CHOCCY MATCH REPORTS HERE PLEASE ???

Norwich City Vs Coventry City

So finally we came to the end of the season. This is the very first time we had opened and closed the season against teams promoted or relegated the previous season and the very first time we had to take on a side away already promoted. I left at 8 in the morning to ferry everyone over to Lutterworth to Paul’s car for the final journey. We reached Norwich with no problem and in fact the whole season travelling to grounds have be relatively trouble free. East Anglia had the best weather for the day with bright sunshine total contrast to the home game against them. The Norwich fans were out in force and in a party mood no surprising really. Inside the ground the atmosphere was electric. The side sent out to spoil the party was in goal Quirke and it was at half time we learnt the little keeper had not been offered a new contract. At the back were Clark, Keogh, Cranie and Hussey with Bell, Clingan, Gunnarsson and Baker in midfield leaving King and Jutkiewicz up front.

We were told to sit in the seats we had bought but quickly moved towards the back of the stand after paying £33 for the ticket we needed to take a few liberties. The Sky Blues started the better as former Canary Bell had a shot blocked. Then Gunnarsson who maybe playing his last game but all five of us in the car think he will stay blasted over. Then Clingan another former Canary to whom the home fans sung, “it could have been you” forced Ruddy in the home goal into a save. City were out passing the future Premiership team as Keogh and Cranie were keeping close tabs on the dangerous Jackson and Holt at the other end. Then King tried to break free but it looked like former City favourite Elliott Ward held him back. The referee a poor Mr Deadman didn’t see it that way. Then Ward beat Jutkiewicz near the City fans who tired of the abuse given by the home fans towards their former player taunted Ward he gave us a cheeky grin back as we all know he would be welcomed back any day. Then Norwich had a great chance to take the lead as Quirke in the City denied a Norwich played with a brilliant point blank save before the ball was cleared of the line. At half time Radio Norfolk were full of praise for the save. So at half time no goals City looked the better team.

Second saw Norwich come out in a more determined mood and pushed City back. The away side relied on counter attacks and in one Bell won a corner. Clingan swung it in and it caused panic the ball just went beyond King and as the forward tried to get to the ball Keogh nipped in to smuggle the ball over the line to finally score for City in his 46th league goal. No one deserved the goal more than the best City player of the season. Norwich fans amusingly sung “your just a preseason friendly”. As the home side hit back minutes later Holt seemed to climb all over the back of Cranie pushing him down and scoring with a bullet header that maybe a taller keeper would of kept out. Norwich were now on the front foot and Holt’s replacement as sub Paceheo found room and fired the Premiership side into a lead. I was fearing a collapse and for Norwich to run riot but City are made of harder stuff. Minutes later a cross from the left was swept home by Jutkiewicz to restore parity. “That’s why you’re going down,” we sang to the Norwich fans. It was now end-to-end stuff not at all like a meaningless end of season game. Still City were out passing the runners up. Then minutes later Norwich won a free kick it smacked the post and Whitbread was left unmarked for a tapped in but somehow screwed his shot wide. King then had a great chance himself but the ball sat up at the wrong time and he couldn’t get the direction into the shot. With time ticking down the end of the season and with City in a habit of conceding late and Norwich tending to score late we hopped for the end soon. Gunnarsson was taken off was it the last game for the midfielder? On came for his first game of the season Gary “Pitbull” Deegan back from a long injury. Then in the dieing seconds off went King to a standing ovation from many in the away end and on came a player we all offered to drive to a new club next season as Eastwood came on. City held out for a great point and a positive end to the season. Unfortunately we finished lower than the last two seasons by a place but gained a point more.

Just about the only good thing about Norwich’s ground it is within easy walking distance is a street full of restaurants and pubs as we made a bee line to Pizzahut to celebrate the end of the season and Kev “Fan of the Year” Monks birthday. So another season ended hopefully next year can be better.

Man of the Match
1st Sammy Clingan Controlled midfield despite some merciless barracking 2nd Richard Keogh At last a goal
3rd Michael Quirke deserves at least another year’s contract

Coventry City Vs Reading

The sun turned out as City attracted our 2nd biggest home crowd of the season maybe down to discounted tickets, a good away following, the last game of the season and Andy Thorn being named as permanent manager. If fans had turned up to see Westwood’s last home game for City they would be disappointed as the stopper pulled out with an reported shoulder injury. The full team was in goal Quirke making his home debut. In defence were Clarke, Keogh, Cranie and Hussey with Gunnarsson, Clingan, Bell and Baker in midfield leaving King and Jutkiewicz up front. The team ran out in next year’s kit a total sky blue it looked great but the names were hard to see. I cannot remember the idiot announcing the stands before the game and the atmosphere before kick off was one of the best for some time. Reading needed only a point to secure a play off place whilst City had nothing to play for.

City started the better attacking the away end in the first half. City had efforts on goal but none to test Federici in the Royal’s goal. Reading responded well and looked dangerous but the City defence were coping well at the back protecting the kid in the goal who looked confident. City were playing some good football without threatening to score as the crowd basked in the sun. Both team’s defences were winning the day and Reading’s dangerous wingers were being kept quiet by our fullbacks. Cranie was busy in the middle sweeping up any dangers. Gunnarsson had a good shot on target but forced the Royal’s keeper into a good save. With half time approaching out of the blue a Reading player bust clear and had a run onto goal his shot was blocked well by Quirke’s leg and the ball went over the bar. Half time no goals but the passing and movement provided the entertainment.

King was first to show in the second half with a shot Federici punched away. The crowd were still enjoying the football helped by an excellent referee Mr Linnington who let the game flow one great example of this is went Gunnarsson went on the run and was fouled twice but the referee wave play on until former loan player Mat Mills brought him down and earned a booking. Clingan took the resulting free kick forcing a save from the keeper. City by now were looking the better side as Reading started to sit deep for the needed point. Clingan was again masterful in midfield. City kept the effort up and a shot by King seemed to be heading for the top corner before it was deflected just over. Despite the pressure in the end we settled for a draw to end our home campaign.

It is quite a while since I saw so many smiles on the faces of the City after a scoreless home draw but Thorn’s football had made it a pleasure to watch the team. The side performed a “lap of appreciation” after the final whistle.

Man of the match
1st Martin Cranie Unsung hero
2nd Sammy Clingan must stay fit next season
3rd Richard Keogh clear play of the season

Middlesbrough Vs Coventry City
So for the penultimate away game of the season we travelled to a ground we had never won on but then again we have never lost in Middlesbrough in April! Tradition is when in Teeside we visit a restaurant called “Starters” as they only serve starters, a strange concept and maybe a touch on the pricey side but the food was good. We then headed over to the ground and found Gary McSheffrey’s dad outside who informed us that King was out. Also missing was McDonald Boro’s top scorer. The team was in goal Westwood, in defence Clark, Keogh, Cranie and O’Halloran with Clingan, Bell, Gunnarsson and Baker in midfield leaving Platt and Jutkiewicz up front.

We attacked the far end in the first half in this nothing to play for six pointer. Both teams started brightly both glad to be well clear of the relegation scrap. City started well with a Clingan free kick and Jutkiewicz having a shot blocked. Ten minutes in and City attacked Clingan had the ball as Platt found space. A pass to the “Tree” was the obvious one and Clingan laid it perfectly into his path. Platt first touch wasn’t great but he just about prodded it past an onrushing Smith in the Boro goal the ball seemed to be rolling toward the net when Jutkiewicz popped up and made sure. Both teams were trying to pass the ball with Emnes looking real handful for our defenders. At the other end Platt went just wide. Middlesbrough kept the passing up and pretty soon Arce emerged with the ball with only Westwood to beat which he did maybe the keeper could of got closer to the shot. Jutkiewicz then had a couple of attempts on goal whilst Brough’s final ball seemed to be lacking. Both full backs looked suspect and Clark looked downright shaky as the half came to an end.

The second half saw City attack the end we travel weary fans were housed as Bell forced a good save from Smith. Clark then picked up a booking by the very good Mr Ward after a mistake from O’Halloran. City slowly upped the tempo as Clingan started to spray the ball around with great effect. Then from a corner Keogh headed just wide as his search for a goal continued. Emnes was still causing concern at the other end sparking of a great scramble with some brave blocks and a good save by Westwood. Wood had come on for O’Halloran and the defender almost set up a goal with a driven low cross to which Clark could only hit the post when he should of scored. Boro then had a goal ruled out for off side. Eastwood was then thrown on as an increasing number of City fans hope he is thrown out at the end of the season. Smith saved again from Bell as we entered stoppage time. At the other end of the park Wood failed to clear and the ball fell to Kink who sent it back over Westwood for yet another late conceded goal.

Man of the Match
In a game we deserved at least a point
1st Sammy Clingan Ran midfield
2nd Richard Keogh Looks like our player of the season
3rd Clive Platt Quite a handful

Coventry City Vs Scunthorpe United

Football has a long season where we can see a variety of weathers when we played at Scunthorpe it was sub-zero one of the coldest days I can ever remember watching City the home game was very warm in total contrast. A few months ago this looked like a real nail-biting relegation six pointer but City’s good from meant City fans could enjoy the sun. AT announced an unchanged team in goal was Westwood the defenders were Clarke, Cranie, Keogh and Hussey with Baker, Bell, Clingan and Gunnarsson in midfield leaving Jutkiewicz and King up front.

City started well and some neat passing between Bell and Jutkiewicz saw the ball played to King in the area and the forward made no mistake in beating Murphy in the Iron’s goal to put City a goal up and move King onto 13 goals. City were buzzing and went looking for the killer goal and Bell played in Jutkiewicz who fired wide. City are now playing some great football trouble is Scunthorpe also like to knock the ball around but for some woeful finishing would be well clear of the drop. Dagnall then missed from close range as the Irons got back into the game. At the other end Keogh went close with a long range shot as the defender was still looking for his first goal. In a decent game Scunthorpe came close again as Grant failed to reach a cross with only the keeper to beat. Then Westwood had to be alert to clear the ball with his leg, as he was on the floor as the relegation threatened side upper the pressure. King fired over at the other end. Scunthorpe hit back and Nunez tried his luck from distance and his luck was in as the ball deflected off Cranie and into the net. Clingan then shot at Murphy who may be Westwood’s replacement next season before at our end Collins was unmarked but failed to get his shot on target. The last action of the half saw Murphy pull off a good save from a long range Gunnarsson shot.

The SHAT team decided to take of Baker who was poor and bring on McIndoe who looked better for the second half. Eight minutes into the half and right in front of us Mirfin hauled down Jutkiewicz in the penalty area and amazingly none of the officials signalled for a clear-cut penalty despite this Mr Bates and his deputies had a good game. At the other end Scunthorpe were still wasting chances as Duffy could only head straight to Westwood. Clark then who seems to be steadily improving found plenty of space and played a perfect ball to King but the top scorer for once failed to hit the target then King switched to the wing and found Jutkiewicz the forward was surrounded by three defenders he managed to give two the slip but the third cleared the lines. Then surprisingly Eastwood replaced Jutkiewicz. Bell then did well to get a shot in and Murphy parried the shot it looked an easy tap in for Eastwood but somehow the ball stayed out. It was looking like the visitors day. Eastwood meanwhile looked like he didn’t really care maybe it is time to move him on. Wood then replaced the injured Hussey. With Scunthorpe starting to sit back City looking more likely to win it in the last ten minutes. It was Clingan who had control of midfield who played a great ball to King and with the goal at his mercy King fired over. Gunnarsson had a shot blocked by Murphy. Some City fans wanted the team to hoof the ball in the dieing minutes but to their credit they still opted for the short pass and slow build up as the game ended in a draw. It wasn’t City’s day but I will be happy if Scunthorpe stayed up relegating Palace. The result also meant City was now mathematically safe from relegation.

Man of the Match
1st Sammy Clingan Lets hope he can keep fit for all of next season
2nd David Bell May have found his place in the diamond formation
3rd Jordan Clark Improving all the time

Coventry City Vs Millwall

With prices slashed maybe the club were hopping for 20,000 for the gate but the crowd was down to 16,000 but looked a lot more. City all but mathematically safe were up against a team on the verge of the play offs a team that didn’t concede many away from home so another tough test for the SHAT team. Or should that be just AT since Steve Harrison seems just to be coach. With McSheffrey out injured the line up was in goal Westwood, the back four were Clarke, Keogh, Cranie and Hussey with Clingan, Bell, Baker and Gunnarsson in midfield leaving King and Jutkiewicz up front. The Lions had top scorer Steve Morrison suspended.

Millwall showed first with a good run down the wing by Townsend before he was stopped. The game then settled into tame contest with no one really threatening. With the sun out and not much happening fans were chatting to each other when suddenly a Millwall defender under hit a pass with King far too close to him. The City forward intercepted the ball and suddenly had a one-on-one with Forde in the Lions’ goal the forward coolly rounded the keeper and slid the ball home before celebrating into front of the Millwall fans, maybe he knew some of them from his prison days? Still it was a great start for City but the Millwall fans took exception to the forward but at least they came up with something original in the song demanding King should be in prison. City buoyed by the goal started to look good again and Forde in the away goal looked dodgy almost let in a goal from a corner. Slowly Millwall played their way back into the game and started to look good in an increasingly interesting game. Hussey had to be alert to block a shot and was keeping the Lion’s winger fairly quiet during the game. McQuoid then header over as the South London team upped the pressure. Then just before the break loan winger Townsend kept the ball cut inside and unleashed a long-range shot Westwood maybe should have kept it out and Millwall were level.

It came as some surprise when the goal scorer Townsend was replaced at half time as veteran and Millwall’s all time top scorer Neil Harris came onto the field for the second half. One hundred seconds into the half and Harris tussled with Gunnarsson before the forward stamped viciously onto Gunnarsson’s foot the referee Mr East who along with his assistants had an excellent game saw the incident and had no alterative but to show the red card there were only token protests from the Millwall players. When the opposition are reduced to ten men the fans normally expect to run out easy winners but Harris being a forward meant that The Lions were just as solid at the back. Clingan and Bell were trying to keep the ball and pass it with some success before King forced the keeper into a good save. Gunnarsson then was forced off with the injury inflicted on him by Harris and slightly surprisingly on came McIndoe. City’s midfield had plenty of skill but little bite maybe Deegan would have been a better choice. It was still a close game as Baker found room and forced the keeper to push a shot over the bar from the edge of the area. AT made a double substitution as Platt came on Jutkiewicz and Wood replaced a tiring Clark. The 2nd substitution took place whilst City were defending a corner and you should never make a sub whilst defending a set piece, so they say but it was Wood who cleared the danger with an header. City slowly took control as Millwall started to sit back a touch, happy with the point. At the other end of the ground a Millwall player wnet down looking for treatment I was surprised when none of his teammates knocked the ball out so he could receive treatment. Soon City gain possession and we attacked with the player still down and Millwall down to 9 men. The ball went right and Bell whipped in superb cross, Platt dummied and King slammed the ball home to fire City back into the lead it was the forward’s 12th of the season and was now averaging a goal every two and quarter games. Millwall now had to go forward and this left large gaps at the back when King hit the post with a curling shot before forcing the keeper into a save. The Lions came close but with Bell pulling the strings wide in midfield City looked in control. Minutes to go and Clingan blasted one just over. We had to endure five minutes stoppage time as Millwall tried in vain for a goal in the end we were all delighted to see Mr East blow to signal our third win in a row.

Man of the match
Again plenty of candidates
1st David Bell Quality
2nd Marlon King “He scores goals” can’t argue with that
3rd Chris Hussey Looking a great find from our former scout Mr Andy Thorn

Portsmouth Vs Coventry City

Down at Fratton Park we were expecting a low turn out for the game and was surprised we took 400 fans down for the game not as many as the previous season’s cup game but a good turn out. Only four Portsmouth players survived from that cup game whilst City had five from the cup game in fact only four of the players that day have since left. The Telegraph made a big printing error stating that Clinton Morrison was playing for us. Portsmouth would be full of Coventry players! The real team was different in goal was Westwood with Keogh, Cranie, Cameron and Hussey at the back with Bell, Clingan and Gunnarsson in midfield leaving the forward three as Jutkiewicz, McSheffrey and King.

It was a good atmosphere in the away end as all this year’s “hits” were sung. Portsmouth started off the better but soon City got their passing game together as the midfield three took control and the front three were causing problems. Then McSheffrey went on a darting run beating two or three players as he danced into the area then as he was about to shoot he was taken down and the excellent referee Mr Whitestone awarded a penalty. King stepped up and coolly dispatched the spot kick to spark off “He scores goals” song thankfully there was very little of the second chorus. At last I got the Thorne for manager song “Throne in” started, which only got louder during the game. City were buzzing but playing good football can sometimes backfire as a pass can go astray but the back four cleared up any danger. With Aron breaking up attacks and Clingan and Bell picking out the forwards City were in control with King leading the line well having two shots go wide in the space of minutes. Portsmouth do have a number of quality players and one of them Webber forced Westwood into a save before minutes later former England International Nugent scored but looked off side and thankfully the linesman agreed.

At half time a nice touch from Portsmouth congratulated the guy that was standing to my right Kev Monks for winning the Fan of the Year Kev had gone to the toilet resulting in several fans singing “he’s gone for a pi**”. Radio Solent meanwhile declared the 1st half was even, nothing like partisan local radio.

Second half and the away end was in full voice with “We follow City away” as the Sky Blues attacked our end. City started strongly as Pompey’s keeper Ashdown pulled off a great save tipping a Jutkiewicz shot over the bar. From the corner Clingan hit the bar with a header and McSheffrey and Cameron couldn’t scramble the ball in from a narrow angle. It was great to see City play such great football and all the players seemed totally committed throwing themselves into tackles they wouldn’t of done a month or so ago one of these challenges left McSheffrey limping. Minutes later Keogh on one of his many raids knocked in a perfect cross and McSheffrey rose to head City two up and spark off wild celebrations in the away end. “Thorne IN!” we sang as the boss took off 61 City goals McSheffrey and Baker came on. There was no sitting back for City and Jutkiewicz shot into the area and Mr Whitestone awarded a penalty he signalled it was a handball. Then something truly amazing as we watched to see who would take the spot kick Mullins was sent off for denying a clear goal scoring opportunity now it was only after the game had finished and listening to local radio we realised Pompey had a player dismissed! Back to the penalty and King had pulled rank on Jutkiewicz over the penalty and the top scorer entered double figures with another cool spot kick. It has been a long time since we could enjoy a game with on pressure in the closing minutes and many fans wished the season wouldn’t be ending soon. A Pompey fan dressed in all white with a pink t-shirt sitting near the away end, no doubt for attention started to leave as I started a “loyal support” chant that was taken up by many in the away end. City were looking for the fourth as King broke clear on the right he could of ran in on goal for his hat trick but in a piece of totally unselfish football he attempted to play in Jutkiewicz for a goal but sadly the ball was cleared. Lukas then went off after a good shift and on came The Tree. Platt’s first action was to break clear of the defence but the Pompey players crowded he out. Portsmouth then started to have more of the ball as they threw players forward and it took a couple of world class saves from Westwood to preserve his 32nd clean sheet for City. The PA announced Portsmouth’s number 5 as man of the match and he was promptly booked which prompted City fans to sing “Man of the match your having a laugh”. Finally Mr Whitestone who I guess made a swift exit from Portsmouth blew up for full time and we could celebrate the best win and performance of the season. We made the long journey home in a good mood this is the reason we follow the City away.

Man of the Match
Impossible to give it to just three players so I won’t
1st Gary McSheffrey Set up one scored one
2nd Marlon King Two goals and ran them ragged
Sammy Clingan Controlled midfield
Kieran Westwood World class keeper
3rd Richard Keogh Good going forward
Martin Cranie Solid at the back

Derby County Vs Coventry City

We arrived at a Sunny Pride Park and had a relaxing drink in a coffee shop connected to the ground what a great idea. Derby’s ground has plenty of placed to eat and drink and makes the visit more enjoyable. Before the kick off Radio Derby slated the small numbers of City fans making the short journey to the ground claiming Derby go in bigger numbers away but they do not realise Derby have been League Champions twice since the last time City ended in the top six. Then I think it was Roy McFarland who then slagged off Highfield Road as a terrible ground forgetting what a total dump The Baseball Ground was. Back to the game and both teams seem to have a very familiar story on the pitch play off hopes dashed followed by a slide and both looking just good enough to survive. The team news was in goal Westwood with Keogh, Cranie, Cameron and Hussey at the back, Gunnarsson, Bell and Clingan in midfield with Jutkiewicz, King and McSheffrey up front.

City attacked from the off and Jutkiewicz found room on the right he crossed to an unmarked McSheffrey who should of done better with his shot. City were from the off looking by far the better side as a McSheffrey shot was deflected for a corner. City were well on top but needed a goal then in the 14th minute a corner was taken in a scramble in the box Gunnarsson bicycled kicked the ball into the net to put the team a goal up. The players raced over to celebrate the goal with Andy Thorne. I started a “sacked in the morning chant” aimed at Nigel Clough, it can’t be easy to work anywhere were there is a statute of your father outside. City were still playing well as a King shot was hacked away their also for the first time a total lack of anti King songs from the opposition fans and the away fans laid into Robbie Savage who will be retiring at the end of the season. City were looking comfortable at the back apart from Cameron who struggled to pass and gave away clumsy fouls one on the edge of the box gave Bueno a chance but Westwood spotted the danger and pushed away the free kick. City needed a second goal and again right on time it came a Bell shot was parried by the awful Jones in the Rams goal King fired it back in only for the ball to be blocked by the keeper luckily the ball went straight back to King who placed it in a different part of the net to make it 2-0. Again the players celebrated with Thorne. As I was trying to work out a song about giving Thorne the managers job Derby won a free kick it was taken and Steve Davies had plenty of room to pull Derby back in the game. Minutes later Derby attacked down the left and King tracked back and made what only could be explained as a “forward’ tackle” sweeping his foot and brining down Ward the referee Mr Booth who was excellent couldn’t give anything else but a penalty. Arch Villain Savage stepped up and just about beat Westwood to make it 2-2.

The second half was more even with Derby getting more of the play but both sides may have preferred a draw then risking it all on trying to find a winner. The second half wasn’t great but Keogh had a header cleared off the line. The Derby fans that must have been starved of entertainment attempt unsuccessfully to start the Mexican Wave. City still looked the better side and from a corner Bell found room but his volley was too powerful and may have cleared the stand when a simple shot may have resulted in a goal. Into the last ten minutes and Jones flapped the ball towards King but the forward he couldn’t get any great power from the header but it still needed to be cleared and sub Baker was inches away from turning it in. In the end the referee blew up some five minutes early by my watch and we had to settle for a point.
Man of the match
A good performance with ten minutes of madness a good team performance with no outstanding players made it difficult to giver man of the match to.

1st Chris Hussey In the end we all agreed to give it to the left back
2nd Richard Keogh Played well down the other flank
3rd Aron Gunnarsson Scored and kept Savage quiet.

Coventry City Vs Watford

A week is a long time in politics but a fortnight seemed an age for Coventry City as we removed the board and came apparently close to administration. A bigger than normal crowd turned up for the Watford as City fans felt they had their “backs to the walls.” Entertainment was provided in the Jaguar Hall as 50 or so old Jaguar Cars were on display. Back to the football it was The SHAT team’s first game at home and I was promising everyone they would see some football today. Watford who had scored 7 times in their last two visits were just outside the play offs and were one of the top scorers this season. AT made changes to the line up with injuries and former Watford goal hero King back from suspension the line up was in goal Westwood with Clarke, Keogh, Cranie and Hussey at the back Clingan, Bell and Gunnarsson in midfield with King, Eastwood and McSheffrey up front.

City attacked the Telegraph Stand in the first half and a good ball from the midfield saw King pull wide he fired in a shoot that Loach in the Watford goal pushed away but no one was following up. It was an entertaining opening as Watford looked threatening and it took a smart save by Westwood to keep the scores level after seven minutes as he beat out a shot at his near post. City started to play the ball well with Clingan pulling the strings in midfield and Bell looking for the killer pass. The full backs got forward as often as possible but lacked support from the narrow midfield in one indecent Clarke lost the ball the solid central defenders swept up any danger. Then after 26 minutes Bell picked out McSheffrey who went wide of the keeper and fired in a smart shot towards the goal fans in the stand to the right started to cheer as pretty soon the ball beat Loach and nestled into the net. McSheffrey who is now only one goal behind Cyrille Regis in the all time scoring charts raced over and gave the corner flag a good kick in celebration. City now were full of confidence and started to knock the ball around to “oles” from the crowd. Then a cross from the right was met by McSheffrey and Loach dived to hold on to the ball theatrically . Watford hit back and put City under some pressure but the back four were looking solid against the free scoring side. Half time City one up and everything was looking rosy.

At half time our very own Kev “National Fan off the Year” Monks was on the pitch making the halftime draw ably assisted by a man who Kev has a painting off on his wall at home Mr Tommy Hutchison. Half time saw a parade of the legends as many ex players went onto the pitch.

The Hornets made two changes at half time in an attempt to get back into the game. Gunnarsson had a shot turned onto the crossbar but it was mostly Watford as City were pushed back. Clarke then went down with an injury and had to go off which is a shame because he was having a good game. Keogh switched to right back and on came Cameron. Danny Graham is the Hornet’s danger man and twice in a couple of minutes he came close to levelling the game the first when a shot took a deflection and the second hitting the post. Then the same player fired wide. SHAT decided to act and they took off Eastwood who was pretty poor and brought on Jutkiewicz. Not long after coming on Clingan found Gunnarsson the Icelander played in Jutkiewicz who went wide before beating the keeper form a narrow angle to go joint top scorer. This was a blow for Watford as City attacked again Loach dropped a simple ball and Jutkiewicz bundled the ball home Mr Boyeson the referee who on the whole had a good game ruled out the goal after consulting his assistant it was difficult to see if this was harsh or not from my end of the ground. Watford hit back and needed a good save from Westwood to keep a two-goal cushion. Keogh was booked for taking too long over a throw in before Bell went off to thunderous applause for a good performance and was replaced by McIndoe was made him self busy. As Watford started to tire City took a firmer grip of the game with some crisp passing and more “oles”. Jutkiewicz then fired over from a Hussey cross before the Southampton born forward knocked the ball into the net after a Clingan long range shot but the same assistant that deigned the earlier goal ruled this one off side. City were enjoying them selves and so was the fans as Loach dropped another ball and Jutkiewicz hit the bar he could have had a hat trick. Watford rallied in the final minutes but City were solid and everyone left with smiles on their faces with a much needed win.

Man of the Match
1st Sammy Clingan Ran midfield this style of play suits him
2nd David Bell Looks better in the centre then out wide.
3rd Lukas Jutkiewicz Too hot for Watford to handle more please Lukas.

Preston North End Vs Coventry City

With the museum sadly closed we had to change our normal Deepdale routine still we never won after visiting the museum. In the ground with many here with views of a night out in Blackpool and many more attracted by PNE’s offer of £10 for a ticket the away following octrupled from Burnley. “The SHAT team” announced only one team change the team was in goal Westwood with Clarke, Keogh, Wood and Hussey in defence Clingan, Baker and Gunnarsson in midfield leaving McSheffrey, Jutkiewicz and Eastwood up front.

Preston off the back of a 3-0 away win at Scunthorpe were first out of the blocks as they looked anything like the worst side in the division. Westwood went down worrying with an injury and Quirke got ready for action but thankfully our Irish number One recovered after some treatment. The atmosphere in the away was great with many expecting our first ever league victory in Preston. Unfortunately the Lilywhite’s midfield was on top and Hume went close with a shot on the turn. The Invincibles kept up the pressure and when a ball deflected of Clarke’s posterior Hume rammed the ball past Westwood to give the bottom team the lead. City were clueless during the game with Eastwood even more ammoniums then he normally is. In injury time PNE were very unlucky to hit the crossbar. City trudged off only a goal down.

Despite the poor form on the pitch the form in the stands was excellent and with the Preston fans refusing to join in we turned on each other with a singing contest between the left side and the right side of the away end this generated a great atmosphere. Something had to change on the pitch and after 66 minutes SHAT took of Baker and threw on Bell. City started to impose themselves a touch more and Keogh hit the bar with a header from a corner. Minutes later Jutkiewicz showed great agility to direct the ball into the feet of Bell the winger placed his shot past former loan keeper Turner and the game was level. The “left side” raced over to the “right side” to goad the Preston fans. Preston hit back after bringing something we can only dream about a player on loan in the shape of Ellington. SHAT made the changes as well off went McSheffrey and on came for the first time this year McIndoe minutes later Wood seemed to have picked up an injury and on came Cameron who immediately gave away a free kick on the edge of the box. City looked comfortable but deep in injury time Hussey had the ball “clear it” I shouted but he didn’t he tried to pass the ball was intercepted and PNE won a corner. Looking at my watch it was 20 seconds past the point the final whistle should of gone. The corner was delivered and Ellington powered the ball home to much celebration around the ground and total dejection in the away stand.

After the game 2/5th off the car load the entire female contingent left us for a break in Blackpool at least the journey home admiring the moon closest to earth for 18 years was a quiet one. Back home with Rachel away I took up Kev “sitting” duties as the next day he was off to London nominated for the National Fan of the Year.

Back to the game and City are in trouble maybe an AB team would have closed out the game.

Man of the Match
1st The fans apart from the obliquity King songs were excellent
2nd No one apart from
3rd David Bell took his goal well.

Burnley Vs Coventry City

Plenty to talk about in the car we all predicted that Roberto De Matteo would be our next manager. So to Turf Moor as normal we always seem to play there midweek. We had our normal warm welcome in the Cricket Ground Car Park as the locals are always friendly and welcoming. In Burnley we talked to our favourite soon to retire Coventry Copper who said administration is just around the corner for City. With injuries piling up the new temporary management team of Steve Harrison and Andy Thorn announced in goal Westwood with Clarke, Keogh, Wood and O’Halloran in defence, McSheffrey, Gunnarsson, Clingan and Baker in midfield leaving Jutkiewicz and Eastwood up front.

Only 152 hardy or mad souls made the long trip up to the moors of Lancashire and the mood was quite downbeat. City started well against a team pressing for a play off place when Jutkiewicz volleyed just wide at the other end of the ground. City were playing well but lacked a cutting edge which typifies this season as Eastwood cut into the box and fired into the side netting. As Paul as trying to get the “Jose Mourinhio” chant going City won a free kick which Clingan hit against the wall. Burnley broke and the ball fell to Rodriquez he showed great skill in out foxing Wood with a great first touch and raced past him Westwood raced out to close the angle but the forward sent a delicate chip over the keeper to give the home side a lead with their first shot again very familiar. Now Burnley were on top and their wingers seemed to have far too much room but at least O’Halloran managed to cut out most threats from his wing. Thankfully Burnley just didn’t have the killer ball to increase the lead. It wasn’t all one way City won a free kick at the other end then suddenly the players surrounded the average referee Mr Naylor demanding a penalty but the referee decided it was a free kick it was impossible to tell from our end were the foul took place. The free kick came to nothing but our wide players were stretching the back four as Baker dribbled into the area and hit the side netting.

Halftime Radio Lancashire were impressed with City’s passing ability not a praise we had much this season.

City started well in the second half as former Sky Blues’ favourite Danny Fox was struggling to contain McSheffrey. On the other wing Baker was having his best game for a while found Jutkiewicz whose header was cleared. City won a free kick and Clingan stepped up to take it this time he beat the wall and forced Grant in the Bee’s goal into a excellent save forcing a corner. The noise level rose in the away end as the fans really started to get behind the team. SH and AT whose initials unfortunately spells “Shat” took of O’Halloran who must have been injured and threw on Hussey. The former Wimbledon fullback made an impact looking solid at the back and dangerous going forward. Womble as we call him found McSheffrey with a deep cross the winger then knocked in a good cross of his own Jutkiewicz hit the bar with a header leaving us to think “another miss by Lukas” but as the ball rebounded the forward calmly redirected the header into an unguarded part of the net to score and to send us all “ballistic” in the away stand. City now full of confidences poured forward looking to take the lead as Baker had a shot deflected. Baker dribbled his way into the penalty area again and shot just wide City kept up the tempo as McSheffrey got the ball wide and comfortably beat Fox he drifted into the area and curled the ball into the top right hand corner of the net for the forward’s 50th league goal for the club.. Sheff attempted to rip his shirt off in celebration but he was surrounded by team mates who made sure he didn’t pick up a silly booking. We were now singing ourselves horse in the away end as a win from behind the first in 18 months, Watford away last season. Celebrations were premature as Burnley’s best player Rodriquez scored at the far post from a corner. Burnley now backed by the home crowd started to take over looking for a winner but City held firm at the back. We still had chances as McSheffrey blasted in a shot that Gunnarsson just failed to get a touch on. City rode out a nervous four minutes injury time before the end and a well-deserved point that leaves City 8 points clear of relegation and three away games unbeaten.

Man of the Match
1st Gary McSheffrey Great goal and played well
2nd Carl Baker deserved a goal
3rd Lukas Jutkiewicz another hard working performance and some luck in front of goal at last.

Coventry City Vs Hull City

Hull had gone 13 away league games without defeat including being the first side to win at Forest for two years so this looked like a tough game. Westwood was back in goal and the only change from the encouraging display against Doncaster. The line- up was in goal was Westwood; in defence were Keogh, Wood, Cameron and Cranie with McSheffrey, Clingan, Gunnarsson and Bell in midfield leaving Eastwood and Jutkiewicz up front.

To be fair it was pretty dull stuff resembling a friendly or an end of season game. It was so boring I was counting if City could string more than two passes together in the game which they failed to do constantly. Hull were not much better but do have two quality forwards in Fryatt and McLean and they combined in the 32nd minute as the ex-Leicester player knocked the ball down for the ex-Peterborough player to score. Since City have only once come from behind to get a result this season the goal deflated the already deflated home fans. Half time came without any more mishaps and City were booed off without restringing a single effort on Guzan’s goal who by the way is on loan at Hull. In my opinion this first half performance was far worse then the first half against Bristol.

City had to play better in the second half and they did. Eastwood found Bell and the winger forced a corner with al last a shot on target. McSheffrey took over from taking the flag kicks and found more accuracy then Clingan. The ball was played in to Wood whose header was cleared off the line and Clingan’s follow up shot was wide. The game was better but it was nearly killed off as for the second game in a row Cameron gave the ball away on the edge of the area and Westwood came out with a good save in a one-on-one. City attempted to keep up the pressure when referee Mr Tanner, who by the way had an excellent game awarded City a free kick. Clingan took it and found Gunnarsson his goal bound shot was cleared off the line and Wood’s follow up header was also cleared off the line. Unfortunately City couldn’t keep up the pressure as we found it hard to pass straight in fact the best Coventry passer on the field seemed to be Westwood who constantly found the wingers with goal kicks. With Hull now comfortable again AB threw on Baker for Bell. City players were as frustrated as the home fans as Clingan dived in for a tackle the sort players had been sent off for but the player on the receiving end didn’t make a meal out of it and the referee correctly gave Clingan a yellow card. More changes as the boss threw on two fullbacks Clarke and Hussey for Cranie and Cameron both looked like they were limping. Things should of got worse as Fryatt broke clear only to be brought down by Westwood outside his area some officials would of sent the keeper off but Mr Tanner correctly signalled that the players was heading away from goal and therefore it wasn’t an “professional foul” and booked the keeper. City put some pressure on late on a good cross from Gunnarsson was crying out for someone to throw himself at the ball but Eastwood didn’t bother and we lost again.

Man of the Match
1st No one All round bad performance apart from
2nd Kieren Westwood A couple of good saves and the ability to pass
3rd Richard Wood Solid at the back and the only threat we had going forward

Doncaster Rovers Vs Coventry City

Doncaster is a town we have never won a league game at and the chances of win diminished when we heard we have not landed or couldn’t afford an emergency loan keeper for the game. Still the trip midweek to Doncaster is not unpleasant being not far past Sheffield we arrived there 50 minutes before kick off. The team was in goal and making his full debut diminutive 3rd choice keeper Michael Quirke with Woods, Cranie, Cameron and Keogh in defence Bell, Gunnarsson, Clingan and the recalled McSheffrey in midfield leaving Jutkiewicz and standing in for the suspended King was Eastwood.

Could City bounce back from the drubbing by Bristol and could we score without King? City attacked our end in the first half and the away support was down to the hard core of 258 away fans with one or two faces we haven’t seen for a while. City started well as McSheffrey fired just wide. City were looking the better side in the early stages and were using the wings well one of the wingers Bell then tried his luck after his shot was blocked. City kept up the pressure as Keogh crossed and Jutkiewicz forced a save from Woods in the Rovers’ goal. After 22 minutes City set up another attack a cross was hit deep and was collected by McSheffrey he then drilled the ball back across the face of goal and Eastwood beat the defender to the ball to score. City were now on top and went looking for a second again it was down the wings as McSheffrey gave the fullback plenty of problems as he beat him again and crossed to Bell whose shot was blocked. Minutes later McSheffrey bust into the box and was clearly brought down in the area the referee Mr Webb gave nothing to what Radio Sheffield described at half time “as a stonewall penalty”. Minute or so later McSheffrey crossed and there was a big shout for handball but again nothing given. Doncaster finally got some attacks going after escaping with those penalty appeals and it was a long range shot that seemed to be goal bound until Quirke brilliantly pushed the ball onto the post as we held our breaths the ball bounced on the right side of the goal and was partially cleared then Coppinger went down under a challenge and a mass penalty appeal again at half time Radio Sheffield also described this “as a certain penalty”. A new song was then heard started by a certain Mr McKay about little Michael Quirke “He’s only 5 foot 4 he never let you score”. Doncaster applied a bit more pressure before half time but City held out without any problems to lead at half time. The Radio Sheffield analyst said, “Coventry are the better team and deserved to be in the lead”.

City has a great chance early in the second half when McSheffrey crossed for Jutkiewicz but Woods who pushed it onto the crossbar brilliantly saved the forward’s header. From then on Doncaster took control and started to pass the ball in a way you would expect from a Doncaster side. City stood firm at the back protecting the young keeper with everyone working hard and Richard Wood playing at left back looked far more solid than O’Halloran. Trouble was City could relieve the pressure Quirke’s goal kicks were being won by Doncaster players and the pressure kept on. Someone needed to go back a get a short pass from the keeper and build from the back. The keeper saved well with his legs near the 80th minute mark as the pressure grew. City found it hard to keep possession when we got the ball one incident saw Bell beat three players then pass it to a Doncaster player. AB made a change with time running down of went Bell and on came Baker. Then seconds later Hayter got the ball was allowed to advance and chipped Quirke to level the game up with 2 minutes of normal time left it was a good goal. Doncaster went all out for a win but City stood firm and settled for a point we all would of done before the start. After the game Quirke made a beeline for the away fans where his proud father was waiting to give him a hug for a good performance. Got home just before midnight.

Man of the match
1st Gary McSheffrey A constant threat
2nd Michael Quirke Third choice but defiantly not third rate
3rd Richard Wood Pick of a good bunch of defenders

Coventry City Vs Bristol City

With hopes of the first double over Bristol City since the 60’s a healthy 15,000+ turned up boosted by many free tickets to see the game. The Robins had yet to loose at the Rioch but it looked a good chance to end that record. AB made one change the welcomed return of Clingan in midfield he was alongside Baker, Gunnarsson and Bell with Westwood in goal and Keogh, Wood, Cameron and O’Halloran in defence leaving King and Jutkiewicz up front.

City started of well with Jutkiewicz putting himself about well and Bell knocking in some good crosses while O’Halloran showed some great skill in beating a couple of players on a serge forward. City were looking confident but then came a classic sucker punch. A long ball by keeper James was flicked on and Maynard raced onto the ball in the box and showed why Everton and Liverpool are showing interest in the forward as he beat Westwood with a smart volley. Minutes later Bristol were awarded a dubious free kick by referee Mr Ward who overall had a decent game. The set piece was swung in and Nyatanga beat Gunnarsson to the ball to steer it past Westwood to make it 2-0 to much booing. City hit back by the double blow and Jutkiewicz forced a great save from James and from the resulting corner Wood hit the post. It seems and is now getting really annoying that ever team apart from us has at least one pacey winger the Robins’ candidate was Adomah who showed a clean pair of heels to O’Halloran beat Wood before Cameron attempting to win the ball brought him down in the box and Mr Ward correctly awarded a penalty. Clarkson stepped forward to beat Westwood to make it 3-0. It doesn’t seem to matter who is in charge or what players are playing we always seem to have at least one collapse at home game each season. No more goals and City trooped off to mass booing.

To lighten the mood a little I was amused to hear Stuart Linnell on the radio claming that David Cameron was arguing with the referee as he left the pitch about the penalty decision. Know I ways ready to blame the Tories for everything but he Prime Minister can not be blamed this time for the score line.

Second half saw Danny Ireland come on for his first game in 3 years to make his league debut in place of the worryingly injured Westwood. Things then got worse as Ireland injured himself with his first kick and looked like he was in trouble. Who would replace him? The favourites were Jutkiewicz, Keogh and Gunnarsson. Thankfully the Aussie custodian could continue but couldn’t take goal kicks. It was now like we were playing with ten men but then out of nothing a hope. A cross saw Keogh head the ball across the area and Jutkiewicz stretched out one of his long legs to divert the ball passed James for only the forwards 2nd goal from open play. Suddenly Bristol looked nervous and fans started to back City. Then we had a break in play and Mr Ward was called over by one of his linesmen. After a short conversation Mr Ward walked away it was clear the lineman had seen something and Mr Ward was about to send someone off unfortunate it was King for retaliation and he could have no complaints. I had a thought would “violent conduct” mean King had broken his parole and be sent back to prison? Whatever it was a very stupid thing for the forward to do and killed any chance of a comeback. On came Hussey for his first game of the year replacing O’Halloran and the former Wimbledon man must be close to a start. Eastwood then replaced the lightweight and totally ineffective Baker. Hussey showed some great pace in one raid down the wing, a player with pace at City! City kept plugging away and won a free kick level with the penalty area Bell took it but couldn’t beat the first man The Robins broke up field and Elliott finished well from a cross to make it 4-1. That was it and the ground emptied quickly.

Man of the Match
1st Lukas Jutkiewicz Hopefully he can now start scoring with King suspended or imprisoned.
2nd and 3rd No one

Leicester City Vs Coventry City

It was the case of the “haves” Vs the “have nots” as we made the short trip down the M69. With City unable to afford a single loan Leicester paraded Yukubu who Leicester are paying £50,000 per week. Leicester fans were expecting a victory by two goals or more and anything else would be a triumph for City. AB resisted the temptation to start with Clingan and announced an unchanged team. In goal was Westwood with Keogh, Cameron, Wood and O’Halloran in defence in midfield we had Baker, Cranie, Gunnarsson and Bell leaving Jutkiewicz and King up front. I took my seat at the back of the stand along with many fans half my age and they were the “knuckle dragging morons” that sung those songs about King.

The atmosphere was good as the game kicked of and one fan behind me lit a smoke bomb to no real great effect. The Walkers wasn’t full despite Leicester’s great run and the millions spent on the team but £30 to get in my be too much for many fans. Westwood was first into action saving from former England International Vassell with his legs. It wasn’t all one way as The Sky Blues threaten down the right as Bell picked out King who headed over the bar. The whole team were working hard and not giving The Foxes any room we were matching them. Cranie tried his luck from distance and got good power in his shot but it was straight at Ricardo in the Leicester goal. Minutes later Jutkiewicz drifted wide and beat the full back after 14 minutes he crossed the ball and King controlled it spun and fired in a shot the ball slipped through the keeper’s hands and City led. Massive celebrations with the youngsters around me as Paul and I just applauded the goal. Leicester have yet to loose at home since Eriksson had taken over but it should have been two minutes later when Bell picked out King the forwards first touch as normal was class taking by the keeper but with an empty net but under pressure our top scorer fired wide. City were playing with a swagger as Bell blasted just wide and then Jutkiewicz forced the keeper into conceding a corner. Bell took it and Keogh hit the bar with a header. There were some good songs emanating from our section including on the theme of “Take me home country roads” “Take me home Highfield Road, to the place I love, West Terrace, Highfield Road”. Leicester at the time hitting back mainly down the right were O’Halloran was having a hard time containing the Fox’s winger. They wasted two chances with the best falling to Abe who went clean through but couldn’t get his shot on target. The home side started to take a grip but thankfully Cameron was at the back winning everything as he marked Yukubu out of the game. At the other end Jutkiewicz beat his marker who tried to bring him down but the forward to his credit stayed on his feet and won a corner. With a minute to go before half time Leicester broke and Naughton wriggled his way into the area and beat Westwood with a great shot, again City failed to hold onto a lead. Mr Scott who along with his linesman had a good game blew for half time minutes later.

Another smoke bomb went off near us as the second half started. We expected Leicester to come out “guns blazing” in the second half and they did O’Halloran was booked early on followed by Gunnarsson maybe a touch harshly for persistent fouling. Wood and Cameron were still holding firm despite the failing of the left back and the youngest of the pair made a great clearance. It wasn’t all one way as City counter attacked and Jutkiewicz won a corner after good persistence. Cranie then who had worked very hard in the centre picked up a deserved booking with a clumsy tackle. From the resulting free kick Yukubu fired the ball onto the post and the ball was cleared, as Leicester seemed to be getting closer. AB decided to make changes on came Clingan, Cranie moved to left back and O’Halloran was withdrawn from the firing line. This was a good piece of tactical thinking by the boss as the threat down the right almost totally disappeared and City started to get the upper hand again. Eastwood came on for Baker and according to CWR it was the Leicester press saying the home team were hanging on. Cranie did well to block an attack just before former Loanee Van Aanholt fired two shots wide to chants of “City reject”. Then with ten to go Cranie dived in for a tackle but was late and no one really could complain about his second yellow and City were down to ten men. Leicester took control of the dieing minutes of the game but with the remaining 10 working very hard City hung on comfortably to record an excellent and well-deserved point.

Man of the Match
1st Nathan Cameron A colossus at the back won everything
2nd Martin Cranie worked his socks off in midfield and left back sent of for giving his all
3rd Lukas Jutkiewicz Was a handful all day starting to look a good foil for King.

Coventry City Vs Swansea City

AB made a surprise choice as Bell was restored to the first team I thought “Bell now needs a good performance”. The team to face promotion-chasing Swansea were in goal Westwood the back four were Keogh, Wood, Cameron and O’Halloran with Baker, Cranie, Gunnarsson and Bell in midfield leaving King and Jutkiewicz up front.

Swansea started by far the better side totally outclassing City in passing and teamwork but City were holding firm at the back with the fullbacks nullifying the dangerous wingers and Wood and especially Cameron sweeping up at the back. O’Halloran and slightly harshly booked by the dreadful Mr Stroud for holding on to Dyer on the half way little as the skilful midget attempted to break free. City were struggling to get any momentum when a long ball was caught by Westwood and Swans’ forward Pratley threw himself to the ground in front of the keeper in the most blatant dive you are ever likely to see but Mr Stroud and his officials didn’t bother taking action a number a big decisions they failed to get right all night. Whether it was that incident or Swansea running out of steam City started to get into the game. Another reason might be our players started to pass the ball to the wide players and they had joy down the wings with Bell knocking in an impressive number of crosses from the right. King then fired over as City upped the pressure. Wood forced the keeper De Vries into a save from the accurate corner deliver by Bell and then Gunnarsson fired over in what was turning out to be an entertaining game. Bell then fired in one of his attempts for goal of the season but again the Dutch keeper was equal to it and conceded a corner from which Gunnarsson fired over from the Bell set piece. Jutkiewicz was playing well up front and was a constant handful one great moment saw him control the ball first time beat his man to slip in the area but then fire wide. Beattie then flung himself down on the edge of the area in a blatant dive but Mr Stroud didn’t book him like the rules said he should.

Second half started and City gained even more control and it was clear that Swansea were starting to “loose their rag”. Early on a cross was delivered and a scramble in the box De Vries grabbed Jutkiewicz by the shirt and pulled him to the ground and he was trying to score this is the most blatant penalty I have even seen not given as for some reason Mr Stroud bottled the only decision he had a penalty and a red card for the keeper for deigning a clear goal scoring opportunity. After the game even Swansea fans at the other end were saying it was a clear penalty. The referee continued to make strange decisions whilst the linesman on our left made three corner decisions wrong as nothing was going right for us. King then was held for what seemed like several seconds forcing the referee to award a free kick. With the Telegraph campaigning to stop the tasteless songs about King only two weeks after my e-mail to CWR which was never read and my posting on Facebook the forward in question took the kick curled it around the wall only for De Vries to push it away. Jutkiewicz came close on two occasions once getting a shot on target and another appeals for a penalty which would have been harsh but would of made up for the earlier one. A double sub by Swansea brought them back into the game and in one bizarre moment they hit one post then the other and finally the crossbar in one attack. Then with 15 minutes left a Swansea cross went to an unmarked Dobbie who hooked the ball past Westwood to give the side that were heading for 2nd an undeserved lead. McSheffrey was thrown on but Swansea showed us how to kill off a game by looking to go forward and holding on to the ball for most the remaining game. City struggled to get the ball back as the players looked deflated. In the end we again failed to beat a top six side but it was maybe the beast performance of the year and if we had a decent referee we should of won. Next up multi millionaires Leicester there is no justice in the football world I just hope we get a neutral referee.

Man of the Match
1st David Bell Best game every for City! Many fans were saying
2nd Lukas Jutkiewicz Worked hard deserved better
3rd Nathan Cameron A tower at the back

Coventry City Vs Crystal Palace

With turmoil on the board and no new loan signings City were boosted by the return of Clingan on the bench and King recovering to start. The team was in goal Westwood with the back four of Keogh, Cameron, Wood and O’Halloran. In midfield were Gunnarsson, Baker and Cranie leaving Jutkiewicz, Platt and King up front. It was a designated “away day” for the Palace fans and they turned up in numbers a created a great atmosphere.

We needed a win anything else and were would to start to slip towards the wrong end. It wasn’t a very exciting start as Palace sat back they have only conceded one goal in the last four league games. In fact it was so boring Paul in the posh seats started to text us with things like “wave if you all hate Marlon”. Which we did and he waved back. The game was fairly even and was well run by Mr Wright the referee. Baker managed to generate the first real excitement with a volley straight at Speroni in the Eagle’s goal. At the other end Easter robbed Cameron and raced in on goal but Westwood spread himself and saved the shot. Both sides seemed to be reluctant to throw too many players forward in the dull encounter. The sun was out and it made it quiet hard to see the action at the other end. With just over half an hour gone the breakthrough as City took a free kick Wood just about beat a defender to the ball and the header must have surprised the keeper and the ball went past him into the net. We looked over to the linesman expecting a flag for off side but he kept it down and there were no protests from the Palace players so City led. City fans started to sign and I joined in with “sing when we are winning”. City recently have had the ability to throw away leads but this time they kept things tight with the midfield working hard and the defenders coming out on top it their battle. Half time came with City leading.

Second half City started more positively as Platt who was held onto all game threw himself into a diving header only to see Speroni pull off an excellent save. Minutes later Easter went down easily in the area it looked a dive and he was very lucky not to be booked. A red flare went off in the away end the stewards raced in to try to stop the Palace fans jumping up and down and singing, which thankfully they didn’t. In front of them they then saw Speroni deign Platt again with another good save. City were looking comfortable in the game and everyone was working hard Jutkiewicz did well to track back and prevent a cross. The Palace players were becoming more and more frustrated by the game as a Palace defender squared up to King. Marlon made his prison shrink proud by backing off. City kept the he pressure and with just over ten to play Gunnarsson swung in a deep cross to the far post were King got in front of his marker and beat the keeper to leave City in control and him as top scorer. King was booked for putting the shirt over his head in celebration he has done far worse things. Things started to boil over for the Palace players and James Vaughan “threw his dummy out of his pram” and was booked he was quickly substituted. AB took of the hard working Platt for Eastwood near the end of the game. Palace now were throwing everything forward but City kept them at bay with O’Halloran timing some great tackles and maybe was having his best game for City so far. Right on full time Scannell swung the ball in and Iversen poke it home. Four minutes of injury time was on the board when I could only make it three. It was all now all Palace and City were hanging on but Wood and Cameron were winning everything as Keogh kept the winger quiet on the right and O’Halloran was proving difficult to beat. The referee played according to my watch almost two minutes too much before he blew up after a corner was cleared. Finally City could celebrate a league victory and with a break in the fixtures coming up should be able to get key players back and fit.

Man of the Match
1st Richard Wood Strong at the back and scored
2nd Stephen O’Halloran His best game so far
3rd Clive Platt Caused plenty of problems for the Palace rear guard

Leeds United Vs Coventry City

Elland Road is not a happy hunting ground for City not a place to go and try to spot a poor run of results. With King out “ill” AB was forced to make the changes the team was in goal Westwood with Clarke, Wood, Keogh and O’Halloran in defence with Baker, Cranie, and Gunnarsson in midfield leaving Eastwood and Jutkiewicz playing wide supporting Platt up front.

There was a surprisingly large away following but they disgraced them selves with some songs about King and his assault on a woman that is hundred times worse the comments that Gray and Keys lost their jobs over. Despite the poor form and playing a side that are the highest home scorers in the Championship City didn’t look intimidated early on as Wood had a shot blocked by former City keeper Schmeichel. It seems each team we play against has a tricky winger who tares us apart this time it was Gradel who turned Clarke inside out every time. The winger was allowed too much room and ran into the area thankfully he was closed down and he fired wide. Then Snodgrass fired over as Leeds upped the tempo. It was Gradel again who set up the next chance as he played in Beccio in the left hand edge of the area he somehow screwed his shot wide just missing Wood and a Leeds player who stopped running at the far post. Leeds were well on top but City did try to hit them on the break in one attack Gunnarsson was hacked down but the referee Mr Russell played an excellent advantage and when the play stop booked the Leeds player for the assault a great piece of refereeing for the official who had an excellent game. City hung on until half time with no goals we all hoped for a similar second half.

The second started and City seemed to be more in the game but ten minutes into the half Gradel again found space and crossed it to Snodgrass he fired it back in for Somma to score from close in. Since City have only once come from a goal down to get a result once this season things looked bad. At least City kept trying but again we had no creativity from midfield despite Gunnarsson trying his best he is a holding midfield and nothing at all from the flanks. City’s best bet was from a set piece and one corner was knocked over Jutkiewicz hooked the ball high over the bar. At the other end Westwood kept City in the game with a good save. Clarke was booked for fouling Gradel maybe the Coundon kid should have fouled him in the opening minutes. AB took of the disappointing Eastwood, no the first time he has been disappointing since he arrived and brought on McSheffrey. The sub was maybe even worse meanwhile we have Bell on the bench and you have to wonder why he has slipped so far down the pecking order? City tried hard but couldn’t threaten Leeds and the run stretched to 10 league games without a win. Only on 21 other occasions have we gone such a long time with a league victory in a single season.

Man of the match
1st Richard Wood Solid at the back looked a threat up front
2nd Aron Gunnarsson Worked hard in midfield needs a creative player alongside him
3rd Keiren Westwood kept the score down.

Coventry City Vs Nottingham Forest

A very quiet window saw City hold on to all our first team players but the sale of young Connor Thomas to Liverpool raised a few eye brows from some and anger from many after the game AB confirmed it was a board decision leaving many people to blame the board and not the manager for the current slump. We needed Thomas as Clingan picked up an injury in the warm up leaving us with only one central midfielder fit in the entire squad. The team was in goal and too many a surprise Westwood the back four were Keogh, Cameron, Wood and O’Halloran with McSheffrey, Cranie, Gunnarsson and Baker leaving King and Eastwood up front.

City attacked the away end in the first half and early on referee Mr D’Urso who had a decent game awarded City a free kick McSheffrey took it and hit the crossbar. The game itself was fairly dull as most of the home crowd seemed to have turned up just to go through the motions. The new Forest loan Konchesky was very lucky to escape a yellow card when he brought down O’Halloran as City struggled to put any flowing moves together not surprising really with a defensive midfielder and a defender in the middle of the park. At our end Mooussi should of don’t better with a free shot but hit it tamely at Westwood. Then out of the blue a McSheffrey cross was headed partially away by a Forest defender all the visiting players seem to freeze as King reacted totally unmarked he headed the ball back Lee Camp go a touch Eastwood went for the ball and it rolled into the path of King who had a simple tap in for his third goal in a row. City now needed to keep Forest out as they pressed forward and five minutes after the goal McGuagan shot from distance and amazingly a tame shot seem to confuse Westwood and the ball ended up in the back of the net it was a bad error form the keeper even the best can make mistakes. Forest went close minutes later as the visitors took control. Then Moussi raced down the right as he reached the by line he pulled up with an injury O’Halloran had a chance to tackle the player but didn’t the injured Forest player too his credit whipped in a cross and Earnshaw scored with a header. It was a dreadful goal to give away. City were rightly booed off at half time and if we didn’t have enough bad luck Cameron limped off.

Second half saw Clarke a Coundon player the board haven’t sold yet come on into midfield. City still looked clueless apart from King who was the only player causing Forest trouble. The disgraced forward then had a good shot on the turn before driving in one of his dangerous crosses for Eastwood who disappointedly fired over. It was clear that Forest started to sit back and waste as much time as possible, which was strange because most though if they keep up the same pressure they could win easily. Adebola came on for Forest to good applause from the City fans before Platt and Jutkiewicz came on for McSheffrey and Eastwood. The introduction of “The Tree” seemed to have lifted City as he put himself about. Jutkiewicz did get a shot on target but had no power then minutes later Platt put him through but he was quickly closed down by Camp and the forward fired into the side netting, King was unmarked and gave the forward a mouthful for not laying it off. Forest switched to 5-4-1 as sat deep City had several half chances but couldn’t force Camp into any action. King has switched wide a position I think he could play well in mainly because his ability to cross the ball with pace on of those cross was just missed by Platt by a couple of inches. City could break through and the long run without a league win continues it looks like AB will need to do some good business when the loan window opens next week, as we are now closer to the drop then the play offs.
Man of the Match
1st Marlon King Never thought I make him motm but no one else deserved it
2nd Martin Cranie Forced to play out of position did well enough
3rd Clive Platt Contributed to a late attempted fight back

Birmingham City Vs Coventry City

A great thing about playing Brum is it is no too far away. I left my house about 50 minutes before I would leave for a home game and after being picked up on the Brum Road we soon arrived via the Coventry Road to St Andrews. The locals were still on could 9 after qualifying for a big Wembley Cup Final for the first time since the 1950’s. As normal the bandwagons were out as plenty of unfamiliar faces filled the away end. Only 10,00 Birmingham fans turned up and they have a population of around 2 million. With Doyle sold Clingan was to come straight in until he picked up an injury forcing the Manager to give a full debut in midfield to Connor Thomas. The rest of the team was in goal maybe for the last time Westwood the back four were Keogh, Wood, Cranie and O’Halloran in midfield was Baker, Gunnarsson and ex-Blues player whose picture is still up on the exterior of St Andrews McSheffrey leaving King to partner a surprise in selection Platt up front. Birmingham made nine changes from the Semi Final win over West Ham but 8 of them did play in their last league game.

Last week it was Taarbt that looked the difference this week it was David Bentley that caused no end of trouble down the left. The disposed Baker far too easily and crossed for Zigic but the giant forward headed wide from close in. Then the former England winger forced Westwood into an excellent save pushing the ball onto the bar. City slowly got into the game when King tested out Colin Doyle in the Blues goal it was the same Doyle that played for us in the League Cup game at Morecambe. A minute later Gunnarsson coolly took the ball up field and found King the forward shot across Doyle and knocked the ball in off the to fire the Sky Blues into the lead. Suddenly to our right several fans ran out of the home end and some scuffling could be seen as Coventry fans had sneaked into there because they couldn’t get tickets in the away end. City were playing with confidence and Birmingham apart from Bentley were not looking like a threat. Birmingham won some corner that was dealt with by City but on the 25th minute City won a corner and McSheffrey delivered it to the far post were Wood rose to head his first goal of the season. More ejections from the right of us but we led Premiership Birmingham by two goals. It was now the Sky Blues and not the Blues fans singing “Wembley”. City needed to hold on until half time but didn’t when Bentley drifted infield and was left unchallenged to blast the ball past Westwood from 30 yards out it was a great goal. City held out until Mr Dean blew for half time. It fact it was nice to notice the officials as they remained totally anomalous throughout the game and you can’t have higher praise than that.

Birmingham stormed out in the second half and took a grip on the game it was a case could Coventry hold out? Despite the best efforts City were pushed back and the long ball to Platt was now being cut out. Then with 66 minutes gone Parnaby was give far too much room and he scored after what looked like a scramble in the box. Westwood then saved well from Kevin Phillips as the Bluenoses looked to avoid any replay. Birmingham won a corner and the ball fell to Phillips he cracked in a good volley and the come back was complete. We needed a change and there were calls for Eastwood to the wrong tune I might add. With ten to go off went Thomas and Platt and on came Cameron and Eastwood. Birmingham coped comfortably with the late rally with noting more than half chances created but the delivery from both wings was poor. King did well to get a shot on target but Doyle saved comfortably. So we were dumped out of the cup maybe if we lost 3-0 it wouldn’t of felt so bad.
A few big games coming up we desperately need a win to steady the ship.

Man of the Match
1st Richard Wood Scored and defended well
2nd Aron Gunnarsson did the work of two in midfield
3rd Marlon King looked the only forward capable of causing any problems for Birmingham

Queens Park Rangers Vs Coventry City

The day didn’t start well as my handbrake on my car refused to disengage thankfully it was an early start and we were meeting in Coventry so no problem getting to the meeting point. We reached Shepard’s Bush in good time on a Sunday with QPR about the only London ground that is easy to reach. We were looking for a result to remain unbeaten here for 6 consecutive seasons only achieved three previous times in our history but QPR are top by far the best team in the division and the richest. Silly rumour of the day was that Doyle was about to be sold to Sheffield United but the midfielder never really got on with Micky Adams. Inside the ground we found some fans had been conned into paying £30 for a seat whilst others paid £25 for the same end stand. There was one predictable change to the City side who lined up thus in goal Westwood the back four were O’Halloran, Cranie, Wood and Keogh in midfield we had McSheffrey, Doyle, Gunnarsson and Baker leaving Eastwood and the returning King up front.

I decided to keep an eye on O’Halloran today to see how he could defend against quality opposition. QPR started the better not surprisingly but City were not being overran. Helguson should of scored early on but headed wide from close in. During a City attack defender Derry lunged in a two-footed tackle but the referee Mr Haywood played a good advantage. When a break in play came the referee to our anger only had a word with the defender when it should have been a yellow card. King then had a shot on goal as the Rangers fans first sang the now predictable “she said no” and then with the far more witty and original “he should of got ten years”. Minutes later he got his own back as Eastwood found McSheffrey the winger drove in a cross and King diverted the ball into the bottom corner to fire City into a lead. QPR do have many quality players but it was Taarabt who stuck out like a sore thumb as a player far too good for this division. The Moroccan was the main threat to City as the back four were coping with the threats aided by Gunnarsson and Doyle who picked up a booking for a simple trip. Then Derry hit a powerful drive toward the top corner forcing a brilliant save from Westwood. Under other managers City might of sat back and defended but we still looked to go forward and Eastwood was sent clear he decided to shoot when King was unmarked and he blasted well wide. Derry again went in two footed this time on Doyle and Mr Haywood booked him it should have been his second yellow but only Coventry players are sent off for those tackles it seems. Near the end of the half we were amazed to see four minutes of injury time put up when I timed it at one and half minutes. Three minutes into that time Taarabt broke into the area and smacked the ball into the top corner a great goal but the half should of ended. QPR threatened again and looked like they could even take the lead but thankfully the half time whistle went.

Jutkiewicz replaced the disappointing Eastwood at half time and the big forward just missed out on getting on the end of a McSheffrey cross early on. At the other end Taarabt hit the left-hand post from a free kick and the ball ran across the goal before being cleared. At our end a King shot and the Ranger’s keeper Kenny couldn’t hold on to but the custodian showed great reflexes to block the ball before Jutkiewicz could reach it. Westwood then saved from Taarabt in an entertaining encounter. City still looked dangerous at our end when a touch of good control by King set up McSheffrey who blasted the ball high from a good position. Clingan came on for his first game of the year replacing the hardworking Doyle. The game could go either way when new signing and making his 2nd QPR debut Routledge was sent clear and beat Westwood to fire the leaders into the lead. Platt came on as City changed to the long ball. City threatened and won corners and throw in even Westwood came up for one corner but Rangers do not concede many at home. O’Halloran who let noting past him all day picked up a deserved booking for tripping a player trying to beat him out wide. Three minutes injury time was played which was correct unlike the first half but City couldn’t break through. We deserved a point at least but it is now eight league games without a win the play offs look a long way off. We need some luck going our way in games we are playing well enough a player that can score regularly would be good as well.

Man of the Match
1st Stephen O’Halloran Defended well
2nd Marlon King Great first touch and a goal
3rd Michael Doyle Worked hard

Coventry City Vs Sheffield United

Micky Adams returned to the Rioch and on the whole was given a decent reception by the City faithful. Only Two managers since relegation have a better record then MA they are Eric Black and the current incumbent Adie Boothroyd. In the battle of the Tyke managers our own Yorkshire man pleased many by sticking to the side that beat Palace. In goal was Westwood with Keogh, Cranie, Wood and O’Halloran in defence, Baker, Gunnarsson, Doyle and McSheffrey in midfield leaving Jutkiewicz and Eastwood up front.

City continued the good work from the Palace game as they attacked to Telegraph stand and put the Blades under early pressure. A corner in the first few minutes was scrambled away by the United defenders. Sheffield were a little too fired up as McSheffrey was hacked down but to everyone’s astonishment the referee Mr Webster did not even speak the perpetrator of the foul when a yellow card was called for. Sheffield were allowed to get away with many things like fouls and tugs on Jutkiewicz shirt whilst City were trying to play football is this really a Boothroyd side? Mattock was the first into the book after flooring Keogh. Our wingers were causing many problems aided and abetted by the full backs while Gunnarsson and Doyle controlled midfield. After 15 minutes Eastwood had a run on goal but his shot was disappointing and straight at the keeper. Baker was dribbling well and the Blades defenders were struggling to keep him quiet. City were getting closer to a goal when United’s keeper Simonsen did well to block an Eastwood shot at his right hand post. Minutes later more confusion in the away penalty area as Jutkiewicz got the ball and looked likely to score until Simonsen did really well to block at his feet. The keeper then kept out Baker as City swamped United. The keeper kept up his one-man campaign to earn United at least a point deigning Baker twice. Wood then headed over from a corner as City dominated. A McSheffrey drive hi the hand of a defender but the officials were right not to award a penalty. The officials were giving nothing our was as Baker was controlling the ball near the corner flag he must have been fouled at least four times but the linesman gave nothing and in the dieing seconds Jutkiewicz had a goal bound shot deflected over. So half time and no goals thanks almost entirely to the visiting keeper. We knew United couldn’t be as bad in the second half and “Arthur” would have them fired up.

Fired up by MA’s half time team talk United came racing out of the blocks in the second half and pushed City back. We thought, “Will all the action be up our end?” Soon City were on top again as Jutkiewicz went down in the area but again no penalty given. City kept up the pressure and won a free kick McSheffrey took it and forced Simonsen into a save. Most fans had the feeling that United could sneak the game, as Simonsen was looking unbeatable. Another free kick was awarded and again Sheff took it again Simosen saved but he ball rebounded off the cross bar onto the back of the keeper’s head and looped over the bar, it wasn’t going to be our day. In a rare attack United almost scored but Westwood blocked the shot. Clive Platt came on for Jutkiewicz late on. City kept going to the final minute when McSheffrey did well to find room but then blazed his shot over and in the last second the lineman flagged for a City throw in that was in a dangerous place only to be overruled by the referee much to the disbelief of the crowd.

So a scoreless draw but most fans left after watching one of the best team performances of the season. The players were applauded from the ground and even Simonsen received generous applause from the City fans.

Man of the Match
1st Carl Baker Very tricky
2nd Gary McSheffrey Looks better with O’Halloran behind him
3rd Lukas Jutkiewicz as normal worked hard but had no luck in front of goal.

Coventry City Vs Crystal Palace

Palace must view The Rioch like we viewed Oakwell in their five visits Palace have won four and drawn once. Most fans that regularly travel away were dreading one result a draw and another trip to Croydon. This must have been the most unglamorous tie of the 3rd Round and only 8,000 turned up to watch the game which was a good thousand up on the last FA Cup game at The Rioch a defeat by Portsmouth. AB made a couple of changes promising to respect the FA Cup in goal was Westwood with Keogh, Wood, Cranie and making his full debut O’Halloran in defence. In midfield we had Baker, Gunnarsson, Doyle and McSheffrey leaving Eastwood and Jutkiewicz up front.

City won the toss and decided to attack the Telegraph Stand in the first half with the sun in eyes of the Eagle’s keeper. City started well against the Championship strugglers with Gunnarsson and Captain Doyle taking an early grip of midfield. The full backs and the wide players were probing well when Keogh won a corner. The ball was delivered by McSheffrey and flicked on by Gunnarsson. Jutkiewicz attacked the ball and hit the underside of the crossbar with a header. City kept up the pressure against a poor looking Palace side and soon McSheffrey beat his man on the right put in a low cross Eastwood got to it first and steered the ball past Speroni to fire City into a lead. It was Freddy’s third goal in a row but his first for City in a cup game. With Palace still reeling from conceding the goal Eastwood drifted to the right and knocked a cross to the unmarked Baker, the midfielder struck the ball first time and made it 2-0. Two goals and not a hoof ball in sight. City were in total control and we put any thoughts of a replay out of our minds. City were coping well with any Palace threats and looked well balanced. The referee Mr Pawson was having a decent game and decided not to book a Palace player when he dragged Jutkiewicz down by the neck. To their credit the Palace fans were making plenty of noise a bit like we did at Barnsley. City should have wrapped it up when Eastwood sent Jutkiewicz through but he fired a weak shot at the keeper, at least he got it on target. Palace temporary boss Dougie Freedman took off N’Diaye to huge cheers for the away fans and brought on Counago just before half time.

Palace had to improve in the second half and they did when Dorman fired wide then Iverson went down but Mr Pawson said no penalty. Eastwood then had two pot shots at the Palace goal. City despite the increased pressure were looking comfortable as AB decided to give O’Donovan a rare run out replacing Eastwood just after the hour mark. Eight minutes later AB sent on Connor Thomas for his debut. The new boy went into the centre and Gunnarsson switched wide. Palace now desperate started to throw players forward as City tired. A scramble in the box saw Neil Danns somehow beat three defenders and a keeper to the ball and scruffily roll the ball into the net. Suddenly you could almost feel the City team start to panic and so were the fans. Minutes later O’Halloran attempted to win the ball but he missed catching the knee of a Palace player and brining him down a clear penalty. I went mad blaming the team for costing my £30 for the reply it was pointed out it might only cost around £20 but it is the principle of a midweek trip to Palace that had everyone’s head in their hands. Up stepped Danns he planted the kick central but thankfully Westwood blocked it with his legs and the ball was cleared. On came Platt to hold the ball up front and City were hanging on. Minutes later Danns connected to cross but somehow planted it wide from close in. City hung on to our first home victory against Palace for 6 ½ years, a place in the 4th Round and our first win for six games

Man of the Match
1st Aron Gunnarsson looked a lot better in the middle of midfield
2nd Freddy Eastwood a goal and an assist
3rd Kieren Westwood a vital penalty save that gifted us a free Tuesday.

Barnsley Vs Coventry City

So to a ground we have won at in the last four seasons could the impossible run continue? With one out and two back from suspension AB made the changes. In goal was Westwood, with Wood, McPake, Cameron and Keogh in defence with McSheffrey, Carsley, Doyle and Gunnarsson in midfield leaving Eastwood and Platt up front.

A couple of minutes into the game Nathan Doyle was given space on the edge of the area and he controlled the ball with his chest and volleyed it before I could say “oh good shot” the ball was in the back of the net a great goal but a terrible start. Before the goal McPake seemed to have picked up an injury and not long after he was forced off with yet another injury on came Cranie to play on the ground he made his City debut on. Barnsley were in control with their wide players seeing plenty of the ball it looked more likely they would score instead of us. City slowly recovered and near the half hour mark a long ball was sent and Steel punched the ball under pressure from Platt then bizarrely with the ball in midfield a Barnsley player launched the ball back toward his own goal at first it looked like it was going in but instead found a surprised Platt just wide of the goal he controlled the ball but Steel was out quick to smoother the shot. This lifted City and five minutes later Gunnarsson floated in a great ball Eastwood lost his marker and just about scrambled the ball home to level the game up. It was the forward’s fourth goal in four starts this season. City now were on top as Eastwood forced a save from the former City keeper before Hassall was booked for chopping down “the Tree”. McSheffrey took the free kick that Steel caught on the goal line. Barnsley again tried shooting from distance but in the space of seconds the City players blocked four good drives. Half time all level.

At the back of the away end we had a great view of the sunset over Barnsley. Minutes into the second half a ball was crossed and Lovre was left unmarked and he scored. Barnsley then sat back and tried to hit City on the counter meanwhile The Sky Blues became even more route one then before, if that is possible. Platt was winning most of the ball up front whilst Eastwood was working hard on the wing Gunnarsson looked our most dangerous player whilst no one else joined in. If a team is going to play the long ball one thing they need to do well is set pieces with players the size of Platt and Cameron in the side an accurate corner of free kick could be vital but again our set pieces were poor we need Clingan back. City fans were singing defiantly the type of songs we sing when the team is not playing well after “twist and Shout” and a very long rendition of “follow City away” some old songs from the past surfaced about old players. With time running out McSheffrey forced Steel into a good save as we upped the pressure. Then in the dieing seconds Gunnarsson was picked out in the area he controlled the ball well before blasting it well over and the bad run continued. City slip to mid table and the honeymoon is over for AB we now need to start winning again to keep us in touch a mid table finish would still be an improvement.

Man of the Match
1st Freddy Eastwood Four goals in four starts
2nd Aron Gunnarsson Would have been man of the match if he didn’t miss the late chance
3rd Clive Platt Won a lot of the ball a better delivery from set pieces might of helped him

Coventry City Vs Ipswich Town

For the first game of the year AB made two changes to the starting line up promising to mix it up in terms of playing style. In goal was Westwood with Wood, McPake, Cameron and Keogh in defence, Jutkiewicz, Doyle, Carsley and Bell in midfield with King and Eastwood up front trying out a new striking partnership.

City seemed to attempt to play less hoof ball in this game, as the front two were neither target men. Ipswich showed first attacking the Telegraph stand but City were defending well. The front two despite being very similar players seemed to be playing well together when from a corner King hit the post. Then King laid the ball into Eastwood’s path who then shot inches wide. Jutkiewicz needed treatment when hit by an elbow that the officials missed not for the only time. The game was fairly even when Edwards thundered a shot against the City post and was cleared. Ipswich had a few more efforts in a decent game before Eastwood forced former City keeper Fulop into a save. Then with minutes remaining Ipswich put in a decisive attack Westwood did well to palm away a shot unfortunately it fell to Fallon who drove the ball into the net to give the visitors a half time lead.

Under Boothroyd City so far had only come from behind once to earn points so it wasn’t looking good when the game kicked off for the second half. Minutes into the half King laid a huge Westwood goal kick off first touch into the path of Eastwood he shot from the edge of the area and beat the keeper to bring the game alive. Minutes later Eastwood threaten again but shot over when maybe he should of passed to King. With City on top the turning point happen as King went in two footed and won the ball but the referee Mr Booth showed a quick red card. The challenge was not dangerous but two footed challenges is a red card offence. So City down to ten man and up against at home again. Minutes later McPake was down in a heap I didn’t see what happened but an elbow may have been involved with the home crowd demanding a red Jason Scotland was showed a yellow card and was very lucky. Ipswich were keeping possession more trying to stretch the ten men and Colbeck should have scored when he had a few header. AB threw on Platt and switched Eastwood wide the big forward did well in holding the ball up as City looked for a goal. One came minutes later when Wood crossed from the left the linesman immediately signalled off side for Eastwood but the forward was inactive and moved on side, from an on side position McPake stroked the ball home and it should of counted it was a terrible decision by the linesman who was awful throughout. Both teams searched for a winner in an entertaining encounter City had several set pieces but failed to get the delivery right as everyone was working hard to stop Ipswich. Then with three minutes to go Jutkiewicz got into the box and went down between two players he may have gone down easily but it was a clear penalty, City robbed again! City hung on for a point that in the circumstances was a good point we can only hope for some decent officials, as we seem to be on the wrong end of some bad decisions recently but Boothroyd will never use that as an excuse.

Man of the Match
1st Freddy Eastwood Hard work and a goal
2nd James McPake Played well at the back.
3rd Richard Wood Worked hard down the flank.

Coventry City Vs QPR

City ended the year with a home game against table toppers QPR. It was an early start for Sky Cameras and the team was in goal Westwood, with Wood, McPake, Cameron and Keogh in defence, the midfield comprised of McSheffrey, Carsley, Doyle and Bell leaving Platt up front with King.

On paper this is the toughest home game of the season against the mega rich London club. QPR attacked the Telegraph Stand in the first half and Cameron was busy defending well. City were predictable at the other end but still created chances when King should of done better when he force Paddy Kenny in the Ranger’s goal into a save. City were certainly playing better then they did at Cardiff. The first controversy of the day when Helguson clearly elbowed Keogh the referee Mr Swarbrick only produced a yellow card when really it should have been red. Minutes later Walker went down too easily as he passed McSheffrey and the referee booked the Coventry player, McSheffrey pointed out it wasn’t as bad as the elbow earlier. Platt was being contained easily as the Rangers players were allowed to hold on to him most of the game he was on his own as King likes to drift wide were he can put in a good cross. It was McSheffrey who had the leaders worried with a good run he picked out King in the area but the forward’s finish was very weak and no problem for Kenny. The game itself was entertaining with both sides looking to go forward. A good move by City saw King drive one of his hard crosses into the box and Platt forced Kenny into an excellent save. Kenny then saved well from a corner and a Wood headed was cleared off the line. Half time no goals all to play for.

A few minutes into the second half Taarabt maybe The Championship’s best player out muscled McSheffrey and raced into the area his shot was deflected in by the unlucky Westwood into the net. QPR took control was City struggled to make inroads. Then on the hour mark Taarabt crossed from the right and Tommy Smith skimmed a header past Westwood to make it 2-0. City started to get more into the game again and McSheffrey had a shot that went close. AB made some surprising changes of came Bell to be replaced by Callum Wilson making his league debut he was a sub in the League Cup defeat against Hartlepool a couple of seasons ago and off went Wood and Stephen O’Halloran finally made his debut and the Irishman showed some good pace early on. Eastwood was also ready to come on but the manager didn’t seem to want him on yet. Meanwhile Mr Swarbrick seemed to give most things the away sides way including a clear back pass to Kenny. QPR saw out the rest of the game without any scares. So two 2-0 defeats against the top two and City end the year in 7th place only separated from the play off places on goal difference.

Man of the Match
1st Nathan Cameron Was solid at the back
2nd Gary McSheffrey the only forward player to really cause problems
3rd Richard Keogh recovered well from the Bellamy roasting to face Tarrabt the rest of the season should be a stroll.

Cardiff City Vs Coventry City

With Paul on his annual winter break it was up to me to drive the 112+ miles to Cardiff through the winter landscape and dense fog patches. AB made changes as 3rd played 6th. In goal was Westwood apparently we had turned down 2.5 million for him before Christmas. In defence were Wood, McPake, Cameron and Keogh, in midfield were McSheffrey, Carsley, Doyle and making a rare start Clarke, leaving King and a recalled Jutkiewicz to play up front together.

It was cold but not as cold as Scunthorpe and the pitch looked in good condition as Coventry attack the end nearest us in the first half. The Blue Birds were first to show and it was arch nemesis Craig “a lot of swear word that I will not repeat” Bellamy that was first to show giving Keogh a hard game as the former City player roasted the full back at very opportunity. City were finding it hard to get into the game as no one seemed able to pass and the long ball far less effect without Platt. City were hanging on when Cardiff won a free kick it was floated in and a Cardiff player broke from the pack with only Westwood to beat but his header was superbly palmed away by the keeper. Cardiff kept up the pressure and Westwood again came to the rescue with another point blank save. City conceded a free kick in our own half and Cardiff took it quickly a good ten yards from were the offence took place. Bellamy raced away and squared the ball to Olofinjana who cracked a terrific shot past Westwood to give the Welsh side a deserved goal lead. The only question was could City keep the score down to one to give us a chance in the second half? Cardiff kept pressing and some wasteful finishing City were still hanging on. Westwood for the third time came to the rescue saving with his feet to deign Chopra. City fans meanwhile were singing to the tune of “Feed the World”, “Feed the Welsh, let them know its Christmas Time.” In the dieing minutes of the half Doyle slid on a bad challenge to be fair the Cardiff player didn’t make a meal of it and the referee Mr Salisbury who apart from the opening goal had a decent game ignored the home crowd showing only a yellow card. We hung on until half time

The second half continued in the same vein until AB made changes of came the Coventry kids on the wing McSheffrey and a very disappointing Clarke on came Eastwood and Platt. Jutkiewicz and King went wide and I for one think King is far better winger then a forward. City immediately looked better as Platt was able to hold up the long ball and King was causing trouble, but in a football sense down the wing whipping in some dangerous crosses. Despite this Cardiff were still on top as Bellamy received huge amounts of stick off the travelling fans and too our delight was booked after mouthing off too much something he can’t stop doing. Westwood pulled off yet another good save to keep City in the game. Then King blasted in a cross and Jutkiewicz steered it home but the linesman had his flag up quickly for off side. After Bellamy had been taken out by Keogh Mr Salisbury played on and the Dwarf got back to his feet and rejoined the attack he cut inside and his shot took a massive deflection off McPake and past Westwood. Cardiff couldn’t add to the score and won by only two goals. There is a massive class gulf between the sides and automatic promotion looks a distant dream but hopefully City will not crumble and we can stay close to the top six.

Man of the Match
1st Keiren Westwood Overwhelming choice
2nd Marlon King Have to be honest the only outfield player that caused trouble, again in a football sense
3rd James McPake Worked hard

Coventry City Vs Norwich City

The day started with heavy snow and many hoped the game would be called off but this would have been too expensive thing to do with the playing surface in good condition considering the snow. The side roads in Coventry made for difficult driving and even more difficult cycling those of us made enough to cycle to the ground. At the ground I heard the team news and for once AB had to make a chance, as Carsley would miss his first minutes of the league season via suspension. The team was in goal Westwood with a back four of Wood, Cameron, McPake and Keogh, midfield was the former Norwich player Bell with Gunnarsson moving into the middle and Doyle being named captain, leaving McSheffrey on the wing. Up front were King and Platt.

City attacked the away end first and from the opening decision by referee Sarginson we could tell he would give us nothing during the game. Then five minutes into the game Platt raced into the area and the defender slipped and brought the “Tree” down as clear a penalty as you would ever what to see but Mr Sarginson said no. The Norwich players threw themselves to the floor at every opportunity and surrounded the ref if he had a cheek to give a decision the other way. The ref then missed a blatant handball before deeming a forearm smash on McSheffrey only warranted a lecture! The game wasn’t bad entertainment considering the condition as first Norwich went close and then a Bell shot was block in the area the fans at that side of the ground appealed for a penalty. Then after 33 minutes Gunnarsson slipped and threw himself into a tackle he won the ball but the Norwich player Lansbury threw himself into the air and the referee couldn’t wait to show Aron a straight red. After the game honest Adie said it was a red card but he is always refreshing how he never blames the referee but the fans had different views that he should of taken into view the conditions like he did when he missed Platt being brought down in the box. King moved to the right and Bell who had put in a few good crosses moved into midfield. A bit later Platt was booked for a foul by King they hardly look alike or have the same build. Norwich started to pass the ball around well being patient looking for an opening but City held on at half time no goals.

AB made the changes off came Bell and on came Cranie to play in midfield. The sub did get an early shot on target but struggled from then on. Norwich were still knocking the ball around well and looking the more likely but from a corner Wood came very close to firing City into a lead. Westwood then pulled of an excellent save as the pressure grew. Then just after an hour a good cross from the right saw Grant Holt dive in to end City’s long run without conceding. Westwood pulled off another good save but it wasn’t all one way as McSheffrey and Keogh were raiding well and it was the defender who supplied a great ball to put King clear the former inmate steadied himself and drilled the ball past Ruddy to level the game up. AB went for the win sending on Jutkiewicz for Platt. King then spurred by his first goal from open play fired over when he should have passed to Jutkiewicz. Another good save from Westwood kept the game level. From that corner Holt was left totally unmarked and the forward scored his second. Eastwood was sent on for McPake to try to grab a draw. The forward almost did this as he rattled the goal from a narrow angle in the dieing minutes. So City lost and slipped to 6th. We will what ever happens on Boxing Day we will end the year in the top six. Hopefully the second part of season can be as good as the first.

Man of the match
1st Kieren Westwood some great saves
2nd Richard Keogh raided well
3rd Gary McSheffrey loves the cold weather

Reading Vs Coventry City
We were optimistic of a victory as we travelled down to the Madejski. AB keep the same line up again as he had no reason to change a winning side. In goal was Westwood with the back four being Wood, McPake, Cameron and Keogh. In midfield we had McSheffrey, Clingan, Doyle and Gunnarsson with Platt and King whose appeal against his crimes had recently been upheld. Before the Paul spoke to a young Reading supporter who when asked what will the score be said “a draw” he also claimed Jay Tabb was “rubbish.”

Last season we were torn apart down both flanks by The Royals’ wingers this they started off in a similar mood. Things have changed this season with Stephen Wright no longer in the team Keogh and Wood stuck close to Kebe and McAnuff making it as difficult as they could for the wide players. McPake was harshly booked early on by Mr Tierney who seemed to give most things to the home side. Thankfully the finishing for the front two was not very good as McPake and especially Cameron kept a tight grip on them. They still had their chances and Long should of scored after a good cross but he put it wide. Long had two more chances again he failed to hit the target. City slowly got to grips with Reading’s tactics and started to press forward McSheffrey sent Plat through but his shot was blocked. Gunnarsson then tested Federici in the Royals’ goal. Then City had a great chance Platt found King and he hammered a shot against the post. McSheffrey then as he can do fell over in the area but the referee refused to give a penalty and it looked the correct decision. In the dieing seconds Reading won a corner when it clearly came off a home player but City stood firm and went in halt time level with no goals.

Despite the late chances for City Reading looked the far better team in the first half but Radio Reading were worried about City’s forwards and wide two. City attacked the end we were in during the second half and played better as we put early pressure on their back four well marshalled by former City loan Matt Mills. The threat from the Reading wingers was far less in the 2nd half as both full backs were playing well but Reading did break through forcing Westwood into a good save and leaving McPake to head off the line. Then at our end King went down in the area but it would have had to been a very clear penalty for this ref to give us a spot kick. Then Jay Tabb was sent on looking for his first Reading goal he was well applauded by the City faithful. The game was finely balanced as we entered the closing stages but both defences were on top. Deep into injury time we won a dangerous free kick on the edge of the box as King lined up to take it as a worried Paul turned to me and said “what do we do if he scores?” King curled the ball around the wall only for keeper Federici to pull off a good save and that was that. It was a good point for City and the fans headed home in a good mood.

Man of the Match
1st Nathan Cameron He was massive in the game on only in build.
2nd Richard Wood Adapting to left back well
3rd Richard Keogh Got to grips with the player that destroyed Wright last season.

Coventry City Vs Middlesbrough

It was a mini thaw as relegation threatened Middlesbrough were in town. AB kept the side that started at Scunthorpe in goal we had Westwood with Wood, McPake, Cameron and Keogh in defence with Gunnarsson, Doyle, Carsley and McSheffrey in midfield leaving Platt and King up front.

Middlesbrough have only scored 4 times away from home this season but that was hard to believe as they did most of the early running. Doyle was putting himself about well in the early stages as the North East club played several balls over the heads of our defenders to see if the likes of Leroy Lita could out pace our back two but McPake was on his game and cut out several dangerous balls. One big threat was the visitors’ winger Emnes who gave Stephen Wright a run a round last season was testing Wood in this game but the defender was just about keeping tabs on him. The Middlesbrough central defenders were coping well with our front two as the away fans continually taunted King who played for them scoring 2 goals in 13 games which about the average goal scoring rate of the forward in the top flight hardly Premiership class. Middlesbrough were still buzzing around our area without the final ball or the ability to finish whilst McSheffrey force a save from the away keeper. McSheffrey then won a free kick out wide, which King curved a hard shot into the hands of the keeper. Then Middlesbrough came close as Arca placed the ball in the top corner of the goal only to see Westwood scramble back and push the shot away colliding with the post at the same time. Then with ½ an hour gone Lita got in front of Cameron the big defender was clumsy and Lita went down no arguments over the penalty being awarded by the very good Mr Whitestone. Lita took the penalty. He ran up with a stuttering run hoping Westwood would dive but he stayed on his feet so when the forward reached the ball he struggled to put on power on the shot and Westwood saved the ball fell to Lita who had a simple tap in but under pressure from Westwood smacked the cross bar the ball was cleared. This delighted the fans and I set off on a rant calling Lita “an arrogant little so and so”. The miss seemed to fire up Middlesbrough as they dominated the rest of the half but the back four aided by the midfield held firm until half time.

City were better in the second half and the game was an even contest. Westwood then saved from Emnes as the winger got a shot on target. The game at a stalemate AB made a move by withdrawing Gunnarsson and bringing on Eastwood this seemed a strange move as Gunnarsson was having a good game but it we soon realised AB switched to 4-3-3 to try to win the game. City sometimes can play the ball on the deck and one sweeping move saw Doyle race clear we were expecting him to get a powerful shot on target but the midfielder skied his shot. McSheffrey spent the game buzzing around the Middlesbrough defenders making a nuisances of him self and after 78 minutes he broke in the box and was brought down by Bates another clear penalty. Sheff picked the ball up looking for his 50th league goal for City but King raced over and snatched the ball from him. King took the penalty and placed it well in the right hand corner of the goal to signal his first goal for the club people around me stayed seated. Middlesbrough hit back and Emnes hit the crossbar. AB changed things around taking of King and brining on Jutkiewicz and switching back to 4-4-2. City started to be boring and waste as much time as possible. Clarke then replaced McSheffrey as City sat back. Eastwood then broke from a corner and tried to tee up Clarke at the far post but he over hit the ball. Eastwood had another chance this time firing in a shot with great power Steele in the away goal bizarrely keep the ball out y using his chest and not his hands. City took every opportunity to take the ball into the corner and when a Tree has the ball there it is hard to get the ball back. This wasn’t to everyone’s liking and some booing could be heard this was soon replaced with the “Sky Blues Song” as the rest of the crowd would rather see a win and risk a counter attack. Wheater then was very lucky to escape a red when he stamped on Jutkiewicz no doubt the referee realised it was just frustration at City’s time wasting tactics. City saw out injury time with not too much bother and retained a top 6 place.

The Christmas period sees City face some tough teams this will determine if we are a real automatic promotion candidate or we will just settle for a battle for a play off p-lace how times have changed.

Man of the Match

1st James McPake Broken record with me but he was awesome again.
2nd Kieren Westwood Some great saves with save from the follow up top class
3rd Gary McSheffrey Ran all day deserved a goal and a contract extension.

Scunthorpe United Vs Coventry City

We travelled through the snow to reach North Lincolnshire and called in Lisa on one of our travelling companions Aunt and Uncle who live near by for bacon batches. After we parked up at the oldest new ground in the league and made our way over some dodgy surfaces into the ground. A ground we have never won at but these days that holds no fear for us. The line up was in goal Westwood the back four were Wood, McPake, Cameron and Keogh with McSheffrey, Doyle, Carsley and Gunnarsson leaving King and Platt up front. Before the game Radio Humberside picked out Gary McSheffrey as the main threat.

I thought City were a long ball team but Scunthorpe also relied too heavily on the hoof up field but they didn’t have a Platt up front knocking the balls down. The quality of the game was pretty dire but the game was being ran excellently by Mr Pawson and his officials. The Irons had former City loanee Freddie Sears in their line up and it was good to see he was just as hopeless now as he was when he was on loan with us last season. Scunthorpe were poor and City looked comfortable but carved out an early chance that was blocked by Westwood. Guarding the other net was the favourite to replace Westwood should he ever leave Joe Murphy. “Westwood’s number two,” we sang and his goal kicking was terrible. City looked the better side and started to have pot shots just wide and over from McSheffrey and Carsley. The hoof ball from Scunthorpe played into the hands of Cameron and McPake at the back and they won every header. We were in good voice in the away end as we tried to keep warm in sub zero temperatures. City again threaten without testing Murphy with Carsley and then King firing wide. Then after ½ hour Keogh crossed from the right and King had a shot blocked by the keeper the ball ran out to a totally unmarked McSheffrey who calmly finished to fire the Sky Blues a goal up and to draw Sheff level with legend Mick Ferguson in the goal scoring charts. Great scenes as Sheff started a mini snowball fight with his teammates the first throw landing squarely on King’s face. City kept looking the better side as they found it hard to cope with Platt in the air and the wide players. McSheffrey then fired wide. Then in the dieing minutes Murphy raced out to punch but was beaten to it by Platt his head looped towards the goal but was cleared by Jones off the line. Half time City led and Radio Humberside seemed worried.

City started well in the second half as Gunnarsson had a shot saved but then Scunthorpe started to press City back. They won a series of corners pilling the pressure on but the team defended well and didn’t give them much of a chance. Then they came very close as a ball beat Westwood but Carsley was on hand to head off his line. The hoof ball was still being played by both sides badly by The Irons well by us the ball spent so much time in the air we started to shout “higher, higer!” Westwood’s goal kicking was almost as bad as Murphy’s do they ever teach their keepers how to kick a ball in Ireland? City were sitting deep but then landed a classic sucker punch. McSheffrey raided down the left and crossed to King he squared it to Gunnarsson who passed it back to King the forward sent in a first time shot that seemed to go wide but after a couple of seconds the players started to celebrate. King had scored! The reaction in the away end was mixed some fans went ballistic others didn’t react whilst some just managed a clap or two. I thought when King scored I would celebrate but I was wrong and I wasn’t alone. It was only after on Radio Humberside that they thought the goal was lucky and on the way home it was confirmed it was a Murphy own goal. This took the wind out of Scunthorpe’s sails as they were slipping to a club record fifth straight home defeat. City coasted and we had the rare privilege to relax in the closing minutes for once. On came Clarke, Jutkiewicz and Eastwood for a run out before the game ended and we could celebrate winning back a top six place.

I left my car in Leicester as normal and after Paul dropped us off I drove back this is where problems started to emerge I knew my car had some faults recently but it got quite hairy as the electronics started to go off which included the lights. Dropped everyone off and on the way home my engine started to cut out as well somehow got home a minor miracle good job we won.

Man of the Match
1st James McPake Solid
2nd Lee Carsley Ran all day not bad for an old guy
3rd Gary McSheffrey well predicted threat by Radio Humberside ll down the flanks

Coventry City Vs Burnley

There was a heavy gloom around the ground before kick off not the mood of the fans but it was misty and cold. Burnley had yet to win away from home but had drawn their last 5 games away so a tough afternoon was expected. Good news that Platt was back but AB sprang a surprise in defence. The team was in goal Westwood with Keogh, McPake, Cameron and Wood at the back, McSheffrey, Doyle, Carsley and Baker in midfield leaving King and Platt up front. The crowd was slightly more than we predicted considering the three defeats in a row.

Burnley had some of the early running with Eagles roaming down the left giving Wood problems playing at left back. City also looked lively going forward when Keogh had a shot blocked. Then Carsley instead of passing sideways like he normally does drove towards the box and forced Grant in the Clarets goal into a good save. Then Burnley broke and had a chance not surprisingly down the left the ball was played to Rodriquez in space in the area but he was blocked by a good save from Westwood. Burnley played the ball well but found it hard against a resolute City defence lead by McPake and even Wood was getting used to his left back birth and was keeping a tighter grip on Eagles. If any thing got through Westwood was always on hand to pluck the ball out of the air or to intercept it before a forward reached it. City then won a dangerous free kick that McSheffrey took and he placed it in the top left hand corner of the goal only to see Gant pull off an excellent save. Then Grant deigned Wood. Burnley were looking the better side but it was City that looked more likely to score. Half time came with no goals and City were harshly booed off.


The 2nd half was delayed when one of the linesman found a peg holding down the corner of the goal had come undone and delayed the kick off waiting for a grounds man but it was Clarke Carlisle a Burnley defender who simply pushed the peg back in so the game could start again. City found it hard to go forward with two defensive midfielders sitting back and Baker having a poor game the ball was constantly knocked back to Westwood to the anger of the crowd. AB decided to change things and on came Gunnarsson for Baker and the Iceland International made an immediate impact. This was after Iwelumo fired wide and at the other end Aron showed some energy by winning a corner. The crowd rose to encourage McSheffrey and his corner was partially cleared but the ball fell to Doyle and the long serving player hit a perfect hard shot back it though a crowd and into the net for his 22nd goal for the club. Burnley hit back and Cork who was one of the better players to be on loan to City and tended to score against us set up Canley kid Alexander who always seems to score against us but this time his shot was wide. Burnley now were attacking in numbers as City held firm at the back but not without incident a shot hit the hand of Cameron but thankfully the excellent Mr Webb deemed it to be ball to hand and only awarded a corner. The visitors kept up the pressure as McPake blocked and Westwood came out and forced a player wide but he rounded the keeper and his shot was blocked before the ball was played out and shot just wide as the defence had got back to stand on the line. AB then took of King who had faded in the second half and seemed to be scared to enter the penalty area on came slightly surprisingly Jutkiewicz and not Eastwood. The forward almost made a great impact when he was played clear and he beat the on rushing keeper only to see the ball drift inches wide. Burnley kept looking for a goal as an excessive amount of injury time was announced. City survived the injury time and won the game in a workmanlike performance. The win moved City up to 9th level on points with the 6th place club and behind 7th and 8th on goals scored.

Man of the Match
Not an easy choice since the back four and the keeper played well

1st James McPake the best defender at the club
2nd Richard Keogh attacked and defended well
3rd Kieren Westwood commanded his box well

Crystal Palace Vs Coventry City

It was some peoples’ idea in the front seats to drive to London and catch the train and tube in. For some reason they picked a station that means we needed three stops to reach South Norwood this took us two hours and too late to visit our favourite pub. To make matters worse I had lost my car keys and only found them again when I checked inside Paul’s boot of his car some seven hours later. We made it to the ground and enter the other end of the Arthur Wait Stand we normally sit in this was my 23rd and hopefully last visit to Selhurst Park. AB pulled a few surprises in team selection out went Gunnarsson and Platt didn’t make the bench. The team was in goal Westwood in defence was Keogh, McPake, Wood and Cranie with McSheffrey, Doyle, Carsley and Baker in midfield leaving Jutkiewicz and King up front.

Since relegation we have had a great record against the bottom side away and we started in fine form. A Keogh cross was just missed by McSheffrey as City attacked. Then another cross from the fullback found King who forced a save from Speroni in The Eagle’s goal. King is not everyone’s favourite but he was holding the ball up well and had a good first touch laying off some good balls. Jutkiewicz meanwhile was proving to be a real handful and the Palace defenders couldn’t live with him. After 13 minutes he a shot go just wide before McSheffrey picked him out and he had only the keeper to beat but as he stretched for the ball somehow he put the shot wide from just in front of the six yard box. Jutkiewicz has everything a great striker needs apart from the most important the ability to get shots on target. City kept the pressure up and it seemed only a matter of time before we would score then King had a chance but slipped as he was trying to shot and place the ball over the bar. Keogh went just over before great persistence by Jutkiewicz forced a corner. Then out of the blue McSheffrey attempted a clearance that rocketed back to Westwood. The keeper no doubt thinking it was a shot since it was hit with such pace picked the ball up, back pass Mr Miller said and we couldn’t argue with that decision. In fact Mr Miller had a good game. The indirect kick was taken and knocked back to Ambrose who smacked the ball home for an undeserved lead. City kept attacking as Lukas wasted another chance and Carsley fired over. Palace were growing in confidence, as everything seemed to be going their way. Then a very bad tackle took out Keogh and Mr Miller showed a yellow card but it wasn’t far from a red. Then it was McSheffrey turn to fail to get a shot on target as the bottom side ended on top.

City started well in the 2nd half and Carsley forced a brilliant save from Speroni with a close in header. At the other end Wood fouled Vaughan just outside the penalty area and we had a perfect view but we couldn’t believe it when the linesman signalled a penalty. Ambrose scored easily with the penalty. Despite having most of the play we had no threat from Baker, Doyle and Carsley are far too similar to play together and if McSheffrey is not scoring he offers very little. AB made changes on came Gunnarsson for Baker looks like AB doesn’t rate Aron in midfield and then off went the tiring King to be replaced by Eastwood. McSheffrey had a dive in the area but Palace were now comfortable. City switched to three at the back when O’Donovan replaced Cranie. Palace had a couple of chances to increase the lead but didn’t. That was it and City had lost 3 in a row we need Platt fit but we will miss Clingan.

We reached Paul’s car at 7 and I didn’t get home until 9.30 swearing I will never use the train to get to a football match again.

Man of the Match
1st James McPake Solid at the back
2nd Richard Keogh went forward well
3rd Marlon King sorry but had a good first half

Nottingham Forest Vs Coventry City
For once the fixture computer go it right a mid week game away to a nearby side followed by a long trek on Saturday. Despite heavy traffic we made Nottingham in plenty of time wondering how we would do without Platt and Turner? Forest have not lost at home for nearly 30 games. The team was in goal Westwood the back four were Cranie, McPake, Wood and Keogh with Gunnarsson, Clingan, Carsley and McSheffrey in midfield leaving Jutkiewicz and Forest old boy King up front. Forest as normal marched out to the massive Wings hit Mull of Kintyre with the lyrics “mist rolling in from the sea” it was totally inappropriate maybe it reminded Forest boss Billy Davies of Scotland where the chairman has accused him of running back to after every game.

Forest attacked the end we were in during the first half and could of scored twice in the opening two minutes first Westwood deigned with a close block before a player broke in the box and blazed over. Forest are a good side and play quick passes to speedy players and this was causing no end of trouble for the back four. City couldn’t get any momentum as Forest dominated but thankfully their shooting was not too accurate. Referee Mr Marnier was to give by far the worst display by an official this season giving the vast majority of decisions Forest way. Finally he gave something our way a free kick and it was taken by King but it was a poor effort. King was then rugby tackled by Chambers who received a yellow card and Clingan went close with the free kick. The third free kick in a couple of minutes was then awarded quick session Clingan drove the ball into the area and the ball was diverted in by Gunnarsson. According to Radio Nottingham it was deflected off his shoulder or it was a Luke Chambers own goal. Forest hit back immediately as Majewski hit the top corner of the net with a great drive but Westwood should have stopped even the best can make mistakes. The last action saw Clingan force a great save from Camp after another free kick.

City looked better in the second half as Keogh had a goal bound header blocked on the line by Morgan. Then Gunnarsson intercepted a stray pass and charged up field he played a great one-two with Jutkiewicz and had a clear shot on goal but blazed it well over. Forest then won a free kick and Cohen from a tight angle somehow sneaked the ball in to give the home side the lead. McSheffrey went down in the area but it looked like a dive. AB replaced McPake for Cameron and the disappointing McSheffrey with Baker. Baker looked lively and put in some good crosses. Clingan then mistimed a tackle that looked far worse than it was but he could have no arguments over the booking. Unfortunately this injury forced the former Forest player off and Doyle replaced him. Doyle’s whose first action was to lay out a Forest player with a robust challenge. Another good move from Baker saw he delivered a great cross to Gunnarsson whose shot was blocked on the line. Doyle then crossed for King who headed wide from close in. King then won a corner with a shot before he force a great save from Camp. “She said no,” sang the Forest fans something we have to get used to. “We love you Marlon,” sang one City fan somewhere in front of us. City were looking the better side as Baker and Doyle fired over. Mr Marnier was still frustrating the City fans and players as City players constantly had their shirts tugged in the area during a period of throw ins Wood tried his best to flick them on but we really missed Platt. Then Gunnarsson had an arm stuck in his face just out side the box and the referee amazed us by giving Forest a free kick. Forest held out to extend their unbeaten run at home as City lost back-to-back games for the first time this season.

We made it far south enough to hear AB’s comments on CWR before I reached home at 11.30.

Man of the Match
1st Richard Wood Four out of five votes in the car home
2nd Carl Baker Looked dangerous when he came on maybe it’s time he started.
3rd Aron Gunnarsson Got one should of scored three but worked hard.

Coventry City Vs Leeds United

With Leeds selling out the away end and a resurgence of interest this proved to be the biggest home gate for a league game since we moved to The Rioch. AB named an unchanged side for the fifth game in a row. In goal was Westwood with Cranie, Turner, Wood and Keogh at the back Gunnarsson, Clingan, Carsley and McSheffrey in midfield with Platt and Jutkiewicz up front.

Normally when City attract a big crowd the performance isn’t up to much and it looked like that again after four minutes when Keogh failed to cut out a ball and a cross found Howson unmarked to fire the Yorkshire side a goal up in front of their hoards. City looked disjointed as Leeds looked the better side early on. The referee Mr Stroud was giving everything Leeds way and allowed a lot of time wasting from the visitors. City slowly got back into the game as Turner and McSheffrey went close. Clive Platt was then forced off with an injury and on came Marlon King who gave the front more mobility but little else. “She said no,” sang the Leeds fans and it was difficult no to join in. Then near the end of the half in which Leeds looked comfortable the very Yorkshire sounding Robert Snodgrass hit a terrific shot from the edge of the area over Westwood to make it 2-0.

City needed to get the crowd back on our side quickly and this happened when Sheff found Jutkiewicz who was unmarked and the forward finally scored his first goal from open play with a simple header. This lifted City and the crowd as Leeds started to look nervous. McSheffrey had a goal ruled out for off side as the pressure built. The referee Mr Stroud was having a far better game in the 2nd half and when Keogh made contact in the area he awarded a penalty and I looked the correct decision. Gradel took the spot kick to make it 3-1 killing the fight back off before it had chance to build momentum. So we thought as City wnet straight up the other end and some hesitancy at the back saw Turner nip in and score yet another goal. The atmosphere was now fabulous as the City fans sung the Leeds fans were not as noisy as they were in the first half. Leeds hit back in a great contest and a ball sent Becchio through he rounded Westwood and fired towards an empty net for a certain goal until Turner from nowhere threw himself feet first to knock the ball of the line and in the process colliding with the post in a painful manner it was one of the best saves you are likely to see from a defender. Leeds went back to wasting as much time as possible and finally the keeper Brown was booked for taking too long over a goal kick. City pilled on the pressure and despite winning several free kicks couldn’t break Leeds down. So we lost 3-2 but had a spirited fight back hopefully we will not be back down to the 14,000 for our next home game with Burnley.

Man the match
1st Ben Turner Scored looked solid pulled off a great save.
2nd Lee Carsley Worked hard in midfield
3rd Gary McSheffrey A threat

Sheffield United Vs Coventry City

One of the joys in visiting Brammall Lane is that you can street park within a ½ minute walk of the ground but now it seems the authorities are closing down on that luxury and managed to close road and put in more parking restrictions, do they want people visiting the ground? After a half an hour Paul managed to find a car park that after the game cut out large chunks of the traffic. In the ground and it was pretty full unlike the same game last season. Things have changed so much the end of last season we visited United and saw two poor sides one City fan went to sleep on the seats. Loosing we sang “Coleman out” some fans took offence and a big argument ensued forward to now and no one will argue about AB as he guided us to 6th place a position that all City fans love to be in but AB doesn’t think it is that special. The threat of King subsided when for the 4th game running AB announced an unchanged team. In goal was Westwood the back four were Cranie, Wood, Turner and Keogh with Gunnarsson, Clingan, Carsley and McSheffrey in midfield leaving Platt and Jutkiewicz up front.

We hadn’t won at this ground since Loren Delorge scored a memorable goal some nine years ago but those sorts of things hold on fear for the City these days. City started well against a United side that has found it hard to score. Keogh was having some freedom down the flank whilst Platt was having a great battle with hardman defender Morgan. United did threaten and Quinn hit the post inside the first ten minutes. Apart from that City looked comfortable at the back. After 23 minutes at the other end of the ground a Platt header was headed home through a ruck of players it was hard to see how scored but by the reaction of the players it looked like yet another McSheffrey goal. Looking back on the television later on it was a great poach by “Sheff” direction his header in beating two taller defenders to the ball. Certainly Sheff is scoring for fun with 4 in 6 making him the top scorer this season. United responded and the two central midfielders were working hard protecting the back four and it needed a good tackle by Clingan to stop Creswell getting a shot away then the same player volleyed one just wide at the other end. The referee Mr Foster was having a decent enough game but he did miss several shirt tugs and he seemed determined not to book anyone on the day. The Blades turned up the pressure late in the 1st half and the up to then immaculate Richard Wood couldn’t get enough power on his header leaving Ward a run in on goal his shot beat Westwood but hit the bar and the chance went away. Half time the Radio Sheffield reporters were worried by the lack of penetration by United against “the unsung Coventry City”.

As we would of expected The Blades came out fired up at the start of the 2nd half but City worked hard to stop them building any sort of momentum. City were still looking dangerous and won a free kick when Platt had his shirt tugged again. Clingan fired a deflected free kick just over and from the resulting corner Turner stretched for a loose ball but couldn’t get any power or direction on it. Sheffield’s debutant Reid then hit the underside of the bar from a free kick and the ball was scrambled away. The game could still go either way as both bosses made changes Gunnarsson and McSheffrey went of for City after both working hard on came Clark and Baker with the later putting in some tricky dribbles causes some new headaches for the Blades. Then Jutkiewicz went off after another disappointing performance and on came King to a hero’s reception why? The former inmate got a better reception than Baker or Clark which is a disgrace King when on to put in a poor display but did hit a free kick into the side netting. Blades threw everything at City in the dieing minutes as City hung on Westwood had to charge out to block a shot from a player free in the box. Thankfully we rode out the pressure for yet another win and we moved up to 4th. Coach Steve Harrison waved the players towards the away end after the final whistle so they could applaud us and we could applaud back. Things are looking bright at the moment and the media maybe waking up to the fact that we might just challenge for a play off place but then again we are only 6 points behind QPR in 2nd place.

Man of the Match
Every one a part from Jutkiewicz and King got high marks.
1st Richard Keogh Solid at the back went forward well
2nd Sammy Clingan Ran midfield with the help of young Carsley
3rd Ben Turner Solid as a rock

Coventry City Vs Barnsley

Barnsley must hate playing us no victories in ten games and have not won in Coventry since 1923. The Tykes have had it tough on the roads this season only registering two points and it was tough on Saturday as well as traffic holds up meant they reached the ground at 2.20. The big surprise at the ground was the total omission of King it turned out he had gone down with yet another injury many City fans didn’t mind that at all. AB stuck with the side that was unlucky against Cardiff it was in goal Westwood, the back four were Cranie, Wood, Turner and Keogh with Gunnarsson, Carsley, Clingan and McSheffrey in midfield leaving Platt and Jutkiewicz up front.

The weather was a strange mix of rain and sunny showers as City attacked the far end in the first half. Only after ten minutes a long punt up field was flicked on by Platt to McSheffrey who scuttled inside and beat former City keeper Steele to his right it was Sheff’s third consecutive home goal and left him in 14th place the all time league goals for City. The Tykes soon recovered from the early set back and inspired by the wonderfully named Jacob Butterfield also got back into the game but Westwood was equal to the midfielder’s shot and pushed it away. City were looking the more dangerous as Carsley had a grip on midfield. Turner then was booked for a bit of lunge. The hoof was causing problems for Barnsley and a long Westwood kick was flicked on by Platt Gunnarsson stole in but was denied by an excellent save by Steele. City kept pressing and were looking like the better side Jutkiewicz had several shots none of the m on target as Turner also went close. Then McSheffrey bust through again Steele raced out to close him down but Sheff managed to chip the keeper but put the ball inches too high. Another scramble in the away box saw a Gunnarsson shot blocked but he failed to get the follow up on target when it looked easier to score. City should of ended the half more than a goal up but didn’t.

As expected Barnsley attacked early on as Butterfield had a couple of good runs but the back four held firm. Then a great cross was just missed by a Barnsley forward for a tap in. City also looked dangerous going forward early as McSheffrey had a looping header just go over. The game was being well controlled by Mr Bates in the middle as we hardly noticed him throughout the game. City were looking fairly comfortable but with only a goal lead it was nervous stuff as Barnsley made the changes to look for a goal in some ways they may of deserved. AB decided to make changes of his own off came Gunnarsson and on came Baker no doubt to keep the visitors pegged back. Minutes later on came Clarke to replace McSheffrey to add some defensive rigidity down the right. We all kept an eye on the clock hoping the final minutes would pass quickly so we could celebrate a win then Baker picked up a loose ball in front of the area he ran parallel to the box before firing in a shot the shot must of taken Steele by surprise as it rolled into the corner of the net. Baker came over to were we where and he looked relieved he finally broken his duck and scored for us. Barnsley went close as they started to throw everything our way. In a counter attack Platt flicked the ball wide and it sat up nicely for Clarke he connected well to volley the ball past Steele for a cracking goal. Clarke raced over to our box and looked delighted as I shouted “Coundon, Coundon” as Coundon is the area of Coventry we both hail from. Off the top of my head I think it is the first time ever two Coventry born players have scored in the same league game at home for City. For once we could relax in the final seconds of the game and when the final whistle sounded we found ourselves in the top six with a team that is growing in confidences with every game.

Man of the Match
1st Gary McSheffrey Looking like the player of old
2nd Lee Carsley Ran midfield or didn’t let Barnsley run it.
3rd Clive Platt Flick on cause trouble all day.

Coventry City Vs Cardiff City

So something we never thought would happen old bad boy Bellamy lined up finally against City. AB decided to stick with the team that won against Ipswich which gave Westwood his’ 100th league game for City making him only of only 17 City goal keepers to reach that milestone the rest of the team was Cranie, Wood, Turner and Keogh in defence, Gunnarsson, Clingan, Carsley and McSheffrey in midfield leaving Jutkiewicz and Platt up front. The attendance was 14,000+ not too bad for a midweek game but Cardiff did have a good following.

Minutes into the game when a ball was played in and Whittingham seemed likely to score but he couldn’t make contact with the ball then we saw the linesman slowly draw his’ flag over his’ chest to signify a penalty. If there was contact it was minimal and not deserving a penalty. The referee Mr Linnington who was pretty hopeless throughout had no choice but to give the spot kick technically he should have sent Turner off as well but thankfully only booked him. Former City youth team player Whittingham scored with ease. City soon recovered from the start as the fans gave plenty of abuse to Bellamy who had a very poor game or Keogh and Gunnarsson kept him quiet. Most decisions were going against City but we slowly fought our way back into the game when Cranie tried his’ luck from long range forcing Blue Birds keeper Heaton into a save. Gunnarsson apart helping to nullify Bellamy was probing well down the right. Platt was causing a concern for the 2nd placed teams defence but was physically held throughout mainly missed by the officials. Cardiff were still looking dangerous in attack and they just header over from a corner before Westwood pulled off a good save to kept City within a goal. It was looking like Cardiff would end the half on top when Gunnarsson spotted McSheffrey free the midfielder played a perfect ball to the Cov Kid McSheffrey then turned inside the area and beat the keeper with a low drive the sort of goal he used to score all the time Sheff was mobbed by the other players as City were right back in the game.

City looked the better side early in the second half as Keogh had a penalty appeal turned down. Then Wood with close with a header as City looked to take the lead. Cardiff seemed to have weathered the storm and was able to waste time without interference from the officials. It was a good game on the pitch not helped by the referee when for some reason he booked Clingan for a simple obstruction and let Bellamy get away with a push in the back of Keogh. Carsley seemed to be struggling after a heavy but fair challenge early on allowing Cardiff to have the slight control of midfield. AB took of the ineffective Jutkiewicz and brought on King he proved to be even more anonymous during the remaining twenty minutes which is saying something since he makes Bellamy look quite a nice chap. Bellamy was then taken off much to the joy of the City fans but I wanted him to stay on because he was doing nothing. With time running out a point won Burke got past Cranie and knocked in a great ball Bothroyd slid in to score. City threw everything at Cardiff and in stoppage time Wood went down in the box every inch a penalty the first one was but the linesman didn’t give it. So we lost but most fans were happy with the performance.

Man of the Match
1st Aron Gunnarsson Strong in defence and attack
2nd Richard Keogh Bellamy in his back pocket
3rd Clive Platt Strong up front.

Ipswich Town Vs Coventry City

Back to one of the most expensive grounds in the division it was my 10th visit to Portman Road and I had yet to see us win it took me 9 visits to Villa Park and 10 to Old Trafford. After a trouble free journey we arrived In Ipswich and the team news was in goal Westwood, and the back four were Keogh, Turner, Wood and Cranie, with McSheffrey playing his’ 150th league game alongside Clingan, Carsley and Gunnarsson. Up front was Platt and Jutkiewicz.

There were plenty of unfamiliar faces in the away section as City attack the goal nearest us in the first half. AB had said he would work on the quality of City’s team during the international break and it seem to work as Gunnarsson caused concern with an early throw in. Jutkiewicz was seeing plenty of the ball but he still seemed to find it hard to shoot on target. As normal it was very quiet from the home fans they must be the quietest home fans in the league even quieter then out own and their ground always looks full. City still looking the better side when Jutkiewicz won a corner Clingan sent it in to a totally unmarked Gunnarsson the midfielder headed the ball back across the face of goal perfectly for Platt who rose to head past former City keeper Fulop to fire us into a lead. City were well on top and had two shouts for a penalty with handballs one of them said the refreshingly honest Radio Suffolk said should have been a penalty but the otherwise excellent Mr Shoebridge didn’t think so. City kept up the pressure as Jutkiewicz bust through but he failed to get his’ shot on target and was closed down. Minutes later he bust through again but this time rattled the crossbar and the ball dropped the wrong side of the goal line. Half time and leading by a goal it should have been more the Radio Suffolk reporter even said this to Roy Keane after the game.

No doubt Keane would fire his’ team up for the second half that and a change to 4-4-2 did the trick as City struggled to get the ball out of our own half in fact it took just over nine minutes for a City player to touch the ball in the Ipswich half. In that time the force several corners pilled in plenty pressure but only forced Westwood into one save such was the good form of the defence. For once it was the full backs out shining the central backs as Keogh won everything and Cranie was superb. Maybe only our second touch in the Ipswich half went to Jutkiewicz he spun his marker and advanced into the box where he was brought down. Jutkiewicz took the kick and placed it to the centre as Fulop dived to his’ left. City now looked in total control for a minute or two at least as Peters showed some great ball juggling skill to square the ball to Scotland who finished well to make it 2-1 with ½ an hour to hang on. Both teams were going for it in an entertaining game and once or twice it threatened to boil over. Slowly City got a grip of the game again and looked the more likely to score. Ipswich still looked dangerous and in one counter attack they had a 4 on 1 situation the only defender back was Cranie who flew in with a tackle perfectly taking the ball and stopping the attack missed timed he could have been off or the Ipswich play could gone through on goal. The attendance was announced as 19,100 only 100 off my prediction so after winning that I thought a 3-1 away win could finally happen something I have predicting in the guess the score competition for many years. Wood then hit the post from an accurate Clingan free kick. AB made changes to see out the game on came Baker for the hard working Gunnarsson and then Doyle came on for the disappointing McSheffrey. Baker had a late chance but fired wide and City had to survive Fulop coming up for a corner before the final whistle was sounded and we could return with an extremely rare 3 points from Portman Road suddenly the £31 entrance fee doesn’t seem that expensive.

Man of the Match
1st Martin Cranie Maybe his best game for City
2nd Richard Keogh For once looked like he could defend
3rd Sammy Clingan Accurate set pieces caused trouble all day

Hull City Vs Coventry City

We arrived in Hull in good time and made it into the ground. The team was Westwood, Keogh, Wood, Turner, and Cranie in midfield we had Ward, Clingan, Carsley and Gunnarsson with Platt and Jutkiewicz up front. King had missed the game with a “dead leg” but when he was on loan at Hull he head butted A Hull legend Dean Windass before he was arrested for attacking a women, so he wasn’t popular.

Hull have yet to concede at home were the fans had only seen four goals whilst City are the only Championship side to score in each league game something had to give. Just under a minute and Keogh was hacked down in a bad challenge that might had been a sending off if the offence happen later in the game or it was carried out by an away player but referee Mr Rushton who was excellent throughout decided only on a yellow for Ayala just about the correct decision. Hull fans we soon singing “she said no” aimed at King and I bet they were gutted he was allegedly injured. The game wasn’t great but Hull’s Jimmy Bullard was pulling all the strings in midfield. Hull attacked more early but the defence looked solid backed by Westwood. One spell of pressure saw the ball fall to Bullard outside the area he hit a sweet shot that beat Westwood but hit the post allowing Turner to scramble the ball away. Then Paul McShane threw himself down in the area but Mr Rushton was having none of it. The game wasn’t great for the rest of the half as both sides defended well.

City looked better in the second half and Mr Rushton waved away penalty appeals again when Keogh went down it looked the correct decision. Just before the hour mark Gunnarsson found space down the right and delivered a perfect cross Danny Ward met it with a diving header from close in but could only head it into the hands of Duke in the Tiger’s goal. One wonders what McSheffrey thought of that was Ward is constantly selected a head of him thanks to the stupid loan agreement meaning Ward has to play every game. Then Hull threw on veteran Nicky Barmby as Hull were struggling to break down City with the defenders playing well supported by the midfield two. The game again entered a boring phase but we in the away end were in good voice and there were plenty of banter with the home fans. Then another penalty was turned down as Ayala clearly handled the ball but on the blind side of the linesman and the referee. Baker and not McSheffrey came on for Ward and AB changed the formation to 4-5-1 to hold on for a point. City still had a chance when Gunnarsson read a flick by Platt and the joint top score placed a shot in the top corner but Duke pulled of a great save. The game drifted into injury time when Westwood was force to save as Hull tried to win the game. In the end most City fans were well pleased with the point and effort of the team.

Man of the Match
1st Richard Keogh Looked good going forward and defended well
2nd Aron Gunnarsson Over his’ 2nd season drop in form, we need to give him a new contract
3rd Richard Wood Forming a good partnership with Turner.

Hi all,nice Match report choccy.

Larry.

Coventry City Vs Doncaster Rovers

It was a low turn out at The Rioch as Doncaster were in town the line up was in goal Westwood the back four were Keogh, Wood, Turner and Cranie, in midfield we had Ward, Carsley, Clingan and Gunnarsson with Platt up front with King making his’ first start.

The game had only kicked off when King found Keogh and the full backs cross was flicked on by little Danny Ward straight to Gunnarsson in plenty of space to score what a start. The Rovers players looked hopefully over to the linesman who kept his’ flag down and was signalling to the away team the goal was on side. I demanded AB took off Aron after his’ goal but for once the boss kept him on. Two league goals in two seasons suddenly Gunnarsson has hit 3 in 9 league games. The team was lifted and playing well prompted by Gunnarsson and Ward who has been a big disappointment but was showing the some great form with pacey direct running causing problems. Doncaster as normal played some good football but their finishing was well off. Then Ward set off on a searing run down the right ending in a shot that veteran Sullivan did well to palm away. City went close again when King latched onto a mistake in the area firing just over. Shaun O’Drisscoll the Rover’s Manager made his first change after 22 minutes to try to nullify Ward it worked. Keogh who was also playing well fired just over from distance in an entertaining game. City were even knocking the ball around well that drew “olay’s” from the home crowd. Then just before half time a good cross in the City box found Billy Sharp he turned and planted the ball beyond Westwood to draw the game level.

The goal lifted the visitors and they started to dominate from the start of the 2nd half as City struggled to get out of our own half. Westwood was forced into a great save early on as the pressure grew. Then AB made one of his’ familiar bold substitutions off came Ward and on came McSheffrey. The Coventry kid for the next 25 minutes put in a poor display. The referee meanwhile the brilliant name Mr A Penn was hardly noticeable which is always a good sign. King then was forced off with an injury and was replaced by Jutkiewicz. Things got slightly better for the Sky Blues. Soon Doncaster were back on top and almost gifted a comical goal when Wood and Westwood got in a mix up the keeper’s kick went straight to a Rovers player but he was quickly closed down by the midfield before he could shoot. Westwood then pulled off another great save to keep City in the game. A draw looked the best result as we entered the last five minutes then Gunnarsson raced down the right beat the full back and delivered a great cross McSheffrey flung himself at the ball and scored with a diving header. The Coventry kid recreated the scene when he first scored at Highfield Road by ripping his’ shirt but this time he ran the length of the field to celebrate. City hung on as Doncaster threw everything at City some good blocks and a bad miss meant City had snatched 3 points. This also meant City are now the only Championship side to score in every league game.

Man of the Match
1st Aron Gunnarsson A goal and an assist
2nd Kieran Westwood Some important saves
3rd Richard Keogh Good work down the right

Coventry City Vs Preston North End

AB decided to stick to the starting eleven that won at Bristol the team was in goal Westwood the back four where Keogh, Wood, Turner and Cranie with Baker, Carsley, Clingan and Gunnarsson in midfield leaving Jutkiewicz and Platt up front. The bench was one of the strongest for many years and contained Marlon King. PNE were bottom of the league one place below Leicester.

It was an even start in a game where referee Mr Boyeson had an awful game. Early on Loneran in the Invincible’s goal kept out two shots from Jutkiewicz when he shot from narrow angles. Then the referee failed to spot a foul and PNE attacked a good block by Cranie followed by three betters ones from Keogh prevented a shot on target. City were looking the better side and Wood came close to his’ first of the season when a header was cleared off the line. Then Baker went close as City continued to press. Preston always looked dangerous on the counter attack and in one attack they won a corner. From this corner Westwood pulled off an excellent save but Billy Jones was on hand to steer the ball home. The Lillywhites now had confidences and Westwood was forced to save when from Jon “the beast” Parkin. Westwood saved again as it seemed City had lost their way. Then deep into injury time Turner blocked a shot and the ball fell to an unmarked Hume who produce an excellent volley to make it 2-0 at half time.

City came out all guns blazing in the second half as a Turner over head kick looked in but was just inches wide before Clingan went an inch too high with a shot. Then after 52 minutes the most controversial and maybe most over hyped player in our history Marlon King came on for his’ debut he received a great cheer from the home fans. He replaced Baker. City kept up the pressure as the unlucky Wood fired from distance only to see Lonergan again produced a brilliant save. PNE again cleared a ball off their line as they sat back and tried to waste as much time as possible. Then City got back into the game when a throw was flicked on and Gunnarsson beat Lonergan to make it 2-1. It was the Icelanders first home goal for City and like the last time he scored AB took him off immediately he may not bother scoring again. On came Bell to add some width. Preston went up the other end straight away and had the ball in the net but thankfully it was ruled off side. The game now was really exciting as City attacked again and a cross that found the head of King the ball was blocked on the line and the City players appealed for a penalty but the referee and linesman thought it was a legal clearance. Clingan then fired just over. Still Preston were counter attacking and as Lonergan had kept City at bay at one end Westwood was doing the same at the other saving another goal bound shot. Ward who has to play every game he is fit came on for Jutkiewicz who was not as good on the wing. Then Bell hit the post as the game entered the last ten minutes. With time running out King broke from the middle of the park with a PNE defender in a heap it could have been another Ben Turner incident. King raced on and shot from outside the area and yet again Lonergan was equal to it. Yet again the ball was cleared of the line, as City’s luck certainly wasn’t in. Even Westwood came up for a corner and got a head to the ball but place it wide. Finally the whistle went and most City fans left pleased with the effort pointing to the fact Andy Loneran was in out standing form and maybe a good candidate to replace Westwood if he ever leaves.

Man of the Match
1st Kieran Westwood 2nd best player on the pitch next to his’ opposite number
2nd Lucas Jutkiewicz Unlucky not to score from open play
3rd Richard Keogh some good blocks

Bristol City Vs Coventry City

This looked a great opportunity to end our long 47 year wait for a league victory at Ashton Gate Bristol City haven’t won at home for 5 months and they were giving 4 players their first game of the season today switching to a 4-3-3 formation including former City players Louis Carey and Jon Stead. Meanwhile City lined up as followed in goal Westwood, the back four where Keogh, Turner, Wood and Cranie with Baker, Carsley, Clingan and Gunnarsson in midfield leaving Jutkiewicz and Platt up front.

Ashton Gate is an old fashioned type of ground but like old grounds it was good for atmosphere something that normally missing in new grounds. Both sets of fans were in fine voice as the game kicked off. For once City started well as we sung a new song about following City away and kept repeating it for about twenty minutes. Westwood was smart to get down to block a shot in front of us, as the game was fairly entertaining. Then after 21 minutes Carsley received the ball deep and banged in a 60-yard pass straight to a totally unmarked Clive Platt. The big forward ran free on goal and calmly placed the ball passed former England keeper James to put City a goal up. This sparked mad celebrations in the away and with our seats having no backs this could be quite dangerous. The away were now in even better voice and started accusing the home fans of being nearly welsh. City were looking the better side and there were far less of the hoof ball and more passing in our game. Then Baker went down in the opposite area and the referee Mr Williamson who was terrible and a real “homer” throughout wave away a penalty appeal. Carsley then went close after a good move. Approaching the half time mark The Robbins attacked and Turner went down in the centre circle with what looked like a head injury Mr Williamson didn’t think it was serious and didn’t stop play the Cranie slipped allowing Stead to Cross deep to Elliott who beat Westwood. The City players surrounded the referee inquiring why the game wasn’t stopped. Turner got up but then the referee order him off the field because he had blood on his’ shirt! Seconds later City won a free kick and Turner was allowed on with a new shirt without a number on. Clingan played the ball into the area and Platt knocked it back to the onrushing Turner who headed it home for a great ironic goal leaving the defender top scorer. Again the away end exploded.

The second half brought David James out to defend the goal in front of us. Now for many years we had witnessed this so called keeper play for England 53 times he has to be the most over rated keeper in the world and is on a reported £35,000 per week at Bristol. We spent the entire second half ripping in to him “You’ve always been s**t” we sang we great glee. Bristol attacked more in the second half as we sat back but they were far too clueless to break us down and our defence and the midfield were far too good the only worry was Mr Williamson who constantly gave decisions the home way. One incident saw Jutkiewicz clearly shoved in the back just out side the area but nothing minutes later he challenged for the ball forcing the defender to handle it but referee saw a push. The away end, were in still fine voice and ever time Westwood caught the ball cleanly we sang, “are you watching David James?” Then Elliott forced a great save from Westwood. Then to our delight James throw the ball out straight into touch. Bristol then hit the post. In truth Bristol were very poor but several City players were having their best games of the season. The Robbins ran out of ideas, as their set pieces were awful. AB decided to bring on no subs for the first time in a year as City comfortably saw out the rest of the game with no danger to leave us celebrating an away win in style.

Listening to the Bristol phone in after the locals were not happy with the team and David James in particular.

Man of the Match
Going by the votes in the car in which no one received bad marks
1st Ben Turner Another goal and defended well
2nd Carl Baker Could of finally made the break through
3rd Clive Platt The Tree took the goal well and set up the other

Swansea City Vs Coventry City

We travelled in the rain to Wales and were 5 of only 182 away fans at The Liberty Stadium a ground we haven’t scored or conceded at. In the ground we finally witnessed a keeper retain his’ place in the side for the first time this season. The team was Westwood in goal, Keogh, Turner, Wood and Clarke at the back, Jutkiewicz, Carsley, Gunnarsson, Clingan and Ward in defence with Platt up front on his’ own

As per normal this season the opposition looked a better side and could pass more. City rarely threaten but when they did keeper De Vries just beat Platt to the ball before the goal keeper over reacted and Platt was booked by the inconsistent Mr Sutton. Again Clarke looked out of his’ depth at left back as another Dyer this time Nathan tore him apart. I kept my eye on the biggest let down of the season Jutkiewicz as he headed wide. Then Clarke conceded a needless corner and from this Pratley headed home to put The Swans a goal up. Then Ward was hacked down from behind which my of resulted in a red card on many occasions but Mr Sutton decided on a yellow. Ward couldn’t continue and was taken off. I’m sure we soon will be banned from taking loans if we keep returning them broken. On came Baker and City improved. City held out for rest of the 1st half despite the pressure.

Second half saw what most wanted as Clarke was taken from the firing line and replaced by Cranie. City switch to 4-4-2 as the hoof ball did nothing. Within a minute Cranie under hit a back pass Dyer pounced and hit the post Sinclair followed up to score into the net. City responded well as Baker shot and Jutkiewicz rounded the keeper but failed to score. Clingan took the corner and in a scramble Turner lashed the ball home to become joint top scorer. Now we were back in the game and it was Swansea who were rattled and they started to hoof the ball. City had a couple of shots cleared off the line as the pressure built. Then Baker picked up his’ third yellow card of the season when Mr Sutton accused him of diving in the area. Slowly Swansea regained control and counter attack normally via the excellent Dyer. Swansea survived any other scares but Westwood did pull off an excellent save on his goal line deigning Dyer late on.

In the end it was another poor quality performance as we slide down the table this season is looking like the rest.

Man of the Match
Going on the votes in the car
1st Ben Turner: Steady at the back and scored
2nd Richard Wood: Also steady
3rd Sammy Clingan Getting back to last season’s form.

Coventry City Vs Leicester City

It was a home so Westwood was in goal it was our 7th change of keeper in 6 games this must be a world record. There were still no Marlon King as the player had yet to sign but Danny Ward was in loan from Bolton a player described as better than Adam Johnson who had just broken impressively into the England side. The team was in goal Westwood and back four were Keogh, Wood, Turner, Clarke in midfield we had McSheffrey, Carsley, Clingan and Ward with Jutkiewicz and Platt up front.

An early rain shower was soon over as Leicester attack towards their own mast ranks in the first half. Leicester took control from the off playing some good football in fact it was typical Sousa football following passing football that is a joy to watch followed by a total lack of finishing at the important end. The Sky Blues were up against it Ward was contained on his’ debut Jutkiewicz again found it hard to have a shot on target whilst the midfield sat too deeply and Clarke on the left was receiving as roasting. Lloyd Dyer had great freedom and broke though several time but The Foxes tried to walk the ball in and Wood and Turner were hovering up everything at the back and when they didn’t Westwood was in control. Dyer broke though again and a square ball would almost result in a goal but he blasted well over before Fryatt also skied an easy chance you could see why Leicester had yet to win in the league. With the away team on top AB made one of his’ typical bold substitutions off came McSheffrey and on came McIndoe this left many fan scratching their heads but yet again it was a great switch by the boss. City changed to 4-5-1 with Ward going in the centre and Jutkiewicz going wide then McIndoe got his’ first touch and sent a perfect cross over to Platt who firmly planted a header into the net for a well deserved first goal for City. “You are bottom of the league,” I sang on my own aimed at the Leicester fans before I slagged of Sousa for his’ terrible goal scoring record for the teams he has managed. We hoped that the against the run of play goal would lift City but it didn’t as Leicester still dominated and had a penalty appeal turned down by Mr Taylor who had a decent game.

Second half saw the same pattern as Leicester pushed forward and I couldn’t see us defending for another 45 minutes without a mistake. We were still keeping them at arms length. Westwood saved from Waghorn as City hung on. Leicester had the run of midfield despite the fact we had two defensive midfielders on the park. Leicester were getting closer and Westwood saved from Dyer before Waghorn hit the post then Westwood saved again god job he is back in the team. With 15 minutes to go the inevitable goal came as Clarke was caught out King nipped in a cleverly chipped Westwood to draw the sides level. AB threw on Doyle who picked up a quick booking. City hung on under increasing pressure before the whistle went. It was a good point but we play like a team from the 80’s we need to improve because a better team would of hammered us.

Man of the Match
1st Ben Turner Solid at the back
2nd Clive Platt Worked hard up front
3rd Keiren Westwood Good saves

Hi Vicky, here is Kev Monks match report until Choccy, if he has the time, puts his reports on this topic heading...hope this helps.


woeful city hang on for a point‏
11/09/2010



COVENTRY CITY 1-1 LEICESTER CITY BY KEV MONKS

Date 11/09/10 At The Ricoh Arena



Team
Westwood,Keogh, Turner, Wood, Clarke, McSheffrey (McIndoe 35), Clingan, Carsley, Ward, (Gunnarsson 67) Jutkiewicz (Doyle 76), Platt SNU Ireland, O’Donovan, Cameron, Bottomer

Leicester
Ikeme, Neilson, Morrison, Oakley, King, Dyer (N’Guessen 80), Fryatt (Howard 80), Waghorn (Gallagher 73), Berner, Wellens, Hobbs,
SNU Logan, Moreno, Kennedy, Moussa

HT CCFC 1-0 LCFC FT CCFC 1-1 LCFC ATT 20,060
Referee A.Taylor Booked McIndoe, Carsley, Doyle, Wellens
Goals Clive Platt (39), Andy King (75)
Man Of The Match Clive Platt took the votes

___________________

If Leicester City could finish, Coventry City would have been well beaten but the M69 derby at the Ricoh Arena finished in a 1-1 draw.


City supporters from Ireland, Northern Ireland, South Wales, Kent, London and all places in-between were at the Ricoh Arena for a lunchtime kick off to see Aidy Boothroyd name a team that had five changes from the team that had lost at Millwall.



With the Marlon King saga now reaching complete levels of boredom, Danny Ward who did sign in the week on loan from Bolton started along with fit again Lukas Jutkiewicz. Jordan Clarke came into the back four along with Ben Turner, whilst the well-cheered Keiren Westwood was back in goal. Luke Bottomer who had been excellent for City U18’s v Chelsea last Saturday was on the bench.



As the rain came down, City attacked the CT in the first half but it was Leicester, who had all the opening corners. Their fourth came in the 14th minute and was cleared for a throw-in to give Leicester the possession back.

"Come On City" was the cry from the Sky Blue support with the scoreboard block in good voice, but it was not until the 17th minute that the Sky Blues had their first shot on goal when Lukas Jutkiewicz went wide.

Richard Wood headed wide from a Clingan corner but with City’s midfield virtually non-existent at times, Leicester were able to play the balls they wanted to.



Clive Platt again worked well as a target man whilst Ward, who the last time I saw him play for Swindon at Millwall was on the left, looked useful on the right.

In the 32nd minute, former City loanee Lloyd Dyer lived up to his name with a woeful shot wide before Matty Fryatt, who has been linked with interest from Derby flashed over the bar.

Three minutes later, Aidy Boothroyd was forced into a change when Gary McSheffrey went off and was replaced by Michael McIndoe.

The Scot, who had a pretty good game, had been on the pitch for four minutes when he was involved in the move that saw the ball come over to Clive Platt and the striker made no mistake rising in the air to firmly head City ahead.

The goal was duly celebrated but more chances for Leicester followed including a penalty appeal following a Jordan Clarke handball.

The sun was shining brightly for the start of the second half that saw Westwood deny Waghorn early on.

City's tendency to stand off and let Leicester play worringly continued and led to most of the home support joining in a chorus of the Sky Blue song and Sky Blue Army chants to try and encourage the Sky Blues to be more positive in going forward before Westwood had to tip over from Dyer on the hour mark.



Sensing that the Sky Blues were pretty much clueless, other than the hoof it up to Platt option, Leicester upped their game. Waghorn hit Westwood's left hand post with a 65th minute header seconds before Westwood had to make a terrific diving save.



Boothroyd opted to send on Aron Gunnarsson for Danny Ward, who showed some promise on his debut whilst Paulo Sousa took off Leicester’s best player in Waghorn.



As City were still organising themselves, a lapse in defence led to the visitors drawing level in the 75th minute when the City defence stood and watched, Dyer find Andy King who flicked the ball over Westwood and into the net.



Michael Doyle was the third City player brought on and he had been on the pitch for less than a minute when he was involved in a bit of handbags that saw him and Wellens shown yellow cards by referee Mr Taylor.



City found themselves hanging on at the end and were booed off by sections of the disgruntled support.

I WOULD LIKE ALL YOUR MATCH REPORTS TO BE PLACED ON THIS TOPIC SECTION PLEASE...THEN i WILL NOT HAVE TO DELET THEM AND EVERYONE CAN READ THEM AT A GLANCE...MAKES SENCE TO ME STEVE. THANKS CHAP.