Choccy's match reports...2016/17

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Here ya go Choccy...sorry a bit late...

Walsall Vs Coventry City


We set off to see if little Coventry City could pull off a giant killing in beating the West Midland powerhouse of Walsall (ok sarcasm over). We arrived at the ground and hoped Mark Robins had rested a few of the star players but found out he had made ten changes but on one was complaining. Meanwhile Walsall made five changes form their last game. In the ground we were in the only stand open at the side but more City fans turned up than Walsall expected. The line-up was in goal O’Brien, with Dion K-E, Hyam, captain for the day Grimmer and Camwell making up the back four, in midfield was Shipley, Maycock, Stevenson and Vinceti with Beavon and McNulty up front. It was a game we wouldn’t mind losing so we could concentrate on the league but a win would be nice as well.

We started the game attacking the far end. Devon Kelly-Evans was in the stand with his mum and dad and a chorus of “Devon give us a song”, rang out and the winger responded by starting the Sky Blue Army song. Walsall had former Sky Blue’s loan player Agyei playing for them and he got forward early on. The view form the side wasn’t the best and the game wasn’t much cop either the early highlight was the chant of “your losing your hair”, aimed at the linesman who was going thin on top. To our right we then saw a few fans being allowed into the stand behind the goal as the block to the extreme left was made available we made our move over and had a far better view. City started to find their feet and were looking the better side as a Beavon header was hacked clear. The Sky Blues continued to go forward looking for a way through as a Vincenti header was cleared before Stevenson had a good shot deflected wide. Just past the half hour mark Walsall went forward and Ismail got into the area at a wide position followed by Vincenti but unfortunately the big winger got too close and clipped his heels, the ref, who had a good game, gave a penalty. Ismail took the kick sending O’Brien the wrong way and Walsall took an undeserved lead. City hit back and their keeper made a good save to keep out Vincenti. The game was opening up now and O’Brien had to be quick to beat a Bakayoko to the ball but the big forward slid in with his studs and was booked. City then had a chance but Shipley looked for the perfect angle to shoot instead of hitting it, he passed to Vinceti who drove wide. Half time City a goal down and facing elimination.

Now one thing just about every City fan wanted to see was Jordan Ponticelli, given a game and he was a half time sub for Beavon. The big question was could the kid take an opportunity it he got one? City now were attacking the end we were in. Stevenson hit an early shot that grazed the corner flag! City won a corner some seven minutes into the game and it was delivered to McNulty, the forward got the ball with his back to the keeper and was heading away from him when the keeper brought him down and City won a penalty. McNulty took it and placed it just inside the keeper’s left hand post which was good because the keeper went the right way but couldn’t reach the ball and City were level and back in with a chance of defending the Trophy. City were now on the front foot and a ball from Camwell was intercepted by the Walsall defenders but loose control saw the ball go behind them and McNulty raced onto it and into the area with only the keeper to neat but out wide he suddenly played a square ball and Ponticelli steamed in and placed the ball past the keeper to spark off celebrations, the younger prolific goal scorer raced over the to side stands with a knee-slide. Now City were on top and a good run and cross by Shipley just went wide of the far post. Despite the changes at the back City were still looking solid with Dion in a mood for a battle for anyone that came near him. Walsall were now worried and threw on their star player “The Turkish Messi” in the shape of Oztumer. At the other end Ponticelli’s pace was worrying Walsall as he was linking up well with McNulty. MR made another change and he gave a debut to the speedy winger Bilal Sayoud. Walsall’s best chance seemed to be falling over near the penalty are and winning free kicks but City dealt them no problem. Into injury time and a Walsall shot was deflected wide by Stevenson. The corner came over and a made scrambled took placed suddenly the Walsall fans started to celebrate as Agyei, scrambled the ball over the line to level. No extra time in this competition, a great idea. So we went to penalties.

Now we made a bee-line foe the block directly behind the goal at first a Steward tried to hold us back but in the end let us through. City must have won the toss because the kicks were to be taken right in front of us. First up was McNulty and he placed the kick to the keeper’s left but it lacked his normally accuracy and the keeper saved it. Oztumer took Walsall’s first and sent O’Brien the wrong way, 1-0 Walsall. It was then I realised the new A-B-B-A penalty system was in operation as the next player forward was a Walsall one. The player taking it was former City youth player Darragh Leahy, he placed the kick to O’Brien’s top left corner with the keeper going the other way 2-0 to Walsall. City now had two pens in a row and really needed to score both, first up was Vincenti who placed the ball to the top right of the keeper 2-1 Walsall. The up stepped Stevenson and he too whacked the ball to the Keeper’s top right was the custodian went the other way, 2-2 but the home side had a penalty in hand. They had two kicks coming up. It was Danny Agyei to take their 3rd penalty and blasted it down the middle but O’Brien red his attentions and got a first to it and blocked the shot 2-2 and back level again. This new system was quite hard to keep track of. Walsall’s penalty number four was taken by Bakayoko and placed it to O’Brien’s left the keeper went the right way but couldn’t get to the ball 3-2 to Walsall. City then had two penalties to complete our five shots and our penalty number four was taken by Shipley and sent the keeper the wrong way to make it 3-3, the “glory penalty” was to be taken by Ponticelli and he sent the keeper the wrong way to give City the lead for the first time. Final penalty of the normal shot out was to be taken by Edwards if he scored we would go into sudden death but using the A-B-B-A method. Edwards stepped up and placed the kick to O’Brien’s right but the keeper got it right and saved, City had won!

The table stands like this Shrewsbury are through, Walsall our on 4 pts and City on 2 pts, we have to beat WBA’s U21 and hope Walsall don’t beat Shrewsbury away in normal time or penalty in the next game. We left happy with the result and the performance considering they are a division up and we made more changes. I got home just after 11 after one of those unexplained lane closers on the M6.

Man of the Match
1st Jordan Ponticelli: A star of the future?
2nd Dion Kelly-Evans: Battled for ever inch.
3rd Marc McNulty: Won and scored the penalty and laid the other one on a plate.

Coventry City Vs Crewe Alexandra


So we had a familiar team at the Ricoh as Crewe turned up with a good record at the ground with three wins in five games in all competitions. The Railwaymen whoever are on a bad run conceding eleven goals in the last three games resulting in giving a debut to their second choice keeper. Coventry meanwhile were unchanged from Swindon, slightly surprisingly after we thought Stokes would be out for a couple of weeks at least. The line up was in goal Burge, with Grimmer, Willis, McDonald and Stokes at the back, Doyle and Kelly in midfield with Jones and Devon out wide leaving Biambou and Nazon up front. The away side also had Chris Dagnall who played five games for City on loan scoring on his debut in that amazing game at MK Dons.

It was a home game so it was raining as the game got underway and Crewe edged the first five minutes before City started to get the ball moving. One attack saw a defender beat Jones to the ball he fired the ball of the winger thinking it would go into touch but City then got a large slice of luck as the ball rolled along the ground and hit the corner flag staying in, Jones was first to react, getting to the ball before picking out Nazon in the area and the man due for International duty with Haiti gave the debutant keeper no chance and City were in front. I remember Manchester United scoring a goal like that at Highfield Road once, great days. City were on top and the ball was played to Jones in the area he chipped the ball that beat the keeper but hit the crossbar. City now were all over Crewe as they were struggling to come to terms with our attack. Devon went close with a blocked shot whilst Nazon was a handful. Every time we went forward it looked like we could score as the long threaten hammering looked on the cards. The away side rode out the storm and remained in it and started to get more of the ball as the half wore on. City rallied near the end of the half but only had one goal to show for it.

First time this season I took an interest in other scores in our division.

Second half saw City go close again as a Nazon overhead kick just went wide and out for a corner but we couldn’t see which Crewe player got a touch. It was noticeable that Crewe now had worked out City and nullified the attack, keeping in the game and hoping to sneak one. City were standing firm with Kelly and Doyle screening and McDonald and Willis winning everything with the man they call “Concrete” dominating at the back. A goal lead is always a nervy one no matter how good the defence is and Crewe then had a chance as Doyle gave away a free kick just outside and wide of the penalty area, the kick was taken and the crossbar was shaved. The game itself was pretty dull and the crowd started to urge MR to make a change. The manager soon did make a change as Beavon came on to replace Biambou who was winning headers but an exhausted looking Nazon wasn’t getting on the end of them. The new dynamic of Beavon was a great change by the manager and his first action was to send Nazon clear but his shot was blocked by the keeper. City were now all of a sudden back on top again as McDonald had a shot saved and Nazon headed wide from a corner. Nazon then broke through again but again the keeper made a good save as City just couldn’t get the killer goal. It was now nearly all City as the keeper did well to keep out a Jones shot. Jones then curled one wide and demanded a corner and he earned a booking from the ref for persistently questioning his judgment on throw-ins and corners. City were still solid at the back and when ever the ball got through McDonald was on hand to head it clear. Crewe won a corner in injury time but the defence dealt with it without any trouble. Deep in injury time Jones forced another good save fro m the keeper before the referee blew for full time and we could celebrate another win.

Man of the match:
1st Rod McDonald: Massive at the back as Crewe failed to get a shot on target.
2nd Tony Kelly: Broke up play well.
3rd Jordan Willis: Anything McDonald missed Jordan got.

Swindon Town Vs Coventry City


A trouble free trip to the familiar surrounding of the County Ground as we completed the games against fellow relegated sides. Swindon are a real bogy team as we have failed to beat them in any league game for over 50 years and we have played a few times as well in three different levels of the Football League since. Having a long chat to a Swindon fan he says they are a “long ball” team and asked us about Reece-Cook who is their 2nd choice he guessed will be first choice when they sell their keeper next year. He also didn’t rate Connor Thomas when he was at Swindon nor did I when he was at City. The team news was that Swindon’s left back Chris Hussey was out with an injury and Radio Wiltshire were worried about his replacement keeping Jodi Jones in check. The line up for City was in goal Burge, with Grimmer, Willis, McDonald and Stokes at the back, Doyle, Kelly, Devon K-E and playing his 50th league game Jones, up front was Biambou and Nazon.

There was a good following to the ground as the game got underway. Jones was the first to show skipping around two challenges before being hacked down but the referee only gave a warning if the same foul happened ten minutes later the player would have been booked. Then City almost had they perfect start when Biambou was sent clear but their keeper, Vigouroux stood his ground and made the save. A minute later and the forward broke through on the other side and just before he entered the area a defender seemed to drag him down, “free kick and a straight red card”, so we thought but the referee Mr Breakspear bottled the decision in what even Radio Wiltshire said was a foul. The City fans were fuming as we never seem to get a fair ref on this ground. The Sky Blues however were buoyed and swept forward again as Nazon played in Biambou and his turn and shot was straight at the keeper. Swindon launched a rare attack and what to us looked like a dive won them a dangerous free kick, it was taken and the Swindon fans were on their feet but a City player got a deflection on the ball and it just went wide. Biambou got one on target from a corner as City continued to look the better side. Then in the 19th minute an attack that may have been off side, came down the right and the ball fell to Swindon’s Norris who expertly volleyed the ball past Burge to give the home side a goal lead, it was well taken. City were knocked back and nearly went two down but thankfully the player failed to get his header on target. City fans were still backing the team and with the Swindon fans in our stand not too far away one fan that was wearing white Chinos came in for a lot of stick. City recovered and started to go forward again as Nazon was played into the area and from a similar position he scored against Cambridge in but this time it was the side netting. City kept up the pressure and after 32 minutes Jones got on a run and played in a low ball in the area and Doyle emerged to plant the ball between the keeper’s legs to level the game up. It was his first goal for City since November 2010 in a 1-0 home win against Burnley. This was the veteran’s 23rd goal for the club. The game itself wasn’t bad spectacle as both sides in the Play-off Zone looked for a way forward. Burge was called into action with a save before Jones got into the area and went down but no penalty. The half ended all square with Radio Wiltshire impressed with Biambou, interesting enough the expert on that night was former City coach Dave Hockaday.

Second half saw City attack the end we were the nearest to, away fans are in the side at Swindon. City fans showed more anger to the bottling ref when Nazon went down in the area but again no penalty. Swindon now had gone totally “route one” and were looking a very poor side. Finally the ref booked a Swindon player as they had been fouling us from the start; nothing changes at The County Ground. City were still looking the better side but The Robbins were standing firm. The battle continues meanwhile in the stand City fans sung “we’re a City you’re a Town”, which couldn’t be faulted for factorial accuracy. Around the 70th minute a tussle saw Doyle on the ground and holding Swindon’s Dunne with feet wrapped around the player’s ankles and home player didn’t take too kindly to this and promptly pushed Doyle in the face. The City fans went mad, it was according to the rules a straight red card but again the ref seemed to be bottling it by pretending he never saw it but thankfully his linesman saw it and after a chat sent the Swindon player off and booked Doyle. Now Swindon were down to ten players and we had a chance to end the hoodoo. City went looking for the breakthrough as Swindon sat back thinking a draw would be a good result. Not long after Jones feed Nazon and from outside the area he beat the keeper with a great volley and City took a deserved lead, pandemonium in the away section. The Chino wearing fan got more stick “you never wear them again”, the City fans sang. Now Swindon had nothing to loose and went all out attack. MR made his first change taking off Jones who had just received some treatment and bringing on Shipley to help to toughen up the midfield. City almost wrapped the game up when Devon skipped past his player in the box but fired high. Seven minutes of injury time was announced as Swindon started to bombard the City defence. Stokes then had to go off with a shoulder injury and was replaced by Davies. The pressure mounted and from one corner they had a clear chance until a shove in the back of the player put him off, a clear penalty for Swindon but the referee continued to be consistent and bottled that decision as well. McNulty replaced Biambou late on. Deep injury time and in a counter attack Nazon nipped in front of a defender and lobbed the ball past the keeper but it also went past the post as well. One more Swindon attack was seen off before the ref blew his whistle and we could finally celebrate a league win over Swindon.


Man of the Match
1st Michael Doyle: A goal and got someone sent off.
2nd Jodi Jones Two assists
3rd Toni Kelly: Worked hard in midfield

Coventry City Vs Exeter City

So City faced the league leaders a team that had won seven and drew one of their league games this season, so a real test was on our hands. If having the two first choice forwards out injured was bad enough Beavon pulled up in the warm-up and had to be replaced. Exeter meanwhile kept more or less the same team they had all season but were facing a top seven side for the first time. The home line-up was in goal Burge, with Grimmer, Willis, McDonald and Stokes at the back, in midfield were Jones, Doyle, Kelly and Vincenti with Devon Kelly-Evans playing an attacking midfield role behind Nazon up front.

There was a good following from Exeter who for them a journey to Coventry isn’t that far. The leaders were playing in a bright yellow kit the type workmen might wear when working on the motorways. It was a particularly dull start as both defences were in charge and it took until the quarter of an hour mark for the first effort as Vincenti made room but blazed over. Not long after Vincenti crumbled in his own penalty area what was looking like a knee injury. He hobbled off after treatment and it was looking like a serious injury, a minute or so later he was back on the pitch. It wasn’t long however that he had to be replaced and on came Biambou to support Nazon and Devon (what a great name to play against Exeter!) played wide. The change in shape seemed to improve The Sky Blues immediately as Devon got into position and fired but an Exeter defender blocked the shot with his foot. City were edging the game whilst Exeter were looking very ordinary with McDonald and Willis keeping things tight and Doyle throwing himself about but not to the liking of a poor ref who gave the veteran a lecture for a high boot. Jones wasn’t getting to see much of the ball as in past games made the most of it when he did firing in on Pym in the Grecians’ goal. Very late into the half suddenly City came to life as Nazon fired wide, Jones got one on target, Devon had one blocked and Nazon fired wide again. Half time no goals not great entertainment but the leaders still hadn’t registered a single shot.

The sun came out for the second half was it was getting warm. City started on the front foot in the second half after realising the away side carried little threat. Jones had a shot blocked as City looked for a way through. Biambou meanwhile was looking a lot better than of late winning a number of headers. The referee, however wasn’t that good as he gave Exeter a disputed free kick ten minutes into the half and the leader had a shot but straight into the wall. Finally after a series of fouls an Exeter player went into the book and City had a free kick. Jones took it and smashed it into the wall but he pick up the rebound and raced out wide, he cut in and drove the ball across the six-yard-box for a team mate but the ball cannoned off Troy Brown and into the net as The Sky Blues took a totally deserved lead. The fans now could start to enjoy themselves as the team battled on. A great moment came when Devon challenged for a ball with a player twice his height, it looked a total mismatch and the little winger didn’t have a pray but Devon didn’t know that and after a tussle emerged with the ball to the delight of the home fans. Despite the fact Exeter never looked like scoring a one goal lead is always tenuous and City needed another goal. This goal should have came after 68 minutes when Devon scurried down the wing and found Nazon, the forward turned smartly but somehow fired wide when it looked easier to score. Exeter made changes to try to get back into the game but one of those subs was promptly booked for hacking down Kelly as he tried to escape down the wing. Another City attack saw Stokes in the area the left back blasted the ball goal wards only for the ball to cannoned back off the bar. Jones then had a chance but a square ball to Nazon would have been a tap-in. City were struggling to finish off the away side. Exeter’s Tilson then downed Devon who had got past him but some how escaped a booking before a minute later Doyle was booked. City kept up the pressure as Devon had another shot blocked as Exeter hung on. Then City should have wrapped up the game Nazon went forward played in Biambou who put it wide with the goal at his mercy. A one goal lead is always dangerous and finally Exeter had a chance as the ball was played forward Ruben Reid had a shot but Burge, who had nothing to do all game was quick and blocked the shot the ball went to McDonald who was hacked down by Reid, again no booking, the crowd went mad, OK it was mainly me. Into nervy injury time as Jones got the ball out wide he drove in and passed the ball on the ground and it was Devon Kelly-Evans that steamed it to drive the ball past Pym to wrap up the points. We could relax for the remaining five minutes taunting Exeter that they were a laugh if they though they were good enough for leaders.

A great, or outstanding performance, according to MR and I couldn’t argue we outclassed Exeter in very department despite the missing forwards.

Man of the Match
1st Michael Doyle: Ran midfield
2nd Devon Kelly-Evans: Have we found the perfect balance to Jones?
3rd Rod McDonald: Concrete by nickname, concrete by nature.

Cambridge United Vs Coventry City

Travis’ most famous hit was “Why must it always rain on me” and I we were thinking that as we made our way from the car and had to shelter at a bus stop as yet another downpour hit and it happened again at half time and full time. Meanwhile we were back at the scene of one of the low points of the previous season which is against some pretty stiff competition. We were hammered 4-0 in cup to a lower division team now we are equals. A good following came down the A14 for the game. The line up was in goal Burge, with Grimmer, McDonald, Willis and Stokes at the back, in midfield we had Kelly and Doyle with Vinceti and Jones out wide with “The Duck” appropriately for the weather supporting Beavon, pronounced Bea-von by the P.A.

It was a game of the two meanest defences in League Two and City on the verge of a new club record for the fewest goals conceded in the first eight league game but only if they could keep a clean sheet. The game got underway with noisy backing for the Sky Blue fans. Nazon had the first chance in the first minute firing wide as City started well pushing the home side back. Nazon was proving to be a handful early on and Jones his normal dangerous self on the wing as he whipped in a good cross. Nazon planted a header wide. Cambridge then launched a rare attack as Stokes and Vinceti gave too much room for Mingoia and he swung in a cross for Ibehre to be the league player to score past Burge this season, his first league goal past him for 181 minutes. City now had to beat Forde in goal the Cambridge fans were saying was their player of the season so far. Vincenti got one on target before Nazon stung his hands. City were still on top but most attacks seem to go down the left and Stokes is not an attacking fullback. Vincenti gave the keeper catching practice. It can be strange sometimes at away games as Cambridge’s sponsor’s mascot who looked like Bob the Builder came over and started abusing the away fans as we responded “you’re just a sh** Bob the Builder”, a laugh that a policeman didn’t see the funny side of as he took the mascot away with him. The referee booked Vincenti and Kelly as Cambridge grew in confidence. Half time came with United on top and the fans had to dodge the showers going to the loo and buying pies and pints.


City needed a good start to the second half attacking the away end and it came as Jones found Vincenti and he played in Nazon who was wide of goal and blasted the ball into at first looked like the side netting but it must have cannoned off the post and keeper because the ball went in and City were level. The game could go either way now but it looked like United were about to retake the lead as a mix up at the back saw a defender robbed and Burge was well off his line but from nowhere Jones charge in with a fair shoulder barge to rob the player of the ball. Jones then at the other end forced the keeper into a save. City won a series of corners and from one of them the ball fell to Beavon outside the area we urged him to shoot and he did only forcing the keeper to slap the pile driver away. Again Forde kept out City as Jones was denied again. City fans started to taunt the home fans by singing “you know what you are” normally when that is sung it is something of a serious nature so I listen on, you know what you are” you posh wan**rs, you know what you are”. Nazon then was booked for throwing the ball away from where a Cambridge free kick was to be taken but in fairness the referee did warn him about this, minutes earlier. Beavon had a shot blocked before the same player forced the keeper to not hold on to another attempt. At the other end Mingoia got in another cross and the player that gave us massive problems in the Cup, Ikpeazu gave the home side an undeserved lead. MR made the changes as off went Beavon to applause for the away fans and Vincenti from cheers as he is this season’s boo-boy and on came Biambou and a player Paul describes as an eight-year-old Devon Kelly-Evans. Biambou had a chance to be the hero but couldn’t direct his diving header on target. Ikpeazu was named man of the match by the P.A, no surprise there but then tiny Kelly-Evans tackled the giant and won the ball. City kept up the pressure as a chip from Jones beat the keeper but hit the crossbar, Doyle had a shot pushed away before a Nazon shot was tipped over by the keeper. The final whistle went and on the whole City fans applauded the team for the effort before we made our way back to the car just as it started to rain again, “why must it always rain on me?”

Man of the Match
1st Duckens Nazon: Feed the Duck
2nd Jodi Jones: Yet again a menace.
3rd Michael Doyle: Either him or Kelly.

Coventry City VS Carlisle United

Set of early to avoid the predicted rain which turned out to be a good plan, I was in time to hear the team news. With the club not appealing over McDonald’s red card just in case The League extended it to two games and with both main forwards out and the terrible news we learnt later that Andreu is out of the season MR made the changes that seemed the most logical ones with Davies coming at the back and Beavon partnering Nazon up front. The rest of the side were Burge in goal, with Grimmer, Willis and Stokes making up the rest of the defence, in midfield we had Doyle and Kelly, sounds like an Irish double act but the opposition are never left laughing, out wide are Vincenti and Jones making up the team.

It was already raining heavily when the game was underway as a 6,000+ crowd turned up for the game. A handful from Cumbria were in attendance and normally it would be “come in a taxi” song aimed at them but most City fans admired the dedication of Carlisle fans on midweek who must have to clock up some miles on the motorway. The game itself wasn’t great to start of with as United had six changes for the last game where they lost at Accrington 3-0 and included Shaun Miller up front who managed two goals for us in thirteen games a few years ago. The away side were edging the game and had the first chance in the 11th minute when Devitt got the ball in the box and fired on goal but Burge pulled off a good save and the ball was cleared, no doubt his coach appreciated the save as Oggy celebrated his 60th birthday on that day. City started to get into the game and a good raid down the right saw Grimmer make progress and he picked out Beavon whose shot was straight at the United keeper. A counter-attack saw Nicky Adams drive wide of the post but this makes the game far more interesting than it was. Main entertainment in out area came form our own character (nutter) Dave who was going through his “my donkey can do better that that and he’s been dead 10 years”, I assured Paul that his meds would kick in soon, but he did have a great chant of “why do we always get fat refs?” At the back for City, Willis was winning everything in the air aided and abetted by Davies proving we have real strength in depth. With 20 minutes gone a possible chance as Nazon played in Kelly but the midfielder had to run onto it stretch resulting him shooting high. Kennedy then brought down Doyle for a free kick but by the look on Doyle face made us all worried for Kennedy. City did start to improve as the half went on as a Jones overhead kick set Grimmer away down the wing the fullback picked out Beavon in the box whose shot was saved but Vincenti was unmarked and a pass would have let to a tap in. The half ended with no goals.

It is not easy being an away fan on the dreadful M6 in midweek just ask two coach loads of Carlisle fans that arrived at half time!

Second half had to be better and it was just three minutes into the game people around stopped talking about the new I-phone X as Kelly played in Nazon and the big forward powered his way into the box and coolly beat the keeper to register his first league goal for the club. “Feed the Duck and he will score”. The next action saw the vastly experienced ref Mr Kettle (no puns in this article), produce two deserved yellow cards first for Vincenti and then for Carlisle’s Grainger, then Mr Kettle blew his whistle (dam, didn’t mean that to be a pun) as Duckens Nazon went down, fearing another hamstring it turned out only to be cramp as the scorer went off to be replaced by Biambou. City were now flowing just like the rain as Jones was running them ragged on the right and had a great chance as Beavon raced down field and picked out the winger, he chipped the keeper but the defenders go back to clear. Another foul on Doyle saw him spring to his feet and almost go head-to-head with an United player, Stokes made sure nothing happen and the ref had a word with the captain. Another chance for City when Grimmer went forward and played in Jones, the winger then crossed and the fullback had raced into the area to score but an United defender threw himself in and got to the ball first to keep his side in it. City had now broken a record for the season after recording more than four shots on target in a game. City didn’t look like they would concede but needed another goal just to settle it and it nearly came with 11 to go as Vincenti headed wide. A minute later there was no mistake as a deep Jones cross found Vincenti and the player some nickname (Paul mainly) Rodney from Fools and Horses, volleyed in to make it two and to wrap the game up. Carlisle managed to hit the woodwork minutes later as the game entered its last five minutes. Devon Kelly-Evans then replaced Beavon for the little guy’s league debut. Minutes later a City player couldn’t get enough on a header and it fell to a Carlisle defender who cleared it over Burge’s bar. Jones had a chance to make it three but the keeper save before Mr Kettle signalled the end of the game in the way referee do by applying air to his signalling device.

Another win City upto 4th and yet again I had a wet bike journey home in strong winds and driving rain, thank flip for water proofs.

Man of the match
Pick any 3 from the team (just happens all their first names start with a “J”)
1st Jordan Willis: Won everything at the back
2nd Jodi Jones: The class difference with many sides
3rd Jack Grimmer: Looking like a real good signing.

Coventry City Vs Port Vale

The lowest Saturday attendance for a league game for a home match in Coventry since 1958 turned up to see a local derby against Port Vale. 1958 City ended runners up to Port Vale in the very first Division Four season but a repeat of that looks unlikely as relegated Vale have had a terrible start to the season starting the day in 23rd place and no goals for three games just like City. As we failed to beat two other strugglers recently in Yeovil and Chesterfield we hope for a change in fortune. It was a very showery day as I made my way to The Ricoh hearing the team news and Andreu would start partnering McNulty up front which looks a lot better than Beavon and McNulty. The rest of the team was in goal Burge, with Grimmer, McDonald, Willis and Stokes at the back, Doyle and Kelly in midfield with Vincenti and Jones out wide.

It wasn’t the best of games early on as both defences looked well on top. City were finding it hard to find their way through and this season they have averaged just fewer than four shots on target per game. Around the 24th minutes of tedium City started a move with some good passing up the field with the ball into Doyle the old guy picked out Jones who ran in on goal the Vale players seem to give him room and the winger got the ball onto his favoured foot and buried the ball from outside the area with a shot it was a really good goal and it woke everyone up. Not long after the goal McNulty went down with an injury and the player we are relaying on to score the goals for promotion had to go off, on came Beavon. Vale had their first shot on target on the half hour mark as City were looking comfortable at the back. At the other end Grimmer drove the ball across the face of the goal as City launched a counter attack. One player that has come in for some justified criticism this season is Vincenti but today he was having a far better game with some good tackles and winning headers. Jones look the big threat again as Vale couldn’t get close to him. City were looking as comfortable as a team could with only a goal lead when in injury time Vale won a corner and when it came in the ball was headed on Willis got a flick on it and the ball hit the crossbar.

The second half started with Doyle blasting one well over the bar that in his youth might have scored from. Not long after Beavon headed down for Kelly but the midfielder drove the ball wide of the post. Kelly then headed wide after a good run and cross by Jones. City nearly wrapped the game up in the 52nd minute when Andreu found Beavon and the forward turned smartly but the keeper read it and made the save. A great attack saw Vinceti dive in and win the ball as City were looking the better side. We had a delay in play then as Vale’s keeper Lainton went down and needed treatment on his foot. Not long after the keeper’s foot was tested as Andreu sent Beavon clear and the keeper raced out the sub slipped the ball past but it rolled inches wide of the far post. Now the keeper went down again and had to be subbed. If having one main forward injured was bad enough it got worse as Andreu went down and had to be replaced by Nazon. The sub then could have had a great chance as he was onside in the clear and Beavon was about to play him in until he was taken down and Vale’s Middleton was booked. Nazon got a shot on target as the score still remained 1-0 to City giving Vale very hope of rescuing a point. With ten to go Vale’s Worrall was about to enter the area when he went down, there was a delay, was it a foul, yes, said the referee, but looking back the player was heading away from goal but after consulting his linesman the ref sent off McDonald. MR made a quick switch as Beavon was sacrificed to make way for Davies to plug the hole at the back. The crowd had now totally woken up and were backing City and abusing the portly referee. The free kick came in and was cleared; Nazon got the ball and ran in on goal but could find the finish. It was now nervy stuff as Vinceti flew in on a tackle; to me looking like he won the ball but the referee booked him. It was back-to-the-walls stuff as City were pegged back but were keeping good shape as a poor Vale side tried to find a way through. City did break with a great run the length of the pitch by Grimmer until he was nudged over a foul missed by the officials. It was mostly Vale now as a ball was played in Davies got a head to it but it went backwards beating Burge and we watched in horror until it hit the post and went out for a corner. Eight minutes of injury time was announced when it should have been nearer ten and in the dieing seconds Pope made good contact form a corner but Burge got down to pull off a good save and there wasn’t enough time for a corner as City record a vital win.

A trip home in the sun and the pouring rain seemed a lot better on my bike when we win.

Man of the Match
1st Jodie Jones: A match winner
2nd Peter Vincenti: Best game so far
3rd Jack Grimmer: Solid and looked good going forward.

Chesterfield Vs Coventry City


If City fans think they have had a bad start after relegation the team that finished below us, Chesterfield are fairing even worse sitting bottom of the league. So it was “3 points needed” as we made the short journey to the extreme north Midlands. MR threw his latest Portsmouth signing in whilst had everyone scratching their heads by pairing McNulty and Beavon up front again whilst excluding Andreu. The team was and a welcomed league return for Burge, with Grimmer, Willis, Stokes and new boy Tom Davies at the back, Kelly and Doyle in midfield, Vincenti and Jones wide.

Chesterfield didn’t start like a team on the bottom as City didn’t get first touch of the ball for over a minute. So City were getting on the ball and the game was more even. Thirteen minutes of non-action was ended at the far end as McNulty swivelled from just inside the box and fired an on target shot that Chesterfield’s keeper, Lee was happy to push behind for a corner. City were gaining the upper hand as McNulty got another shot on target that the keeper tipped away. Now I am McNulty’s biggest critic but so far he was having his best game since joining. It wasn’t all City as Chesterfield were matching the Sky Blues and it took Burge to come out of his box to head a ball away to break up one attack. Jones as normal was a handful out wide and got a great cross in that Vinceti headed wide. In midfield Kelly was busy winning the ball and keeping City moving whilst Doyle was just Doyle. The ref Mr Drysdale was running the game well and had little choice but to book Grimmer when a player went by him and he tripped him from behind. This gave the home side a free kick in sight of goal and Flores took it and placed it Burge’s top right hand corner but somehow the keeper sprang to his right to punch the ball out for a corner a great save. This gave The Spireites a boost and they spent the rest of the half on top and Burge pulled off another save to keep City level as we wanted the half time whistle.

Second half City attack the end we were in. The first action saw Jones brought down and Weir booked for it. City were looking for a way in and McNulty again came close forcing the keeper into a good save to keep his shot out. Jones went on another run and went down a little too easily from a challenge by Weir but it was a tackle from behind and the ref showed him his second yellow and he was off. McNulty fired the resulting free kick over the bar. City were looking solid at the back with Davies being in the “no nonsense” school of defending. MR then made his first chance off went Beavon, who contributed nothing and on came Andreu, who should have started. Chesterfield were sitting back hoping for a draw at the least as Doyle and Kelly were ruling midfield then suddenly a chance McNulty raced clear of the defence and in on goal he was wide but drew the keeper out and fired past him and the post, another bad miss for our “20 goal-a-season” forward. Minutes later a good cross saw Vincenti head the ball into the back of the net but the linesman had his flag up for a while. Vincenti then went off after another poor performance and Nazon came on to play out of position on the wing. City were looking better with Andreu on and with nine minutes to go the forward got into the box and squared a perfect ball to McNulty, with on defenders around and the keeper beaten somehow he failed to head in a simple chance from some eight yards out. There was quite a lot of angry reactions from the away fans while I was screaming “OPEN GOAL McNULTY, OPEN GOAL”. The home side didn’t have anymore scares as City failed to win and were booed off with an away draw something I haven’t heard too often.

Man of the Match
1st Lee Burge: Clean sheet, great saves
2nd Michael Doyle: Ran midfield
3rd Liam Kelly Just slightly edged out by Doyle

Coventry City Vs Shrewsbury Town


So we set off on our defence of the Football League Trophy with a home tie against Shrewsbury, could we cause a giant-killing? MR made the maximum number of changes of five as the line up was in goal Burge, with Grimmer, Hyam, and Dion Kelly-Evans in defence and James Pearson making his debut. The holding midfielders were Doyle and Stevenson, with Jones and Vinceti out wide and Andreu supporting McNulty up front.

The same highly unsuccessful format was retained for this season after Premier League club together and paid an insulting low one million pound between them to give some of their players who will never play for the first team a chance. Still we were playing a League One side third in the table as a mere 1, 968 fans bothered to turn up for the first game in the group stage. The crowd turned out to break the record for the smallest ever home crowd for a competitive game even lower than last season’s group games. City attacked the away end in the first half and messed up an early free kick. The main danger from Shrewsbury was their loan player Stefan Payne! (No relation). The higher division side were looking the better side as they wasted a chance at the other end. I thought League Two teams were physical but the City trainer had to come on twice to treat Stevenson and then Kelly-Evans. The breakthrough came near the thirty minute mark when the ball was played to Stefan Payne (no relation) who beat Burge with a slight deflection. City’s defence was all over the place and minutes later their winger cut in and fired, Burge saved well with his legs but Gnahoua scored from the rebound. It looked like The Shrews could win this by a good few goals. City couldn’t get anything moving and long balls for McNulty to win were just wasted as he had no chance of winning headers against players a lot taller than him. Suddenly out of nothing City had a chance, Andreu stole the ball on the edge of the area and raced in for a one-on-one for the keeper “he must score”, I said but the defender got back to tackle before the forward could shoot. MR was then forced into a change as Stevenson had to go off with an injury and was replaced by Shipley. Ben Stevenson the brightest prospect from early last season is in real danger of becoming the next Connor Thomas, great promise as a youngster then nothing. Burge again was called into action before Payne (no relation) fired wide. Kelly-Evans threw himself into a tackle and only just avoided giving away a penalty Then a great chance for City from a corner Vinceti found room but somehow planted his header wide from close in. The half time whistle went and the home crowd booed the team off.

Second half saw Callum Maycock come on for Kelly-Evans. This was Maycock’s first game for the first team since December 10th last season. City needed a positive start and they got this when Burge caught a corner and bowled it out to Jones on the edge of his own penalty area, the winger took off on a speedy run down the flank and reached the edge of their area, he then lost the ball but got the rebound back and found Andreu, the forward twisted a sent a delightful shot past their keeper to give the home crowd hope. Another sub came on as Beavon replaced Doyle who looked like he may have picked up a knock. Andreu dropped into a deeper position. Suddenly the confidence was back as City started to get at Shrewsbury. Another attack saw a City player go down, with screams for a free kick the ball was played to McNulty in the area who was brought down and finally City were rewarded a penalty. McNulty took it coolly rolling the ball into the opposite corner of were the keeper dived. 2-2 now game on. City kept up the pressure as City won a corner and again the delivery was encouraging as Pearson got to the ball and his header struck the crossbar. City kept up the pressure with Jones a handful, young Shipley looking good at left back and Andreu pulling the strings in midfield. Then Shrewsbury’s Bolton aimed a two-footed tackle at Jones and the referee only had one option but to send the player off. The wide player was picked out for another foul before he forced a good save from the keeper. Shrewsbury rode out the storm and started to go forward to avoid penalties. Deep in injury time Burge saved well, then the away side won a free kick near the box and Riley took the kick which was placed in the top corner and Burge had no chance. It was a defeat but a vast improvement on the last two games.

Man of the Match
1st Jodi Jones: Kicked all over the place but was dangerous
2nd Tony Andreu: Scored a great goal and looked better in midfield
3rd Jordan Shipley : Looked good as a full back.

Yeovil Town Vs Coventry City


It was on the coach for the journey down to the extreme south of Somerset for the game against Yeovil. After hold ups around Bristol and then the holiday traffic heading towards Weymouth we reached Yeovil in just over four hours of travelling but leaving at 8 we had plenty of time for a drink in Yeovil fan’s marquee. City had drawn all three previous games here and Yeovil had conceded 14 goals in the three league games so far so confidence was high we could bounce back from the Newport defeat. Three changes were made two predictable and one enforced as one of the best players so far this season, McDonald was out injured. The line up was O’Brian in goal, with Grimmer, Willis, Hyam and Stokes at the back, Kelly and Doyle in midfield, Nazon and Jones wide with Andreu and McNulty up front. Yeovil had former City loan player James Bailey playing for them which was a surprise he looked a far better player to be playing in League Two when he played for us. We were on the open terracing in the blazing sun be thankfully it wasn’t mid-winter.

City attacked the far end in the first half and right from the off had a chance as Jones skinned his fullback and raced in on goal only the keeper to turn his shot around the post. City had started off well and were putting pressure on the home defence who were keeping the Sky Blues out. Doyle was then hacked down as the City fans screamed for action the referee played advantage before booking his assailant. McNulty had a chance when he raced onto the ball but blasted it high. City had a penalty appeal but it was hard to see from the other end of the pitch. Not long after a good move saw Stokes play a good ball to McNulty in the box, the striker controlled the ball, turned, leaving his defender static and with the bottom right hand corner of the net exposed promptly put it wide. Now McNulty came here with a blaze of publicity as a 20-goal-a-season striker but up to now has missed a stack of chances and has only scored from three pre-season penalties and a gift at Grimsby. City were looking comfortable at the back but a long ball did give some problems as Stokes tracked back with their forward Browne to tussle for the ball on the edge of the area but then we couldn’t believe it as O’Brien raced out of his goal causing confusion he missed the ball and Browne race through to slot his team into a lead against the run of play. City fans were furious and so was Stokes who no doubt was blaming the keeper for another error and he was right. Suddenly the home side found confidence and City’s head dropped. The Sky Blues won a series of corners that came to nothing as we were finding it hard to break down a defence that conceded on average a goal every 19 minutes. The game got to half time without any another incidents.

Second half City attacked towards the thousand plus fans that had made the journey. Nazon had the first chance blazing wide. Doyle then got an effort on target before the ref awarded a free kick. Andreu took it and placed it to the keeper’s right it shaved the post but the ref awarded a corner. MR then made his first change but it wasn’t the awful McNulty that left but Andreu as “goal machine” (sarcastically) Beavon came on. The experienced forward didn’t do too badly for the rest of the game. McNulty wasted another chance as the porous Yeovil defence were looking solid. Jones then had a run but was stopped with a hand in the face by a defender as the City wide player seemed scared to go forward. City kept up the pressure and a cross was met by McNulty this time a well placed header on target in the bottom right hand corner but the keeper sprang across to tip it behind for a corner. “That is the difference” I said “other teams have good keepers”. Then after soaking up the pressure The Glovers went forward and Kelly allowed Olomola and his shot from a narrow angle beat O’Brien to make it two. MR then mad e another sub, far too late, as Biambou replaced Nazon and the tall forward did win every header. McNulty had another chance but couldn’t get to the ball claiming a shirt pull before the same forward jumped out of the way of a challenge in the box. The ref finally blew as City slipped to 10th and the side looked nothing like a team that could win automatic promotion.

It took us three and half hours to get back and I missed the bus home by about a minute, it is only a 25 minute walk home.

Man of the Match
1st City fans: 7 ½ on the coach, League Two, out in numbers but nothing changes
2nd Jordan Willis: Defended well
3rd Jack Grimmer: Also did well

Coventry City Vs Newport County


“Where would Coventry City and Newport County play in the F.A Cup Final”, answer “Fantasy Island”. This was a joke my Aunt told me many years ago, my mum’s sister she still lives in Newport after marring someone from that town and I have two 1st cousins from there in place we used to spend every other summer in. So Newport have always been a type of second favourite team, never knowing we would one day play a league game against each other. City fans were very confident after two good wins but some thought going through the whole season without defeat was far too optimistic even for me so I was worried. County headed to the Ricoh unbeaten and played every game away as their ground is not ready yet. City were unchanged with O’Brian in goal, Grimmer, McDonald, Willis and Stokes at the back, Doyle and Kelly in the holding roles, Jones and Vinceti out wide with Beavon and McNulty up front. The Exiles had former City players Mark Nouble and David Pipe in the starting line up.

The game got under way in front of an 8,000+ crowd and O’Brien was the first to shot putting it well past O’Brien’s post. The game settled down into a not very entertaining spectacle with Newport just on top. City then had a chance as Jones was played into the area but the wide player fell over whilst trying to reach the ball. City were finding it hard to play the easy pass but did almost carve open a chance when Grimmer hit an excellent cross only for the County keeper Day to catch it cleanly. After 25 minutes County came close when they struck the foot of the post. Half an hour or so was gone before the first save from a keeper an easy catch for O’Brien. City finally started to make in-roads late in the first half as one of Robins’ signings who the verdict is still out on, Vinceti headed over the bar. Then in injury time City came very close as the ball came in Beavon was deigned by a save close in and City had two more attempts which were both blocked the last by Pipe. No goals at the break with Newport looking the better side but signs of improvement near the end.

Eight minutes into the half Newport’s Reece-Cole had a soft shot on target but somehow O’Brien lost the ball and it squirmed under him and into the net, a goalkeeper howler of the biggest kind. Not long after MR made the changes off went Beavon to be replaced by Andreu and Stevenson replaced Kelly. It was Andreu that started to show some class as Newport dropped deeper and tried hitting City on the counter-attack. Then another chance and a player that is worrying me McNulty broke through and blasted high. City were pushing them back and had a great chance as Andreu got a shot in and it took a deflection off a defender and looked goal bound until Day twisted back and tipped it over. City kept up the pressure when the ball fell to Jones who tried and first-time smash but totally missed the ball and fell flat on his face this even produced laughter in the home sections. MR made his last change switching to three at the back Biambou replaced Willis and the forward did win several headers. Then the away side should of wrapped it up when Reynolds fired into the side netting. At the other end Andreu again tested Newport’s good keeper Day. Biambou got one on target before the referee Mr Tierney booked a Newport player, the ref was the best we have seen this season. City applied the pressure but Newport saw the game out for a win I couldn’t say they didn’t deserve.

Man of the Match
1st Tony Andreu: Showed more coming off the bench than McNulty has in three games.
2nd Rod McDonald: Solid
3rd Jack Grimmer: Best of the rest

Grimsby Town Vs Coventry City


We set off for North Lincolnshire to see if the opening game was a bit of a fluke or we really did have a team capable. A trouble free trip to Grimsby and beyond as you may know Blundell Park is in Cleethorpes. Now this town proclaims itself as a holiday resort but we were shocked by the number of boarded up shops and lack of shoppers on the high street. Found a parking space and after a good walk had a look at the Humber Estuary before making our way to the ground WHAT A DUMP. I never though there would be a culture shock dropping from League One but I was surprised that this old ground got it safety certificate, other grounds were closed for less, Nottingham Forest for instance but you can blame Paul for that because that is one of his jobs. The ground looked like it needed creosoting and painting but they do have a proposal for a brand new 14,000 capacity ground. We joined the rest of the 1,300 City fans in the ground they would have been more but the local police stopped ticket sales early Friday. The team new was no surprise with only one change, Willis recovering from his injury and was straight back in, with him in defence were Grimmer, McDonald and Stokes, in goal was O’Brien, midfield had Doyle and Kelly, with Jones and Vincenti, with Beavon and McNulty up front.


We got seats behind the goal in the ramshackle away end with a low roof making it hard to see if any player hoofed the ball and we were facing a Russell Slade side so plenty of that. The away fans were in fine voice as we tried to make it three wins in a row on this ground without conceding. The Mariners’ manager was the brunt of much stick early on before Beavon had the first chance but stuck his header wide at the other end. Thankfully it was a dry day as Town had their games abandoned against Derby in mid week when they were losing. The home side’s main danger came from their winger Dembele who proved a handful for Stokes and after seventeen minutes he found Cardwell whose shot tricked past O’Brien’s right hand post. The game settled down and it wasn’t great stuff as both teams struggled to pass the ball City’s best hope seemed to be Jones who was giving them problems so much so he was hacked down on the edge of the box but no free kicks seconds later he was brought down again and finally the ref gave it. Jones promptly drove the ball into the wall and it was cleared. City looked nothing like one of the top sides in the division for most of the first half but then started to make inroads as Jones was played in and he forced a good save from the home keeper McKeown. Half time no goals and not much entertainment either.

City attacked the away end in the second half and started as they ended the first looking the more dangerous as Grimmer played in Jones and he forced a save from the keeper. The corner came in and Vincenti headed wide. City increased the pressure and in a scramble in the box Vinceti went down after what looked like a clear trip. Grimmer then produced a save from the keeper as we were getting closer to a goal. Just after an hour Grimsby won a free kick and was about to happen was one of the more bizarre things, former City player Nathan Clarke decided to knock the ball back to his keeper to take the kick but the ref had already blew for the kick to be taken, the kick was badly under hit and McNulty was in like a flash, nipped the ball past the keeper and ran on towards goal easily rolling it into the back of the net for his first goal. The Grimsby players went mad, not surprisingly but they no complaints as when Clarke took the kick the ball was live. Grimsby went forward and won a corner but after Willis went down with an injury and had to go off he was replaced by Hyman. “We want Sisu out” sang the City fans. City were looking by far the better side now with Beavon nut megging and couple of players. With 15 to go City won a corner and Kelly delivered it and Grimmer got to it and headed it home to make it 2-0. MR made his first change giving a debut to Andreu replacing Beavon, later Nazon replaced Jones to give something else for the home side to think about and he had a couple of chances. In the last minute Grimsby’s Berret dived in over the top and deserved a straight red but the ref settled for a second yellow and he was off. City eased to victory without O’Brien having to face a shot on target.

A trouble free trip back for the fans of the only 100%

Man of the match
A real problem plenty of good performances.
1st Tony Kelly: Set up a goal excellent in midfield
2nd Michael Doyle: Master of the dark arts
3rd Jodi Jones: A handful again

Coventry City Vs Notts County


So here we go again the 29th season I started as a season ticket holder. I am normally the optimistic type but this season more so after the closed season when for once we seemed to get players in early and no panic buyings and only one loan playing arriving on Friday. The start of the season is all ways seem to be playing in the heat but not this season as three approached the skies darken and rain started to pour, then lightening followed by hailstones, the game was put back by ten minutes with cries of “call it off” and players are too soft and not as hard as the ones from the (50’s/60’s/70’s/80’s) delete were applicable. The players came out as we tried to learn the debutants they were in goal Liam O’Brien, right back Jack Grimmer, and the back, “Concrete” Ron McDonald, Dominic Hyam, in midfield we had Liam Kelly, Peter Vinceti, with Marc McNulty up front but the biggest cheer was reserved for Michael Doyle making his come back and three players from last season were Chris Stokes, Jodi Jones and Stuart Beavon. County ended 16th last season but were expected to do better this, they had two former City players the perennial loan player Richard Duffy and John Stead.

City in the new Sky Blue kit, a big improvement on last season’s white one, attacked early and won a corner that came to nothing. County had their first attack as a midfielder raced into the area and under no pressure fell over trying to control the ball causing laughter and “so League Two” comments from around the ground. Both sides were testing each other out when a Magpies raid and the ball fell to Hawkridge in the area his shot hit the foot of the post and City survived. City were treated to some rough treatment from County not helped by the referee how refused to book anyone but at least he didn’t impress the County fans either as one of their fans gave him two out of ten. City were looking solid at the back with McDonald keeping tabs on the big Ameobi. In midfield Kelly and Doyle were battling to win control. Another foul and Jones had to pick himself up again against a side that I would guess wouldn’t be the most physical in the league. City were keeping the ball well without threatening until the 28th minute when Jones was played in and his shot went through a sea of legs and into the net to give us the lead and the players first home goal. More fouls from County as they struggled to find any rhythm with Doyle now on top in the midfield. City won a corner that was cleared the ball fell to McDonald out wide and he showed neat skill to get a cross in proving he wasn’t just a “row z” defender. Just before half time City won another corner and Hyam just headed over.

The second half started as McNulty had a run on goal “if he is a 20-goal a season player he will score this”, I said but the Magpies’ keeper Collin pulled off a good save. Then a real chance to go two up as McNulty seemed to have a free swing at goal but somehow Duffy got a block and it went out for a corner. City players were playing well all over the park with Beavon working hard up front with McNulty. There were one or two half-hearted appeals for penalties by the visitors as the game wore on but City were looking comfortable at the back and O’Brien didn’t have a lot to do. County made their second sub as Stead went off to booing from the away fans. Mark Robbins made his first sub with 17 to go off went Beavon after a good game and on came Maxime Biamou. O’Brien caught a ball from a corner and started an attack, the ball went to Biamou who played a great ball into Jones, the winger raced into the area got the ball on his favoured foot before sliding the ball under the keeper for two, and it was a well taken goal and City were two up. McNulty then went down with a clash of heads but the forward was claiming an elbow not long after he was taken off and on came Duckens Nazon, the Haitian International, yes that one. City looked in total control as five minutes was posted for injury time and in the last minute of that City broke and Nazon got the ball a couple of flicks and swerves and it looked like he could break into the box until a well placed disguised pass put Jones in with a chance and the player hit the ball and completed his hat trick so becoming only the 6th player to score three on the opening day (the others George Lowrie, Ronnie Farmer, David Cross, Micky Quinn and Dion Dublin). The game ended the far bigger then expected home crowd could enjoy the opening day.

Man of the Match
1st Jodi Jones: Only two goals behind last season’s top scorer!
2nd Michael Doyle: Doyler is back controlled midfield moaned constantly to the ref
3rd Ron McDonald: Looks a bargain.

Scunthorpe United Vs Coventry City

So we finally reached the end of the worse league season in our history as we made a trouble free run to Scunthorpe who made already secured a play-off place. The final line-up for the season saw left back Chris Camwell making his debut the full line up was Burge in goal, Dion Kelly-Evans, Turnbull and Willis the other three at the back, in midfield we had Gadzhev and Bigirimana, with George and Jones wide, Lameiras just behind Tudgay up front. We wonder how many of these would play next season? In the packed out away stands some City fans came in fancy dress, we had amongst others Snow White, a pregnant nun and Donald Trump who had a plastic face, just like the real thing. Before the game a minutes applause was given for all the fans that died in the season with the P.A reading out a list of Scunthorpe fans no longer with us, a nice touch.

The first action saw Jones blast well wide at the other end “that’s why we’re going down” sang the City fans. At this end no long after there was panic in the area after a misses placed pass let in Scunthorpe’s Madden but Burge was quick off his line to block at his feet, the ball rebounded away to another United player and Burge was up again and just beat him to the ball to snuff out the chance. Burge had to be alert again pushing another shot around the post. Meanwhile the keeper’s kicking was as bad as ever the custodian took exception at the comments behind him in the away stand. City were not playing too badly against a team that would end up 3rd in the table as the teams matched each other but United had the cutting edge and it was down to Burge to keep them out. Plenty of League Two songs including “We’re coming for you, Accrington Stanley, we’re coming for you”, “where the f**k is Forest Green?” and “Carlisle on a Tuesday night”. Just after half an hour The Irons went forward again and a good cross fell to Madden who looked certain to score until Burge got something on the shot and kept it out. Camwell then picked up his very first yellow card for the first team but overall didn’t look out of place in the side. Minutes later City probed forward and Jones picked out Gadzhev, the former Levski player had a shot, it took a deflection and beat the keeper, this was the first away league goal scored under Mark Robins. City saw the half out well with Kelly-Evans getting a shot it but it did seem to drag as I thought my spot watch had stopped.

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City attacked the end with the away fans and some started a conger but it was at the other end the when Van Veen from outside the area curled in a brilliant shot past Burge and we were all level. Three plastic pigs were thrown on the pitch at our end. City fans meanwhile started to make there way to the front of the stand for a pitch invasion. City were still matching Untied and a good move almost gave us back the lead when Lameiras played George in with only the keeper to beat but the keeper was out and the only place to play the ball was back over his head and in the other corner, which the forward did but the keeper reacted well to prevent the ball going into the net. Then we had the first change of the game for City when the almost invisible Jones was replaced by Kwame. Into the last ten minutes of the season and Bishop was allowed to run in and from outside the area blasted a shot that swerved away from Burge and Scunthorpe lead. Mark Robins then made one of the most pointless subsitutuion in our history giving a debut to Fivoli who will return home with a Check-a-trade winner’s medal and about five minutes playing time. Meanwhile United’s sub Adelakun found space and blasted another long range goal past Burge.

The final whistle went and both sets of supporters spilled onto the pitch as yet again we had to witness another team celebrating, the stewards intercepted any fans intent on causing trouble and we were able to take a walk on the pitch before departing and at last ending this terrible season.

Man of the Match:
1st: Lee Burge: Some great saves
2nd: Jordan Willis: A good display at the back.
3rd Gael Bigirimana: In control in midfield

Coventry City Vs Walsall


So finally last home game of the season as we took on Walsall with the main topic Gary Hoffman’s failed take over bid and what will happen next? The morning saw the youth team progress to the final of their league play off so good news at least in that department. Mark Robbins decided on a couple of changes to give others players run out these were in goal Reece-Cook and in midfield Gadzhev. The rest of the team was at the back Foley, Willis, Turnbull and Stokes, with Bigirimana, George and Jones making up the others in midfield and Lameiras just behind Tudgay up front.

It had all the feel of an end-of-season with nothing riding on it game, which in fact it was. The first action was after 12 minutes when a Lameiras shot was blocked it fell to Foley who could only fire it at the keeper. City were knocking the ball around well with the holding midfield pair the fulcrum. At the other end Walsall had a chance but the shot curled straight to Reece-Cook. Despite the passing City were struggling to break Walsall down whilst the Saddlers were not troubling City either. The normal anti Sisu songs could be heard also a new one “Hoffman’s coming for you”. After half an hour Walsall won a free kick between the box and the corner flag, the ball was delivered and a Walsall player had a free header but put it wide. Walsall’s forward Bakayoko fired at Cookie in the goal but City slowly started to look the better side. George then had a chance when he raced through but his shot was blocked. The resulting corner was played short to Lameiras and the player dribbled his way into the area before shooting the ball took a deflection and George was on to it before squeezing it home to give City the lead. It was the player’s 5th league goal of the season putting him top scorer. Minutes later it should have been two as Lameiras set George up again but his shot was wide of the goal. Half time came with City on top and provisionally off the foot of the table.

The second half saw Walsall bring on their star player Oztumer “The Turkish Messi” who replaced Isaiah Osborne, whose brother Isaac, used to play for City. Walsall started the brighter and it took a good block by Willis to prevent a shot on target. Lameiras had a shot at the other end as the game was warming up. “Gary Hoffman’s Sky Blue Army” the fans sang. Then Walsall won a free kick on the edge of the box, O’Connell took it quickly but it was an easy catch for Reece-Cook, we jeered the player for the poor free kick but then the referee booked the player for taking it too quickly then he had the home fans in a rage when he ordered the kick to be retaken. Now any sensible referee would have just waved play on, now Walsall had another chance, the fans were furious “It’s not tennis you don’t get two chances”, I shouted as Oztumer kick was deflected for a corner and Bigirimana was on the line to clear with a header that was cleared only to concede another finally Reece-Cook got the ball and the away side didn’t profit from the ridiculous decision. Walsall came forward minutes later and won another corner ending in an overhead kick straight to Reece-Cook. George then blasted over when well placed before Lameiras had a shot blocked. City seemed to have ridden out the storm with the back four looking solid Gael and Vlad in control in midfield and Tudgay leading the line well. Then O’Connell stretched for a tackle and caught George no arguments over a yellow but of cause this meant a second yellow and he was off. Then it was fair to say referee Mr Drysdale lost it as he began to give a series of strange decisions Walsall’s way, including overruling his linesman over a foul with the crowd accusing him of being sexist. Stokes was then shoved into the advertising hoardings and needed treatment as the City fans booed the official. The defender in the end had to go off and Rawson came on. Thomas went close again and City looked for the 2nd killer goal. City were keeping the ball as Gadzhev fired one high. Then Gadzhev went off to applauses after a good game and on came a debutant in the shape of Jordan Shipley, “team full of Jordan’s”, I sang. The game entered injury time as City saw the game out in a professional manner to end the home campaign with a win.

Man of the Match
1st Gael Bigirimana: Player of the season
2nd Ruben Lameiras: Improving greatly under Robins.
3rd George Thomas: Top scorer

Rochdale Vs Coventry City

I must admit I hate The Easter period, since I am self-employed I need to keep working and I had an away game to get to so an early start for me 8.30. After finishing putting my books out it was off to Rochdale and for once we had all five of the regulars in Paul’s car. Another thing I hate at the moment is the M6 with 50mph zone from north of Stoke to Manchester what would be normally be a 90 minute trip gets stretched out it took us two hours fifty to reach Spotland. It’s a ground we infamously have never won at, we were already down but we took a good following. MR put out a strong side, in goal was Burge, with Willis, Turnbull, Rawson and Stokes at the back, in midfield we had Bigirimana, Stevenson, Reilly and Reid with the Thomas boys up front.

Dale still had the chance of a play-off place as the game kicked off. City had the first half chance as a George free-kick found Stokes but he headed wide from a narrow angle. Dale were beginning to look dangerous with pace and power, Willis had to be alert with a good tackle to stop one attack. The home side then went forward and a cross was headed wide with the goal at his mercy. After 17 minutes another as Mendez-Laing totally outpaced Stokes in embarrassing ease, the winger then picked out Henderson who stooped in to give his side the lead. City kept passing quite well but nothing to trouble the home side’s defence. Then they went close again with another good cross that their forward just missed. The pattern continued as Rochdale looked just too big and fast for City but thankfully they couldn’t finish, yet another cross saw their forward reach it but put it wide. George, who worked hard tried to outpace a defender into the box but he was too strong to get past. Then Burge fielded a standard shot on target. The half ended with City only a goal down and Bigirimana picking up a booking from a referee who ran the game well.

Second half was no better as a debate was happening in front of us on the ability of Jordan Turnbull, Mendez-Laing played in Henderson who beat Burge far too easily and it was two. MR made the changes off went Kwame who hardly touched the ball and Reid who may have had his worst game for City on came Tudgay and Lameiras, with the former winning far more headers in the first couple of minutes then Kwame had the whole game. “Accrington on a Tuesday night”, was one of the ditties sung by the City fans others were “Where the flip is Forest Green?” “Just like watching League 2”. This was a stroll for the home side as Mendez-Laing again went on a run beating three or four City players and a I said “goal of the season contender” he scuffed his shot wide. Minutes later another attack and their player went down in the area the referee signalled but only for a free kick and despite the home fans wanting a red card he didn’t book anyone, a real let off. We now realised we have yet to have a shot on target against a keeper that looked like a fan that had won a competition to play in goal for a game. Another break saw Dale head towards the box until Turnbull timed his tackle well to prevent a one-on-one. At least Willis did have a shot not on target but we celebrated anyway. “Score next season”, we sang. Rochdale missed another guilt edge chance as we sang to them all the times this season we had conceded more than two goals, went on for a bit that one did. Late in the game with all the subs used Stevenson went down and needed lengthy treatment and was carried off on a stretcher. The referee soon blew for the end of the game but we have to endure two more games.

Got home just before 9! It was more like going to places like Newcastle than Manchester.

Man of the Match
1st The fans: Came in numbers, great sense of humour.
2nd Jordan Willis our leader
3rd Jordan Turnbull: Helped to stem the tide.

Coventry City Vs Charlton Athletic


I got to the ground early to take part in another protest march as again we united with the Charlton fans to complain about our owners. At the meeting place the Cherry Tree pub banners were handed out along with plastic pigs to throw onto the pitch, “sick them down your pants”, came the cry form one of one of the organisers C.J, in fact he said it a few too many times. So we marched down appropriately Bedlam Lane with many having pigs in their trousers. Reached the ground and assembled around the Jimmy Hill statue, he was a Charlton player, so it was very appropriate. Walking around the ground I heard the P.A announced that placards would be allowed in if the sticks were removed but then announced “no pigs were to be allowed in the ground”. The mind boggles. Got my pig in and on to the serious stuff as anything bar a win would mean relegation. “Now if we were to go down then Charlton would be the best team of it to happen against”, I theorised. The line up was in goal Burge, with Willis, Rawson, Turnbull, Haynes, in midfield we had George, Bigirimana, Stevenson and Jones with Lameiras just behind Beavon up front.

Just before kick off the pigs started to fly, I got my pig out and it made it onto the pitch, the kick off was delayed.

With the pigs cleared the game started and another deluge of pigs rained down onto the pitch, the ref took the players off whilst the pigs were cleared for the second time. The game restarted as both teams tested each other out, first chance fell to Jones whose shot was pushed away by the Charlton keeper. It was an encouraging start but soon the away side had more of the ball but City were looking solid at the back with Willis looking the best of the defenders. Then Athletic came close when a Solly header ricocheted off the bar and the City players lined up to block any follow ups. City looking lively on the counter attack won a corner after good work by George. The corner was taken short and a cross picked out Turnbull, his header found its way to George who drove the ball home via a deflection to give City the lead and to put him as joint highest league scorer with four goals. The results elsewhere meant that City had closed in on safety and were off the bottom of the league. City kept knocking the ball around well whilst in possession and defended well when not. There were plenty of “Sisu Out” from the City fans and “Roland out” from the lad and lassies from South East London. Bigirimana then got a shot in that the keeper did well to turn around the post before a good run by Jones ended with the keeper saving again. Charlton then got more of the ball in the last five minutes of the half and had a shot blocked and one save as City made it to half time with a lead.

Second half saw Kwame replaced Beavon. City were looking for a second and it almost came when George found room and forced Athletic’s keeper Rudd into another save as Jones fired the rebound wide. Then at the other end Charlton won a corner, it came in and Bauer headed the ball home to level the game. City kept attacking knowing a draw would be not good enough, one attack saw Jones make the wrong decision but another he fired form outside the box forcing a save. Another good attack saw George in the box he turned quickly but Rudd had closed him down and made the save. MR was forced into a change as Willis, who was excellent went off and replaced by Foley, not long later Reid replaced Jones. Not long after Haynes went down with an injury, if City had a sub left he would have gone off but there wasn’t so he stayed on and bravely saw out the game. City couldn’t force a winner and when the ref blew his whistle there was an eerie silence around the ground. City players went down and the Charlton players seem to sympathise with them and as expected there was no micky taking from the away fans. Slowly the home fans got up and applauded the players who at the moment are in play off form.

So League Two it is then.

Man of the Match
1st Jordan Willis: Needs to resign
2nd George Thomas: Worked hard and is improving
3rd Jodi Jones: A threat.

Coventry City Vs Peterborough United

Six days from the Wembley triumph and City could be relegated with the Sky Blues needing a win and relying on 2nd bottom Chesterfield getting a result at home to Port Vale. It was a lovely warm summer-like day at the Ricoh as before the game John Sillett and the successful boss of the youth team Richard Stevens paraded the FLT Trophy before kick off. The line up on the anniversary of our last promotion was in goal Burge, with Foley, Turnbull, Clarke and Haynes in defence; midfield saw George, Bigirimana, Stevenson and Reid with Lameiras playing just behind Beavon up front. The last two seasons saw Peterborough throw away a two goal half time lead to loose 3-2 so this is not a Happy Hunting Ground for the Posh.

The gate was boosted to over 10,000 with £10 entry as The Sky Blues took on United in safety jacket yellow. It was a lively opening in the sunshine on a much improved pitch. It was City who had the first chance a Lameiras shot easily saved by the keeper. The game looked pretty even when their danger man Maddison got a shot in on target. It was already clear that Peterborough liked to hit the ground at every opportunity and a very poor ref was being fooled by this all the game. City kept playing as Foley, who was having by far his best game for the club, crossed from the right, Beavon launched a bicycle kick that cannoned off the post. City were starting to edge the game when Clarke got an effort in on target. Maddison then went down and stayed down, City kept on the attack but couldn’t get the ball into the box before the referee called a halt to the game and after treatment Marcus Maddison made a miraculous recovery. The Posh were far bigger physically than City but went down for just about anything even Lameiras pulled down a player far bigger than him, according to the ref anyway. Mackail-Smith then flashed one wide as we were getting tans in the stands. Then with 6 minutes of the half to go Samuelsen dived in the area, and it was a dive, so-called referee Gavin Ward pointed to the spot for a penalty. Mackail-Smith stepped up and hit a poor penalty down the middle but Burge got enough on it to deflect it over the bar for a corner, justice was done. City were playing some good football orchestrated by Bigirimana, who we need to give a new contract to.

Half time no goal but we stayed in our seats because it was legends day as 40 former players were introduced to the crowd including my boyhood hero Ian Wallace who no longer has his massive ginger afro.

Jones replaced Reid for the second half. City started on the front foot in the second half when Beavon got the ball and found Lameiras, the Portuguese players steadied himself before sliding the ball past the keeper to give City the lead, it was his first league goal of the season and he still has the chance of being our leagues top scorer. Both sides had shots saved. Maddison had another shot easily saved as City fans were still booing him. City were looking comfortable but had a massive let off when Morias smacked the post with a thunderbolt shot. Reilly replaced Stevenson who hobbled off. Twist n Shout rang around the ground as City fans were enjoying the sunshine. A two footed tackle, but winning the ball failed to bring a free kick for City until Mr Ward decided to give one to Posh of a lesser offence. Turnbull then found himself up front in one raid ending when he was beaten to the ball in the box. Beavon then went down in a challenge but nothing doing from the man in the middle. City kept the ball as we had one or two half chances and the game went into injury time. Now at Peterborough they levelled late after a blatant foul on Sordell, who might be back to pick up his award for joint top scorer at the end of the season, but there was no trouble this time with City looking solid we saw out the game meaning we were still not automatically relegated.

Man of the match
1st Gael Bigirimana: Midfield kingpin
2nd Kevin Foley: Best game yet
3rd Stuart Beavon: Worked hard with no protection

Sheffield United Vs Coventry City


It was a slow and ponderous journey up to Sheffield and reach there by 7 and desperately searching the back streets for a parking space until we saw one guy in his car about to leave and we nipped in there. Pre-match news involved Yakubu being released but the main topic was the Wembley experience for the fans. This was a big game for Sheffield who could secure automatic promotion if results went their way, meanwhile could it be a case of “After the Lord Mayor’s Show”. Inside the ground I met up with the Sitton Brothers who presented with a massive block of Gouda cheese and some biscuit, how they got it passed the most throughout search I ever had in my life is remarkable. There were 350 away fans a few down on the 44,000 at the last game. The line up reflected some weary Wembley legs as well, in goal was Burge, with Willis, Clarke, Turnbull and Stokes at the back, Bigirimana and Foley (thought he had left) in midfield, Haynes and Lameiras provided the width with Tudgay up front. When the forward’s name was announced there were booing but not from City fans this time but United as Marcus used to play for Wednesday. The rush to get it was needed as the game was put back 15 minutes to allow the 24,000+ crowd take their seats.


So top vs. bottom but if United thought they were going to stroll to victory they were wrong as City set about making it difficult. It was a cagy opening with nothing much happening as Bigirimana had the first effort after nine minutes a shot that curved wide of the goal from distance. Sheffield had a very talented squad that had been invested in with Billy Sharp and James Hanson up front and former City player, Fleck in midfield but City were working hard to make them work for the points. Hanson had a shot on target but no trouble for Burge. Then another shot nestled into the side netting prompting some United fans to start to celebrate before being told to “sit down and shut up”. Then a great chance for Hanson but under pressure he skied the ball over the bar. City kept it tight for the rest of the half and it ended without a goal the City fans happy with the performance so far.

Second half saw Willis go off with a persistent injury niggle and Stevenson came on. Not long into the half United brought on a sub and it was the City, Charlton, Kidderminster, Wolves, QPR, Plymouth, Sheffield W, Oldham, Preston, Swindon, Chesterfield, Crawley, Scunthorpe and Bury reject Leon Clarke. Minutes later he had the ball in the back of the net but clearly off side it took him and the United fans a while to realise this. The referee meanwhile was annoying the home fans by not giving everything their way. City were keeping up the effort when Lameiras ran at the defence after a rebound or two found himself in the area but his effort was straight at the keeper. Meanwhile Fleetwood were beating Oxford meaning The Blades couldn’t secure automatic promotion that night. The City fans were in fine voice claiming the 43,000 were all working nights, as an excuse for them not coming and singing of many trips next season in League Two. The game went on as City were still holding their own until the 69th minute when a Fleck cross came in and of cause Clarke was on hand to score, later it had the suspicion of being off side. A handful of United fans sang “Sisu in”, as we replied telling them, “That is embarrassing “. Minutes later Fleck was given room and he went on a good run and fished from distance but his reactions angered just about every City fan as the former player raced away and celebrated like he had scored the winner at Wembley (will never happen). City kept the shape and didn’t concede again in the end the run-a-way leaders only managed three shots on target. The team was warmly applauded off the field by the away contingent before we headed for home.

Another very slow journey back thanks to part of the motorway being closed, got back to Cov only to discover I had lost my car keys! Thankfully I was parked outside’s Kev and no near Kegworth as the original plan was. Got a taxi home on not a great night got in at 1.30.

Man of the Match
1st Gael Bigirimana: Another good shift.
2nd Chris Stokes: We missed his sold performances this season
3rd Jordan Turnbull: Again played well

Check-a-trade Trophy Final

Coventry Vs Oxford United


So the big day had finally arrived after what seemed to be an age. Three of the normal car load had made their own arrangements for the final so we got three other friends in the car; we organised to meet at Lutterworth. For the first time in many a year I wore colours the Suburu kit with “Hadji” on the back and had a scarf for the start of the journey. Drove of at 8.25 exited the entry and turned left a woman was at the back of her car saw me and gave me a big wave off. Half an hour later was at Lutterworth and in Paul’s car, had the scarf hanging out of the window much to Paul joking annoyance “so League One” he kept saying. Ninety minutes later we reached our destination with was Wealdstone FC were we were one of 250 cars that had booked in for free. A short train journey from Ruislip Station and we took our first glimpse of the famous arch. We reached Wembley Park. Out of the station and my very first view of the magnificent new Wembley Stadium! A walk up Wembley Way, something I didn’t do 30 years ago. We had plenty of time to have a stroll around. Masses of City fans even managed to recognise a few as well. Sometimes our thoughts go out to other fans one who sits behind us and is a real character and goes to every away match we heard was in hospital and couldn’t make it. The fan zone wasn’t the best so had a coffee in Costa, another walk around before entering the ground with just over an hour to go. We had the dear seats on the halfway line and very near the Oxford fans. Another walk around the concourse looking for people I know like the Sitton Brothers who made it over but didn’t see them, saw Jodie (I think she used to be on our old chat site). I made it back to my seat for the game to see a sea of Sky Blue to the left as we heard the line up.

Most were disappointed that Reece-Cook didn’t start because he played in most games in this competition and in a weird echo of 87 Bigirimana like Ogrizovic before him became a father to a baby daughter just before the final. The line up was Burge in goal, Willis, Turnbull, Stokes and Haynes at the back. In midfield we had Reid, Stevenson, Bigirimana and Lameiras in midfield and up front we had George Thomas and Beavon.

The ground was almost full with 74,000+ thanks to Coventry knocking out three reserve sides, 43,000+ plus were Coventry fans that had made it here from all over the place. We had the national anthem before Oggy lead the team out. I held up my home made “Potential” banner. The Sky Blue Song belted out as the final got under way. Oxford last year’s runners up started on the front foot and a ball found a player in space in the area but a linesman’s flag prevented a shot. City settled and had the first effort but Gael’s shot was well wide. A long ball down the wing let Willis off on a sprint but a defender just beat him to it to concede a throw level to the goal. The throw was taken and Willis got the ball he crossed, Beavon’s volley was blocked but the ball fell to Bigirimana, who first touch was excellent his second touch saw him beat the keeper CITY 1 OXFORD 0. What a start, we hoped to see us scored but now we were winning. Now I turned attention on the near by Oxford fans shouting “Oxford scored four” before telling them they will loose the Boat Race as well and how they are not very good at University Challenge, not sure what the steward two seats away from me was thinking? Two flares got onto the pitch both dealt with a specialist anti-flare steward, well organised at Wembley. Oxford hit back and pushed City a great ball saw a chance before a great over head clearance by Turnbull to prevent a header. Then another cross came in and Bigirimana was back to clear with a header with a hot that looking like it was goal bound. City were being forced back but were defending well one rare break saw Reid take off down the left before he was hacked down, to our surprise no booking from I have to say was a pretty awful referee. Oxford kept pressing with City old boy McGuire always a danger. Then another ball in the area and Hemming went down with Haynes near him, massive penalty appeals from our right but replays saws there were no contact and a finger-tip save from Burge. City were defending well with Turnbull winning everything at the back with Stokes also putting in a good stint. Gael then dived in with a challenge he only just caught the Oxford player but as normal Oxford players tend to hit the deck at every opportunity and the ref booked the midfielder despite Oxford could have a few booked by then. Lameiras then had a run on the edge of the area but his shot was blocked the U’s launched an immediate counter attack but City got back to snuff out the attack. City needed to get to half time without conceding and with everyone working hard we made it with Burge relatively untroubled.

Half time bumped into more old friends that we call Dhinsa and his mates who normally leave at half time and they call Paul “Foxy”.

The second half was ready and I was quite nervous for the second half. After a word from the boss City started the second half on the front foot as I hoped we could make it to 50 minutes with out conceding. City won a corner but Oxford were asleep as George got a pass in acres of space and blasted the ball towards the goal forcing Eastwood in the goal to turn the ball over the bar. Turnbull then raided forward as City looked for the cushion of the second goal. It was an entertaining game as Reid escaped down the left, he picked out George on the edge of the area, his first touch was excellent, before he half volleyed back past the keeper, CITY 2 OXFORD 0, the man that we all though was destined to do a “Houchen” in the final had, a great goal, we went made, even sitting in the posh seats I again abused the posh Oxford fans for their failing to score four goals in this game and letting Cambridge into the University Challenge final (on my own in that one). I could relax a bit more and now the magic time of 75 minutes without conceding was my target. The “we want Sisu out” chant went around the reported 45,000 City fans and the Sky Blue Song as I twirled my scarf around my head. Oxford again hit back and won a free kick in shooting range of Maguire, dangerous times and his shot was on target but Burge pushed it over the bar. Another ball came in and both Stoke and Willis went to clear. Willis went down with cramp and the captain had to go off and replaced by Kelly-Evans. Right on the magical 75 minutes Oxford went forward again and sub Secombe hit a shot through a sea of legs; Burge was unsighted and despite his best efforts couldn’t stop the goal. Now Oxford were back in the game and we were all nervous again. No surprisingly Oxford, team that play good football were now throwing players forward and in one counter-attack had a great chance as Hall broke through to the right but Burge stood up and blocked the shot. The game was now really hotting up as George had two shots and Lameiras got one on target but it was edgy stuff. George had to go off maybe with cramp and on came Jones with fresh legs. Now deep into added time Oxford came forward with a corner and their keeper came forward but Burge caught it. Not long after that Oxford won a throw in and their keeper came forward again I saw just seconds left. City made a sub on came Tudgay for Beavon to see the game out. The throw came in and the ball was delivered into the box another Oxford sub none other that former Coventry youth player Ruffles got a good shot in that looked goal bound but Burge pulled off a brilliant save, another Oxford player had an open goal but somehow Bigi was on the line to block and Burge grabbed the ball as 74,000+ just couldn’t believe a goal was scored. Burge kicked the ball and the referee blew for full time WE WON THE CUP! Ok the trophy.

There have been quite a few changes in 30 years, mobile phones with cameras and internet access (the internet) and big screens, as I couldn’t see Kilcline lift the F.A Cup but I saw Cov kid Willis lift the trophy. We waited for the lap of honour before I shook the hands of the stewards and said “see you in 30 years”. We made our way back to Wealdstone and then home, what a day.

Man of the Match
Every player takes credit but here is my top three.
1st Gael Bigirimana: A goal, two goal line clearances a great game
2nd Lee Burge: Not sure how he kept that shot out
3rd Jordan Turnbull: Outstanding at the back

Coventry City Vs Bristol Rovers

They may have had back-to-back promotions, they maybe near the play off places and it may have been their first visit to The Ricoh but 4,000 travelling fans is still impressive in this division. The away following pushed the crowd to over 11,000 as City fans hoped for a Wembley send off. Only one enforced change to the team that beat Vale in midweek as Kwame was out but according to his dad would be back for the next game. The line up was in goal Burge with Willis playing his 100th league game, with him in defence were Rawson, Clarke and Haynes, with Reid, Bigirimana, Reilly and George with Jones and Beavon in the forward roles. It was a nice sunny day as we settled down for a game but before that we had a minute’s silence for the Westminster attack but this was almost spoiled by one or two in the away stand but their fellow Rovers fans soon told them to “shut up”.

The game started with Rovers in a confident mood with only one defeat in 11. Things were even early on and the first real effort came from Rovers’ winger Bodin but this was blocked. In the first fixture between the clubs Bodin ripped City apart with a hat trick but that day he was up against Lewis Page on of the worst loan players of resent times, today he was up against Haynes a far better player. City were easily matching their opponents as Jones got a shot in on target. It was quite a good game as both sides attempted to find a way through. City were defending well with the centre two looking dominate. The referee got a massive cheer when he pulled up a Rovers’ player for a foul throw. City kept player and had a great chance as Jones took the ball forward and picked out Reilly, the midfielder found room in the area and only had the keeper to beat but he shot wide, “if it fell to anyone else”, I thought. City kept pressing with Gael using the ball well. Both Beavon and Reilly had shots blocked whilst at the other end Rawson grappled with a player in the box and a massive penalty appeal turned down by the referee Mr Horwood. Half time came all level.

City had the first chance of the second half as Beavon forced the keeper into a save. It was still an even game when a great chance for Rovers as their Ollie Clarke found room but Burge flicked the ball over the bar. The corner came in a header beat Burge but Bigirimana was on the line he stoop down to block the shot with his body before it was cleared. Rovers then started to have more of the ball as City were pressed back and struggled to get the ball. Both Beavon and George were not having the best of games as Rovers stepped up the pressure. Then just like London Busses Mr Horwood to my delight pulled up another Rovers player for a foul throw. MR made his first change and worryingly it was Willis that went off with an injury, on came Dion who threw himself in an early tackle to remind his Rovers opponent he was there. Burge then had an easy save from Bodin before City went forward a deep cross found Jones in acres of space but we expected the net to bulge he blasted well over. MR then withdrew Jones and brought on Lameiras. Minutes later Ruben played in George and the hit the ball immediately and sent it flying passed the keeper to give City the lead. Ruben had a chance himself as the game turned. Reid was no being left as Rovers went looking for a goal but the back four supported ably by Bigirimana were holding firm. MR decided to close the game down by taking off Reid after a good performance and brining on Stokes. Into injury time as we counted down the clock Gael “took one for the team” picking up a yellow card for a foul. Their keeper came up for the kick and when the ball was delivered Ollie Clarke was left a lone in the box but thankfully he blasted over seconds later Mr Horwood blew for full time to signal back-to-back victories as the City fans sung “Wembley”.

Man of the Match
1st Farrend Rawson: Getting better all the time.
2nd Nathan Clarke: Another good game.
3rd Gael Bigirimana: Criminally left out by Slade

Coventry City Vs Port Vale


So another game as we had the chance of the double over Port Vale which if happened would probably embarrass them into relegation. Changes were made again and the team was in goal was Burge, with Willis, Clarke, Rawson and Haynes at the back Reid, Bigirimana, Reilly and George in midfield with Kwame and Beavon up front. Port Vale in the drop-zone seemed to have raided Burnley’s club shop as they looked like they were wearing their design. With news that Fisher was trying to move us to the lower league site at the Butts again a small crowd turned up for the game.

The game got under way with Vale winning a couple of early corners. City seemed far more up for the game than then any since Robins returned with Reid showing some good skill early on. Gael had a blast but no trouble for the keeper. City were playing quite well in fact as the midfield closed down every ball and Clarke and Rawson got a grip on their forwards, quite literally as well as they seemed to heed the manager’s words playing within the rules of the game. George then fired one wide. City were still edging the game when a Haynes throw in Reid flicked the ball over a defender before the winger latched onto it with a volley from outside the area and we watched it rocket into the back of the net, a great goal and the first for 422 very long minutes. With City fans still buzzing we launched another attack as Reid advanced and picked out Beavon, the forward found room in the area and fired towards goal, the Vale keeper did well to keep it out but Kwame was on hand to back-heel the ball over the line from 5 yards out to make it two! I pointed and laughed at the Vale fans as we were on cause for 33% of league wins this season against them and then accused of losing because they were wearing Burnley’s kit, “chim chimmery” on my own. Vale had a shot that was off target as the City defenders were making sure nothing got past them. Billy Reeves then did something all the Vale players wanted to do and bring down Reid, the very good referee Mr Webb booked him for that. City saw off some pressure before half time before the whistle went and for a change it was the away fans booing at half time.

Our last two wins saw us go two up at half time concede and then hang on for a victory so it was important we kept things tight early on in the second half. In fact it was City that looked the more dangerous as Reilly had a shot at the keeper before Reid blasted a shot wide. City were looking comfortable as Vale struggled to break us down. City were looking for the killer third goal as first Beavon flicked just wide before George had a blast. Then former City trialist Chris Eagles fired a tame shot on target prompting the Vale fans to sing “we’ve had a shot on goal” and I accused them of copyright. Reilly and Bigirimana were still closing everything down as Reid provided to be a dangerous outlet aided and assisted by Haynes. Vale meanwhile had most of the ball and forced Burge into his first meaningful save pushing a shot around the post before coming out and getting a good fist on the corner kick. “Stand up if you hate Sisu” sang the City fans, Paul and I did prompting someone several rows behind us to say “what block are you in at Wembley?” Reilly and Rawson both had efforts on goal as time ticketed away and kept checking my watch to see how much time was left. With 16 minutes of normal time to go Vale won a free kick half way in our half and the ball was driven in the Vale player, Smith got a flick and it went over Burge, who wasn’t on his line and Vale had a goal and were back in the game. This gave Vale renewed hope as then came forward and Burge fumbled a shot before it was cleared. Then Vale’s Foley dived in two footed, with fans demanded a red Mr Webb produced a yellow which was probably the right decision. MR made his first change taking off Beavon who put in a shift and replaced him with Jones no doubt a player that could carry the ball a bit more. Not long after Reid received an ovation as he left the field and Stokes came in to see the game out. Nerves were still on edge with the number of late goals this season. City were still battling as Bigirimana threw himself at a pass to concede a throw in before urging his team mate to not sit so deep. Then with players committed City George and Jones closed down players in the centre circle with the latter winning the ball and he sent George through clear on goal with half the pitch to run onto but unfortunately one of his touches was too heavy and the ball ran through to the keeper forcing us to sit down again. Then Rawson picked up a booking after bringing down a Vale player with his hand, the free kick was blasted in and was just missed on the far post by a Vale player. With pressure mounting City got the ball down the other end and for once show a professional touch by keeping the ball near the corner be Mr Webb blew his whistle and we could celebrate league win number six of the season.

It looks like Vale will be joining us in the fourth flight; both teams were founding members of that division in which Vale were champions and City runners up.

Man of the Match
1st Kyel Reid: Outstanding display
2nd Nathan Clarke: A rock at the back may still be clinging onto the Vale forward now.
3rd Kwame Thomas: Far better as a forward and a good bet to be top scorer (not saying much)

Milton Keynes Dons Vs Coventry City


It is never a chore to go to the MK Stadium, not too far away, decent parking a great ground just a shame it is wasted on this sorry excuse for a fancies team that should never allowed to exist. Meanwhile only a fraction of the invasion that normally happens here with City fans came to watch the final away game before Wembley. Again Robins changed his formation as he seemed to be trying to give every player a run out. The side was in goal Burge, with Willis, Rawson, Clarke and Stokes at the back, Jones, Stevenson, Reilly and Lameiras in midfield leaving George and Tudgay up front.

It was a fairly quiet opening start with City looking better than they had on Tuesday then again it would be difficult not to. City fans stuck in top of the away end started to taunt the home fans singing “A.F.C Wimbledon” and “2-0 to the real Dons”. The first shot came in the 18th minute an easy gather for Burge in the goal who looked a lot more solid and managed to keep his kick in play but mainly because he started to throw the ball to defenders more. Burge fielded another standard shot as MK attacked out end. Clarke and Rawson were playing well with the team captain winning some good tackles. Jones managed to get an effort on target as MK were on top but City were very much in the game. Another City attack saw Tudgay go down treatment didn’t work and he had to be withdrawn and replaced by Vernam. A good save by Burge from a corner prevented a goal. Then in injury time City best move of the half saw George firing into the side netting a bit later on before half time came with no goals.

Three Counties Radio described City as “shaky at the back and toothless up front”, a bit harsh comment on the defence.

Second half City attacked towards our end where the atmosphere between the away fans has been better. MK won an early corner it came over and wasn’t fully cleared it fell to O’Keefe who volleyed it straight back over Burge to give them the lead, it was a great finish. With City a goal down MR decided to throw on a defender as Willis was replaced by Kelly-Evans. City then put in a good move ending with Reilly getting a shot on target sarcastically celebrated by the City fans. Robins again made a sub and another defender came on this time Haynes replacing Stokes. This made an impact as Haynes started to run at the MK defence and cause problems. City were improving when Lameiras sent George through but the forward didn’t have the pace to get beyond the defence and the chance was gone. Plenty of League Two songs were sung as Haynes crossed and Lameiras met the ball and forced the keeper into a good save. That was the last chance as MK saw out the rest of the game without little bother. Mark Robins now goes down as the second longest full time league manager to not to witness a goal since his start.

We caught the CWR phone in on the way back and were interested to hear Robins stating that the team is not fir enough and he would need a bigger team in recruiting players for next season.

Man of the match
1st Nathan Clarke: Some determined tackling
2nd Farrand Rawson: Held his line
3rd Lee Burge: Looked solid

Coventry City Vs Southend United

33,000 fans didn’t turn up for this as no doubt they were sorting out travel plans for Wembley. MR made five changes to the side and on paper it looked a good line up, playing 5-3-2 we had Burge in goal, with Kelly-Evans, Rawson, Turnbull, Clarke and Haynes at the back, with Bigirimana, Reilly and Stevenson in midfield with Beavon and Tudgay up front.

United attacked the end where their fans were in the first half and nearly took the lead after the first attack when Wordsworth fired wide from just outside the box. Minutes later a player City could have done with Nile Ranger was allowed acres of space in the area and beat Burge who seemed to be wrong footed to give the away side the goal was assisted by another big forward Theo Robinson. “Sisu Out” chanted the home fans. City were struggling to get moving as Bigirimana was being closed down quickly or he wasn’t been given the ball quickly enough. Stevenson then did get a shot in on target but it was nearly all Southend as City struggled to get out of our own half. City were then pulled up for a foul by Tudgay, the kick was taken and it fell to Leonard his power shot took a deflection and beat Burge from distance, 2-0 to the visitors. No doubt Robins wanted to run away from the club again at that point. took the kick. It was a question of how many for Southend but at least Haynes had a go after a good run he fired over. City looked lost on the field and seemed to have gotten worse since Robins has arrived. The half ended with boos around the home sections.

Second half saw a change to four at the back as Turnbull went off and on came Kwame but again he was totally wasted out wide when we have three dedicated wide players in the squad. Tudgay and Beavon combined well to give Reilly a shot but no trouble for the keeper, “we had a shot on goal” sang the City fans. Kelly-Evans then went on a run but dived in when he lost the ball, thankfully the referee only booked the fullback it could have easily been a red but the City fans appreciated the effort from the defender. Bigirimana was passing better but then was taken off to give City more width and yet again MR ignored the wide players and threw on George to no avail. Not long after former City player Fortune came on for United. Burge’s distribution was as normal appalling as was most of the City side in a game that if Southend really wanted to could have racked up a big win, then another change for Southend as they brought on yet another former City player in the shape of Nouble. Robinson, Nouble, Fortune, Ranger all big capable forwards any of them would have done for us from the start of the season. The game petered out with Southend coasting and leaving City 17 points from safety with the real danger of being mathematically relegated before Wembley.

Man of the Match
1st The fans: For turning up
2nd Dion Kelly-Evans: Worked hard against far taller players
3rd Ryan Haynes: A couple of good runs

Coventry City Vs Bradford City


So it is already up to manager number four as Mark Robins came in for his second stint at City after running out on the club before. The team new was eagerly anticipated and there were surprises Foley replaced Kelly-Evans, Bigirimana was dropped but later reports he missed training on Friday and the biggest shock of them all Chris Stokes came in from absolutely nowhere for his first game since last season. In goal with some people still demanding an experienced keeper Burge made it to 51 league game level with Charles-Cook, the centre back two were Turnbull and former Bradford player Clarke, in midfield were Stevenson, Reilly with the Thomas’ out wide and Vernam up front with Beavon. I am getting used to line up massively changing from one season to the next but only two City players that started this game started at Bradford earlier in the season they were Turnbull and Stevenson. Bradford looked a difficult side to play as they had only lost 5 league games all season the same number we have won.

The game started with City looking up for the battle as Vernam got a shot in on target but no trouble for Doyle in the Bradford goal, the keeper played one League Cup game for City, the other two ex-City players were Vincelot and Marshall who proved to be a handful. Stevenson then fired just wide from distance as both teams seemed evenly matched. It wasn’t a bad game as both sides looked to get forward and to be fair the referee was running things well also. City kept looking for a breakthrough and an overhead kick by Beavon almost had us up as it just missed hitting the target. Then it was the time for The Bantams to get forward and Marshall got past Stokes far too easily and knocked in a great cross, Bradford’s top scorer Wyke looked like he could miss with a close range header but somehow he hit the post and Turnbull scrambled the ball away. City then were forced into a change as Foley went down with an injury, he went off applauding the City fans who cheered on his replacement Kelly-Evans and the little fullback immediately proved why most fans want him to play by getting stuck in and providing an extra attacking option. Despite the efforts City didn’t give much going forward Kwame looks totally wasted out wide George gives effort but Reid, Jones or Lameiras would be a better choice and Vernam should not even be playing as he will not be here next season and MR needs to start building. Bradford were upping the tempo as Stokes was caught out but Kelly-Evans was covering his fellow fullback to prevent the attack. City didn’t lack effort as George got a tame shot in on target. In the dieing seconds Vincelot got a good shot in that went wide.

All level at half time with Bradford maybe just shading it.

Early in the second half City conceded a corner and it was floated to the back stick and their sub Jones was left to prod home to give them the lead. Yet another goal conceded from a corner. Bradford now were in total control as Jones fired one wide until the ref awarded a corner signifying that Burge must have got something onto the shot a great save. The away side kept up the pressure when Jones found Hiwula-Mayifuila and before the defence could shout “watch out Hiwula-Mayifuila got the ball” he beat the onrushing Burge to make it two. MR made a change off went Vernam, Kwame went up front and Jones played wide. This didn’t have much of an effect as the away side were in total control showing why they are in contention for at least a play-off place. George blasted well wide as the game carried on. City were still trying at least and in another move Stokes was the furthest forward and almost got on the end of a pass in the area but this was it for the defender as he went down by the reactions of the other players it looked like cramp which wouldn’t be surprising after the length of time out, he went off and Rawson came into the centre with Turnbull switching to left back to keep tabs on Marshall. The rest of the game petered out without much happening and Robins started his 2nd reign with a home defeat just like he did with his first.

Man of the match
1st Dion Kelly-Evans: Should start
2nd Jordan Turnbull: Another good game
3rd Nathan Clarke: Stood up well to Bradford

Shrewsbury Town Vs Coventry City


A short trip to Shrewsbury as on the way we heard the rumour of a £12 million take over bid by former Chief Executive Paul Fletcher, at Shrewsbury Paul filled up with fuel and took his car through a car wash that knocked off a wing mirror with Lisa and I both admitting our Peugeots would not have survived with the mirror back on we reached Greenhouse Meadow with plenty of time to spare. Inside the ground Slade shocked us again by making a sensible line up that at last included a recall for Bigirimana. The full team was playing his 50th league game Burge, and joining him on the same number was Haynes, also in defence were Clarke and Turnbull along with Kelly-Evans. In midfield we had Reilly, Rose and playing his 60th league game Gael, the Thomas boys supported Beavon up front and according to Kwame’s dad his son has another year’s contract at the club. Now one aspect of away games is that Paul likes to collect photo’s of himself and the club’s mascots but both Shrewsbury’s lions were no where near the away end so we asked a steward if we could go in the home end and get them, a season ago we achieved this at Gillingham but this time they would let us but he got them to come over so I could take a picture of a 50+ year old with both the Lions. Meanwhile I had the normal away conversation as the steward asked me,”what is going on with Coventry City?”

The game got under way with City defending the far end and just after a minute Rose and Clarke both went for a header in the box and had a clash of heads, Clarke got up quickly but Rose stayed down, the medical staff raced on and pretty soon we knew it was serious as time ticked on it was well passed the 15 minute mark and I can never remember a longer stop for an injury before Rose was stretchered away to applause from around the ground. Stevenson came on to replace Rose as the game got underway again. City started well with the ball being used well in midfield and Bigirimana the fulcrum aided by Reilly and Stevenson which on paper looks our strongest midfield three. Plenty of banter between the fans as we accused them of being Welsh not helped by a view of a hill between the stands which had sheep on it “is that your boyfriend over there”, we sang. City were threatening the Shrews defence which according to one of the staff serving coffee wasn’t very good. Turnbull then got a shot in on target that the keeper beat away. The referee wasn’t having a good game including calling an off side in our own half. Wembley was sung by the away fans to which “going down” was added by the home fans, the away following took this up “Wembley and going down” sang the City fans loud and proud. Reilly then had a shot saved. Another good moved inspired by Gael gave Reilly a half chance but he blasted it over the bar “that’s why were going down” sang the away fans and were applauded for it by the home fans. Burge’s clearances were poor as he sliced one out off touch. Kwame then got a header on target as City kept on top as we entered the first of 22 minutes of injury time. The home side was then forced into a change with an injury and the sub immediately got booked. City launched another attack as George went forward but his shot was well over when a pass would have been better. City won a free kick which ended with Turnbull header over. In a rare attack with two minutes of stoppage time left the home side won a corner, now I was nervous as we can’t defend them, the set piece came in and suddenly the referee pointed to the spot as he saw a handball by Turnbull, hard to see from our end but Shrewsbury had a totally undeserved chance of a lead. Roberts took it and hit it straight Burge didn’t dive too far so it was an easy save, it would turn out to be the home side’s only shot on target. It was really good first half with Gael running the show and Beavon looking dangerous but no goals.


City started well in the second half with Reilly having a shot before George fired another one well over. Shrewsbury showed signs of improving but the back four were solid with Turnbull the pick of them. Shrewsbury won a corner but Burge was handling well. We accuse Shrewsbury of being welsh as Jones replaced Thomas for City. Reilly had another shot blocked as City looked for a goal we deserved. With the game entering its final run former City player slid in two footed on Haynes and got a yellow but it could have easily been a red. City were working hard not to lose including a great block by Bigirimana to prevent a cross in a kung-fu style. At the other end it just wasn’t in as Beavon got in a shot that the keeper pushed away. In the end the game ended with no score but the fans were happy with the performance.

Man of the Match
1st Gael Bigirimana: Midfield master
2nd Jordan Turnbull: Very underrated
3rd Lee Burge: Saved a pen and handled well.

Bury Town Vs Coventry City


So back on the dreaded M6 for a coach trip to Bury and as normal plenty of delays as we reached the ground in three hours an hour longer than it should have taken. On the way in the coach we heard the team news, now Slade does like to surprise fans with his selection but this one had everyone scratching their heads, if each player played in his natural position we would be playing a 5-1-4 formation with no full backs or wide midfield players. The line up was Burge in goal, with Willis, Clarke, Turnbull and Rawson (totally forgot about him) in defence whilst in midfield we had Foley, Reilly, George and Vernam in midfield leaving Kwame and Beavon up front. City defended the goal with the 209 mad City supporters in for the first half. Twist and Shout was played in the ground before kick off were in both sets of supports joined in


Early on the referee was keen on giving Bury free kicks but the official ending up running the game well. It was like the City back three, four or five had never played together before, which they hadn’t, as Caddis got a shot in on target followed by Vaughan as City were looking shaky against the Shakers. City were struggling to get on the ball and pass it, then again our best passer Bigirimana is now were near the 1st team these days. A quarter of an hour gone and the ball was played to Bury’s Vaughan who was allowed to dance past two static defenders before finding himself in acres of space and only Burge to beat which he did and we were behind already. Kwame then put a header wide in City’s first attack whilst the fans were having a go at Slade for his bizarre team selection including giving the captain’s armband to Clarke. Vernam got a shot in on target but no trouble for the former City keeper Joe Murphy. Despite this it was looking easy for Town as City fans urged their team to show some passion. City needed to hang on but nearly went two down when the dangerous Vaughan curled one wide. City had a couple of half chances blocked as the half wore on. Kwame again looked the best forward had a shot saved. Then ever more space as their number three was left all alone on the wing but could only pick out Burge in the goal. With five to go it got worse little Callum Styles was allowed to run and play a ball to Pope, the forward found him self totally unmarked in the area and he beat Burge. At first the City fans turned on the keeper which was a little harsh but soon it was Slade getting it with both barrels. “This is the worse City side we have ever seen”, sang the away fans, which is a fact that can’t be argued against.


Second half and is their many managers that is in charge of a losing side and throws one two defenders? Despite that it was a change the 209 welcomed because finally we had some width and more players playing in their natural position, Rawson and George made way for them. Murphy received warm applause taking up his position before the game got underway. City now playing 5-3-2 where on the back foot early as Burge did well to keep out Pope. The wingbacks were starting to get in the game giving the width we missed in the first half. City were looking better and got in two shots but both times the ball fell to the wrong player as Foley and Reilly are not known for their shooting. Haynes was starting to find room on the left and looked threatening ever time he went forward. This was better from the Sky Blues and room was found and Vernam had a shot it was on target until it hit the ground and bounced left a right bounce and Murphy would have got no where near it. Beavon who was benefiting from the wingbacks got a header in on target. A good move saw Haynes with the ball, his cross was met by Beavon and he headed back past Murphy to bring City back into the game. “THAT’S WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU PLAY FULL BACKS SLADE, FULL BACKS!!” I shouted at the manager. The P.A announced the goal as a Bee-von goal and not Bev-on, I rally against the P.A, “Its Beavon and not Be-von who scored your last goal Pop-ee?” City now had a chance of an unlikely rescue but Bury upped their game and kept City at arms length. At the other end during an attack Kelly-Evans sliced a Bury player to the ground the ref played a good advantage and then booked the defender when the home fans wanted a red and the little defender may have been lucky to stay on. Then Clarke miscued a clearance that went straight to a Bury player but his defensive team mates nullified his mistake. The away fans wanted Jones to come on to add to the attack but Slade dithered on the change finally he came on and the game swung our way again as Foley fired from distance forcing Murphy to go full length to push the shot away. City applied some pressure but it wasn’t enough leaving us 14 points from safety.

An acceptable second half but terrible first, far too many changes as we headed for the coach. Bizarre rumour on the way back that a take over is on the horizon but the man behind this was reported to be Tim Fisher.

The M6 was closed near Cannock so after a division I got home an hour later than I should have done.

Man of the Match
1st Ryan Haynes: Along with Dion, should have started
2nd Kwame Thomas: Lively
3rd Stuart Beavon: Score a goal.

Coventry City Vs Swindon Town

So a must win relegation six-pointer against a team we hadn’t beaten in the league for over 50 years in which time we have ended in the top six and been to Wembley twice. R.S kept the side that started against Gillingham, in goal was Burge with Kelly-Evans, Turnbull, Clarke and Haynes at the back, Reilly and Foley as the holding midfielders, Rose more central the Thomas boys just behind Tudgay up front.

The pitch was looking a bit better after the lamps had been on to stimulate grass growth as both sides tried to use the ball and both had shots blocked early on. City won a corner and it found Tudgay whose shot rebounded off the ground and was caught by the Robins’ keeper. Rose then had a shot saved as City were looking good early on. At the other end Burge was forced into his first save. Both sides were still trying to play the ball on the ground when Kelly-Evans took off on a run he exchanged passes in midfield with Reilly before scampering on and picked out Kwame in the box, the forward with his back to go swivelled but could only direct the ball at the keeper. The game started to turn as Swindon got more of the ball and it took a great block by Turnbull to prevent a shot. The Robins were now looking the better side and as Kelly-Evans and George stood off a ball came in the from the wing and Ajose was on hand to score. “We’ve scored a goal” sang the Swindon fans. The pacey forward was causing all sort of problems for City and minutes later broke free of the defence but Turnbull followed him and executed a perfect tackle in the box to prevent a shot. The corner came in and yet again we conceded this time it was Obika stooping to score. Half time came and City were two down.

Not surprisingly a change was made off went Rose and on came Beavon. City improved a bit in the second half with Clarke firing wide before George had a shot wide. Then the miss of the season a ball was played into space and Ajose raced for it Burge came out with his defence beaten and the forward nipped the ball past the keeper and had an open goal to shot out but instead of making sure he hit it first time and sent it over. City couldn’t force a goal early on as Swindon were looking settled before Beavon had a shot blocked and Tudgay fired one wide. City were struggling up front with only Kwame looking any good so it was no surprise when Tudgay was taken off to cheering and Yakubu came on. The big forward had yet to touch the ball when a cross came to Ajose and he made it three. Fans left before Connor Thomas came on for the Robins and I claimed he was the 7th best Thomas that had played for us. Reid then came on for Kwame after a good performance. Into injury time a good exchange of passes saw Yakubu play in George and the forward placed the ball into the bottom corner of the goal to signal his third goal in three home games. This seemed to have finished Yakubu as he spent the remaining time on the touch line after looking like he had pulled a muscle.

Man of the Match
1st Kwame Thomas: Won plenty of headers
2nd Jordan Turnbull: The pick of the defenders
3rd George Thomas: Scored

Coventry City Vs Gillingham


So a game that could set a new record for the longest time a new manager had to wait for a league win was on us as we tried to recover from the heartbreak of the last ditch goal at Wimbledon. The line up was, playing a 4-2-1-2-1 formation, in goal was Burge with Kelly-Evans, Turnbull, Clarke and Haynes at the back, Reilly and Foley as the holding midfielders, Rose more central the Thomas boys just behind Tudgay up front.

The away side are on a bad run themselves and their manager is still waiting for his first win but it was the away side that had the first shot with Dack firing wide. A couple of delays followed for treatment before Tudgay volleyed over. City were looking quite good early on going forward. Just after the 15 minute mark City set off deep on an attack, Haynes brought the ball forward to the halfway line before passing to Reilly, the midfielder played the defender back in and he continued his run, level with the box he fired in a deep cross, Tudgay pulled wide and headed the ball back and Kwame was on hand to nod it over the line to give City the perfect start. This lifted City and the crowd and we went forward again when Tudgay picked out Rose, the midfielder had a shot that was block and for the first time in a while a slice of luck as the ball fell to George who easily beat the keeper it finally register his first league goal. Two nil up and City were cruising, it was only last season City put Gillingham to the sword on this ground to replace them at the top of the table, and how times have changed. Gillingham looked all over the place and City should have made it three minutes later when Kelly-Evans picked out Tudgay but the joint top scorer headed wide. “We’re not very good” or words to that effect came from the away fans. City were buzzing and Gillingham looked lost their big number 50, Emmanuel-Thomas was communicating with the bench on what to do. City were solid at the back with Clarke in command and Foley and Reilly moping up in front of them. City then had another chance to extend the lead when George got into the box but his shot was blocked by the keeper. At the other end Donnelly was complaining which led me to stand up and berate him very loudly about his half day stay at City when he came on loan a few years back. Some disturbances in the Naughty Corner as some fans were thrown out. The referee then blew after seeing Kelly-Evans win a great header against a far taller player but he was climbing. The away fans were not happy at losing to a team five points adrift at the bottom and started to sing “what the flip is that”, I pointed to the roof above them and reminded them they can’t be used to seeing a cover over the away stand. The referee, who by the way was pretty poor, blew up for half time with City two up.

Gillingham made two changes up front off went former City player Cody McDonald who was hardly had a touch and their big number 50, Emmanuel-Thomas went off being the only Thomas not to score in the first half. There was a change for City as well as Burge had a mild concussion he was replaced by Charles-Cook. We knew Gillingham would come out more determined in the second half and they did as City were pushed back we needed to do was keep things tight for twenty minutes and they would run out of steam. The best laid plans of mice and men when a corner came over after 10 minutes and their defender Emher knocked the ball home to put the result back in doubt. Now this lifted the away side as they started to bombard the defence but time and again Clarke got his head to the ball to clear the decks ably sported by the other defenders and Reilly in midfield. Charles-Cook had to field a shot as the pressure continued before another routine catch as City were struggling to get out of our own half. Another ball into the box saw the referee blew for an infringement seconds before the ball hit the back of the net, the Gillingham fans celebrated before they had to sit back down again with catcalls from the City fans. RS then made another change off went George who is steadily improving and on came Jones. City were still working hard at the back as we tried to keep them out. Dack went close again for the away side before RS made his last change off went Kwame who apparently was struggling at half time and to a big cheer on came Yakubu for his home debut. The big forward did help in his hold up play but now Tudgay was looking cream crackered. A mad scramble in the box saw Turnbull get up off the floor to clear a shot away from in front of the goal. City always had the chance of a counter and in one move Yakubu got the ball but his turn and shot was at the keeper. As I kept checking my watch ever couple of seconds complaining “it was like Wimbledon all over again” Jones found room and forced a good save from their keeper. In injury time Gillingham won two corners, had a good shot block and saw Charles-Cook beat away a shot in the top corner before finally the ref blew and we could celebrate a league win so ending our second longest run with a leaguer win in our league history.

Man of the match
1st Nathan Clarke: Won every header
2nd Callum Reilly: A midfield workhorse we have missed
3rd Dion Kelly-Evans: Stood up well to a big physical attack

AFC Wimbledon Vs Coventry City


Boarded the coach for the trip to Kingston-upon-Thames where AFC Wimbledon plays these days. The Yak was the main talk on the way down as fans were excited by a signing. Got to the ground in plenty of time unlike our last visit here in the F.A Cup, to hear the line up as Slade had one game not to equal Noel Cantwell record of the longest start without a league win for a new manager, the formation was 5-3-2 back in goal was Burge with Kelly-Evans, Turnbull, Clarke, Rawson and Foley, Rose was the holding midfield with the two Thomas boys in the attacking midfield leaving Tudgay at the sharp end. The new boy Yakubu Aiybegeni was on the bench. There was a good turn out for the City considering all things.

It was a slow start by both teams as City were looking solid at the back. Tudgay then got in an effort wide as both teams were struggling.Meanwhile some loud-mouthed idiot in front of me started to give stick to Tudgay which was boarding on the abuse complaining he couldn’t win headers against the two taller central defenders marking him. He went very quiet after 12 minutes when the forward flicked on a header that went George through, the forward raced into the area but Shea in the home goal came out and blocked. City on the whole were defending well but from one corner the ball fell to Soars he blasted it towards goal but Burge parried it over the bar for a good save. To be truthful not a lot was happening but the proximity of the away bench led to plenty of banter with Slade who took his cap of during a chorus of “He’s got no hair”. Half time came with City’s defenders well on top and the same could be said for Wimbeldon’s as well.

The second half started a touch more brightly as both sides had efforts blocked. “Sladey give us a song”, we requested “SKY BLUE ARMY” the manager bellowed back. Great excitement then as Yakubu was warming up as his name had been sung from the start of the match. Not long after he replaced Tudgay to give us some much missed height up front. After a block or two of shots from both sides RS made his second change off went George, still without a league goal and on came Jones. Both sides got tame shots on goal before Jones got the ball on the right and drifted in before shooting along the ground it beat the keeper to start mad celebrations in the away end, it was Jodi’s first league goal. Twenty minutes to go for our first league win in 14. Yakubu had a couple of nice touches as City looked in control with the time ticking down, Reilly had a shot in a match that he played well in. I kept checking my watch and counting down the time, into injury time and Yakubu was given off side which looked a bad decision. Wimbledon moved the ball forward and a cross came in from the right, a shot was blocked but Robinson was on hand to score, looked at my watch 14 seconds to go, gutted. The game ended and that is six points thrown away in injury time since RS had been in charge.

Good journey home but everyone gutted by a game we deserved to win.

Man of the Match
1st Callum Reilly: A good signing.
2nd Jordan Turnbull: The pick of the defenders
3rd Jodi Jones: At last a league goal.

Oldham Athletic Vs Coventry City


I was on driving duties for the trip to the other side of Manchester after getting through the annoying massive 50 mph zone on the M6 south of Manchester we arrived in a very cold Oldham. Inside the ground we knew this was a massive game against another relegation candidate. RS again made surprising team selections as Reece-Cook came in for his 50th league game and a shock recall for Gadzhev in midfield the rest of the team were at the back Foley, Rawson, Clarke and Haynes, the other midfielders were Reid, Reilly, Rose and George Thomas with Tudgay up front. Wembley was very much the nub of the conversation before the game.

Oldham started off the brighter and pushed City back then after seven minutes when the home side got down the right and got a cross in Foley intercept but his clearance cannoned off his face and went in, what a start! With the hardy band of away fans stunned City went on the attack and Reilly picked out Tudgay who blasted the ball from outside the area past their keeper for out first league goal for an age and put Tudgay joint top league scorer with four league goals. City started to get stuck in and a robust but fair challenge by Foley led to Holloway being subbed. Minutes later Gadzhev flew into a challenge seconds after the whistle and escape with only a booking. Oldham did have one skill is they were very good at falling over and did this at ever opportunity the trouble is the dreadful referee Mr Toner fell for it every time. The quality of the game was pretty poor in quality as both teams didn’t want to play the ball on the ground which wasn’t too surprising looking at the state of the pitch. Oldham forced a couple of corners which City dealt with before Gerrard (no not that one) fired into the wall. City were looking the slightly better footballing side and went forward and the ball went to Reilly who blasted the ball against the underside of the bar before it was cleared. Reilly, a player that is steadily improving then sent a dangerous ball across the box. Tudgay headed one wide before another half chances before half time came with City well in the game.


City were now were attacking our end and after only four minutes Reid played a great ball in for George who got in past the defence and looked certain to score but hit the post the ref gave a corner so a great save. Oldham made the changes to alter their tactics and this worked as City started to be pushed back. With the game in the balance Oldham attacked and a deep cross went in Reece-Cook came out to catch it wasn’t a clean take but when he was about to recover he was barged into by an Oldham player, we waited for a free kick, and waited then Oldham scored, still no free kick it was then it dawned the ref missed the most blatant foul you are ever likely to see. RS made the chances off went Gadzhev after a good game and was replaced by Kwame Thomas for his first game since August after a long battle with an injury. Not long after McLaughlin was allowed to run unchallenged through the defence to make it 3-1. Jones came on to replace Reid as City were heading towards a defeat. City still went forward and Haynes banged in a great cross Kwame rose and planed a great header past the keeper what an impact. Now Oldham were panicking and City were looking for an unlikely leveller, Lameiras came on for his 50th league game as City pushed them back, City deserved at least a point from the game but couldn’t quite get the goal we deserved.

We are now a mere 10 points adrift of safety. We are going to Wembley but at first it is Wimbledon on a Tuesday.

Man of the Match
1st Marcus Tudgay: A goal and hard work
2nd Kwame Thomas: If only he had been fit all
3rd Callum Reilly: Getting better

Coventry City Vs Wycombe Wanderers


I got the ground extra early to miss the masses but only just over 11,000 turned up still that is just under 50% increase the league attendances. Inside the ground and after repeated warning not to throw things on the pitch I was amazed to see the club had provided missiles for everyone as they had placed a A4 piece of sky blue paper on every seat to hold up when the team marched out, or so they though as we entertained ourselves with paper plane throwing. The team was announced and it was the strongest available with three players on cup-ties, stupid rule in this competition and one suspended. The line up was in goal Reece-Cook, with Dion Kelly-Evans, Harries, Turnbull and Haynes at the back, in midfield we had, Reid, Reilly, Rose and to spoil having four R’s in midfield George Thomas, up front it was Beavon and Tudgay. The big news from Wycombe is their big man Akinfenwa was only on the bench. Then it was announced the game would be delayed for fifteen minutes to allow the crowd in.

Finally the game got underway and it was quite crowded in my block of the stand. City got off quickly and Reilly had a chance for a shot on goal but dithered and his final shot was at the keeper. It was fairly even early on as Harries had to recover from a slip. It was a good atmosphere inside the ground. After ten minutes Reece-Cook grabbed a shot on target. City looked good going forward with Thomas and Reid out wide and Tudgay and Beavon trying to find space and it was the later that did this after 11 minutes, he received the ball in the six yard boy swivelled and placed a shot it took a nick off the defender and beat the keeper City were in front. There were mass celebrations in the home ends as we made the perfect start. The League Two side that gave an almighty scare to Spurs in the F.A Cup 10 days ago stepped up the pressure. Then a big scare Reece-Cook flapped at a cross and there was a big scramble in the box with City defenders throwing themselves in front of the ball and eventually getting it clear. City went on the attack and Reilly played in Reid who had cut inside, the wide player then lifted a great cross to Thomas in the area, the Coventry born player had found space and killed the ball on his chest when it dropped he volleyed past the keeper, City were two up. It was a great finish from George, a player that can’t score it the league but has now scored three in seven in this competition, is he the new Keith Houchen? More celebrations around the ground “Que sera, sera, what ever will be, will be we’re going to Wemb-er-ly” sang the fans as scarves were waved above the head and those like me that didn’t have one just pretended. A flare was let off in the Naughty Corner. City were now looking confident and my though about City being three up before the break looked on. Tudgay fired one over before Thomas broke free but fired wide. It wasn’t all plain sailing as Wycombe had a shot on target and it took a brilliant header by Haynes to deign a shot on target. The referee Mr England seemed to be giving most things to the away side but did give us a free kick after half an hour resulting in Rose heading wide. Later a Rose shot was deflected allowing Beavon to shot at the keeper. Then with no long to go of the half a ball fell to Weston but he rushed the shot and fired over, half time City leading and 45 minutes to Wembley.


Wycombe made a change at half time as the giant Akinfenwa came on, City to made a change Jones replacing Beavon. The Beast, as Akinfenwa is called immediately started to win headers and one incident Kelly-Evans got close to him, I only hope the photographers got that pic. Not surprisingly Wanderers went more direct as Reece-Cook did well to catch a cross. At the other end City seemed to be relying on the counter attack and it was Jones that fired in a good cross. Ten minutes into the half a free kick was fired into the box and Akinfenwa wellied the ball into the net to give them a real chance. Now people were getting nervous City were struggling to cope with the gentle giant that is Akinfenwa. City were being penned back and it looked more likely to be 2-2 then 3-1. Cookie-Monster caught a shot before RS made a change, it was a brave one taking off Reid who was a main danger and throwing on Jack Finch but it was a great change as Finch sat deep and no doubt was instructed to get close to Akinfenwa and help the defence and it worked and it work the big man was far less effective after that. I was counting down the time, I had been all the half and with 23 to go Kelly-Evans was booked as his winger went past him but fans in the Main Stand claimed he got the ball. City were defending well but one slip and it all could come unstuck. The away side were throwing more men forward leaving gaps that City could quite exploit. Tudgay, who worked his socks off all night, then picked up a booking for a shove from behind before City defended the set piece. Six minutes of injury time was announced to the annoyance of the fans, I made it five. Not long into this Tudgay was fouled but in frustration he brought down his marker but Mr England decided not to issue a second yellow. “If we win were are on the pitch” sang the City fans as we counted down the time. City defended sensibly and Jones slipped past his marker on the by line and forced the keeper to concede a corner. Now it was over six minutes of injury time as the fans whistled for the end, a goal kick was taken and Mr England blew his whistle WE WERE GOING TO WEMBLEY.

A pitch invasion was sparked off and normally players run away from that but not Dion who ran towards the fans to get bear hugs of them Jones and the rest joined in. I made it down onto the pitch a bit later as well.

Man of the Match
OK impossible to pick one player
1st Beavon, Harries, Turnbull, Thomas, Reid, Haynes, Reilly, Tudgay
2nd Finch, Kelly-Evans
3rd Reece-Cook, Jones and Rose

Coventry City Vs Millwall

So another game and before the match there were a reported massive queue, not at the turnstiles but at the local sports shop buying tennis balls. Inside the ground we heard the team news and with the latest two forwards injured the line up saw Burge in goal with Foley making his home debut the others were Rawson, Clarke and playing his 50th proper game was Haynes. In midfield we had Reid, Reilly, Rose and a forward without a league goal for 24 games but still in the team Thomas, up front were Tudgay and Beavon.

City started off not too badly with Haynes looking the most dangerous player for City getting an early shot on target. At the other end Burge almost embarrassed himself with a short pass out of goal but Millwall couldn’t capitalise. The game itself wasn’t great but City were well in the game and looked solid at the back. Tudgay and Haynes again had efforts as Rawson and Clark were trying to keep tabs on Millwall’s danger man Morrison. It was the Lion’s forward that got the next shot on target forcing Burge to concede a corner. That was the signal for today’s protest and a good few tennis balls came raining down from the naughty corner. As they were being cleared I thought “I bet they score from this”, the corner came in and Cooper bundled the ball home, typical. That is three games in a row we have conceded from corners, unacceptable with the height now in the back four. City did respond and near the end of the half we won a corner, this was delivered and met by a downward header by Rawson but somehow Archer, the Millwall keeper tipped it over the bar. Half time losing again.

Second half City went close when Clark fired just wide. Milwall looked comfortable at the back despite the promptings of Haynes and Reid but lacked a passer in midfield a Bigirimana type player, or even the player himself who now seems totally shut out by Slade. The Lions were relying on counter attacks and they caught City cold with a ball down the flanks Burge raced out to intercept and looked in no man land thankfully the Millwall player slipped but Burge was still almost caught out. For me Reece-Cook is a far better keeper than Burge. Jones came on but not in his normal wide position instead he replaced Tudgay up front. Then Beavon was hacked down and Webster deserved a yellow card. At the other end another chance in the area but Beavon was clearly pulled back but no penalty the London team broke and a shot was deflected by Clarke and it was an easy tap-in for Morrison. Gadzhev made a rare appearance from the bench replacing Rose before the game petered out.

Man of the Match
1st Ryan Haynes: Our main danger
2nd Kyle Reid: Tricky
3rd Ferrand Rawson: The type of defender we needed all season

Northampton Town Vs Coventry City

The game that most of us had been waiting for a trip back to our former home and for many like me my first time watching City in a competitive game at this ground. Had a look from the hill before entering the ground to hear the team news and it was a strange line up, playing four at the back and the rest was just a guess, in goal was Burge, with Willis, Clarke, Rawson and Haynes at the back, in midfield we had Stevenson, Reilly and for reasons known only to the manager George Thomas, up front we had Tudgay, Beavon and making his debut Charles Vernam.

City started off quite lively looking to break down the Cobblers as we saw a good contingent of fans up on the hill. Back on the pitch we knew a protest was planned and it sprang into operation after 10 minutes when flares were thrown onto the pitch causing a hold up in play. The game restarted as Vernam looked like a player that liked to run with the ball. Then the crucial moment was Willis slid in on a tackle and the left back rolled around the referee gave himself plenty of time before producing the red card. Now down to ten it looked a tough task for the team. Stevenson dropped back to defence as the home side started to have more of the ball. Not long after the first change was made as Thomas went off and was replaced by Kelly-Evans. After 25 minutes three fans made it onto the pitch and more flares were thrown when they were cleared it was announced if anymore fans got onto the pitch the game would be called off, we couldn’t believe they announced that. Northampton were on top but the City defence stood firm and looked in no danger but with fewer players in midfield City struggled to get forward despite the hard work of Tudgay and Beavon. Half time came with no goals.

At half time City fans were having a tug-of-war with the stewards over the pitch cover the shouts of “heave-ho”.

The second half saw Northampton on the ball again and only seven minutes into the half Anderson had a chance and took it firing into the bottom corner. More fans on the pitch and more flares but after a short delay the game got underway again. Burge then pulled off a good save flipping one over the bar in contrast his distribution from kicks were terrible. Form the resulting corner it was Anderson again on the spot to drive home the ball and make it two nil. “We paid for your stand” sang the City fans as our rent did seem to do this. Slade, who has the worst record for any full time manager since 1919 made two changes, off went Tudgay to be replaced by Rose and Jones replaced Stevenson, I watched the midfielder very carefully going off just he case he waved goodbye to the fans before being sold in Tuesday’s transfer deadline but no wave came. Not long after it was three and Anderson became a latest this season to score a hat trick against City. I got a little “we hate Mansfield” chant going before more fans got on the pitch and more flares. Then some entertainment from the players or Haynes as the left back slalomed into the area beating two or three before slipping as he was about to score, now in injury time Hynes fired in a good shot the first and only on target the keeper couldn’t hold on but got to it before Beavon and the game ended.

Man of the Match
1st Marcus Tudgay: Work hard
2nd Farrend Rawson: Solid at the back
3rd Ryan Haynes: Had a shot at goal

Coventry City Vs Fleetwood Town

In a week when Tim Fishface appeared on Radio 1 and stated that City were not dieing we took on Fleetwood, who are near the top of League One and just had spent a six figure sum on a forward but only brought just over a hundred fans to the Ricoh. RS meanwhile changed formation going to 5-3-2 so therefore no room for Reid. The line up was Burge in goal with Willis playing for the first time this season at right back, Turner, Clarke and a debut for Ferrand Rawson leaving Haynes to make up the back five. In midfield we had Rose, Reilly and coming back into the team Stevenson. Up front we had Thomas and Beavon.

It was a cold day as Fleetwood defended the North Stand in the first half. The first action saw their defence under pressure and one of their defenders pass back to the keeper, the custodian kept the ball at his feet before Thomas ran towards him and his picked it up “BACK PASS” the fans shouted but the referee must have forgotten that rule. At the other end Fleetwood fired over. The away side were looking the better team as City were now reduced to hoofing the ball up field a sad decline form last season’s style. Burge fielded a direct free kick but on the whole City were looking solid at the back with Willis keeping tabs on their dangerous left back. Beavon did get a tame shot on goal but he and Thomas were struggling to win headers from the long ball, not surprising really considering their height. Thomas wasted a corner as the game was of a very low quality. Rose then came close to fluking one as he mis hit a cross forcing the keeper to grab it on his line. Half time no goals very, very dull.

Second half saw Beavon off, no doubt an injury and instead of replacing him with a forward on came Jones. Rose was pushed up front to act as a target man and to add height to the attack. “Hoof, hoof, HOOF”, I was saying in the opening minutes. The change did improve things a bit but it was Town that should have taken the lead when Hunter missed a great chance. Finally City put together a good move and it was no surprise it involved Haynes the only player that looked threatening as he got wide and pinged in a rose Reilly flicked the header onto the post. The game was still very poor as RS made another change and again another baffling one off went Rose and on came Lameiras, the whole team had only scored seven league goals between them four from defenders, Tudgay was sat on the bench and what has happened to Bigirimana our ball passer? With City intent on boring the position into submission it looked like at least a point then a late corner and Bloger steamed in with a header to win it. Yet another late goal the last time I remember conceding so many late goals we went down and now we need a miracle to prevent City making a clean sweep of the divisions, in order Division Two, Division Three North, Division Three South, Division Four Division Three, Division Two, Division One, Premier League, Championship, League One and League Two.

Man of the Match
1st Jordan Willis: Good to see him back marked a good player out of the game
2nd Ryan Hynes: Our only threat going forward.
3rd Ferrand Rawson: Useful

Chesterfield Vs Coventry City

It was a short trip to Chesterfield for a massive six-pointer against Chesterfield not a bad place to visit with ample road parking not too far away. Before the game spotting Tim Fisher out of the corner of my eye and I pretty swore he said to someone else “55 million they must be joking”. Inside the ground we heard the team news and no surprises with Kevin Foley making his debut at right back the other defenders were Haynes, Clarke and Willis, with Reid, Reilly, Rose and spoiling a possibility of four R’s in midfield George Thomas meanwhile up front we had Beavon and Tudgay with Burge in goal. We had a minute’s applause for Graham Taylor who recently passed away.


A few chants of Wembley rang down from the end away as the game got underway. Alarm early on as a weak back pass put Burge in trouble and his first touch was poor allowing a player to rob him but the keeper threw himself into a perfectly timed tackle to prevent any embarrassment. The home side looked the better in a dull encounter as both defences looked in control. Thomas did get a shot on target in the 17th minute. Chesterfield’s main tactic was to attack down the right and quickly switch the ball to the left but City’s defence was coping with that without any problems. At our end Coventry born Evatt headed one over as the game plodded on. There were a couple of tame headers from both sides but straight at the keepers before the first half ended all square.

Second half with City attacking the away end we hoped for better. Early on Haynes went down and it didn’t look good but after a bit of delay he was OK and was ready to rejoin the action. City were looking a bit better in the second half when Reid found Thomas, his shot was blocked by a defender’s leg and the ball fell to Tudgay for a tap in but the linesman’s flag stopped any celebration. Reid then shot across the face of the goal. City were attacking again when Chesterfield defender Anderson went down after jumping for a ball, the ref blew straight away and it was clear it looked serious, after lengthily treatment he was taken off on a stretcher to applauses from around the ground. Haynes had one of his runs and fired but it was too central and an easy save for the keeper. The best move of the game saw Reid, Tudgay and Beavon combine to give Thomas a chance but he couldn’t beat the keeper. City made the first change off went Reilly and on came Stevenson. Minutes later the home side went forward and Gardiner let fly from outside the box he struck it well and Burge had no chance. No City were cut adrift at the bottom of the table. Beavon had a chance but then Chesterfield should have wrapped it up on the counter attack as first Donahue took too long in shooting and he was closed down and then the same player blazed over unmarked. RS took off a limping Foley to be replaced with Dion who fouled a player early before ending up in the stands after he could stop his momentum. Ched Evans was then found guilty of a bad foul and justice was done when the good referee booked him. Eleven minutes of stoppage time was shown and the best chance in that time fell to Thomas who blasted over from close range.

Man of the match
1st Kyle Reid: Some good skill
2nd Jordan Willis: Good to see him back
3rd Ryan Haynes: Miles better than Page

Coventry City Vs Bolton Wanderers


Russell Slade is nothing but quick off his mark, what Mowbrary struggled to do all pre-season Slade did in a few hours as three players came in and surprisingly Sordell, despite a relatively poor goal scoring record moved to the Championship. The first line up of the year saw only one survivor from the start of 2016 and that was a surprise as Haynes came in from the cold to play at left back the other players in defence were Sterry, last game before his loan ends, Turnbull and making his debut Coventry’s 11th Clarke, Nathan Clarke, Burge was in goal with Thomas, Rose, Reid and the second debutant Callum Reilly in midfield leaving Tudgay and the third debutant Stuart Beavon up front. This must be the most experienced or old, forward line since Drinkell and Regis. We had one debut on the opening day and now three at the start of the year.

It was Slade’s first home game and when he joined he said “it may not be pretty” and it proved to be that as both teams struggled to find a way through with both defences on top and Clarke defiantly in the “row z” of defenders something we had missed. Bolton do not concede many goals but Beavon was looking lively up front. Turnbull planted a header wide after 25 minutes as the game had all the look of a scoreless draw. Bolton then fired one past the post in front of the North Stand which did have stewards assembled to prevent any incursions. At the other end Beavon fired one wide. With ten to go finally some action as Beavon pulled wide and showed some skill to keep the ball and fire in a deep cross for Reid, the winger immediately head it back for Tudgay to nod home from close range to give City the lead. Rose then fired wide as City were defending confidently against the automatic promotion favourites. Half time City winning just like at Peterborough.

Half time mad rumour today was that Leyton Orient’s Jay Simpson was on his way to the club.

Second half saw Bolton have a shot but nowhere near the goal before the away side made a change and unfortunately it was Zac Clough coming on who looked a classy player when we played them at their ground. The fans in the Naughty Corner were blowing their whistles which is now totally unacceptable. Then a moment of madness at the back former player Madine got past Haynes but the fullback got a grab of his shirt and a push and the big forward went down, a penalty every day of the week. Up stepped Clough to send Burge the wrong way and it was all level. As we were still slagging Haynes for the needless penalty and the Wanderers fans were telling us where we could stick our whistles when Haynes went on a great dribble towards the box he fed in Beavon who sent the ball over the keeper to give City back the lead. I told the Wanderers’ fans that Haynes run was very much like Stanley Matthews in the 1953 Cup Final. Again after the goal “We hate Sisu” chants rang out. R.S made his first change off went Beavon after a promising debut and on came Lameiras. Clough then went close as the time ticked on. Bigirimana replaced Reid to see out the game. City then came close with a counter attack as Tudgay found Thomas who had just about drifted off side before finding the net. Then another break saw Lameiras break clear, Thomas was in acres of space but he went on and lost the ball. Into injury time and a ball was played into the box seeing Clayton turn and grab a goal as City threw away another two points. This reminds me of the relegation season when we kept conceding late goals but overall very encouraging with all three new boys playing well.

Man of the Match
1st Stuart Beavon: Looks like we got the best out of the exchange deal
2nd Nathan Clarke: No nonsense
3rd Jordan Turnbull; Real competition at the back at last

Peterborough United Vs Coventry City


So New Year’s Eve and a shortish drive to Peterborough. For Slade’s second game he made some surprising changes. We switched to 4-5-1, in goal for his 40th league goal was Burge, with Sterry, Turner, Willis and Page, and in midfield we had Thomas, McCann, Rose, Stevenson and Reid with Tudgay up front. The warm up was taken by Sam Ricketts before the last game of 2016.


The game started as something unusual as the away fans were in the main stand meaning Tim Fisher wasn’t that far away and came in for quite of lot of abuse. City got stuck in from the start and looked determined not to be a soft touch as normal. City won a corner I warned them to look out for Willis who scored from a corner in the last game, the set piece was cleared but fell to McCann, he crossed and Willis had a tap in for his second goal in a row. City looked solid at the back with Willis and Turnbull winning everything even Page was looking solid. Up front Tudgay was working hard while Reid was causing panic with his runs and sometimes had three men on him who were allowed to block and obstruct him. Meanwhile their forward Angol put in a blatant dive in the area. City still looked dangerous as Thomas manned to get a shot in on target as the forward looked a lot better out wide than he does up front. City were making Peterborough look poor as their fans were very quiet. City fans were not quiet and spread the rumour of a failed romantic relationship between Fisher and Sandra Garlic. City were looking comfortable as Page skinned a fullback before being brought down. “You must be sh**, you’ve been skinned by Page, you must be sh**” sang the City fans. City saw it out to half time as the local radio called it the worse 1st half for a while for the home side.

Dion Kelly-Evans replaced Page who no doubt was feeling an injury. Tudgay forced a save early on. Peterborough had to play better in the second half and they did with Angol getting one on target. Still City were looking in control but being pushed back. R.S decided on a change as Thomas went off and was replaced by Jones who had a couple of good runs. The Posh were no going long ball to try to break down the Sky Blues and then they should have scored as Maddison forced a save from Burge but the ball fell but a brilliant block by Kelly-Evans prevented a goal. City were sitting deep and struggling to get forward so Slade took off Tudgay who had ran himself into the ground a few fans booed but the rest responded with applauses. On came Sordell who was rumoured to be off to Burton soon in an exchange deal. City were by now out of the drop zone when a ball went to Sordell the defender climbed on the back of him and pushed his head down, we appealed for a foul but amazingly the ref didn’t blow and The Posh swept forward ending with Bostwick heading home to snatch a win from us.

We were gutted with the result but lifted by the performance.

Man of the Match
1st Jordan Willis: Awesome at the back and another goal
2nd: Kyle Reid: Always better on the wing.
3rd Jordan Turnbull: Didn’t give an inch at the back

Bristol Rovers Vs Coventry City

“At least it’s a new ground”, I though as I set off for Bristol Rovers. All five of us were back travelling to an away game together neither of us was alive the last time we played Rovers in a league game. Rumours abound that Stevenson had already been promised to Brentford as Sisu continue to sell anything instead of investing. A good journey down and we managed to find a parking space. The areas around the ground were packed out even with one and a half hours to go as it was a sell out. Chatted to some old Rovers fans in the programme shop and I explained what has happen at City, a regular conversation these days. We then made it into one of the seven; yes seven, stands at the Memorial Ground home, for a while at least, of Bristol Rovers. The Pirates are backed by a wealthy board that invest in the team and hence sell out crowds and promotion battles. At the other end are but we do have a new manager and everyone was wondering what changes he would make? First off a change of formation to 4-4-flippin’-2, in goal was Burge; the back four were Page, Willis, Turnbull and the returning Sterry, with Rose, McCann, Bigirimana and Reid in midfield Sordell and surprisingly Tudgay up front.

The game started with City defending the goal nearest to us with the Boxing Day sun beating down above two of the seven stands. City fans sang “it’s always out fault”, aimed at Fishface’s comments. Sordell had the first shot early on. Reid then showed good skill but his shot wasn’t too good. At the other end Burge was forced to push away a shot from Bodin. Rovers looked more dangerous than City but the Sky Blues did threaten when Sterry blasted in a shot and Sordell couldn’t get enough on it to send it towards goal. Rovers then went forward and Turnbull slid in and was pulled up for a foul the referee Mr Malone gave a harsh yellow card but the official didn’t have a bad game. The free kick came in and Hartley was left unmarked to give the Pirates the lead. City looked venerable every time Rovers went forward; whilst Tudgay was offering nothing up front Reid was proving to be a handful. Bodin had another shot on target as Rovers looked for a second. Another two good chances went begging as Rovers blasted two over the bar and we made it to half time only a goal down.

The second half started as Rovers kept going forward. Not for the first time this season the weakest link in the defence was Page and again he failed to stop a player going by him as Bodin came in and blasted a shot past Burge to make it two. City responded by winning a corner, Bigirimana took it and picked out Willis who volleyed in from close range for a goal. City fans sung “we’ve scored from a corner”. RS made his first change off went Gael, just after setting up a goal and on came George Thomas to most people’s surprise. The goal lifted City and Reid was still running at the defenders and testing them out. Sordell had a shot as the game was opening up. The Bodin went on another run getting past Page far too easily shouts of “close him down” went unheard as he whacked in another great finish and it was 3-1. RS then made a sub that seemed now too late off went Tudgay now looking past it and on came Agyei. City, to their credit kept plugging away and Turnbull forced a save from the keeper, then Thomas showed a great turn on the right and raced into space he knocked in an inch perfect cross and Rose hit the inside of the post with the keeper beaten. At the other end it should have been four as a cross from the left was met with only Burge to beat but some how the keeper kept it out with an outstanding reflex save. Not long after Page yet again failed to stop a player and he ran into the area and was brought down by Turnbull, Bodin took the kick and gave Burge on chance and it was four again.

A hammering away from home is something we are now getting use to as we headed for home and planned the next trip a game at Peterborough to finish 2016.

Man of the match
1st Kyle Reid: A handful
2nd Jordan Willis: Scored but will he make it to 100 league games?
3rd: Chris McCann: Last game for the club

Coventry City Vs Sheffield United

Because of Sky Sports stupid 10 in 10 we had to play Sheffield United on a Thursday. A silly day for the game but since it was announced City fans planned a few surprises for the night. Mark Venus was still in charge after Hasslebaink turned us down and the rumour was Gary Cadwell was next in line of maybe John Hartson? The line up was in goal Reece-Cook, Kelly-Evans, Turnbull, Willis and Page at the back. In midfield we had Rose, Bigirimana and McCann with Sordell, Agyei and Wright up front. United had three ex-City players in the squad with Fleck the only one starting.

The protest plan was for everyone to start blowing their whistles, handed out before the game a minute before the start but everyone got too excited and blew them from the off. The got the game underway with whistles everywhere. The game started with an early corner to the inform side then fans from the naughty corner moved towards the pitch but where blocked by stewards and police however one fan got onto the pitch and laid down in the centre circle and delayed the game for a bit before moving off and being grabbed by the stewards (sounds painful). The game continued as the pig ignorant Sheffield United fans inquired why we were blowing whistles for? More drama as above the main stand fans in white t-shirts arrived with the letters spelling “Sisu Out” on them no doubt to “celebrate” nine years of Sisu in charge. Meanwhile the side show on the pitch continued with the Blades looking the better side as Sharp had a shot saved. Balloons then had to be burst before the game could continue but then Sharp was left alone in the box and swept home the ball to give his side the lead, this is what can happen when you have an experienced goal scorer playing up front. There were audible pro Sisu chants from the away fans proving they know nothing about our plight before the ball went out of play and was kept until a new ball came back on and the old ball was thrown back again. Fleck then as normal blasted one over but City were slowly getting into the game with Rose and Bigirimana looking good in midfield. Gael may be a great passer but has no shot on him at all, one break he could have passed it to Sordell on the wing but shaped up to shoot “don’t shoot Gael”, I shouted but too late the ball was over the bar. Wright then volleyed just over. At the other end Reece-Cook was impeded before a United player kicked the ball away after the referee awarded us a free kick but to the anger of the City fans no booking for the player.

Second started with City going forward, six minute sin and Rose found Agyei and the big forward advanced into the area and chip a great chip over the keeper to level the game up. City were now up for the game as Fleck wasn’t having a good game and Rose and Bigirimana were running midfield. A series of petty fouls by United went up punished despite several final warning from the ref. Sordell then wormed his way in and got a shot on target. Agyei went close before the first sub for City. To say this was a bizarre, baffling and bad change would be an understatement, off went the goal scorer and on came Thomas to play up front as the target man! City for some reason then stopped winning headers up front. Then another strange change, off went Wright, fair enough but on came Lameiras and now City had no physical presents up front at all. Leon Clark then came on to booing from the City fans. A good move then saw Rose feed Sordell and he shot curled the wrong way with the keeper beaten. United then started to take over and put pressure on the back four. The Blades were getting closer and hit the post. We then saw one fan from the Main Stand make his way into the North Stand but he couldn’t get onto the pitch but this encouraged fans from our stand to move into the empty stand behind the goal and then all of a sudden they were on the pitch. The ref called a halt to the game as the peaceful protest demonstrated in front of the Main Stand. Thankfully the plan was to get on and get off again which they did. The ignorant lot from Sheffield (they don’t deserve to be called fans) also tried to get on the pitch. The game restarted when the fans left and I have been for a long time a believer in not justice in football as Sharpe fired home to give the away side the lead. Then the lot in red attempted to get over to the Naughty Corner but were stopped by Stewards, this will be remember when we go to there place. City couldn’t force a goal and slipped to our 6 league defeat in a row, equal to the worse in our league history we should have a new boss in charge by Boxing Day but everyone want new owners as League Two looks difficult to avoid. Was it the protesting fans’ fault for the goal if so that is two points they have cost us which is a fraction of what Sisu have cost us but I think Mark Venus should take the blame for his unbelievable substitutions.

Man of the Match
1st Gael Bigirimana: Back to his best
2nd Andy Rose: Had a good game all over the pitch ,
3rd The fans: Good pitch invasion.

Southend United Vs Coventry City


One of the longer trips of the season and we set out nice and early. After Paul filled up with petrol in Basildon he took the car through a car wash manned by several East Europeans who gave the car a really good wash, we hoped this would not be the highlight of the day. Got to Roots Hall over two hours before kick off with half the car load finding a pub the more civilised members found a nice little café for a coffee until it was time to go to the ground. We heard the team news and it looked a strong team, in goal was Burge, with Dion Kelly-Evans, Willis, Turnbull and Page at the back. Rose, Bigirimana and McCann in midfield leaving Wright, Sordell and Agyei up front, this ground was the scene of our biggest defeat last season.

It was a wet day as United attacked the away end in the first half. The Shrimpers on a good run of form attacked from the off and won an early corner, then after six minutes confusion in the box as Wordsworth was lonely as a cloud to fire he home side in front. We just couldn’t believe it, it was like Cambridge and Oxford all over again another hammering was already on the cards. Burge then save a shot as Southend poured forward before McCann went into the book. City were looking ponderous going forward and exposed at the back, no service to the front three and Sordell wasted out wide. United had a couple of half chances before Wright, the pick of the forwards fired across the goal. The anger levels of the embittered away fans grew in the 17th minute when the home side took a quick free kick, with the City defence asleep Cox had no trouble in beating Burge only to see a linesman’s flag up for off side. One thing every other side does that we don’t is cross the ball and a great example was soon showed in our box big Nile Ranger flung himself at it missing his header by inches. City meanwhile had resorted to hoofing the ball as the passing game wasn’t working. Sordell then managed a good run but his shot was high. The home side did have a couple of good wide players and they were giving the full backs a hard time. City were finally getting moving after half an hour as after a corner Rose had a shot that forced a save from their keeper. Sordell then fired high as City seemed to have weathered the storm. Not long after a ball was pumped into the City box Burge got out to beat Ranger to the ball but the big forward clattered into the keeper, accidentally and left Burge needing treatment. After a while it was clear he couldn’t continue and for the 15th time in our history a goalkeeper came on as a sub. Burge was escorted off to applause from the City fans and then from the home fans. In injury time City came close when an Agyei header was pushed on to the post and cleared. Half time City a goal down but ended the half well.

The second half stared to Wright fouling Timlin after treatment the Southend player then seemed to throw a punch resulting in players racing over, the referee didn’t see the incident so all he could do was give the players a lecture. Both sides had half chances and Wright fired in from out wide that wasn’t too far away from the goal. City were doing OK but lacked something up front, Wright to be fair was playing OK, so I wanted Agyei to go off, Sordell switch to the centre and Reid to come on to give us something different but no one was even warming up. “Make a sub Venus before we go 2 down”, I shouted. The game continued as Willis picked up a very clear yellow card for hacking down a player from behind. Wright fired over again as we still hoped for a change. Then Kelly-Evans was booked for downing a player just outside the box to the keeper’s right. The free kick was taken and Anton Ferdinand rose to fire the home side into a two goal leader. Fury in the away end as we had warned him this would happen but the gormless temporary manager continued as normal. Minutes later a shot went in his the post and bounced off the back of Reece-Cook and went in. Now the City fans vented their frustration at Venus telling him to go. Some fans left and there was a scuffle near the exit. Suddenly three down Venus sprang into action by taking off Sordell and throwing on Jones, twenty minutes too late. Southend then took off their imposing forward, something we don’t have as Ranger was replaced by former City player Fortune who received good applause from the travelling fans. McCann was replaced by Maycock as we wondered “what’s the point”. Then something we have been waiting for from Jones since he arrived, the sub got the ball and turned and ran directly at the defence he skipped passed a couple of challenges, reached the by-line and then squared to ball to Agyei who had an easy tap in for a goal. Minutes later Agyei headed inches wide, before game ended.

The trip home was sombre with fans in car questioning wide we keep following the City, not just this season but over the last thirty years with nothing to show for it. At the moment, unless something changes we looked doomed for relegation.

Man of the Match
1st: Jodi Jones: Good skill in setting up the goal
2nd The fans: The longest suffering in the world.
3rd Andre Wright: Maybe his best game?

Coventry City Vs Crawley Town


My self imposed ban on this competition now lifted after the group stage I turned up at the Ricoh along with 1,337 other nutters for the knock our stage of the Football League Trophy. It was the smallest ever crowd to watch a 1st team game at the ground but fair play to the 57 Crawley fans that made the very long journey to support their team in the REGIONAL 2nd round. I wonder what their thoughts were over an hour from Coventry when they saw the signs to Cambridge and wondered why they were in the Northern Section and Coventry in the Southern? This section of the draw was opening up nicely for City with a big prize of Wembley next year waiting but first we had to beat a struggling League Two side. The line up for the game was, in goal Reece-Cook, with Rose, Willis, Turnbull and Page at the back, George Thomas, Bigirimana, McCann and Jones in midfield with Sordell and McBean up front in a 4-4-4-2 formation. This is the Check-a-trade Trophy and suspiciously the very sponsors of Crawley Town.

It was a low key start to the game that had all the feel of a reserve game as City attacked the North stand end in the first half. Crawley who had lost 5-0 on Saturday had a similar side to City, no physical presents but a side that liked to pass the ball. Crawley had the first chance but the through ball was intercepted. City started to get into the game when Page fed Thomas whose shot went over. City were working hard to break down the Crawley team that was relying on counter attacks. There wasn’t much in goal mouth action until a good run from a Crawley player saw him shot towards the top corner forcing Reece-Cook into a smart save. Then it was Sordell on a run forcing a corner after their keeper had saved. Just before the half hour mark Thomas got by his man on the by line and pulled the ball back for Sordell, the top scorer got to the ball and tapped it home to give City a lead. “City are back”, I sang on my own. City saw it out until half time and were looking as comfortable as a team can with a goal lead.

Second half saw Crawley make two changes including taking off former City target James Collins and putting on Conor Henderson, who had two games for City in a loan spell. Crawley got forward a lot more in the second half pushing City back. Not long into the half Page had to go off with an injury and was replaced by Maycock, McCann switched to left back meaning City had lost a midfielder who was in control there. Crawley were now having most of the possession and had a great chance when Yussef was sent clean through but Reece-Cook came out, made himself big and blocked the shot. City were happy to soak up what pressure Crawley could muster, which wasn’t much. City then won a corner and decided to take it short as normal the ball was lost and Crawley broke winning a corner of their own. Tudgay then replaced McBean and the veteran showed some nice touches holding the ball up. Sordell then went close as the game was interesting rather than exciting. City defended a couple of corners in which the second one Reece-Cook got a good punch on to clear. Seven minutes to go and Tudgay was played in and his shot just went the wrong side of the post with the keeper beaten. Crawley put City under pressure without testing the defence and the ref blew for full time to signal City’s progress.

This put City into the Regional Quarter Finals along with three U23 teams, Luton, Wycombe, Yeovil and Oxford. The winners out of all these will play at Wembley.

Man of the Match
1st Marvin Sordell: Scored
2nd George Thomas: Lively
3rd Chris McCann: Midfield and left back

Cambridge United Vs Coventry City


So we made the relatively short trip to Cambridge for the F.A Cup 2nd Round. We heard the team news and it was a surprising line up, playing 5-2-2-1 we had Burge in goal, our best passer Bigirimana at right back with Willis, Turnbull, Harries and Page in the other defensive positions, Gadzhev and the inexperienced Maycock in midfield with Lameiras and Sordell playing the wide places and McBean up front.

We started with a minutes silence for those footballers that lost their lives in a plane crash in Columbia earlier this week. City started on the front foot and that’s as good as it got as down the left flank Maris got a cross in Burge refused to come off his line and Berry was all alone to flick the ball past the keeper to give the home side the lead. So for the third time in this season’s F.A Cup we conceded the first goal. City seemed all over the place with our best passer out wide and midfield over run, something that McCann and Rose wouldn’t let happen but they were on the bench. Cambridge were on top. Meanwhile their massive forward Ikpeazu was causing problems for City, why can Cambridge sign a physical player like him and not us? Maris then fired wide when he should have done better as the City team looked a bunch of strangers, with players playing out of potion and no service to the front man. The idea of this formation was for the wing back to get forward and ping in crosses for the big man but this wasn’t happening, where were Kelly-Evans and Haynes two players tailor made for the role? Then we had to hold our breaths as a short back pass saw Ikpeazu have a free run in on Burge, the keeper came out and narrowed the angle and didn’t bring the big forward down who ran out of space. The fans were now turning on Venus telling him where he can stick his housing development at Ryton. City did have a few half chances but didn’t seemed to be able to cross a ball. Just before the half hour mark Berry got in the area and went down a little too easily as Harries tugged at him and the ref pointed to the spot, Berry sent Burge the wrong way and it was two. The song that is almost the club anthem started to ring out “this is embarrassing” as City looked totally devoid of any idea. Minutes later a good move saw Berry given acres of room in a five man defence and swept the ball past Burge to complete his hat trick. Many City fans walked out as we were being turned over by a lower league team whilst others stayed. I got a “sack yourself” chant going about Venus as plenty of humour was coming from the terracing “At least we’ve got a better University Challenge team than you” I shouted as Warwick University have made their way to the 3rd round of the long running television program. City were totally over run in midfield with Maycock looking too inexperienced and Gadzhev looking even worse. Up front Sordell was as normal out of position, Lameiras far too light weight and McBean hardly saw the ball. I was hoping we kept it down to 3 before half time and we did.

Second half and changes were made in came McCann for Maycock who was lucky not to be sent off in the first half for a reckless challenge and Reid replaced Harries as the formation changes to a more sensible one. Cambridge started on the front foot and Berry almost got his 4th but Burge pulled off a great save to tip the ball over the bar. City did improve, it was hard to get worse and had some shots blocked. McBean was winning headers at the back but playing on his own up front he had no forward picking the ball up off him. City did then have a chance as Sordell’s shot went wide and well to Reid who managed to blasted the ball well wide. MV then threw on Jones with 15 minutes to go. The game wore on with the City fans still singing and giving great support. With four minutes to go Berry was at it again and scored his 4th goal for the icing on the cake.

Man of the match
1st The Fans: A great performance by the longest suffering fans in the world
2nd Jack McBean: Won his headers but a cross would be nice for him
3rd Chris McCann: Was also voted for.

Coventry City vs. Milton Keynes Dons


A big game against the franchise club that hasn’t won in 8 games and to make it worse as I cycled into the car park I realised I had left my wrist watch at home, so no timing the game and I spent sometime looking at my wrist. I arrived in time to join in the last bit of the mock funeral for Coventry City as a coffin was carried around the ground to a beat of a drum. Inside the ground I, like many were disappointed that McBean wasn’t starting as he seemed to be the only natural goal scorer we have. The line up was in goal Burge, with Dion Kelly-Evans, Wills, Turnbull and Page at the back, Rose, Bigirimana and Stevenson in midfield with Tudgay up front supported by Reid and Jones.

MK won an early corner on a mild November day. City were looking lively early on with Rose adding much missed bite in midfield. Both defences were looking solid and despite good runs from Reid and Jones City were finding it hard to break them down. Gael had a shot blocked before Stevenson had a go from long range and wasn’t far off. After a quarter of an hour City put in a good move when Tudgay laid the ball back to Bigirimana but he fired over. Another good move saw Jones player in but a poor shot failed to trouble the keeper. Reid and Rose both had half chances as City were on top but not looking like they were going to score. MK started to get more into the game as they had a couple of shots blocked and so did City. Then out of nothing a cross went into the City box and Upson rose to head his side in front and drop City back into the relegation zone. “We’re winning away, you must be sh*t, we’re winning away” sang the fans of the franchise followed by “Sisu in” as their bad reputation is spreading. City hit back with some pressure and when their keeper cleared the ball it fell to Stevenson outside his own area without hesitation he fired a curling volley back in and into the net, goal of the season, contender number two for the midfielder. City ended on top with a couple of blocked shots.

Second half started with a great chance for MK on the counter as Powell raced clear but could only hit the bar when he should have scored. The Dons had another shot blocked until a sub was ready, we hoped for McBean but instead it was Maycock replacing Rose who no doubt was feeling an injury. Kelly-Evans then fired wide after a good build up. Stevenson had another shot blocked before MK missed again at our end but the away side were gaining more control of the game. City still had chances when Tudgay received a good ball and advanced he seemed to have the beating of the two central defenders but elected to shot and not go around them and only won a corner. Then Tudgay put Bigirimana in but he shot high before another chance Tudgay could have given Jones a free run but didn’t pass quickly enough. Then a big moment, maybe in the season Stevenson slid in for the ball and maybe the distance he slid gave Mr Davies no choice but to send him off. McBean finally came on for Tudgay but the cheering of Tudgay going off was harsh. Minutes later Kelly-Evans put in a far worse foul but escape only with a yellow. Burge saved a shot as City were struggling with ten men before Jones, who had a quiet second half was booked. Lameiras replaced Jones but City were struggling to supply the front man. City it got worse when City failed to clear the ball and Upson scored his second to give them the lead. MK saw out the game with no scare at all and City ended the game with a mere one shot on target and back in the relegation zone.

Man of the Match
1st Andy Rose: City lost there way when he went off.
2nd Ben Stevenson: Another great goal the pound signs are ringing for Sisu
3rd Jordan Turnbull: Solid at the back

Bolton Wanderers Vs Coventry City


So a 3 hour crawl up the M6 we arrived by coach at the Macron Stadium. Memories of our last trip here that resulted in a 5-1 Sky Blues victory back in the Premier League days which now seem so far away. It was really great to be in a real good ground for once along with a massive club shop and a shopping complex next door with plenty of places to eat and drink. This was to be a real test for City since The Trotters are loaded and had won 6 out their last 7 games. Inside the ground I heard the team news that MV had switched to 5-3-2, in goal was Burge, with Sterry, Willis, Harries, Turnbull and Page at the back, in central midfield we had Bigirimana and Stevenson, with Sordell and Reid out wide and Agyei down the middle.

Bolton attacked towards us in the first half with former City player Madine leading the attack and he should have scored after the third minute when he was in the six yard box and headed a shot but somehow Burge got to it and pushed it across his goal and away from danger. Bolton were looking like a class act with Zac Clough the star of the show as he fired one in on target. Then the pre-planed minute’s applause for the late Gary Speed rang out from all sides of the ground. It was still nearly all Bolton as Clough had another shot before City started to get more into the game. Into the 11th minute and Willis failed to clear the ball Clough got his chance and immediately lofted the ball over Burge to give them the lead it was a great goal. Now it was a question of how many for the Trotters? City responded well to the set back as Agyei had a couple of shoots blocked. Bolton were still looking dangerous as they went forward and I was already hoping for half time. At the other end of the pitch the former Bolton player Sordell went down in the box and appealed for a penalty. The midfield was a lot better than Saturday with Bigirimana managing to hold onto the ball a lot more. Just after the half hour mark Reid managed to twist his way into the area and fired in a powerful shot that Alnwick in the home goal did well to keep out. Then the home side should have made it two when Clough had a free shot but aimed it straight at Burge. Bolton ended the half on top as I just wanted us to get to half time without conceding which we did.

Second half saw City attack towards the hard core City supports behind the goal. City looked better in the 2nd half as the forwards gave their defenders no rest rushing them into clearances. Page fired in a good effort just after the break. Bolton soon took over again and went forward with Burge called into action to keep City in the game. Bolton then won a free kick and Clough took it and placed it over the wall the home fans got up to celebrate but the ball hit the foot of the post and was cleared. MV decided then to go for it throwing on Jones and Lameiras for Harries and Agyei, City changed formation to four at the back and Sordell went down the middle. Now on all out attack City looked a lot better and started to push the home team back. Jones was the first to show firing in a shot that their keeper pushed away. City were now buzzing as Lameiras forced the keeper into a save. Phil Parkinson, Bolton’s manager decided on changes to counter the attacking away side and thankfully took off Clough and also Ameobi, their best two players. Alnwick then fumbled the ball as Bolton were looking a touch shaky. City kept plugging away as Lameiras had a shot blocked for a corner and from that a defender just about beat Turnbull to a header. Jones was looking the most dangerous player as his cross was punched away by the keeper. Stevenson then got in a shot that the keeper saved as City now deserved a goal. Then Sordell blasted high and the home fans sang “what a waste of money” and I shouted back “he’s a free transfer”. The corner came in and it fell to Reid on the edge of the box, free from any defender the player then lent back and blasted it high and wide. Reid then went off and McBean came on for his league debut. City kept plugging away not helped by a foul throw. Lameiras then fired wide as we entered injury time seeing Bigirimana go close but no luck and the game ended with a defeat. As a fan sometimes we can cope with defeats and tonight was one of those. This was City’s first defeat in Bolton for an incredible ten visits. We headed for home and the journey back was a lot better. Next up is a massive crunch game against MK Dons my all time least favourite team.

Man of the Match
1st Lee Burge: Kept us in the game.
2nd Jodi Jones: Did well when he came on
3rd Gael Bigirimana: Back to this season’s player

Oxford United Vs Coventry City


I was on driving duties for the short trip to Oxford and our first ever competitive 1st team game at The Kassam Stadium. The big following was at the ground and the team was in goal, Burge, with Sterry, Willis, Turnbull and Page at the back; in midfield we had Bigirimana, Stevenson and Gadzhev with Lameiras and Wright out wide and Sordell down the middle. It was Armed Forces Day in Oxford and before the match we joined in a rendition of the national anthem the first time I can ever remember that happening for a City club game, apart the F.A Cup Final.

City started off brightly for the first minute or so then Stevenson lost the ball and Oxford encamped themselves in our half. City could not get out of our own half as the home team started to ramp up the pressure. Burge had to save one before a good block prevented a shot on target. Former City player Maguire then missed a good chance as City were hoping to ride out the storm but they didn’t when Maguire raced through the defence and squared the ball to Hemming who only had to beat Burge and he did and the home side took a deserved lead. Oxford kept up the pressure and Gael cleared the ball off the line. City finally started to get forward and Sterry was tugged back by a shirt pull to win a free kick, a minute or so later Lameiras was about to beat his man and run across the penalty box when he was brought down free kick but City fans were angered when the referee didn’t produce a yellow card. City fan’s anger grew when the free kick was taken short to Gadzhev he played it back to Stevenson but the cheeky Oxford defender had plenty of time to get to the ball and clear. No doubt the free kick routine worked well in practice playing against dummies and from then on City fans were demanding every set piece to be taken short. City’s strengths this season had been ball retention and passing in midfield with a tight defence but no were in evidence as Oxford seemed to have worked us out, worrying as this is the first team we have played twice in the league. Oxford won a series of corners as City were hanging on. Sordell at the other end of the pitch was working hard with little service did get a shot away in a rare break. With fifteen minutes to go Maguire should have made it 2 when he shot wide. An Oxford player deservedly then went into the book for a foul as the good referee Mr England gave him a card matching the colour of the Oxford shirt. Hemmings again was the main tormenter as he got into the box far too easily his shot was saved by Burge but unfortunately the ball hit Sterry and ended up in the back of the net. Burge had to save again as City were falling apart and the away fans were becoming increasingly disgruntled. Into the last ten minutes and Page miss timed a tackle and brought a player down in the box no arguments about the penalty. Maguire stepped up and sent Burge the wrong way to make it 3-0. “This is embarrassing” sang the away following. Wright then managed to get a shot on target celebrated ironically by the away fans. Hemmings had a shot saved before City got to half time only three down.

There was a very rare sight at half time something that was actually entertaining. There was a display by a sniffer dog in finding explosive, so that was the plan but the dog had other ideas no doubt exited by the sounds and smells inside the ground when released he raced straight for a football and continued racing around he even joined in with Oxford subs keeping warm but they did allow he possession, bored he then went after the City subs, Jones took one look at an excited Alsatian charging at him and left the ball and beat a hasty retreat.

The fun was over and the second half was about to begin and MV took off a midfielder Stevenson and threw on a defender Harries not as mad as it sounds as City went with three at the back with wing backs. The change seemed to work as City started off a lot brighter with Gadzhev getting one on target. Lameiras then went close with a couple of efforts. City kept looking for a way back when Gadzhev turned smartly on the edge of the area sending a shot just over. Oxford, in truth were now coasting and they made it four when McDonald blasted home. Burge saved one to keep the score down in the open end which had a clear view of a packed car park that looked a nightmare to get out off. MV then made a double substitution but not Reid or Jones, but Maycock and Tudgay replacing Gadzhev and Lameiras respectively. Maycock did get a shot on target with his first touch. I demanded the referee blew up for full time but he didn’t as we still had twenty minutes to go. There was a delay in play as an Oxford player had to go off on a stretcher. The game drifted on with City fans singing “twist and shout” a song often heard when we are getting hammer. We then had a very long break as Oxford’s Joe Skarz went down and looked serious when he was carried off on the stretcher he was given a round of applause from all the fans remaining in the ground. The three sided ground was rapidly emptying and so to my delight was the car park as I started applauding the fact. Sordell then did well to make something out of nothing and charge into the penalty area and got a shot in. A massive 11 minutes of injury time was announced which was about correct. Very deep in injury time Sterry was brought down in the box, another penalty, Tudgay stepped up and tucked his shot into the bottom corner to give us an excuse to celebrate.

After finding the car it wasn’t too bad getting out of the car park and after some delays due to an accident to a few cars on the dual carriageway we were soon heading for home.

Man of the match
1st The Dog: Speed, hunger for the ball, a bit in his tackle.
2nd Marvin Sordell: Keep him up front.
3rd Lee Burge: Kept the score down.

Coventry City Vs Morecambe


Only a small crowd turned up for the replay, playing the same time as an England friendly. My normal stand was closed so I got a seat in the extreme right hand side of the North Stand in the corner but still had a good view. It felt like a big reserve game rather than a first team game as the teams came out on a very mild night. MV made five changes from the last league game and switched formation to 5-2-2-1. In goal we had Burge with the back five of Sterry, Harries, Turnbull, Willis and the welcomed return of Haynes, the two holding midfielders were Bigirimana and the returning Gadzhev, Reid and Jones providing the width and Sordell in the middle. Meanwhile Morecambe had their best play leave as the cub is finding it hard to pay players and staff.

City were first on the attack with Sordell hitting the target but no trouble for Roche in the goal, a player that was in goal the last time Morecambe played here four years ago in the F.A. Cup when they lost 2-1. The away side were looking to hit City on the break and they have an impressive away record in League Two. Ten minutes in and the away side won a free kick parallel with the penalty box. Their Rose took it and Winnard ghosted it to poke it past Burge to give the lower side a lead to the shock of the home fans. Now City had been eliminated twice in the last two years at home by lower division teams, could it happen again? The home fans were nervous but City kept calm and kept passing the ball with Gadzhev passing well in midfield. Reid then finally got the ball under control and forced the keeper to save with his legs before the ball was scrambled away. The around 106 away fans were enjoying themselves and despite being swamped by the away end showed no sign of irony by singing “your grounds too big for you”. City were now getting on top and threatening from both flanks but the left looked the most likely with Reid and Haynes finding space. City then came mighty close when Gael found room and fired in a shot forcing a good save from the keeper. It was good not to have a Premier League referee who really are poor as ref Mr Haywood ran the game well. City started to have more joy down the right as well as Jones and Sterry were combining well resulting in Jones getting a shot on target. Despite being on top there was always a danger of Morecambe getting a second as they tried to capitalise on when City lost the ball, one such attack saw Rose get a shot on target. Another raid saw the away side win a corner, it came in and Burge got out to punch clear, the ball fell to Reid who took off up field persuaded by the Morecambe players, the wide man kept the ball from them and advanced towards goal, he then slipped in Sordell who’s first time shot from the edge of the box beat the keeper and we all could take a brief sigh of relief. A very brave block in the penalty area by a Morecambe player resulted in a corner, as we could hear the shout of pain all around the ground as he blocked it with the part of the anatomy a man should block a ball with. City now looked in control as City had a couple of half chances before the half time whistle.

Second half saw Rose replace Willis with Sterry switching to the centre and Rose playing at wing back. Reid was looking threatening and hopeless at the same time blasted two efforts off target as City attacked the far end. There was a nervy moment as Morecambe attacked forcing Burge out of his area into a 50/50 challenge but it was a good tackle cleaning taking the ball but also injuring Fleming in the process and the player had to go off. City kept up the pressure when Gadzhev played in Sordell, the forward again hit a shot that took a slight deflection and City took a deserved lead. Jones was becoming increasingly influential. Jones had a shot saved as City were looking for a third goal to see of the lower division team. Morecambe meanwhile were committing more players forward into what was turning out to be quite a good game. City’s defence where standing firm with Sterry looking like a good centre back as well again underlining he is our best loan player this season. Jones and Haynes both had shots on target before Gadzhev went off with cramp and was replaced by Stevenson. Meanwhile the crowd were hoping to see Sordell complete his hat trick when he got one of target but an easy save for the keeper. The away side got one on target but no trouble for Burge before Jones was about to break clear but halted by a hand ball resulting in a booking as Mr Heywood had to have a word with Jones to calm him down. Jones had a couple more efforts before he was replaced by George Thomas. Six minutes of injury time was played but City never looked in danger and for the first time in three years progressed to the second round. City recorded 12 shots on target the most this season.

Man of the Match
1st Vladimir Gadzhev: Looked a good player again
2nd Marvin Sordell: Play him down the middle.
3rd Jamie Sterry: Let’s hope he stays for the second half of the season

Coventry City Vs Scunthorpe United


On a grey Remembrance Saturday City took on league leaders Scunthorpe. One reason for their success, according to a Scunthorpe fan in the Telegraph was they kept most of their squad from last season, unlike City as only one City player started the same fixture last season and this one, that was Bigirimana, the full line up as in goal Burge, with Sterry, Turnbull, Willis and Page at the back with Gael, Rose and Stevenson in midfield with Wright, Sordell and Agyei up front.

City needed to start better then they have of late and they did with Rose whipping in an early cross. Scunthorpe fired over a few minutes later as the game looked evenly poised. The leaders then got a shot on target. Scunnie forward Madden then went down clutching his face when it was clear no contact was made he got up grinning. City were passing well in midfield and Wright got in a couple of shots that were blocked. The referee Mr Moss was starting to make bad decisions as he tended to favour United’s tactic of going to ground at every opportunity but missing the shirt-tugging and climbing all over Agyei. Turnbull then had a good run but shot well over. City did manager to win a free kick that Bigirimana took and it eventually found Sordell who had an effort on target. Wright then showed great skill by taking the ball along the by line and into the box but he couldn’t pick out a team mate in the penalty area. City kept working and the ball fell to Sterry on the corner of the box his rocket shot looked on target before a defender got a good deflection on it. City then had the best chance so far as Agyei got the ball and cut his way past a defender but lent back and blasted the ball over the bar. More controversy as the fans in the main stand say they saw Mirfin elbow Stevenson, missed by the referee but minutes later Mirfin had to go off with an injury. Deep in injury time Sordell had a great chance but the shot was pushed away by the keeper. All level half time City looking slightly better then the league leaders.


It started even in the second half and nine minutes in Wright fired one on target, Scunthorpe countered leaving Madden to cross and Morris to finish for his 15th goal of the season. MV was going to make a change anyway as Lameiras came on for Agyei. The Portuguese player got an effort on target early on before Jones replaced Wright. The referee was now really annoying the home fans seemingly giving everything to the away side including when a City player was brought down square of the box the linesman flagged for a free kick for City only to be over ruled by the more distant official. Turnbull then went into the book for a pull back as things were getting heated. Sordell was having a spat with one of the defenders that required other players keeping them apart at one point. City were still creating chances and then a great opportunity as the ball fell in the box Sterry had time to get off a shot but delayed just too long and the chance was gone. More anger towards the referee when the third sub Reid didn’t get a free kick for a high boot but the Scunthorpe player did for a dive. Minutes later the away side attempted to get Turnbull sent off for a nothing foul. Now Mr Moss the ref is a Premier League official and it shows as he was being coned by the away side. Scunthorpe were very professional in seeing the game out as City’s unbeaten run had come to and end.

Man of the Match
1st Jordan Turnbull: Strong at the back
2nd Jordan Willis: Had a good game
3rd Gael Bigirimana: Miles better than he was last season

Morecambe Vs Coventry City


So an early start for the long trip north and after an uneventful journey we arrived at the Globe two hours before kick off. Six years ago we visited the same ground for the first ever game at the ground and we lost. It was a cold day as MV was forced into changes the line up was in goal Burge, in defence we had Sterry, Willis, Turnbull and Dion Kelly-Evans, in midfield we had Reid, Stevenson, Rose and Lameiras, up front we had Wright and Sordell. Morecambe’s recent home record is pretty poor losing the last five, which is always worrying. The crowd, according to Jim Brown, is the lowest F.A. Cup crowd to watch City since just before the 1st World War. Five hundred City fans were at the ground.

City attacked the far end in the first half but it was the home side that were on the front foot from the start and Burge had to be sharp off the line to block an early attempt. City were struggling to get going whilst The Shrimps were up for it as they countered attacked via Barkhulzen who looked very pacey got a cross in. We conceded a corner and it was delivered and Stockton hit the woodwork as City were hanging on. City just couldn’t get going on the field only Sterry looked to carry any threat. Their midfielder Wilding then just curled one over at our end as we stood their in the cold wondering when the home side would score. Finally City got some room up the other end and the ball fell to Reid who promptly blasted it well over the bar and the stand. There were still only one side in ti as Burge did well to deflect a shot onto the post and it was cleared. It was still nearly all the home side as their player called Rose got the ball in the box and looked certain to beat Burge until Willis put in a great block. City hung on to half time to go in somehow level.

The theory at half time was City tend to let the opposition play in the first half and turn it up in the second.

A change was made at half time and to great excitement as the prolific U23 scorer, Jack McBean, came on for his debut. The tall blonde American went to the focal point of the attack. City attacking the away end in the second half certainly looked for more lively as Sordell was getting more into the game and he had a good shot blocked. City started to turn the screw and had a mighty six yard box scramble where both McBean and Sordell had shots blocked. Sordell then hit the crossbar as the home side were looking shaky. Morecambe got through a bad patch and were threatening again but their finishing was pretty poor. Just before the hour mark they won a corner, it was sent over and flicked on for Winnard to drive home for the 700 odd home fans to celebrate. Now City looked like we were going to exit the Cup at the 1st Round Stage against lower opposition for the third season in a row. City hit back when Lameiras played in Wright whose shot was saved by the keeper’s legs. A long ball caused panic in the City defence as Burge and Willis collided and went down and a follow up shot went wide. Then out of nothing Wright played in Sterry and the fullback cut in and curled a shot around the keeper, it hi the far post and went in much to our relief. Morecambe were still looking the most likely with a couple of more shots. City then made a sub off went the disappointing Wright and on came Callum Maycock for his debut. Into the last ten minutes Stevenson had a shot saved before Maycock nearly made a name for himself with a good shot blocked. Morecambe were understandably less keen on a replay than City and threw players forward in injury time winning three corners that City thankfully dealt with before the referee blew for full time and a replay.

A long journey back speculating on a possible nightmare 2nd Round game away to either Taunton Town or Barrow on a Friday night but we have to deal with Morecambe first.

Man of the Match
1st Lee Burge: Kept us in it.
2nd Jamie Sterry: Scored and went forward well
3rd Marvin Sordell: Did better in the second half.

Coventry City Vs Chesterfield


With City in good form and unbeaten at home we faced Chesterfield who had lost six in a row hadn’t scored for five games and yet to win away all the signs of a banana skin. This was our game in hand and we needed to keep up the moment but MV made three changes, the line up was in goal Burge, with Sterry, Turnbull, Willis and Page with Jones, Bigirimana, Stevenson and Reid in midfield leaving Tudgay and Agyei up front in a 4-4-2. Chesterfield had Chad Evans as their star player recently avoided prison by winning his court case. We had a minute’s applause for Brian Hill before kick off and in the commentary box was the player that took his youngest every player accolade in Gary McSheffrey.

It was a cold night with a small crowd and just over 100 bothered travelling from not too far away Chesterfield to support their team. City won a free kick in the opening minutes when Evans fouled but Jones’ kick sailed over. The game settled down and Chesterfield were on the front foot. Nine minutes in and the fans that had them, like me, raised the printed picture of Joy Seppala dressed as a witch to symbolise the nine years she had been in charge. City were struggling to get any movement going and attacks down the right fizzled out when Jones was guided into blind allies by the away defence. City had blocked a shot before Burge saved from Evans. The crowd began to get restless as City struggled to hold possession apart from Stevenson who was showing some nice touches. Then a real good chance for the visitors Sterry gave the ball away and it fell to Evans but Burge spread himself for a great block and ball went to a Chesterfield player and this time it was Willis who prevented a certain goal diving in with a block this fell to another player outside the box who drove wide and no one could believe Chesterfield were not in the lead. The away side kept up the pressure as one corner came in Burge race out to the edge of the area for a great catch. The game itself was pretty dull and to prove this the biggest cheer so far came when a high ball was put out of play expertly caught by a ball boy. City were finally showing some signs of life as we finally started to get the ball moving and Reid had a shot blocked. The away fans tried the “your ground too big for you” which showed great cheek since the away end swamped their fans. We just wanted to get to half time level so the manager could sort things out. Jones was to one footed Agyei was being crowed out and Tudgay was not all effective. In the last minute Page brought down a player and the referee Mr Brooks, pointed to an earlier incident where Page rugby tackled a player and was lucky not to be booked and showed the defender a yellow card. Half time no goals we wanted changes.

No changes in the second half but City did look better as Tudgay got a header on target. Chesterfield were now playing more on the counter attack and should have scored when Evans broke free but fired wide. Reid was getting more and more into the game and causing mayhem for the Chesterfield defence. The winger then played in Stevenson who wasn’t too far wide with his shot. Evans then had another chance by was comfortably saved by Burge. Then O’Shea then fired wide in a good position. We were all thankful that we were playing such a poor team. The referee was also annoying the home crowd by seemingly giving everything to the away side. Gael then had a shot blocked before; at last subs were ready to come on. Lameiras and Rose replaced Jones and Tudgay. City won a corner and it was played to sub Rose whose header was blocked, Turnbull got to the ball and squared it to Willis and the captain swept the ball home for his first league goal in 86 games. At last City led and MV decided to turn the screw off went Agyei and on came Sordell for his first game from the bench. This played immediate dividends as Reid again charged at the frighten defence he played the ball to Sordell his superb first touch played in Page in acres of space down the left the defender looked up and picked out Rose in the box and the midfield scored his third goal of the season to wrap up the points. Chesterfield still came forward but they didn’t look like they had a goal between them. City now were in total control and a good block by Coventry kid Evatt prevented a shot on target. Deep in injury time Page dived in and totally miss timed his challenge and fouling his opponent the referee had no choice but to issue him with his second yellow card, Page left with applause. Sterry switched to left back and Gael dropped into right back to see out the game with some neat possession football and City recorded another win.

Three points above the drop zone but only five behind the top six!

Man of the Match
1st Kyel Reid: Tormented their defenders all game.
2nd Ben Stevenson: Masterful in midfield
3rd Lee Burge: Commanding in goal dare I say Oggy like