too many midweek trips around are motorway systems, Got home just after 1.30.

Man of the Match
1st Reice Charles-Cook: Looked good
2nd Ruben Lameiras: Despite a poor penalty looked good
3rd Sam Ricketts: Solid

Coventry City Vs Wigan Athletic

Some another great summer was over and another 9 months on the treadmill was before us, the optimism around Tony Mowbrary becoming permanent manager had faded a touch after the worst pre-season since 1970. Things didn’t go right for me either on the way to the ground a car full of Wigan fans had pulled in front of me and despite hitting my breaks on my bike I still collided with the car’s wing but thankfully no damage to the car, my bike or myself. The ground itself was buzzing in the hot day that is traditional for the start of the season as 13,000+ turned up to watch a game against one of the pre-season favourites for automatic promotion a team that still have parachute money from the Premier League and had former City defender Gary Caldwell in charge. T.M gave four players their debuts they were new captain Sam Rickets, midfielders Ruben Lameiras, Romain Vincelot and Adam Armstrong, the rest of the team was in goal Burge with Willis, Johnson and Stokes making up the defence, Fleck and O’Brien in midfield and Maddison playing either in midfield or up front depending on what was happening at the time. Wigan meanwhile gave ten players their debut a perfect time to play them.

The game started with the new pitch looking immaculate and a good atmosphere generated for the three open stands. It was a high energy start and two of the new boys combined early as Vincelot found Armstrong whose cross was too strong for supporting players. City were looking good early on with the tiny attack causing problems and Maddison was giving referee Mr Duncan, who had a good game, opportunity to use his spray can early on. Then after a quarter of the hour O’Brien won the ball in midfield and advanced then picked out Armstrong with a brilliant pass and the youngster galloped past the Latics’ defence before sliding the ball under the keeper to get the season well and truly under way. Wigan responded immediately with a ball in front of Gregg threaten City until Burge was out quick to save with his feet. Wigan started to take control of the ball keeping possession well but City were not fooled and sat back in two rows of four and one row of two and invited the away side to pass through them, when they did Johnson was on hand to win ever header and captain Ricketts was solid alongside him. City were happy to attack on the counter and another good ball from O’Brien let in Lameiras who won a free kick which Reda put over with his head. Wigan then went wide with a header as Burge could enjoy the sunny weather because all his team mates were working hard to prevent Wigan getting forward. When City got the ball they liked to pass the ball forward quickly, a contrast to Pressley, and once attack saw Willis in a corner resulting in a scramble before Johnson headed at the keeper. Armstrong then came close to his second as he tested O’Donnoll in the Wigan goal with a good drive. City saw out the half under pressure but never looking like they would concede and everyone was very happy with the first half.

City were forced into a change at half time with Willis injured Phillips came on in the second half. Wigan buoyed by a half time talk came out strongly and it took a good block from Ricketts to prevent a shot on goal the resulting corner was collected by Burge. Then Wigan fired over as they still had most of the ball but were finding City hard to break down. After 50 minutes we nearly had a goal you might only see on “Goalkeeping blunders” DVD’s as a throw went back to O’Donnell only to see Armstrong closing him down the keeper kicked it and hit Armstrong the ball sailed over the bar. Wigan seemed to have run out of ideas and City were moving forward again with O’Brien winning a couple of corners before the Wigan boss made a double substitution to find a way back into the game but what ever Caldwell could throw at City Mowbray reacted and countered it as T.M was winning the tactical battle. Vincelot then was slightly harshly booked before a great build up from our midfielders released Stokes and the left put a shot from distance just wide. The atmosphere was great helped by the closing of the North Stand and the performance on the pitch. Then City fans nearly got their reward when Maddison played a great pass to Lameiras but the Portuguese player was deigned when O’Connell got a hand on the ball and prevented a shot into an empty net. City now were on top and another good move saw Maddison taken out but not before he found Fleck, Mr Duncan played a great advantage allowing Fleck to move off down the wing, the midfielder fired the ball into the area and Armstrong got the slightest flick on the ball sending it wide and into the net for 2-0. Armstrong became only the 7th City player to score two on his debut. City players as well as the fans were now enjoying themselves and were on top when Vincelot found Armstrong and the forward hit the post almost joining George Hudson as the only player to score a hat trick on his debut. With City keeping their shape there looked no way back for Athletic and out attention turned to the North Stand as a single fan and got in and sat behind the goal it took several stewards to come over to persuade him to move. Another sub then as Lameiras who looked a good player went off allowing Bryn Morris to come on for his debut. Jim O’Brien was then forced off with an injury and he was replaced by George Thomas. Wigan then had a shot on target but it was an easy catch for Burge. In the last few minutes Maddison found room and bent the ball around the keeper only for the post to save the score line growing. The game came to an end and City fans left with renewed optimism.

Ma of the Match
Plenty of candidates
1st Adam Armstrong: The new Callum Wilson?
2nd Reda Johnson: Won everything at the back
3rd Jim O’Brien Played plenty of dangerous balls.

There ya go my lad...

Might get to the first game at home and also Millwall away...