Choccy's match reports 2012/13

Notts County Vs Coventry City

So we set off for the last game of the season we the carload pleased it was only a short trip. Entering The County Ground we saw it had been improved since our last memorable game here when a ball smacked off Kenny Sansom’s face to give County a win and put us on the brink of relegation from the top-flight, great days. The County Ground now is certainly amongst the best grounds of League One. Around one and half thousand City fans turned up with the vast majority booking their ticket on The County website whilst our driver Paul popped in during a lunch break as he workers for Nottingham County Council. Team news was Dunn was given a game after Murphy had picked up a “groin strain” and Blair Adams was back the team was in goal Dunn with Christie, Wood, Martin and Adams at the back with Baker, Thomas, Fleck, Barton and Bell in midfield leaving Wilson up front. The three officials warmed up in front of us prompting a “why do we always get sh*t refs” a song one of the linesman joined in with.

City started well with a good ball played to Wilson his first time volley was just about held by Bialkowski in the County goal. Baker then forced a save from the keeper with a free kick on a pitch that looked bare in patches but in a far better condition than many. City were passing the ball around well and looked the better side until County warmed up around the twenty minute mark to make a game of it. Dunn was forced into a save after a free kick was headed goal wards. County won a series of corners, which needed several blocks by City defenders. City countered and Wilson fired not too far wide. Dunn was forced to save again as County started to get most of the ball as they were getting close a shot went in and somehow Dunn got something on the ball to deflect it out for a corner. Another corner was not cleared a shot forced Dunn to parry but Waite was on hand to score it was the first league goal Dunn had conceded for City. With City fans not happy and mainly taking it out on Sisu some of use wanted a switch to 4-4-2. Half time came with City behind.

Second half saw McDonald warming up but no switch to two up front as Wilson went off. City started far better in the second half as Bell started to see more of the ball and the winger almost scored as Bell got the ball in the box and curled the ball on the post and Martin couldn’t get in the rebound. Then City got their reward for the good play as the ball found Christie on the right he had McDonald to aim for in the box but instead played in a great cross picking out Fleck the midfielder blasted the ball past the keeper for a well taken goal. We hardly had time to settle after the goal when County won a free kick the ball was floated in and Dunn lost the flight of the ball Adams was static as the ball bounced off the post and Pearce was on hand to tap it home. Some of Notts County’s Youth team were near us in he Jimmy Sirrell stand and they goaded us over the goal thankfully some police were their to prevent City fans racing over and ending their playing career. City were still playing the better football but County were sitting back. SP decided to make a change as Barton made way for Moussa. Then Bell went close again with a great shot saved by the keeper. Moussa was having an impact as he ran at the County defence. Bell had another good shot before Moussa fired inches wide. It looked like City would end with a defeat with four minutes left McDonald chased a lost cause forcing the keeper to clear but his clearance hit a defender, McDonald got to the ball and played in Moussa he steadied himself before beating the keeper to level the game up. City almost won it at the death as McDonald beat the keeper to the ball but fired into the side netting from a narrow angle before the good referee Mr Webb brought an end to the season with a massive “Sisu out” song form the away fans.

Man of the Match
1st David Bell: if he can stay fit we will be too good for many in this division
2nd Franck Moussa: Played well when he came on
3rd Cyrus Christie Another good game.

Coventry City Vs Leyton Orient

So finally the last home game of the season was upon us and the sun was out many pessimists would feel this could have been our last ever game at The Rioch. It has been a poor season at home with no much to cheer about unlike the away campaign. SP again experimented with nothing to play for and it was good to see him give Danny Philliskirk a game. The full side was in goal Murphy with Christie, Wood, Martin and Stewart at the back, Baker, Jennings, Moussa, Fleck and a rare start for Bell leaving new boy Philliskirk up front. A crowd of over 11,000 turned up for the last game considering what has gone on not a bad attendance.

I predicted the first “Sisu out” chant to happen in the third minute but I was wrong as it only took two minutes. Bell was the first to show knocking in a cross that Philliskirk just couldn’t reach. Then Fleck blasted a shot at the keeper as City started brightly. Lisbie was the main threat from the visitors that’s when he wasn’t falling over attempting to con a very poor referee in Mr Ilderton. After a quarter of an hour Stewart showed some good skills to get a shot in on goal. Then Baker knocked in a great cross that was heading for Philliskirk until a defender managed to clear. Meanwhile Orient players were hitting the deck at a regular intervals and the referee seemed to be very keen to book any City player. Stewart then hammered a volley back in from a corner that was held by the keeper as City looked by far the better team. Jennings then threaded a through ball to Philliskirk he got around Jones in the visitors goal but his shot was then blocked. At the other end Orient should have taken the lead when a player was left unmarked and headed wide after a free kick. As the referee was awarding City a rare free kick the sprinklers came on prompting Fleck to have a drink and cooling shower. Christie who was a constant menace out wide then fired over from a corner. In injury time Orient counter attacked as Lisbie stayed on his feet long enough to square the ball to Cox who beat Murphy from the edge of the area to give the visitors an undeserved lead.

SP took of Stewart at half time and replaced him with Jordan Clarke who slotted in at left back. First action was for Lisbie to fall over Clarke’s foot and the referee was all too keen to book the player it was the sixth booking and not a bad tackle all game. Fleck fired one over before Christie again ran at Orient but couldn’t pick out a player in the area. Then a good ball found Moussa but his first touch was a little too heavy and the ball ran through to the keeper. Fleck then picked out Bell but the wide player couldn’t get enough bend on the ball to score. Bell went close again as City were doing most of the pressing as Orient sat back. SP changed things around and went to two up front throwing on Wilson for Philliskirk and then McDonald for Jennings. Moussa then fired wide after a good run before the referee brought an end to the home season with a game City deserved at least a point.

Plenty of fans stayed behind for the “lap of appreciation” in a season when the players have played well but have been wrecked by the idiots behind the scenes.

Man of the Match
1st Cyrus Christie Looked dangerous
2nd Jon Fleck Played well
3rd David Bell Looked good

Crawley Town Vs Coventry City

End of season fatigue had already set in as we headed south to face team number 107 to play City in the league away. We left early to beat the queues at the ticket office but as we past Oxford it started raining. We reached Crawley a friendly little club that had been in non-league a few seasons ago. We had no trouble queuing up for tickets that we had to ring up early to book after our own ticket office had been closed. We entered the end terrace thankfully it was covered the stand to our left could only be described as a gazebo. SP promised to give some fringe players a run out which was a good idea. The team was in goal Murphy, with Jordan, Wood, Martin and Stewart at the back with Moussa, Daniels, Thomas, Fleck and Baker in midfield leaving Wilson up front. Despite the rain the pitch looked the best we had played on for a while.

City attacked the far end in the first half. At the far end Moussa went down early in the penalty area but penalty appeals were waved away by Mr Lewis the ref who had a good game in the middle. Despite the good pitch the heavy rain meant now it was already cutting up badly. Crawley who were still in the hunt for a play off place attacked and looked dangerous as Murphy was forced to save. City’s passing was too slow and predictable and hard to do in the rain with only Baker and Moussa looking good in midfield. With 15 minutes gone Crawley won a free kick and delivered the ball but Fleck committed the cardinal sin and turned his back on the ball and it deflected off his back and past a stranded Murphy to give the home side a lead. City were finding it hard to break out of their own half and both fullbacks were not allowed to go forward. The fans were getting impatient at the slow build up that reminds many of the Andy Thorn days. The half ticked on and the rains still came down Crawley looked in control but City were slowly getting back into the game. Minutes before the end of the half Stewart went on a raid up front he showed great skill to beat a player and nip inside before he was brought down just outside the area, Baker took the free kick forcing a great save from Jones in the Town goal.

The second half still saw Crawley looking comfortable as City’s midfield went missing apart from Baker and Moussa meanwhile Wilson was isolated up front as many fans wanted McDonald or the untried Philliskirk to be thrown on. With an hour gone Crawley won a corner and Essam was on the end of it to bundle them into a two-goal lead. Minutes later we held our breaths, as Mr Lewis seemed to be on the verge of calling the game off as the pitch was now clearly unplayable but thankfully he didn’t as no one wanted a massive and pointless midweek trip to Crawley. Finally SP decided to throw on another forward but no one could believe he was bringing on Ball who had yet to score a league goal and even in the warm up he failed to score once. “We want our money back,” sang many in the away end as others have already turned on SP. City just looked bad Jordan wasn’t getting into the game and gave us no attacking options but in fairness Stewart wasn’t looking too bad going forward but City’s best hope lay at the feet of Moussa and Baker who were taking the ball forward. Baker then forced the keeper into a great save as Crawley sat back but it was too late but thankfully we only have two games left.

Man of the Match
1st Carl Baker Player of the season
2nd Franck Moussa tried his best
3rd Jordan Stewart best game so far

Coventry City Vs Brentford


Preston Haskell IV was in town and he was still serious about the take over as it was announced that Mr Elliott and Hoffman were the people that contacted the administrator about a take over with backing from the Texan. If any evidence was needed about the potential of the ground it was hosting a Davis Cup match between Great Britain and Russia. On field matters meant changes for SP and he showed his commitment to the youth set up by drafting in Northampton born Ryan Haynes at left back whilst we saw the welcomed return of Richard Wood in defence. The whole team was Murphy in goal, with Christie, Wood, Martin and Haynes at the back with Baker, Jennings, Bailey, Moussa and Fleck in midfield leaving Wilson up front. It was another tough game this time against third placed Brentford but City have the best record in the league against the top half.

Brentford started the better as they have something to play for and pushed City back attacking The Telegraph Stand in the first half. Moussa managed to block a shot as City were pushed back and then had to defend a couple of corners. Most eyes were on the kid at the back and he looked nervous early on as he had an air shot which only added to his nerves before going down with an injury after treatment he was back but seconds later it was clear he was throwing up a little near the touch-line. The other players looked after him and every time he touched the ball the crowd cheered even Joe Murphy gave the defender encouragement, first time for everything. Brentford were still on top as City struggled to get out of own half. Slowly City got some of the ball and pressed ahead but the fans were not happy at the Brentford players diving and getting away it. City finally found some rhythm as Baker shot and forced a save from Moore in the Bees’ goal, Wilson got to the ball and headed it goal wards but it was cleared the clearance fell to Jennings who smacked a shot it this was bravely blocked and then Wilson went down a little too easily and the referee Mr Mathieson was probably right to book him for diving something Donaldson and Co had been getting away with. Brentford should of then scored as hesitation at the back saw Murphy come off his line and Donaldson chipped him from our excellent vantage point to the right of the goal it looked in all the way until it hit the ground and it spun inches wide. Minutes later Brentford missed another good opportunity when Douglass headed wide from close in. Moussa then forced the keeper to save. Baker was trying to inspire the team and was fouled and won a free kick, Fleck took it and aimed it at Wood but the big centre half was dragged to the ground and the referee correctly awarded a penalty. Baker stepped up and fired City into a lead.

Second half wasn’t very old when a ball found it’s way across the box leaving Forrester with a tap in to level the game up. This game could now go anyway as both sides looked for a goal but at least young Haynes seemed to have settled down and was playing the simple ball. Six minutes into the half Fleck fired in a shot straight at the keeper but the ball bobbled in front of him reared up and smacked him in the face before the ball could be cleared. It was the turn of Brentford to go close as Jennings cleared off the line. With Brentford seeming to gain the upper hand SP made two changes replacing Bailey with Bell and taking off Moussa for McDonald and going 4-4-2 the change seemed to work as City had more of the ball. City fans started to get behind the team willing them on. Martin then headed wide. Brentford were more desperate for a goal than City as they lost possession in one attack the ball found Wilson with only two to beat in a run on goal but the defender tackled him well. In the dieing minutes Donaldson blazed one over the bar when he should have scored and we were happy with a point. So that is four unbeaten at home in the league our best run since last season. .

Man of the Match
1st John Fleck had a hand in the goal
2nd Carl Baker scored
3rd Richard Wood good to see him back

Walsall Vs Coventry City

Easter Mondays have never been a good time to travel away for City having only one victory since 1959 and last year we lost to Bristol City which went a long way to relegating us. Thankfully Walsall is only a very short trip and their ground is spitting distance from the motorway, not like I tried. The trip up was quick but the queues to get off the motorway meant we spent more time in that than the journey. Walsall isn’t that far north of Coventry but it felt like it was the temperature was far colder and snow was still in piles on the ground. There was a massive following from Coventry and the away car park was full. Reaching the ground we heard SP had kept the side that beat Doncaster it was in goal Murphy with Christie, Edjenguele, Martin and Stewart, in midfield we had Moussa, Barton, Fleck, Bailey and Baker with Ball up front. Warming up we noticed the pitch was in a terrible state as the ball bobbled as players tried to pass it.

The game kicked off with City fans occupying half of the ground some achievement when we did have a ticket office. City started well with Christie a threat. Walsall also looked full of confidence as they went forward in an open game. Baker was working hard and crossed for Ball who headed at the keeper as the forward continued to look for his first league goal in fourteen games. At the other end Murphy did well to push away a shot. The referee Mr Kettle who is normally very good wasn’t having a good game as he seemed to be penalising City for anything and gave a couple of warnings to Ball. City won a corner taken by Fleck, which was cleared, but the ball came back in and Edjenguele headed inches over the bar. Walsall had adapted better to the pitch than City and started to get more of the game and force a series of throw-ins. The Saddler’s forward Westcarr then threw himself down in the box without any reaction from the ref. City were finding it hard to pass partly because of the pitch and partly because the Walsall midfield were hunting in packs closing down the midfield only Baker and Moussa seemed able to play. A goal was coming and it soon came when Paterson fired past Murphy to give the home side a lead. City responded well as Moussa tried a shot along the cut-up ground that forced the keeper to tip the ball away. Then Baker decided to try a shot along the floor the keeper again parried and it went straight to Ball be his reactions were not quick enough and he missed an empty goal. This let off spurred Walsall back into action and it took a great clearance by Stewart to prevent another goal just before half time.

The second half started well for City as Walsall sat back and Ball forced the keeper to tip one over the bar after a Christie cross and Martin tried a blast from long range. At times City try to play too much football and on a bad surface it finally went wrong when Walsall stole possession and advanced into the area where Martin brought down a player for a penalty. Westcarr took it sending Murphy the wrong way. After another blatant dive from Westcarr they continued to press. Finally SP made a change taking off Ball and one wonders why we are playing a play that will not be here next season and not up to the standard and brought on Wilson. Things got worse as Stewart was slightly harshly booked but it was his second yellow card and he was off, again many wonder why we are playing a loan player when we have other options. Many were hoping to switch to three at the back and try to get back into the game but we couldn’t believe what SP then did he threw on two defensive players in Jordan and Jennings taking off Moussa and Barton. If this was damage limitation it didn’t work as Murphy flapped at a free kick and arch villain Westcarr scored. Walsall won a corner Westcarr strolled over to take it earning a booking maybe he should have been off as well for his diving. This felt more like last season as SP had seemed to turn us into a bad away side whilst sorting out our home form. “We want Sisu out,” chanted some of the fans. Walsall added a fourth as Paterson found room to score to make it four. City did try to go forward mainly through the fullbacks, why hasn’t Jordan Clarke been tried at left back? Baker was also trying his hardest but with little support from midfield was struggling but he did find Wilson in space near the end we all expected the forward to run on goal but he was immediately surrounded by six players and had no support. The game thankfully ended with our biggest defeat of the season good job there is only four games left.

Man of the Match
1st Cyrus Christie Look good
2nd Carl Baker Tried hard
3rd Jordan Clarke Time to drop all the loan players

Coventry City Vs Doncaster Rovers

The Ricoh was a depressing place with fans gutted by the ten-point deduction as we looked like we could have ended the long run without a top six finish. The turnstiles were not working correctly but it wasn’t a big crowd. Inside most toilets were locked meaning a big crush at half time. On the field SP made changes as McSheffrey was finally dropped and Baker had recovered enough from surgery to start the line up was in goal Murphy with Christie, Edjenguele, Martin and Stewart at the back with Baker, Barton, Moussa, Bailey and Fleck in midfield and Ball was given a rare start up front. Today’s game on paper was the hardest home game of the season against table toppers Doncaster who has a better away record even than City’s.

City attacked the away end in the first half as the first “Sisu out chant” went up from The Naughty Corner. City started the better as Baker had a shot blocked. City were attempting to play the passing game and succeeding as the midfield seemed to have players that could pass the ball. One of these was Jon Fleck who after 12 minutes fired a field width pass straight on the chest of Christie, the fullback took off and beat a couple of players before shooting the ball home to give City the lead exactly the boost the fans wanted. City kept passing well until it reached Baker or Moussa who preferred to run at their opponents and it was the later who forced Woods in the Rovers’ goal into a save. There was trouble in The Naughty Corner as a fan was thrown out and the fans taunted the stewards with “are you Sisu in disguise?” City were on top playing some great football but Doncaster were still a threat and it took a smart save from Murphy to keep them out after a deflected shot. It wasn’t just Christie who raiding forward from fullback Stewart was to having his best game since joining as he played in Moussa forcing another save. The passing football started to bring shouts of “ole” from the City fans as Barton blasted one just over the bar. The half ended with City dominating the team at the top in one of the best first half home displays of the season.

We expected Doncaster to play better in the second half and they did as they matched out formation. Rovers headed one over before Murphy save well. Doncaster then had a goal ruled out for off side. City were being pushed back but were catching them on the counter attack as Christie found room and his shot scrapped the crossbar. All the City players were working hard trying to close them down but had a bit of luck as well when the visitors hit the post. Moussa then went on a great run beating several players before being stopped in the box. SP made changes to see out the game off went the very hard working Ball to be replaced by Wilson before Bell replaced Baker. Doncaster came close as they headed over before Martin did well to block a shot. Thomas came on later to replace Fleck as City hung on but with everyone working hard we saw the game out and completed the double over Doncaster if only Sisu and ACL could have worked as hard as the City players we might have been on the verge of the top six.

Man of the Match
1st Cyrus Christie Great goal
2nd Jon Fleck Great passing
3rd Adam Barton Played well as the deep midfielder

Portsmouth Vs Coventry City
Setting out in the freakish snowy condition we travelled south discussing all that had happened over the last week. Just south of Oxford the snow had stopped as we move on to a very cold Portsmouth but it always seem cold down there. City would play the game without 4 of the top 6 goal scorers and no team would find that easy. In Portsmouth we chatted to their stewards and they won the “who is in a beiger mess” conversation which they edged. They warned us about staying in administration too long. We entered the second worse ground in League One to hear that Fleck had replaced Baker the line up was in goal Murphy with Stewart, Edjenguele, Martin and Christie at the back with Fleck, captain Jennings, Bailey, Moussa and McSheffrey in midfield leaving McDonald up front.

It looked like the biggest away following to Portsmouth for City since we took them on in the FA not that long ago. City started off well and won an early free kick near the goal, McSheffrey took it and forced Eastwood in the home goal to save. Minutes later McDonald broke into the box and was brought down penalty. McSheffrey whose last away goal was against Portsmouth a few seasons ago stepped forward and placed the ball to the keeper’s right but it was a poor kick and the keeper guessed right and saved it adding to the weight of many a City fan that Sheff shouldn’t be playing. Portsmouth gained confidence from the save and went forward as the giant Agyemang headed the ball on Wallace raced past several defenders to beat Murphy to give the bottom team a lead. City soon recovered as Moussa was finding room down the centre managed to get a shot in whilst Christie was looking lively down the wing but with little support from Fleck. City tried to break down Portsmouth but they stood strong and at half time City were behind.


City attacked with renewed vigour in the second half kicking towards the end we were housed. Christie had a shot pushed away by Fleetwood early on. City started to pile on the pressure as McSheffrey found Martin from a free kick the defender had a blast that forced a good save from the keeper the ball fell to Moussa he had a shot that was blocked and went out for a corner. Portsmouth got entrenched again so after an hour SP made his first changes replacing McSheffrey with Thomas and Jennings with Wilson. The change pepped things up as Thomas started to use the ball well and almost scored with his first touch. Then Moussa forced a great save from Eastwood in the goal. Eastwood again deigned Moussa as City kept looking. Minutes later Fleck attempted to bust through but the referee Mr Gibbs who had played the advantage during the game decided to pull him back for a free kick. City kept plugging away and Eastwood caught a cross and with Wilson near him the keeper flung himself to the ground and the Portsmouth players surrounded Wilson the referee fell for the con trick booking Wilson. Minutes later at the other end Agyemang headed past Murphy to wrap up the win. City still tried to find a way back in as a McDonald shot slid under the keeper but he managed to grab it. In injury time Christie was hacked down and seemed to be in trouble a certain red card offence but Mr Gibb blew for full time.

It was unrealistic to expect another away win for City with so many players out and the events of the week had a clear impact on the players.

Man of the Match
1st Franck Moussa A danger
2nd Cyrus Christie Good down the right
3rd Jamie Bailey Best game for a while

Coventry City Vs Hartlepool

With administration looming on Friday this could be our last game as play off contenders but only if we beat Hartlepool. United are the form side in the division with only one defeat in ten but good news was their manager had just won manager of the month. SP insisted just like the two previous managers that 5-4-1 is a good formation at home despite our poor record. The team was in goal Murphy with Christie, Edjenguele and Martin in defence and joining them there on his debut was Jordan Stewart. In midfield we had Baker, Jennings, Bailey, Moussa and McSheffrey with McDonald up front.

The visitors were the first to show within the first minute when a good cross came in from the right and Stewart was first to react making a clearance that just missed the goal. Hartlepool had a couple of corners of free headers but they could not get them on target. City were looking solid at the back with the Edge and Martin winning most things whilst Moussa looked dangerous in midfield and also got through a lot of work winning the ball. It wasn’t a great game as City’s attacks broke down but McDonald did have a chance but both his efforts were blocked. Then Baker forced a keeper to make the first save of the day. The captain was getting more into the game as the rains started as he threaded a pass to McDonald the forward spun off the defender which left him a run on goal from a narrow angle we all expected the net to bulge and it did giving City the lead. Some stout defending by City and Hartlepool meant the teams went off at half time with City leading.

City stated well in the second half as McSheffrey had an early chance but fired wide. Moussa was involved in just about everything and did well to get a shot in on the turn that their keeper pushed away. The rain now started pouring down and we beat a hasty retreat to further back in our stand. SP then made his first change but he kept the 5-4-1 formation as Wilson replaced McDonald how had worked hard up front on his own. Then a great chance as Wilson played in McSheffrey with the goal at his mercy he failed to shoot and attempted to walk the ball in before he was robbed. The next time he touched the ball some of the crowd booed him much to the anger of most in the ground and the “Naughty Corner” responded by singing McSheffrey’s name. City had a few efforts on goal as the clock ticked down. SP made his second change taking off Moussa not a popular choice and sending on Fleck. City were now looking good on the counter and playing like the away side as Wilson had a chance but couldn’t shoot quickly enough. City were looking comfortable but needed another goal and Baker tried his best with a mazy dribble beating several players before shooting at the keeper finally the anonymous referee Mr Graham blew for a rare home win.

Man of the match
1st Franck Moussa Worked hard
2nd William Edjenguele Solid
3rd Aaron Martin Sign him up

Coventry City Vs Colchester United

On the day the Sports Minister Hugh Robertson criticised Sisu over the running of the club at Westminster SP attempted to end the home hoodoo against Colchester. Only one change was made with Leon out the team was in goal Murphy with Christie, Martin, Edjenguele and Dickinson in defence with McSheffrey, Jennings, Bailey, Moussa and Baker in midfield leaving McDonald up front. It was a low attendance and a very low away following as Kev counted 66 away fans before the teams marched out. If we earned as many points at home as we have away we would be clear top of League One but in a ground we have won as many have we lost since we came here maybe we will never play well here until the ground is sorted out once and for all.

SP has been pouring over DVDs of the previous home games and despite that was still decided not to tear his hair out and turned up to patrol the touchline. City started brightly with Baker having an early shot on target. Minutes later City went close when Moussa cut in and had a shot blocked by the legs of Walker in United’s goal. The resulting corner found Martin who with the whole goal to aim at blasted wide. City kept up the pressure as McDonald found McSheffrey and then played a great ball back to Cody who raced away drew the keeper and slipped the ball past him only to see it hit the post. Colchester then got more into the game with a couple of swift attacks as Baker lost possession in midfield and a Colchester player attempted to curl one into the top corner but Murphy did well to tip it away for a corner. From the corner Colchester had another chance resulting in a standard tip-over from Murphy. As at Scunthorpe City attempted to keep the ball going backward rather then punting the ball this frustrated many home supporters. Another steady build up saw McDonald go clear out wide but his shot went into the side netting. City kept up the pressure when Murphy bowled a great ball out to Moussa and the midfielder fired a shot on target that the keeper had trouble in keeping hold off. Murphy then had to go full length to prevent a goal as Colchester looked good on the counter. City kept trying to pass through the ranks but Colchester were defending better. With six minutes to go Baker went down in the box at the other end, as we gave half hearted appeals for a penalty the visitors broke as Martin lost possession Massey somehow made it into the box and surrounded by City players somehow beat Murphy from the edge of the area for a typical goal from an away side. Half time came and everyone was deflated with the score line.

City came out determined in the 2nd half but Colchester’s defence looked on top. City did create a chance when Baker crossed low and McSheffrey only had the keeper to beat from point blank range but somehow failed to score. By now I was looking over to the bench hoping to see some activity but no one was warming up. City kept plugging away as good work found Dickinson free in the penalty area but with the whole of goal to aim at blasted it embarrassingly wide. In a rare attack Colchester won a corner this was not cleared leaving our former windmill Clinton Morrison to head the ball back leaving Smith to slide the ball under Murphy for a second goal. John Fleck was on the touchline ready to come on “too late” many said was McSheffrey was booed off. Seconds later Moussa was taken off to the anger of many in the crowd and on came Wilson and City went 4-4-2. A manager is quite often judged on his subs Richard Shaw was hopeless at it and Robins was good at it and Pressley may follow the later as Wilson got the ball out wide and hared passed a defender a quick step-over before firing a great shot passed Walker for his first goal for the club. The PA announced was scored by Christie as we reminded him it was Wilson and I accused the PA of being “racist” and “should be sacked” but the CWR commentator got it wrong as well nothing new there. City were back in the game as Colchester wasted as much time as possible. Martin then attempted to “do a Beckham” and score from the half way line but his shot was well wide. Fleck then was worked in but his shot was deflected wide for a corner. Baker was still taking the corners, as I wanted Fleck to take them as he was brought into the club as a set piece expert. The referee meantime was having an OK game had a big decision to make when a Colchester player went down near Jennings and Mr Bates decided rightly only a booking was necessary. City kept up the pressure and the fans appealed for a handball in the box, as the fans were getting desperate. Into injury time City won a free kick and Baker pulled rank to take it as Kev said, “top corner” Baker hit a perfect ball into the goal to level the game up. City then went looking for a winner as the Edge got in an overhead kick and Baker volleyed wide. In the end a draw is a poor result but it always feels like a point won from behind and it is the first time we have done this at home in the league since 2009 against Middlesbrough including a goal from the current Colchester forward Morrison.

Man of the match
1st Callum Wilson turned the game
2nd Carl Baker now in the top 100 goal scorers for City
3rd Franck Moussa Looked dangerous

Scunthorpe United Vs Coventry City

Silly rumours emerged on our way north concerning Leon Clarke one saying he had broken his leg in training the other was he was on his way on loan to Sheffield United. One of several advantages of an away game at Scunthorpe is in fact regular passenger Lisa has an aunt and uncle a short drive from the ground so we set out early for a couple of rounds of sausage and bacon batches washing down with mugs of tea or coffee. We were in their house when the referee passed the pitch on its second inspection as the rain drizzled down. The centre of attention today was City’s fifth manager of the season a player that would make it to most fans’ City team of the top flight and I mean worst team. Not many were jumping for joy at the appointment of Pressley but it could have been a lot worse. We arrived at the ground and inside Paul had a chat with the ref concerning the pitch. The ref say a downpour and he would the game would not have taken place but he was confident the pitch would hold up but he criticised Scunthorpe’s lack of efforts to make sure the game would go on and the referee was excepting an “ugly game”. SP’s first team was announced and it was former Irons’ keeper Murphy in goal with Christie, Edjenguele, Martin and Dickinson at the back with McSheffrey, Jennings, Bailey, Moussa and Baker in midfield leaving the home team’s top scorer Leon up front for us.

The game kicked off in the rain with Scunny attacking the away end in the first half. The relegation threaten team attacked from the off and Murphy was forced to push one away early on. The Irons kept up the pressure as City found it hard to break out as Murphy made another standard save at his post. The pressure continued as Nolan crossed and Sodje rose for a point blank header and the home side lead. There were some comical “Pressley out” chants from the away end in a game we had to win. Scunthorpe continued to dominate and should have made it two when Hawley got past Martin and went around the diving Murphy but the player from a tight angle decided to shoot and hit the post when he could have walked the ball into the net. City finally got going after Dickinson threw himself into a tackle and City’s midfield finally started to see more of the ball. The main threat was Moussa who every time he got the ball ran at Scunthorpe forcing them back as City got a grip on the game. Dickinson had a blast wide before Bailey cleared the crossbar. McSheffrey was struggling out wide whilst down the right the Scunthorpe team seemed to have done their homework on Christie had had him contained on his raids forward. One nervous moment when The Edge seemed to block a run into the area thankfully the otherwise excellent referee Mr Bates didn’t see it. Unlike the last couple of games City tried to pass the ball but mostly along the back four one bad pass by Christie lead to a corner. On the touchline SP was patrolling the technical area making notes, which must have been very soggy. It was a competitive game but maybe a little too much when Bailey slipped and brought a player down the home fans shouted for a red but the yellow card was right. Near the end of the half City won a corner, which wasn’t totally cleared the ball, fell back to Baker whose shot took a deflection passed their giant 6’7” keeper to draw things level. At the other end of the ground we only celebrated when the team celebrated and most thought McSheffrey had scored.

They had a kids game at halftime this was no help to the pitch but the rain wasn’t any worse.

After a livelier start of the second half then how they ended the home side soon were being outplayed. Leon up front was working his socks off chasing everything whilst Moussa in the middle was a real handful but the surprise was McSheffrey who was looking quite good in the second half with some good passing and crossing. Dickinson in his last away game of the season then had a blast on goal saved by the giant. McSheffrey had an effort on target as City were in control. With sixty minutes go Baker crossed and Leon headed home but before he could start not celebrating he saw the linesman had his flag up and that looked the right decision. Minutes later we saw that Fleck was ready to come on as McSheffrey got the ball out wide “last chance Gary” I shout as Sheff found room and knocked in a great cross Leon rose and planted a header past the keeper to give us the lead as promised Leon didn’t celebrate the goal and you have to admire him for that but we celebrated. It was Leon’s sixth away game in a row scoring only one behind McGoldrick a record I never thought anyone would come close to again. Fleck came on for McSheffrey who for once received a good round of applause from the City fans. Chasing the game Scunthorpe pushed forward as City stepped back. The time was ticking down when they won a corner the ball was played wide and a played wellied it from twenty yards this was heading toward the corner until Joe pulled off a great save. Very deep in injury time as SP threw on Wills for Baker the home team had another chance but the shot was smoothened by Murphy and City hung on for a win.

A historic win now we can say this is the best away campaign in our history as the players came over to the away end and SP showed us his clench fist and I got through this article without mentioning Elvis, apart from then.

Man of the Match
1st Franck Moussa A headache
2nd Joe Murphy vital saves
3rd Leon Clarke hard working and another goal

Coventry City Vs Swindon Town

Yet still no new manager as we took on Swindon who had appointed former City player Kevin MacDonald a manager that would have been a good appointment for us. This was another must win game after the heroics at Bournemouth as LC sent his side out thus in goal Murphy with Christie, Cameron, Martin and Dickinson in defence, Baker, Jennings, Bailey Moussa and McSheffrey in midfield with Leon up front.

The Robins went straight on the attack in front of their impressive turn out over around three thousand fans. They won an early corner as a shot was blocked but City dealt well with the set piece and sprang forward with Moussa leading the attack he refused to pass to Leon and buried the ball past their keeper for a dream start. Swindon kept up the pressure, as the City midfield couldn’t get enough of the ball. Swindon won a couple of corners but Martin and the boys at the back were defending well. Meanwhile Leon was being booed by the away fans every time he touched the ball Swindon was one of his many clubs and he had a bust up with everyone’s favourite fascist manager de Canio. City briefly got a counter attack going when Baker found room and knocked in a get cross to McSheffrey on the far post, in days gone by Sheff would have buried it but he fluffed his lines yet again. Despite that Swindon kept up the bombardment and it took a fine save from Murphy to keep them out. City’s goal seemed to be living a charmed life when Williams broke it with only Murphy to beat but narrowly put it wide. It was still one-way traffic mainly down to “hoof” merchants Cameron and Dickinson and Town pressed again and Collins who was illegally bought by Swindon hit the post. City hung on until half time as we all hoped we would get more of the ball in the second half as Swindon couldn’t keep up their work effort in the second half.

At half time we had the so called “Legend’s day” but only a handful could be described as legends and we saw many familiar faces turn up again like every year but since they only stood in front of the main stand most of us didn’t get to see them.

Hopes of City playing better in the second half were soon dashed as Swindon attacked again reminding us all of the Bournemouth game. Four minutes into the half Murphy was forced to tip another shot over the bar. The referee Mr Heywood and his assistants who were poor did not help things. City kept soaking up the pressure but has now turned into a hoof team so different from the Mark Robbins’ team and this had its effects as Bailey was non-existent and Baker looked like the player he was last season. Still the captain when given the ball could create something as he launched a great cross and Leon met it well forcing a brilliant save from the visiting keeper. The more controversy as Cameron put in a brilliant sliding tackle on the edge of the area interpreted by the ref as a foul but many fans pointed to the ball going out for a throw in seconds before but I had a perfect view and the ball stayed in. Swindon kept up the pressure winning a series of corners but City were defending well but many would swap Cameron for The Edge, as his distribution was better. Another attack saw Martin, Cameron and Dickinson all dive in to block a shot as time went on. LC finally decided to change things taking off McSheffrey for Bell but even the greatest player in the world needs the ball as the ball was aimlessly hoofed all day our midfield had no chance. With six to go it finally happened Murphy saved well but Williams was on hand to force the ball home for a deserved goal. Now there was only one result from here on in. LC decided to change things and threw on McDonald for Moussa when many would have put on Cody a lot earlier. Corner number 12 arrived and this time it was one two many as Ward fired them into the lead to inflict more damage on our play off hopes.

This was our 65th home league defeat at The Rioch, which amazingly is the same as home wins. Next up is Scunthorpe away is it too much to hope for we have a new manager by then?

Man of the Match
1st Aaron Martin Sign him up
2nd Franck Moussa Best of the midfield
3rd Leon Clarke Needed help up front or someone at least to hoof the ball in his direction

AFC Bournemouth Vs Coventry City

We let the coach take the strain as we headed down to deepest Dorset. The last time we played The Cherries it was a relegation “six-pointer” near the start of the season but since then we have been on their coat tails as they raced up the table. We reached Dean Court without any problem to a friendly well-run club with a good ground despite having only three sides the fourth to be built in the closed season. With still no manager appointed LC brought in Aaron Martin to help out at the back and he also brought back Cody McDonald from his successful spell at Gillingham. The line up was in goal Murphy with Christie, Martin, Cameron and Dickinson at the back, with Baker, Jennings, Moussa, Bailey and McSheffrey in midfield leaving Leon up front. A defeat this night would put the final nail in this season’s coffin.

The game was only twenty four seconds old when Dickinson was on the floor in a heap and needed lengthy treatment it must have been bad because blood had to be washed off the pitch as the tough left back chanced shirts before the game could resume. Baker forced the first save of the game firing low at the Cherries’ keeper. Soon the home side were in full flow with great energy and pace gave City no time to build and it was Murphy who came to the rescue with a great reflex save. Grabban then had a great chance but rushed his shot, firing wide of Murphy. The hosts kept up the pressure when Dickinson under hit a header sending Tubbs a free run on goal but thankfully he shot wide. City were finding it hard to build an attack as they where pressed back but the back four were holding firm with new boy Martin looking impressive. City seemed to have ridden out the storm for a while and set up an attack as Baker found Christie and the full back played in Moussa, The midfielder showed skill to find room before firing a diagonal ball but Jalal in the goal did well to parry the ball and had luck on his side when he caught his own parry. Now the referee Mr Hooper may be the best official I have seen this season, he let the game flow and seemed to make balanced decisions for both sides he also was eager to pounce on any perceived time wasting. Bournemouth kept the pressure with waves of attacks but City were hanging on, as many of us admitted Bournemouth may have been the best side we have seen this season. A lengthily injury time was on as City looked like they would reach the break level but then Cameron hoofed a ball up field and Leon latched onto it overpowering one defender he put in a step-over to outfox another before entering the area and blasting the ball past the keeper to fire City into a lead. It was his 5th away game in a row he has scored only happened twice in out history before once by Clarrie Bourton and earlier this season by McGoldrick.

We expected Bournemouth to come out “all guns blazing” in the second half and they did. It wasn’t only the defenders working hard everyone was especially Jennings in midfield but it was his fellow midfielder Bailey who prevented a goal hooking the ball away. Bournemouth were also winning a series of corners but for once these were being dealt with whilst City wasted any corners they had. City still looked dangerous on the break as Leon took a shot that almost crept under Jalal. They kept the pressure on as Cameron did well to clear before a shot just went over the bar. At the other end Moussa tried a blasted but it was straight at the keeper. City soaked up more pressure before Bournemouth made changes. LC decided to make a change and it turned out to be a masterstroke, at first we didn’t know who it was until we realised it was David Bell. This is Paul’s all time favourite player and it was good to see him back it was his first game since a home game against Millwall at the tail end of last season. He replaced McSheffrey who was yet again very poor. After an accurate pass by Bell the fans sung a funny but slightly tasteless song of “We thought you were dead”. Bell soon got into the action as he received the ball and passed it to a City player, got the ball back passed it to someone else, got the ball back and passed it again this was being lapped up by the away fans. City were still under pressure as Martin made another interception. Serious contender for League One’s Manager of the season Eddie Howe then threw on Steve Fletcher who has a stand named after him at Dean Court. City still looked dangerous on the break and on one occasion won a free kick Baker took it and found Bell his accurate cross as handled by Grabben, “PENALTY!” the City fans shouted and Mr Hooper had no choice but to point to the spot. Baker steeped up to tuck the kick away to give us a two-goal lead. LC threw on Edjenguele for Moussa to secure the points and Edge was quickly into the ref’s book with a body check. Later LC took off Leon and brought back McDonald to the song “we thought you had left.” Deep in injury time City attacked and Cody was on the shoulder of a defender but he time his run a split second too early and was flagged off side before he was booked for kicking the ball away. Finally Mr Hooper blew to signal yet another away victory and to keep City still in the hunt for promotion.

A good journey back as Radio Solent and their texters gave an honest assessment of the game apart from Eddie Howe who thought the penalty was harsh. We have now earned 11 points away against current top 7 but we need to start to win at home. Got home at 1.15.

Man of the Match
1st Aaron Martin Good height at the back won everything
2nd Nathan Cameron His best game of the season
3rd Steve Jennings Ran all night combating Bournemouth.

Coventry City Vs Crewe Alexandra

So Alexandra were in town again in a must win game for as we are again taking ages over finding a new manager. Caretaker boss Carsley was forced into one change as Wood was out injured, the team was in goal Murphy, with Christie, Edjenguele, Cameron and Dickinson at the back with McSheffrey, Jennings, Bailey and Baker in midfield with Elliott and Leon up front. The crowd was a third the attendance that watched the JPT home game against Crewe and about the number of fans that Crewe will take to Wembley.

City went straight on the attack as McSheffrey found Baker whose shot was blocked, then McSheffrey set up Leon whose header was just a little bit too high. McSheffrey was involved again as already he was having his best game for ages as again he found Baker who forced Phillips into a save. City kept up the pressure as Christie sent in a ball over the top Leon raced after it passed the defenders took one touch on his chest before volleying past the keeper to move the forward ahead of McGoldrick in The League One scoring table. Crewe hit back and a good shot form the edge of the area forced Murphy into a great save the following corner was met by Ellis, the one that scored an own goal and it was level. Things were getting heated as Dickinson seemed to be elbowed by Luke Murphy and the referee Mr Sheldrake who was poor throughout booked both players. The linesman on the left was also poor misreading a number of off sides during the game. Minute’s later hothead Dickinson dived in to a challenge and fouled a player thankfully the referee didn’t give him a second yellow. Bailey then fired wide before Murphy punched clear after a free kick. City kept trying to break down Crewe’s five-man defence, as Christie was harshly booked. Then a good move down the left saw McSheffrey find Bailey who fired wide when he should have scored. Half time all level.

City continued to press intro the second half when the hard working Jennings struck the post with Phillips beaten. Not long after Jennings found room again forcing Phillips to go full length for another good save, dam that keeper. Even better was to come from the keeper this time saving a shot from Elliott. City won plenty of corners but as normal could create anything from them despite having plenty of tall players. City then came close following a cleared corner as Baker bent a ball over the keeper only to see a player on the line head it clear. LC decided to change things around but surprised many by taking off Elliott switching to five in midfield with Moussa coming on. Then Crewe exploited the defence who had hardly played to together when sub Clayton was allowed to lob Murphy and they lead and out season looked over. LC then sent on Fleck for McSheffrey but the midfielder’s first contribution was a poor cross. Another surprising decision was the taking off of the best player Jennings to be replaced by Wilson as City struggled. Baker, who wasn’t having a great game almost carved out a goal as he crossed and Wilson couldn’t keep his header down. The game petered out leaving City needing to put a series of wins on the board with Bournemouth and Swindon coming up hopefully we will have a new manager in by then.

Man of the Match
1st Steven Jennings Ran midfield and looked a goal threat
2nd Leon Clarke Marked by three defenders but still scored
3rd Cyrus Christie Set up a goal

Crewe Alexandra Vs Coventry City JPT

What normally would take us just over an hour turned into two as we hit heavy traffic around Crewe. Unusually everyone in the car predicted a victory but two off us went for scores that would see us eliminated. We got into the away stands to watch it fill up as we heard the team news it was in goal Murphy with Christie, Wood, Cameron and Dickinson in defence with McSheffrey, Jennings, Bailey and Baker in midfield leaving Elliott and Leon up front. Just before kick we noticed the home stands were not full despite tickets being a tenner and being one game away from Wembley some teams do not deserve it but football is like that. City have an excellent record in two legged games winning just under half of away ties but if City could pull back the aggregate tonight it would be one of the greatest come backs in the history of football.

The game started with City attacking the very narrow end that the minority of City fans occupied with most being housed down the side. City started well as Baker knocked in a cross and Leon headed wide when maybe he should have scored but this could be down to the large aggregate score. Crewe meanwhile were not too surprisingly slowing everything down and took 30 seconds to take one throw in. The referee Mr Scott had an OK game and warned the Crewe keeper Phillips over time wasting but the keeper took his time over his kicks but not enough to earn a booking. City were playing well against a team that had packed out their defence as Bailey fired over with a good shot. City fans meanwhile were willing the team forward to make an early break through. Crewe were catching City on the break and twice Murphy had to run outside of his box to play as sweeper to stop a couple of attacks. City kept up the pressure as Jennings fired in a shot that Phillips made a meal of but the ball rebounded to safety. Another attack saw Bailey brought down but Mr Scott played a good advantage and as City entered the box appealed for a penalty before McSheffrey fired the ball into the net but after the linesman had his flag up for a foul from Leon. City kept up the attacks but at time was a little too direct with Dickinson being the main culprit. McSheffrey was yet again having a poor game but did have a couple of good moments one was a low cross to Leon who turned quickly but couldn’t find the target another when he had a free shot on goal but drove the ball across the face just missing Leon and Elliott. City needed a goal before half time one didn’t come as City went off all level. The local radio this time gave a fair assessment of the game stating that “Leon Clarke made Akinfenwa look like a light weight”. .

Second half kicked off as City’s miracle of reaching Wembley grew by every second that went by. It was the home side that started the better in the second half pushing City back without troubling Murphy who showed great handling throughout the game. At the other end Phillips push away a corner before Murphy pulled off a save. Then something we didn’t want to see in a tie that was practically over as a City player went down with injury, it was Wood and he went off and was replaced by Jordan who slotted in at the back. City now looked like their heads had dropped as all the midfield and Elliott up front were having bad games our wide men McSheffrey was yet again very bad whilst Baker who in opinion of myself and many will be the player of the season could do nothing right. A flare went off in front of the City fans in front of the goal and being red it might have been thrown by the Crewe fans. The home fans did break into a song or too as time ticked on. Good work at the other end saw Leon get a chance but he like his teammates dallied too long on the ball and the chance was gone. Jordan tried his luck from distance with a good shot just going wide of the post. LC decided to change things around but most were surprised when McSheffrey stayed on and Elliott went off to be replaced by Wilson. City wasted a great chance when the ball fell to Baker in the six-yard box but somehow the player with eleven goals screwed his shot wide. Fleck came on for a disappointing Bailey as several City fans left the ground. In one Crewe attack Jordan seemed to push a player to the ground in the penalty box before the ball was scrambled away for a corner Murphy didn’t agree and was pointlessly booked. City stared to win more of the ball and won a series of corners each one the away fans urged Murphy to go forward but not surprisingly he didn’t. Into injury time and at least it looked like City would remain unbeaten with Crewe coming to The Rioch on Saturday we needed an edge. Three minutes into injury time Christie sent in a cross and Ellis managed to do no City player had done for three games this season and knock the ball past Phillips to give City a lead and victory. Straight from the kick off City won the ball and Christie delivered a perfect ball into the ball and Leon rose and smacked a header past Phillips amazingly City were back in the tie. Now Crewe were nervous as they lost the ball and Christie was brought down for a free kick. City fans urged Murphy forward he made it to the half way line but on orders was told to stay back, was LC more interested in keeping a clean sheet then forcing penalties? Baker took the kick but it wasn’t a good one and Crewe held out to celebrate reaching Wembley.

No doubt they will take 10,000 to the ground whilst we have to concentrate on the pursuit of the top six starting with a revenge mission against Crewe on Saturday.

Man of the Match
1st Joe Murphy Good handling throughout.
2nd Leon Clarke A handful
3rd Cyrus Christie Set up both goals

Bury Town Vs Coventry City

The mass hoards travelled to Bury in a subdued mood after the horrendous last week and a bit to tiny Gigg Lane. No problems on the way up as made our way to the ground in which we lost in last season’s League Cup a game I missed through ill health. Gigg Lane is a neat and tidy little ground that attracted just fewer than four thousands almost half supporting the Sky Blues in two separate stands one behind the goal and one at the side. Some came, for some reason in fancy dress, some dressed as crayons! To me they looked like members of the Klu Klux Klan that had a make over. We looked over to the press box to see if our new manager was in there but the only one we recognised was Dave Bennett working for CWR. New caretaker manager Lee Carsley made two changes bringing in Nathan Cameron for his first game of the year and giving a debut to Robins’ last signing Carl Dickinson. The line up was in goal Murphy, the back four Christie, Wood, Cameron and Dickinson with McSheffrey, Bailey, Jennings and Baker in midfield leaving Elliott and Leon up front. The question was would the players come out feeling sorry for themselves or stick two fingers up at Robins?

We knew if we had any chance of the play offs we had to win at relegation threatened home of the Shakers and three minutes in a long ball from Dickinson was latched onto by Leon he was too strong for the defender and bust into the box with only the keeper to beat as the league’s third highest scorer slipped the ball between Carson’s legs to give us a perfect start. This gave City a lift as tore into the home side looking for goals. Elliott then forced the keeper to save. Elliott then went on one of his familiar jinking runs before he hit the post the ball rebounded to Bailey on the edge of the area and his shot was headed off the line. Then game then seemed to settle down as City looked comfortable. The game wasn’t the best quality as City tended to hit the long ball too often with Dickinson being the main culprit. Attention from the City fans in the main stand on the side turned to the stand behind the goal as it seemed the stewards took offence at a City fan taking his shirt off and even more when a female steward redressed him! Friendly lot these northerners. Bury were getting more of the ball but not troubling Murphy in the goal. The excellent referee Mr Drysdale then was forced to book McSheffrey for a very crude tackle on Worrell who had was giving Dickinson several problems on his debut. Carson was then forced to tip a shot over from a corner before another corner was met by a diving header from Cameron who just put it over. As the subs kept warm on the touchline the fans in the main stand sang to Edjenguele “Edgy give us a wave.” The big Frenchman looked back confused until Moussa translated for him. City defended a few corners late in the half until a ball fell invitingly for a Bury player but his shot was deflected wide by Wood.

Half time City leading as I tune into Radio Manchester to get their views and strange they were. They started with “it’s the attack of the giants”. They accused the City team of being a tall a physical side! The pointed to Cameron and Wood at the back both six footers but hardly giants and Clarke up front again tall not massive they ignored Stephen Elliott being on the field, our team wasn’t any taller then theirs. Then they claimed that Bury played the better football, any excuse.

City attacked away from the City fans in the second half as Elliott had a shot beaten away. Carson was starting to play well was he denied a rare goal for McSheffrey before a great double save to keep out Leon. At the other end Bury just scrapped the crossbar as the game was in the balance. Baker was “pulling the strings from wide” as Radio Manchester later stated as City still looked more likely to soccer then concede. City finally got a good move going as a four man move saw Elliott tee up Baker and the captain rifled in from just inside the box for his first goal nine games. It was looking like yet another away day special as the fans sang, “are you watching Mark Robbins?” LC decided to make some changes to secure the win off went the very good Elliott to be replaced by Moussa. The sub made a couple of good runs as Dickinson had a shot saved. Now 2-0 is the score I predicted on the way up which meant I would have won it twice on the spin so I wasn’t too happy to see Ajose break free late on and slip the ball under Murphy and heading for goal but thankfully Wood got back to clear the lines. LC made a couple of changes to waste time on came Fleck for a disappointing McSheffrey before Thomas replaced Jennings in injury time. Finally the ref blew for another away win and our first clean away sheet since Hartlepool!

On the way out I couldn’t wait to hear what Radio Manchester and they more or less said we bullied them out of the points! Stopping for a coffee on the way back we read that Sky Sports had giving the odds of 1-4 on John Pemberton being our new manager, who?

Man of the Match
1st Carl Baker pulled the strings
2nd Stephen Elliott constant threat
3rd Richard Wood in control at the back

Coventry City Vs Yeovil Town

Only a third of the crowd that attended the JPT game turned up at The Rioch for the visit of Yeovil but still by far the biggest gate in League 1. Yeovil had won five in a row and sat a place above the Sky Blues so a victory was necessary as we waited to see if we could recover from Tuesday’s night hangover. The team was in goal Murphy with Christie, Wood, Edjenguele and Adams at the back with Baker, Jennings, Moussa, Bailey and McSheffrey in midfield with Leon up front.

Yeovil were in a kit so bright many cycles could wear and not get run over in the dark. City attacked towards the away fans first. City won an early corner thanks to Christie. McSheffrey wasted the set piece a common occurrence during the match. City were looking the better side but Yeovil were sitting deep and knocking long balls over the top for their pacey players to latch on to they also had two very tall beanpoles at the back and they had the measure of Leon. City did have the ball in the net after nine minutes but the linesman had flagged for off side. City continued to be on top as Bailey fire one in on target. Town counter attacked forcing Murphy to save with his feet. The resulting corner caused problems forcing Murphy into an acrobatic save and for Wood to clear. If McSheffrey’s set pieces were poor Baker’s were not much better. City continued to press for a goal and won several corners none came to much. Then with half time approaching another ball was knocked over the top and Madden latched onto it he raced towards the area before beating Murphy to give the visitors the lead.

Before the second half City made a change with Adams forced off with an injury on came Jordan to play at left back. City were still trying to play good football not easy on a poor pitch. A good move saw the ball drop to Bailey and he was inches over with a shot. MR then made his first tactical change taking off the disappointing McSheffrey and bringing on Elliott switching to 4-4-2. The change made a difference as the two beanpoles at the back found it hard to keep tabs on Elliott. The forward called “Sleeves” to his team mates then floated in a shot that hit the cross bar with the keeper beaten. City continued to pile on the pressure as Yeovil sat back as both Jennings and Baker had shots. The Glovers still looked dangerous on the counter as they went close before an Elliott curling shot didn’t have enough pace on to trouble the keeper. MR made his last change taking off Jennings and throwing on Fleck. I was surprised that Baker was still taking the set pieces with Fleck on the field. Also each corner was hit high into the box for their beanpoles to win when a short ball to say Moussa might off caused more problems. Baker had another effort go over as City kept up the pressure. Before the ever busy Elliott went close again. Yeovil where standing firm as City were unable to break them down, as Leon wasn’t having a great game. Finally deep in injury time the ref blew to signal back-to-back home defeats that may just of ended City’s season.

Man of the Match
1st Stephen Elliott Unlucky not to have started
2nd Franck Moussa Ran all day but found the pitch tricky
3rd Cyrus Christie Solid and went forward well

Coventry City Vs Crewe Alexandra JPT

Rain greeted most of the fans as they arrived at a packed out home crowd the biggest in the history of this competition and it’s predecessors apart from the Grand Finals. Despite the rain and sitting out in the open all the bodies around kept us all relatively dry and warm as we heard that no changes had been made to the team. In goal was Murphy with Christie, Wood, Edjenguele and Adams at the back with McSheffrey, Baker, Moussa and Jennings in the middle leaving Elliott and Leon up front.

The game started to the twirling of scarves as City attacked the far end. In the electric atmosphere Crewe started the better with Osman shooting wide early on. As the rains came down City started to get a grip as McSheffrey played Leon in but a defender did well to slide in and deign him. Minutes later good work down the wing by Baker and a good ball saw Leon with a chance but he scooped the ball inches wide of the post. Baker then dribbled through the middle before his shot was charged down. It was a good competitive game but Christie was lucky to escape without a booking when he made the only bad tackle of the night but the excellent Mr Salisbury only gave a warning. After twenty minutes Crewe had the ball in the net but the linesman had his flag up well before for off side. Still City dominated as keeper Phillips somehow kept out a Leon shot from a corner. City kept up the pressure this time it was Moussa testing out Phillips’ reflexes. It was still one-way traffic as Baker fired in a good cross and Elliott met it well only for Phillips to pull yet another save and then for Jennings to blast wide from the edge of the area. Crewe were soaking up the pressure and hitting City on the break and as they do by playing good honest football and they should have taken the lead after 34 minutes when a great chipped-cross found Osman unmarked but his diving header went wide. Back at the other end Baker fired wide from just inside the box before Leon hooked another shot wide after another Baker cross. In injury time Mr Salisbury played another good advantage after McSheffrey was brought down but Jennings couldn’t keep his shot down and it was level at the break.

An injury had forced Murphy not to appear for the second half and was replaced by Dunn for his first game of the year. The second half started with City on top as Elliott raced into the area “another MK Dons’ goal”, I thought was Elliott got the bal cut outside and fired towards the corner only for Phillips to pull off an outstanding save Crewe counter attacked from the corner as Moore played the ball to Inman who said “I’m free” before beating Dunn from the angle to give the visitors an undeserved lead. City kept attacking as McSheffrey played in a great ball and Elliott met it with a back heal but again another wonder save from Phillips as it started to look like one of those nights. Moussa then fired wide as City looked for a goal. Again it was Phillips to the rescue saving from a deflected shot and it any Premier League scouts were in the crowd they would be beating a path to Crewe to sign Phillips if he plays like this every week. Finally Phillips got no where near a shot as Baker hit a post as everyone had their heads in their hands. Seconds later Adams drove in a cross that was inches from the heads of McSheffrey and Leon. MR decided to change the emphasis of the attack by taking off the unlucky Elliott and giving cup goal scoring expert Ball his first game of the year. Sadly minutes later Crewe launched another counter attack and it was Inman again on hand to steer the ball home to make it two! Some fans got up and walked out to an angry reception from the regulars on the lines of “I bet you will not be back in a while”. Then an idiot ran onto the pitch and angry Christie was first to him giving him a kick before the plodding stewards got the intruder off the pitch unfortunately according to the stupid rules of football Mr Salisbury booked Cyrus he could have sent him off but issued a yellow card. City won a free kick and McSheffrey fired it inches over before he was taken off and replaced by Bailey. Worse was to follow as City were throwing players forward Crewe again hit on the counter and Leitch-Smith fired home passed Dunn who should have saved the shot. City were still looking for a goal as Leon headed wide from a cross. City were still winning plenty of corner’s but Baker couldn’t get the ball away from Phillips. Crewe counter-attacked again and finally Dunn made a save tipping a shot over the bar. In the dieing seconds a Ball shot was deflected over and the game ended.

The fans left gutted and in total shock hopefully Crewe had used up all their luck for the 2nd leg and more importantly the league game here as City face and another make or break game on Saturday at home to Yeovil and there will not be 31,000+ at that game.

Man of the Match (apart from Steve Phillips)
1st Carl Baker must have ran over several black cats on the way to the ground
2nd Steven Elliott walked under a couple of ladders
3rd Franck Moussa Dangerous

Sheffield United Vs Coventry City

Got everyone to Leicester with no problem after transferring into Paul’s car we hit the M1 at five and things slowed to a snails pace. Crawling up the motorway we were in danger of missing the start but just south of Sheffield we saw parked on the hard shoulder a giant lorry the motorway was clear after that all that congestion caused by people slowing down to see that! We reached Sheffield at 7 with more traffic all of use already hating Friday night football. Thankfully we found a good car park very near to the ground and got in ten minutes before the kick off. This was my 12th visit to Brammal Lane a ground we have quiet a good record at but tonight a win was a must for a play off place. MR for once changed his formation going 4-4-2 the line up in goal Murphy, with Christie, Wood, Edjenguele and Adams at the back with McSheffrey, Jennings, Moussa and Baker in midfield leaving Leon and Elliott up front.

City in the Brazil kit attacked the far side in the first half and ripped into the home side from the whistle. City forced a couple of early corners as we were outplaying the home side in a similar manner we did against Preston. City were looking dangerous with every attack as Elliott found Baker in the box but the skipper could only knock the ball over the top. City forced another couple of corners as the pressure stayed on. We needed a goal and we got one as Elliott got a ball from a throw in and crossed it to Leon the big forward met it first time hitting the underside of the crossbar and in. City deserved to be in front and were totally controlling the game. The midfielders were well on top and they just couldn’t handle Leon up front at the back things were solid with Christie twice showing great strength as he had a United player in his back pocket. City kept up attacking, as McSheffrey should have done better with a shot. City kept up the pressure until half time but couldn’t add to the score.

Half time on Radio Sheffield the expert one of only two men ever to score against us in a FA Cup semi final Keith Edwards was worried. He thought his midfield wasn’t creating enough, but they do have Michael Doyle there and he thought Leon Clarke was giving them a hard time.

Second half we expected United to come out with guns blazing and they did. As their Murphy sliced a shot high over our Murphy’s bar. In front of the travelling hoards Leon headed one on target. City were still looking good from a corner The Edge headed a ball to the corner only to be deigned by a good save from The Blades’ keeper Long. United with a couple of changes started to put pressure on City and finally had a shot on target. The very good referee Mr Graham then turned down a penalty appeal as United pumped up the pressure. MR decided to sure things up by taking off Elliott and sending on Thomas. Then just after 70 minutes a United corner found the head of Kitson and he levelled it was a goal that was coming. Now there only seemed to be one winner as City’s play off dreams started to fade. MR made another change sending on Fleck for McSheffrey. City were pressed back but looked good on the counter and seven minutes after the goal Leon broke through the defence but could get the ball under control to fire off a good enough shot. At the other end The Blades went close as time ticked down then with three minutes to go Moussa found room and fired a shot at Long it looked an easy save for the keeper but he parried it and the ball fell to an unmarked Leon who blasted the ball home for a lead. Made scenes in the away end as fans celebrated only with several stewards who happened to be Sheffield Wednesday fans. United threw everything at City to grab a point leaving large holes at the back and Thomas exploited one of these running clear but he couldn’t beat the keeper as the referee seemed to be player far too much time. Then Baker played Jennings clear and he too should have scored but Long saved. Finally Mr Graham blew and we left with yet another late victory.

Man of the Match
1st Leon Clarke Two goals and a handful
2nd Carl Baker Constant running from the captain
3rd Cyrus Christie Strong at the back.

Preston North End Vs Coventry City

We were driven up the M6 with snow in the fields either side of the road but around Wigan some snow as even on the edges of the motorway where people were stuck for several hours last night but the snow soon disappeared as we turned up at Preston. Not many fans about as we tried to win in the league for the first time at this ground and this was my 11th league visit here at least I saw us win the League Cup here once. Preston are on a bad run and the locals didn’t sound confident outside. Entering the ground we noticed the bad weather had a bad effect on a poor pitch. City’s line up was in goal Murphy, with Christie, Wood, Edjenguele and Adams at the back with Moussa, Baker, Jennings, Bailey and Fleck in midfield leaving Leon Clarke up front.

The game started with City fans reminding the home fans whose going to Wembley. Preston had the first effort at our end but it went wide as City started to gain the upper hand. A lively Moussa had a shot that was deflected for a corner. At our end Preston broke and won a corner it was delivered well and King headed past Murphy but thankfully Baker was on the goal line and cleared the ball. City started to dominate with Jennings running midfield and Moussa and Baker giving the inexperienced fullbacks a torrid time. Leon then forced North End’s keeper Stuckmann into a save before Baker let fly with a great shot forcing the keeper into a good save. City continued the push as Fleck found Leon and the keeper kept him out was well. Bailey then just shot over from distance as the away fans were getting worried we could find the back of the net. The Mr Coote who was having a good game then awarded City a free kick, which Baker took forcing, the keeper into an easy save. Moussa fired over as he continued to cause problems. It was still all one way as Leon fired a shot straight at the keeper before they managed to clear a dangerous corner after the keeper made yet another good save. They say you should always score when you are on top and we know why as winger Monakana crossed and Cummings tapped in from close distance. City continued to dominate despite going behind when it was Bailey’s turn to test out the keeper before Fleck tried his luck again straight at the keeper it was looking like one of those days. City are nothing but determined these days as Moussa ran into the area and found Leon the big forward turned and finally someone beat Stuckmann and City were deservedly level. Preston came close near the end of the half before both sets of fans applauded their teams off.

Second half saw City attack at our end. City continued to press early on in the second half. Baker again beat the teenage fullback and crossed the ball was met by defender Robertson and he deflected it past his own keeper to give City the lead. “2-1 and you mess it up again” we sang or something like that. Their manager Westly then came in for a fair amount of verbals form the travelling fans. Jennings then went down under a challenge from a Preston player and had to change his shirt because of blood unfortunately the referee missed the incident. Either City started to sit back or Preston started to push more the home side started to have more of the ball when a ball found Wroe and he smacked it home to level the game up again this was the one hundredth goal scored past Murphy since he arrived not too bad a record. The referee Mr Coote who had a good first half now seemed to be giving most things the home sides way as he booked Jennings and the North End players did their best to wind him up and get him sent off. The game was now far more even as Preston went close. Baker had a shot blocked before Bailey couldn’t get any power in his shot. The game petered out with no injury time goals for once leaving us disappointed with a point and still no league win at Preston.

Man of the match
1st Steve Jennings Ran midfield
2nd Cyrus Christie Raided well down the flanks
3rd William Edjenguele Strong at the back

Coventry City Vs Oldham Athletic

The roads leading to the ground were clear of snow so with the car parks cleared the game went on. This gave City a chance of breaking into the top six as Oldham paid a visit. City’s team was in goal Murphy with Christie, Wood, Edjenguele and a player that had just joined singing a contract Adams with McSheffrey, Fleck, Jennings, Bailey and Baker in midfield with Leon up front. The referee Mr Collins was in charge at Swindon and which he gave the worst refereeing performance of the season.

Just over 10,000 turned up for this game mainly City fans as there was a small turn out from Oldham so much so they were only given the top half of the away stand but credit to the ones that made it. The game started and soon Oldham won a corner and as he would do throughout the game Mellor played in a dangerous in swinging corner that Murphy had to push away. After dealing with another dangerous corner City started to get into the game as McSheffrey fired in two crosses. Despite being on a bad run Oldham were playing quiet well and Murphy was forced to save from Smith. At the other end City were knocking the ball around well with Bailey being at the hub when Fleck had a shot saved. In the twentieth minute Edjenguele hit the deck for the third time victim of yet another Smith elbow this time the referee booked the forward who could have easily been sent off. City started to have the better play as Fleck forced Bouzanis in the away goal push a shot away. Then another cross came in and the keeper came out with a clean caught but sending McSheffrey flying in the process a big roar for a penalty from the “Naughty Corner” but it looked a clean caught to me. A great move then ended as McSheffrey fired just over before a fairly dull first half came to an end.

The second half started with City playing the better football as Bailey fired wide. After ten minutes MR decided to add to the attacking potential by brining on Elliott for Jennings. Minutes later a ball was played to Leon and for once he escaped his marker but was brought down with a free run on goal just outside the area. The referee then angered the home fans by only awarding a yellow card despite the fact the defender deigned a clear goal scoring opportunity. Before the kick could be taken Moussa replaced Fleck. McSheffrey took the kick only just missing the right hand post. A few minutes later Sheff crossed form the left and Elliott was on hand near the left hand post to head home and fire City into a lead. This lifted City as McSheffrey tested the keeper out before Oldham took of former City player Robbie Simpson to good applause. Oldham still threatened on the break and in one incident Murphy raced off his line to dive at the feet of an Oldham player who had broken free. City kept up the pressure and a cross was caught by Bouzanis but had clearly taken it over the line for a corner. The corner came in and the ball was flicked to Elliott the forward got the back of his to it which produced a “world class” save by the keeper some said the ball crossed the line but from where I was sitting I had a great view and it wasn’t a goal. Then Grounds took Baker out with a crude tackle and was lucky only to be booked. The away keeper then deigned Wood as City desperately looked for a 2nd that would take them into 6th place. Moussa then fired over as the tension grew. MR made his last change taking off the hard working McSheffrey and brining on Thomas to help stem Oldham’s long ball. With two minutes to go Oldham won a corner and again the delivery was accurate but it looked like Murphy was to get to the ball before I could say “Murph ball” Smith steamed in and headed Oldham level, where I was sitting it looked like a foul but the goal stood. It looked like we had thrown away a vital win and a top six placed looked way off as Oldham were lifted after the goal. The officials awarded four minutes of injury time and deep in that Murphy made a standard save. City launched an attacked as Baker feed Moussa the sub controlled the ball well before feeding Bailey unmarked in the area the midfielder took one touch to control it before rifling it in the top corner to set off mad celebrations around the ground. Yet another late winner at home and we scored late at their place as well. Oldham kicked off and launched a ball City won this and passed to Thomas the midfield dribbled half the length of the field before he was stopped then the referee blew for a last gasp victory. City moved to 7th only the narrowest of goal difference from the top six, happy days.

Man of the match
1st James Bailey Great passing in midfield and a great goal
2nd Gary McSheffrey worked hard and set up a goal
3rd Joe Murphy More important saves

Coventry City Vs Tranmere Rovers

On a bitterly cold night City took on the league’s top side Tranmere Rovers. A crowd of just over ten thousand made it to the ground mostly City fans as the leaders didn’t bring that many. It was a game City desperately needed to win to keep in touch with the play offs as MR swapped his right backs for the game. The team was in goal Murphy, with Christie, Wood, Edjenguele and Adams at the back with McSheffrey, Jennings, Moussa, Fleck and Baker with Leon up front. Rovers had won four in a row and could go clear top whilst City hadn’t scored a league goal for two games. There was one surprise on the bench as David Bell was named.

The game kicked off with City attacking the away end in the first half. First action was after five minutes when Sheff got the ball and ran towards the area he beat on and then beat another before shooting just wide of the keeper’s right hand post. Then Jennings was pulled up for a tackle on a player who sounds like he was a hero from a comic Max Power. Tranmere found it hard to get going and barley looked like a top of the table team as City continued to have the upper hand. At our end we saw O’Halloran take a blatant dive in the area but wasn’t booked. City attacked again as Christie fired in a shot and the Rovers’ keeper Fon-Williams fumbled the ball and it went out for a corner when could have easily gone in the back of the net. The leaders tried to break forward using their pace but the defenders were keeping tabs on them. One attack lead to a couple of corners and the second City showed some pace themselves as Baker broke from deep and feed in Leon but the keeper got to the ball first. In another attack Christie won a corner. The set piece was taken by Baker he found Wood at the far post, the defender nodded back across the goal for Leon to head home from close range to give City the lead. City were looking better whilst Tranmere were struggling to pass. City attacked again as Adams, who hopefully will soon be a permanent City player fired in a cross and Fon-Williams made a meal out of punching the ball away. City kept pressing and should have made it two when Leon had a free header but could only direct it to the keeper. City made it to half time leading and looking by far the better side but Tranmere has only lost twice away in the league all season so we waited for the second half action.

After trying to keep warm in the break we saw the players marched out for the second half. City started well in the 2nd half as Leon had a shot blocked. At the other end the visitors attacked and the Edge had to block a shot from Liam Palmer son of former City player Carlton. Murphy then save a shot as Tranmere got more into the game. At our end a great move saw Baker play in Moussa who fired wide. An ever better move then saw Moussa play in Jennings but the midfielder could get enough angle on his shot on target. Minutes later Baker went down in the area with a head injury which to me looked accidental a corner followed which saw a very lively McSheffrey connect perfectly with an overhead kick but it went straight to the keeper if he had sliced it he would have scored. Then Sheff fired in a shot from a free kick but the keeper also saved this, Rovers’ boss who unusually in this division is likeable made a substitution to get his side into the game. Then surprisingly MR made a double substitution with Thomas coming on for Fleck before a change that had the home fans scratching their heads as Moussa went off to be replaced by Elliott. Was it the change in formation or because Tranmere made another change but the leaders started to have more of the ball? With twenty minutes to go Tranmere won a corner and from this Murphy pulled off a good save but the ball broke and was fired in on goal only for Wood to block it, the ball was free again and this time Edjenguele blocked a shot before the ball was cleared in a mad melee. We at the other end expected the net to bulge but City were in determined mood. The temperature had now dropped to minus three but the wind chill factor made it even colder. City were being pressed back and were holding on but everyone was working their socks off trying to keep them out. With six minutes to go Murphy pulled off a brilliant save and the follow up was missed badly by a Rovers’ player maybe that signalled it wasn’t going to be their night. City kept soaking up the pressure by taking the ball into the corner before four minutes of injury time was announced when two would have been more accurate. Deep into injury time Tranmere won a free kick on the edge of the area and when their were ready to take it we entered the fifth minute of injury time but thankfully the kick was blocked and cleared and seconds later the referee Mr Ward blew for full time.

A great win and now only three point off the play off places.

Man of the match
1st Joe Murphy Some vital saves and a rare clean sheet
2nd Gary McSheffrey deserved a goal
3rd Richard Wood Lead the back four well

Carlisle United Vs Coventry City

So the long trip to Cumbria and the driver refused to drive so we took the coach north. Entering Cumbria it started to snow. Inside the ground it looks like it was stuck in the 1960’s and so was the music but I wasn’t complaining about the music at least. The stewards on the other hand were checking every ticket to make sure we sat in out correct seats despite it not being a sell out so we sat somewhere else. The team was in goal Murphy with Jordan Clarke, Wood, Edjenguele and Adams at the back with McSheffrey, Jennings, Moussa, Fleck and Baker in midfield with Leon Clarke up front.

The teams marched out to a special rerecorded version of Madness’ “One step beyond”. Carlisle attacked the unoccupied terrace in the first half and Robson met a header just after a minute the ball looped over Murphy to give the home side an early lead. A bit of a shock start but Carlisle have conceded more than anyone in this league so still plenty of time. City got back into the game as McSheffrey shot well wide when a pass would have been better. Then City put together a good move down the left until the ball fell to Fleck who shot wide when he should have scored. Carlisle were looking good going forward as for once The Edge wasn’t having a good game as Robson fired one on target. City upped the tempo by forcing a couple of corners the second falling to Edjenguele whose header was tipped over by Gillespie in the home goal. Things were getting heated in the centre of the pitch when after a tangle Noble threw a punch at Jennings amazingly the referee who was very poor didn’t take any action despite the offence being a straight red card. Maybe we are too honest if Jennings hit the ground and players surround the referee maybe justice would have been done. Minute or so later Carlisle committed a foul but Jordan had the ball for a run but was pulled back by Mr D Webb the referee then gave Noble a warning but no booking! Seconds later Webb couldn’t get his card out quickly enough for Fleck after a foul that deserved a yellow card but it’s the inconsistencies that drive fans mad. The referee wasn’t the only one having a poor game many City players were off colour as well including McSheffrey and Baker whilst Leon had hardly seen the ball. On the half hour mark Potts was left free with only Murphy to beat we all expecting an off side flag but it didn’t come as Murphy pulled off a great save to keep it down to one. Minutes later McSheffrey was hacked down at one end and Webb, he doesn’t deserve the “Mr” played on until racing to his pocket to book Moussa far a challenge. Halftime loosing and it looked like Thursday night had taken it out of the players.

Second half saw two Carlisle players clash heads and Baker pointed out both were bleeding and both had to go off to be patched up now City were against nine men but instead of knocking some quick balls into Leon City played the patient game and could carve out any changes until both players had returned. City now started to dominate but Carlisle held firm at the back and were defending well and in numbers. MR made his first chance taking off an unhappy looking Fleck and bringing on Elliott. This performance reminded me a lot of the pre Robbins days plenty of the ball but the forwards isolated. Carlisle did occasionally get into City’s half and on one occasion Murphy was forced to tip one around the post. Leon who was welled marked fired over a difficult chance before MR threw on Thomas for a very poor McSheffrey. Minutes later Baker who had bar far one of worst games for ages was replaced by Callum Wilson playing for the first time in two years and the youngster showed some good skill out wide. City continued to pile on the pressure as Thomas had a chance then Leon dribbled into the area but couldn’t shot before Moussa played a brilliant ball to Adams but the keeper just beat him to it. Then the best chance of the game when Leon met a deep crosses at the far post but somehow headed it wide for another glaring miss. We had seven minutes of injury time but City couldn’t break the mass ranks and it was the home side that went close when they clipped the crossbar. We left the ground to the tune of one of my favourite Beat songs “Jackpot”.

So another disappointing one goal defeat and we now need to win our two next home games to stand any chance of the play offs maybe it is time to switch to two up front?

Man of the Match
1st Franck Moussa Worked hard in midfield
2nd Jordan Clarke Looked good at right back
3rd Callum Wilson Looked tricky

Coventry City Vs Preston North End

Sky Sports dictated a strange Thursday kick off for the Johnson’s Paint Trophy Area Semi Final or the last eight to you and me. A good crowd of 12,000+ turned up many wondering who exactly outside of Cov and Preston fans will be watching this? It was a cold and misty night as the teams marched out and City’s team was in goal Murphy with Jordan Clarke, Wood, Edjenguele and Adams at the back with Jennings, Baker, Fleck, Bailey and McSheffrey in midfield leaving Leon Clarke up front. There had been some war of words between MR and PNE boss Westley with Robins claiming Preston must be horrible to watch and Westly who lives in a world of his own.

Both sides had come through two penalty shoot outs to reach this stage as Preston tried to go one better than last season the team that beat them, Chesterfield went on to win the competition. It was an intense opening as Preston won a corner but City broke and a great ball from Baker sent Jennings clear but the midfielder couldn’t get enough on it to beat the keeper. City were playing on the counter early on as Leon just failed to reach an Edge through-ball. Preston had most possession but City were defending well as McSheffrey went on a good run but shot wide. Jordan then fired in a cross but no one was at the end of it. First change was then made as Preston took off little Cansdell-Sherriff and replaced him with a bigger defender maybe to cope with Leon up front or maybe because he was injured. Baker then just failed to pick out Leon at the far post with a cross. The referee Mr Madley who let a lot go then booked Garner for fouling Wood in the area. The same pattern continued with The Lillywhites seeing plenty of the ball without trouble City and The Sky Blues looking good as we broke Fleck fed Baker the captain’s pass was under hit but McSheffrey just got a toe on it sending it to Leon for a run on goal but the forward could only fire wide. At the other end North End’s debutant Garner fired into the side netting as both sides searched for a goal. With five minutes to go Garner pulled McSheffrey back and should of received a second yellow but Mr Madley just awarded a free kick. Baker took the kick and Edjenguele flicked it on to the far post where Jennings scrambled the ball home to give City a lead. Surprisingly it was City’s first goal in the first half of this competition.

It was now so cold Preston boss Westley had removed his shorts at half time but I have to say he was wearing some tracksuit bottoms. In the league game City led at half time but Preston dominated the second and got a draw and they started in the same vein but City had learnt the lesson and were standing up to their physical approach. MR then made his first change as Bailey limped off and was replaced by Thomas who got stuck in immediately. Just over an hour gone when Preston won another corner just as I was thinking, “nothing good happens for us” the ball was delivered and Foster headed off Adams to level the game up. Edjenguele then knocked a player over going for a header in the box perfectly legally and Mr Madley waved away penalty appeals. The Edge was involved again but this time at the other end when he headed in a McSheffrey free kick but the linesman had his flag up early ruling the goal out. MR then made a brave move by taking off Jennings and throwing on Moussa for a very attack minded formation. Baker then was played through but it was head in hands as he skewed it wide. The Preston keeper then just beat Leon to the ball as both sides pressed for a goal and if anyone neutral was watching on Sky they wouldn’t have been disappointed. Then Moussa was brought down but Mr Madley again refused to book anyone despite it being a clear yellow card offence. Baker took the free kick that just shaved the bar. A great ball saw Thomas in the area but the midfielder couldn’t control it and tha chance was gone. Baker then headed straight at goal as the mists rolled in. At the other end Preston were still pressing when Beavon’s shot took a big deflection off Edjenguele and rolled past Murphy to give them the lead. The small but admirable band of Preston fans broke into the Wembley song. The City fans responded and cracked up the atmosphere. Preston immediately took off a forward and threw on a defender to see out the game. City kept pressing when McSheffrey found room but went for goal instead of crossing. MR made his last change throwing on City’s unluckiest player Elliott for McSheffrey as City went all out. A defeat here and I could see the whole season unravelling and a trip to Preston in a couple of weeks would have been a nightmare. Preston’s keeper then went down injured and needed treatment and with all subs used he had to continue. Five minutes injury time was flashed up followed by a big roar if City could sneak a goal then we would have a physiological edge. City kept up the pressure when a Jordan pass suddenly found Baker unmarked to the keeper’s left the Captain blasted the ball between the keeper’s legs and the Rioch exploded mass celebrations all over the place Murphy had raced over to the City fans to celebrate and the Wembley dream was back on. Now City fans urged the team forward for a winner. Minute of so later a cross from the right was headed on by Baker but the Preston keeper couldn’t hold it and Leon beat two of his team mates to the ball to give City a sensational lead. Leon was booked for taking his shirt off in celebration and bit like he did for Scunthorpe against us took an age to get back for the kick off. Not for the first time this season we just couldn’t believe what was going on our name now seemed to be on the cup as we sung “Wembley” to the rapidly departing Preston fans. The referee was still refusing to blow the whistle as Jordan was forced to head behind for a corner. Thankfully City defended the flag kick and cleared and the ref blew for full time.

The game was well worth the fiver I paid as I and many fans waited behind to see the goals again on the big screen last off the pitch was L Clarke with “Leon, Leon” ringing in his ears. City fans left with the song “and were all p*ssed up and were going to Wembley, Wembley.”

Man of the Match
1st Jordan Clarke Had a good game we do have two very good right backs.
2nd Carl Baker a goal and an assist never gave up.
3rd Leon Clarke some good touches hopefully will end up top scorer in League One

Tottenham Hotspurs Vs Coventry City

We travelled down to “The Smoke” early and arrived at Spurs in good time. The plan was to dine out in the same India Restaurant we visited during our last trip to White Hart Lane some twelve years ago unfortunately we couldn’t find it as alighted in a London Café for a mug of tea and a bacon batch that was very nice. Old White Hart has hardly changed since out last visit as 5,000+ away fans turned up for the Third Round clash. By now I was quite sick of the 87 references it’s like going to Germany and keep mentioning the war to make things worse the team marched out in the 87 Final kit like they have a right to wear it or as MR joked it was do to sell shirts. The Sky Blue song was sung several times before the start for once we were playing one of the sides contained in the lyrics. Spurs manager AV-B sent out a very strong side that cost 75 million to assemble but would be worth far more if they sold them whilst City’s team cost nowt. MR made a change at right back to try to cope with one of the world’s best midfielders in Bale. The line up was in goal Murphy, with Jordan Clarke, Wood, Edjenguele and Adams at the back with Baker, McSheffrey, Bailey, and Jennings also recently signed to a full time contract Moussa in midfield leaving Leon Clarke up front.

Spurs started the better as they took this competition seriously after all they had won it eight times and only one defeat, oh no not another 87 reference! Wood blocked the first shot before Bailey cleared from a corner. England International Parker then had a shot go wide before City won their first corner. Bale was the main threat down the wing and he delivered some good balls into the back but Woods and The Edge were coping well. In midfield we then saw Bailey dive in to win the ball but the Spurs player Parker seem to go in higher the referee Mr Naylor immediately showed a yellow card but to our surprise it was Bailey who got the booking. It was nearly all Spurs and City finally cracked in the 13th minute when Dempsey fired in from close range after a good Bale cross. Murphy then got a good punch in on the ball in a crowed area as the home side pressed. Wood then cleared again as City were being pressed back inside our own half. City did get forward now and again and Adams managed to get a good cross in but it didn’t trouble the keeper. Wood made a couple of good blocks as City were hanging on. Then a poor throw from Murphy to Moussa was intercepted and the ball went to Dempsey his shot took a big deflection and Bale was first to the ball to make it two. Spurs won a corner Bale swung it wide to the on coming Dempsey and the America with a remarkable facial likeness for CJ from the Eggheads looped a head in to make it three. Now we were all fearing a real hammering and were being torn apart by Spurs but if you are going to be torn apart there is no disgrace in it being done by Gareth Bale. “He dives when he wants” the City fans sung at the Welsh International. City then had a chance at the other end as Leon won the ball and in a scramble Bailey fired wide. Spurs were now in total control as City found it hard to even get the ball. Bale then showed his great pace by charging into the area and only just planting the ball wide. Then Dempsey came close to goal of the season by flicking the ball over his head turning and volleying the ball just over the crossbar. Thankfully we made it to half time only three down.

Half time saw none other than Gary Mabbutt interviewed on the pitch to an ovation from all around the ground, “One Gary Mabbutt” the City fans sung.

Early in the 2nd half MR made his first change as Moussa went off after the attacking midfielder was well contained by Scot Parker, England International and on came Barton. Bailey then blocked a shot before he was taken off to prevent a silly booking and a red card and was replaced by Thomas. Finally City seemed to be getting over the first half were they froze and started to play our own game of passing. Leon then had a shot put wide inside the area. Friedel in the Spurs goal then had something to do as he pushed away an Edjenguele shot. At the other end the defence were now looking solid and Jordan was now doing OK against Bale but Murphy was on hand to turn a Bale shot away. Thankfully Bale was then taken off just before Fleck came on for Jennings. City battled on as Thomas won a great tackle before being brought down from behind but Mr Naylor didn’t book the Spurs player for a blatant yellow card offence. Into the last ten minutes and it looked like the hammering was not on the cards as City fans started to taunt the noisy home crowd with “You must be s**t, you must be s**t, Arsenal scored six, you must be s**t”. Spurs had a couple more shots going wide as the clock counted down as in injury time Adams knocked in a great cross and Thomas was there to guide it home but the linesman had already flagged for off side. So City lost 3-0 but an improved second half performance and we left the ground with our pride intact.

Man of the Match
1st Richard Wood Strong in defence.
2nd William Edjenguele Adebayor in his back pocket
3rd Connor Thomas put himself about when he came on

Coventry City Vs Shrewsbury Town

A lot has happened since The Shrews turned us over earlier in the season and we were after revenge on New Years Day. A good crowd of 15,000 turned up to see if City could break into the top six. The big question was soon answered as MR announced that McGoldrick would start in place of Elliott who must consider himself unlucky. On the bench with him were Bailey resigned and Leon Clarke on a month’s loan from Charlton. The first line up of the year was in goal Murphy with Christie, Edjenguele, Wood and Adams at the back with McSheffrey, Jennings, Moussa, Fleck and Baker in midfield with McGoldrick up front. This team had only four changes from the side that played at Shrewsbury.

The game kicked off and the visitors were lucky not to have a man booked when McSheffrey was rugby tackled in the opening minutes but referee Mr Deadman who went on to have an excellent game decided to keep his cards hidden. City opened brightly as a Moussa shot was blocked. Baker then forced the keeper into a save. It wasn’t all one way as the visitors looked threatening on the break and on one occasions Murphy was forced to save with his legs but may have accidentally collided with one of their players as he need extensive treatment then more stoppage as a Town player went down and had to be replaced for The Shrews. The game continued when McSheffrey fired in a long range shot that cannoned off the crossbar and hit the keeper Weale on the ground and deflected wide for a corner very unlucky. The visitors were working hard to close City down and to hit us on the break and looked far better then a side fighting relegation. It was an even game when they should have taken the lead when a driven shot was played across the six-yard box just missing a forward for a tap in. Then at the other end Moussa rose to get a header in on target only for Weale to dive across and push it away. Half time arrived with no goals.

City started stronger in the second half as Adams had a shot on goal. Then an golden opportunity McSheffrey was alone in the box trotting back from an attack suddenly a Shrewsbury player played a ball back meaning McSheffrey was now not off side the forward got the ball and was closed down by the keeper he chipped the ball but to everyone’s disbelief he couldn’t hit the target it was a bad miss. Minutes later MR made his first change off went Fleck and he threw on Leon Clarke for his City debut this was his 14th club. Seconds after coming on he should have made a name for himself as he met a cross from the left but somehow put the ball wide went it looked easier to score. City continued the pressure as Baker fired wide. Shrewsbury continued to attack on the counter with the main threat coming from Morgan as he did at their place. Then just after an hour a cross went in to the box and Rodgers headed the ball Murphy pulled off a truly brilliant save but unfortunately Morgan was on hand to head them into a lead. City hit back with a couple of efforts by McSheffrey before MR reintroduced Bailey into the action replacing Jennings. City kept up the pressure but it looked like the ball would never go in. In another chance Baker was deigned by a good save and Clarke’s follow up shot was cleared off the line. MR then made his third sub as Barton replaced Moussa for some added height. City kept pressing but the visitors throwing themselves in front of every shot as they looked for their first away league win of the season. Deep in injury time City won a free kick but Baker’s shot went straight to the keeper and that was it.

So for the first time under Robins we had failed to score but it just seemed one of those days. The play offs are still a long way of but we are still in touch we do need to start to win at home as our home form is poor.

Man of the Match
1st Richard Wood Played well
2nd Cyrus Christie Looked solid
3rd Blair Adams Hopefully a signing soon

Milton Keynes Dons Vs Coventry City

A slow journey down to Milton Keynes in the rain to the excellent Stadium MK it will be even better when it is finished. They had an upper tier with no seats and no scoreboard in the ground but each seat was had plenty of legroom and were well padded this provided a safe standing area. This stadium could be used for various events as proven as one of the Women’s toilets had a sign over it stating “for this event this facility can be used by men” so I went into the ladies without fear of prosecution. Meanwhile just shy of 5,000 away fans descended on the ground was it “new ground syndrome”, was it because it was in the holidays or because it was too far away? Maybe the biggest reason is City are on fire and playing highly entertaining football but could they keep this up against a very good Dons team with McGoldrick and Bailey missing? The rain relented as we took our seats to learn that the little Elliott was to replace McGoldrick up front so the last team of 2012 was in goal Murphy with Christie, Wood, Edjenguele and Adams at the back with McSheffrey, Moussa, Jennings, Baker and Fleck leaving the world’s shortest and plumpest loan forward Elliott to fill the boots of McGoldrick.

The following reminded me a lot of the Premier League days as the teams marched out. City started quickly and almost scored in the opening seconds when keeper Martin was forced to save after a Baker cross. The home side soon got into their stride and started to force City back but Edjenguele was equal to everything winning countless headers. MK were buzzing around the box when Lewington entered the area and went down under a challenge from Christie it looked like minimal contact was made and the referee Mr Woolmer waved away appeals for a penalty. At the other end Elliott was finding it hard with his lack of height to hold up the ball as City were working hard. Then after fifteen minutes Powell entered the area got the ball on his right foot before firing under Murphy to take the lead I feared a real hammering not helped by having a splitting headache at the time. It was a good finish by Powell and both their wide players were causing all sorts problems for our defence who for the first time in many games looked venerable. Someone else with a splitting headache may have been Wood when he was clearly elbowed by Alan Smith but to the anger of the Sky Blue Army Mr Woolmer bottled a red card and only booked the player. Minutes later Christie was taken out by a crude challenge but Mr Woolmer played a good advantage but more anger as he refused to book the player after the move broke down. City were getting back into the game when Elliott chased a long ball and from our view point seemed to be shoved in the back but no penalty was awarded as yet again we seemed to have another terrible official. Minutes later City attacked again and Baker passed the ball before being fouled again Mr Woolmer played a great advantage as Moussa grabbed the ball and charged down the pitch he beat one and outpaced another in the area before rifling and ball home in a fantastic finish to spark celebrations in the away end we were level and my headache had got a lot worse. Now it was a good battle between the sides as both went looking for goals as the away fans sang in praise of Mark Robbins. The home side were still edging the game but City looked good on the counter as another attacked was launched another City player was taken out but again Mr Woolmer played a good advantage but didn’t book the player who fouled just gave him a talking too. Then on 37 minutes veteran forward Lowe was sent into the box he out foxed The Edge with some good footwork before firing past Murphy to restore the lead. Lowe’s attempted knee slide was very poor and it gave the City fans a cheer when he landed on his face. City pressed for the rest of the half but where behind at half time.

Half time myself and Paul wanted Elliott off as he offered little in the first and Paul never rated him. City attacked the mass ranks of City fans in the second half as MK went close at the other end before City attacked and McSheffrey knocked in a deep cross suddenly Elliott got in front of the defender and just beat the goal keeper to the ball to nod us level “ELLIOTT scored” I shouted and it was a good goal by the little forward. Paul and I couldn’t believe it, as we were back in the game that many would be happy with a draw. The crowd were still buzzing when Moussa played a ball over the top and Elliott got ahead of his marker with a run on goal, we held our breaths as the forward entered the area got the ball on favoured footed before smacking it past the keeper to give City the lead. The away end exploded again it was high quality finish by the forward a goal McGoldrick would have been proud off. So far this season Elliott ahs looked poor but somehow without games MR had turned him around so much for wanting him off at half time! My headache had now gone as the skies where blue and we sang “up the league we go”. The home side responded and pushed City back but by now the fullbacks had got to grip with the wide players and the centre backs were winning their battles as well. Finally the ref booked a player when McSheffrey was fouled. The MK manager then took off Smith who should have been sent off as they went looking for a goal. City fans were in fine voice but it is easy to support a winning side, a phrase I have never used for City before. Most in the away end just couldn’t believe we were winning again it is just amazing how better we are playing since the start of the season. The Dons launched another attack as McSheffrey hacked a player down but Mr Woolmer again played a good advantage but angered the away fans when he booked McSheffrey for a type of foul Dons got away with three times in the first half consistency is all we need from refs. City kept defending well and hitting them on the break. Then in the 65th minute a MK player clearly handled the ball in the area on the blind side of the referee but right in view of the linesman but no penalty was awarded. MR then made his changes off went Elliott to an ovation replaced by O’Donovan and shortly later McSheffrey made way with another ovation for Barton. Now we wanted O’Donovan to score as well as the forward chased down every defender to break up play. MK were now pushing City further back but everyone was working hard to hold onto the lead and time and again someone got their head to the ball with The Edge winning most of them. City again on the break had a couple of half chances as they refused to take the ball into the corner, Christie had a tame shot on target before Fleck fired over. It was mostly MK as MK went close as we entered injury time. Deep in injury time MK won a corner and their keeper charged forward. The corner came in cleared by Moussa for another corner this was cleared by Wood the cross came in and was cleared again by Moussa finally the ref blew for full time and we could celebrate our sixth away win on the bounce. City fans left happy and many just couldn’t believe we had won again the last two years before 2012 saw one away victory in each all that suffering makes this even sweeter.

We left only two points from the play offs and nine behind automatic promotion.


Man of the match
1st William Edjenguele A rock at the back
2nd Franck Moussa Outstanding
3rd Stephen Elliott Took both goals like a forward who had scored plenty.

Stevenage Vs Coventry City
Thankfully Stevenage is not a massive journey so we didn’t have too leave that early to make it down to the Home Counties but we just ahead of the police who closed the motorway down after an accident. We are now used to playing in smaller grounds but Stevenage’s Lamex Stadium looks just like a non-league ground then again a couple of seasons ago it was. The team didn’t miss the police closing the motorway down and we saw them arrive unfortunately the path to the main stand was too small and we watched in some amusement as the players had to walk a couple of hundred yards to get into the ground something you will never see in the Premier League. Entering the ground with our £23 ticket, £3 than White Hart Lane we saw the price on the door set at £21 and the stewards assured use that was wrong. In the ground we realised we had over a quarter of the crowd boosting the attendance over four thousand, how this teams must love seeing City. MR meanwhile MR made one predictable change to the side and the line-up was in goal Murphy the back four were Adams, Wood, Christie and the PA just managed to get the name of Edjenguele right. In midfield we had Baker, Jennings, Moussa and the last game of his current spell Bailey with McSheffrey playing deep behind McGoldrick.

It started raining as the game kicked off with City in the Brazil kit. In the first minute Baker sent McGoldrick through on goal with only Arnold to beat the keeper slipped and we all excepted and the net to bulge but amazingly the forward fired tamely at the keeper a bad miss for anyone but for McGoldrick it was unbelievable. The Borough pushed us back and won a series of free kicks none of them troubled Murphy in the goal. In a good move down the right the Stevenage winger crossed the ball only to see it scooped over the bar. City seemed to be rocked by the top scorers earlier miss but started to get back into the game as Bailey started to get his foot on the ball. On one break it took a good block to deign McGoldrick as yet again opposition defenders found him too hot to handle. Minutes later Arnold palmed away a shot from McGoldrick from a tight angle. Mr Whitestone seemed to be giving everything the home sides way to the frustration of the away fans. Then Stevenage caused a problem from a corner but after a scramble Moussa cleared the lines. Then just before the half hour mark Morais wriggled free on the right and Baker slide into tackle him outside the area but from our vantage point we could clearly see contact was made just inside the penalty box and Mr Whitestone correctly gave a penalty. The reaction of Murphy backed this up as he ignored the ref to shout at his captain on the clumsy challenge. After everything was calmed down Akins took the kick beating Murphy to his right but Mr Whitestone spotted an infringement and order the kick to be retaken. Which way would he go now? He went the same way but placed his kick into the roof of the net. The Stevenage players celebrated into front of the away fans and some gestured in front of us no doubt jealous we have such a big following. With the rain increasing we were worried we might have trouble getting the car out of the big free car park over the road from the ground. “Call it off,” we sang as City hit back as McGoldrick went close before a sustained siege near the end of the half ending when Baker headed just over. Then in injury time McGoldrick chased a long ball before collided with Arnold we with justification shouted for a penalty but the referee chickened out and the half ended with City a goal down.

The local radio station Three Counties Radio had a terrible signal but what I heard was their expert wanted their defenders to keep McGoldrick “chained up” in the 2nd half.

City attacked the away end in the 2nd half leaving most fans as normal to abuse the home keeper Arnold for forty-five minutes. City looked determined to get a result in the second half whilst Stevenage looked more than happy to sit on their lead and waste as much time as the ref would allowed and he allowed plenty. City started to camp inside the Borough’s half as McGoldrick had a shot charged down. City were playing some good football and opening up the opposition but Stevenage were well organised and always seemed to get vital touches and the ball didn’t seem to be running for us combined with another erratic referee we had one for the home game against them as well. City fans kept up the singing as wave after wave of attacks come to noting. MR decided to put more pressure on them by taking off defensive Jennings and bringing on the more attack minded Barton. McSheffrey had to go off after a clash of heads with City attacking after treatment he came back on with his head bandaged. City still bombarded the goal but noting was coming off. Arnold was having a good game in goal and got his fists to several crosses one punch pole axed a team mate as another cross was dealt with. MR made a second change taking off McSheffrey and throwing on Fleck hoping his better passing would be more dangerous then Sheff’s runs. As soon as he came on McGoldrick picked out the corner of the net but Arnold pulled off a great save. Then another great move saw Baker knock in a great cross Moussa flung himself at the ball but headed wide. It was looking like one of those days were nothing went right and we would fail to score for the first time under Robbins. Then with just under fifteen minutes to go a Stevenage defender again cleared from a corner but Fleck got the ball and drove it back in Arnold again pulled off a good save but the luck City deserved finally happen when the ball fell to Wood unmarked with an empty goal he rolled the ball in checked to see if the linesman had flagged before celebrating, the away exploded as we had go the goal we had deserved a point here would be a good return. Minutes later Murphy took a little time over a goal kick and amazingly Mr Whitestone booked him for time wasting something Stevenage had been doing since the start of the second half. Stevenage were now trying to attack again in this entertaining encounter as Bailey who was everywhere put in a great block to deign a shot and from the resulting corner the underused Murphy scoped one off the line to keep things level. Again another good move and again good work at the back for the home team as City pressed looking for a win. City then built another attack this time Baker got the ball centrally and bent a great shot past Arnold in the bottom right hand corner and we led. Amazing scenes in the away end as fans hugged each other and sang Jingle Bells. City had snatched a win. “Arnold, Arnold” we mockingly chanted at the home keeper. Minutes later Moussa launched a counter attack to McGoldrick he found space and lobbed the keeper it looked in the minute it left his foot and the away end we celebrating be it hit the back of the net. McGoldrick ripped his shirt off and dived in front of the away fans but the booking means he will be suspended for the next away game and his seven away games scored in a row may never be beaten. “He scored when he wants” the away fans sung as the home fans headed out of the ground. City were now the league’s top scorers as Moussa almost found room to make it four. The referee blew his whistle as we blew away another team above us.

Man of the Match
1st Jamie Bailey A great game lets hope we can get him back on loan soon
2nd David McGoldrick does giving his shirt away means he is leaving if so we will miss him
3rd Carl Baker: Gave away a penalty but scored yet another long ranged goal

Coventry City Vs Preston North End
The world didn’t end on Friday but there were still no news on the rent negotiations. The Saturday before Christmas is normally a bad day for attendances but boosted by resent good form 12,000+ turned up at the Rioch and as the rain relented as most home fans made the journey. It was also the 50th anniversary of the Sky Blue song not as popular as it used to be. MR decided to stick with a winning team as Murphy was in goal with Adams, Wood, Edjenguele and Christie at the back with Barton, Moussa, Jennings and Bailey in midfield with McSheffrey and McGoldrick up front. Preston have only lost two in ten whilst City have only lost two in thirteen.

So the first of three games against the team with more nicknames then most kicked off. Murphy was busy early on with a punch and a save as The Invincibles started the brighter. City got back into it then as McSheffrey was looking good out wide his cross was just missed by the incoming McGoldrick on the far post. Then Blair fired in a good cross this time it was Adams throwing himself at the ball but just missing. At the back Adams was shackling the dangerous Amoo to good effect as The Lilywhites knocked the ball around well. Jennings then went into the book for an untidy challenge, as the referee Mr Jones wasn’t having a bad game. Then after 21 minutes McSheffrey played in a good cross and Bailey was on hand to steer it home for his first goal for the club. PNE’s manager changed things around to get back into the game and the 1st league winners started to look more threatening. Murphy then saved after Amoo who had moved away from Adams set up a chance. Then in the dieing minutes Amoo broke free but could only clip the crossbar as City hung on.

Half time we had a rendering of the old and new Sky Blue song but with many below it wasn’t the best of success.

Murphy was in action again early with another standard save as North End pressed. Then the rains started to fall and after a double substitution Preston took over but their finishing was thankfully poor all two often firing wide or tame shots straight to Murphy but City were hanging on and it only seemed a matter of time. With The first double winners on top MR replaced Moussa with Baker making his 100th league appearance for the club. For once MR sub didn’t make a difference as Preston kept pressing and in the 72nd minute Holmes raced clear and levelled the game. There now only looked like one winner as Preston were in control McGoldrick was isolated up front playing there on his own so it was to surprise when MR threw on another forward and it was almost forgotten man Steven Elliott who replaced Barton to look for a winner. Preston still dominated but slowly the chance gave a bit more of the ball to City then after a great build up Christie fired in a cross and Elliott was on the back stick with a free header but couldn’t get it on target. Minutes later McSheffrey fouled a Preston player the visitors tried their best to get the player sent off but the referee was too experienced to be persuaded and booked the player. In the end we settled for a point maybe more points lost from a winning position and Preston played well but I’m sure we will play better in our next two encounters with them.

Man of the Match
1st Blair Adams Nothing got past him
2nd Gary McSheffrey Dangerous
3rd Richard Wood Solid

Doncaster Rovers Vs Coventry City

Doncaster is a familiar ground and not too far away as last season Championship bottom two clashed. Things have changed City on an incredible run whilst Doncaster where in 2nd place. The predict the attendance in the car was well off as we were expecting a big crowd but instead Doncaster despite being 2nd could only half fill the home end do some teams deserve success? Speaking to a Donnie fan before the game he extolled the home sides defence as the best in the league they had only conceded ten at home all season and described defender Jones as awesome. He also pointed out games against Coventry are always boring which he had a good point. In The Keepmoat a ground we have never won in MR only had one problem was who to replace the Captain and Barton got the nod. The team was in goal Murphy with Christie, Wood, Edjenguele who the PA had great difficulty pronouncing and Adams. In midfield we had Barton, Moussa, Jennings and Bailey with McSheffrey supporting McGoldrick up front but the major shock was that City were wearing the “Brazil” away kit for the first time this season in a competitive game.

Doncaster attacked the away end populated with 800+ City fans and should of scored when Paynter had a free shot inside the area in the opening minutes but screwed his shot well wide. City attacked up the other end when McGoldrick found McSheffrey. Sheff then wriggled his way into the area with great control beating a few players before finding space and firing the ball was blocked and fell to Moussa, the midfielder controlled the ball on knee before unleashing a great volley past Woods in the Rover’s goal to give City a great start. Nine away games scored in a row. Doncaster pushed on and there was a contrast in styles with the home side more direct approach against City’s passing style. Their style played into the hands of the centre backs and were winning just about everything with the fullbacks keeping it tight out wide and Jennings and Bailey sweeping up anything in front giving City plenty of possession. McGoldrick then fired a free kick wide from distance as City looked comfortable. City’s main threat came down the left with Adams overlapping and McSheffrey being a handful. Doncaster made the first change after 25 minutes, as they never looked like scoring. Then a great move saw the ball knocked wide to Adams he send in a great deep cross and McGoldrick dived in to beat two defenders to put a header into the net for two, yet another McGoldrick goal. “Just like watching Brazil,” sang the jubilant away fans and the seasonal “jingle bells”, song was sung. Mr Berry the referee was having a good game on the whole but his linesman on our right gave a few strange decisions. City were coasting and most fans were in a little bit of shock at seeing us play so well against a team in 2nd. It could of got better when a ball broke McGoldrick was sent free we all waited for the net to bulge but he put it wide, he is human after all. City were ending the half stronger as a McSheffrey corner was cleared off the line before the same player just shaved the crossbar with a great shot. Half time City coasting.

Second half saw Rover’s manager Dean Saunders make his second sub as he tried to find a way back into the game. Minutes later MR made his first as Moussa went off no doubt he had a injury and on came Clarke who played wide in front Christie. Wood then from a corner header the ball over Woods and the woodwork as City attacked the away end. City kept up the great football as a sweeping move saw McGoldrick back heel the ball to Clarke out wide the sub then fired in a great cross as McGoldrick tapped in the ball from a yard out to signal yet more celebrations in the away end. It was no different on the pitch either as all the outfield players were over to celebrate with the scorer eventually McGoldrick got to Clarke giving him a big hug and lifting the little guy off his feet. This was incredible City were destroying a side that just doesn’t considered goals Jones at the back was being made to look awful and not awesome and we had the feeling that City could still go up a gear. All players were enjoying the day as Barton played in a great ball to the running Bailey and it took a great block by a defender to prevent him from scoring. Then a moment many were waiting for as Clingan came on for Doncaster he had already been given plenty of stick from the City fans. “Sideways” Sammy first action was to get the ball and look to past forward but instead he cut back and passed sideways much to the joy of the away fans “Same old Sammy always sideways”, we sang. With 15 to go Paynter found room and rattled the crossbar with a shot Brown was on hand to turn the ball in to make it 3-1. Naturally this lifted the home crowd and their support whilst the away contingent went quiet for a couple of minutes. So City recovered from the goal as McGoldrick fired one just wide from a free kick. With six minutes to go City were looking in control again as McSheffrey knocked in a great cross picking out Bailey who headed inches over the bar. Near the end another great flowing move saw the ball knocked around until it fell to Bailey he squared it to Barton who hit it from the outside of the area and we saw it curl into the net for four. Again all outfield players joined in the celebrations as the Doncaster fans headed for home. There was just time for MR to give Connor Thomas his first game of the season coming back from injury as he replaced goal scorer Barton. The final whistle went and we could celebrate an excellent performance.

Man of the Match
1st David McGoldrick He scores when he wants
2nd Jamie Bailey Worked hard unlucky not to score
3rd Steve Jennings little dynamo in midfield

Coventry City Vs Walsall

Naturally the main topic of conversation at the Rioch was this our penultimate home game in existence? Most fans felt that the two sides needed their heads banged together and get talking. Meanwhile we hosted fading fast Walsall at the Rioch. MR decided to keep the side that got us past Sheffield United in the JPT so in goal was Murphy with Christie, Wood, Edjenguele and Adams at the back with Baker, Jennings, Bailey and Moussa in midfield with McSheffrey supporting McGoldrick up front.

Walsall started the brighter attacking the old Telegraph Stand. Most of their threat came from their diminutive forward Fabian Brandy who showed some good close control but was well watched by the defence. City finally started to find their feet when Moussa charged down a pass the midfielder reacted quickly to pick up the ball and run at Walsall he outpaced the defender and went in on goal but Saddler’s keeper McCarey narrowed the angle and dived at the midfielder’s feet to deign a goal. McGoldrick then went close with a smart turn sending a shot across the face of goal. Walsall hit back when City fan Paterson crossed only for Blair Adams to stick out a foot and divert the ball past Murphy. Now City had yet to come from behind to get a point this season. Walsall encouraged by the goal went forward looking for a second as City found it hard going. City soon got over the shock of conceding and started to press as McGoldrick went close and Walsall were forced into some quick clearances. City started to dominate as Walsall tired to defend. On the half hour mark City won a throw and the ball wnet to Baker he entered the area and cut inside before beating the keeper with a low shot to level the game up. The captain had been on an amazing goal scoring run even out scoring McGoldrick in recent weeks. City were now buzzing and Walsall were trying to hold out until half time but a great ball by Bailey sent McGoldrick on the way he raced clear before dinking the ball over the keeper to make it 2-1. The Saddlers were now rocking as they were struggling with the wave of attacks City were producing. Then with five minutes to go until half time Baker found McGoldrick in the box the forward overpowered Butler at the back and fired in past the keeper as City lead 3-1 and all the worries were lifted. It could have been four minutes later when Butler lost the ball to Baker and the captain forced a save but the very hard working McSheffrey couldn’t force in the rebound. Half time City 3-1 and fans expecting more goals in the second half.

Walsall came out strong in the second half as Grigg lobbed over but order was soon restored as McGoldrick got the ball outside the area and attempted to curl a shot in the keeper was beaten but the but clipped of the post deigning him of his hat trick. Then just after the hour mark Christie raided and cut in he got the ball on his left foot and drilled the ball goal wards McSheffrey dodged out of the way and the ball shot past him and a defender for a goal. It was the first league goal for the fullback. Walsall now “lost it” and started to kick out forcing the good referee Mr Miller to book a Saddler but “handbags” erupted between Butler and McGoldrick forcing the ref to book them both. With the game wrapped up MR decided to give other players a run out as Fleck replaced Moussa and then McSheffrey went off to a standing ovation to be replaced by McDonald. Then Murphy pulled off a great save may “one for the cameras” before a lineman’s flag correctly ruled a Walsall goal off side. With ten to go Butler not for the first time in the game hauled down McGoldrick and the ref awarded a free kick now whether Butler said something or was it for the foul but Mr Miller waved a second yellow and we saw our first red card of the season. The fans urged City on to grab more goals. Minutes later Jennings passed to Baker who found room outside the box before firing in a shot that beat the keeper to make it 5-1. Despite the lead City kept up the work ethic something they had done all game until the final whistle went and the City fans could celebrate another goal haul.

Man of the Match
1st Carl Baker Two goals and on fire
2nd David McGoldrick now out and out top scorer in the league a cut above in this division.
3rd Gary McSheffrey worked his socks off.

Coventry City Vs Sheffield United JPT

Was it cup fever or dirt-cheap prices that drew a 10,000+ crowd to The Rioch? Whichever it was the club wasn’t prepared for such a late serge in fans as many still piled into the ground after kick off turfing some people out of their favourite seat I had managed to get there early enough for a coffee and to hear MR had put out his strongest possible side it was in goal Murphy with Christie, Wood, Edjenguele and Adams at the back with Baker, Jennings, Bailey and Moussa in midfield leaving McSheffrey and McGoldrick up front.

City attacked the away end in the first half and an early incident saw McSheffrey just about skip past a heavy and determined challenge from a Blades player trouble was that was Michael Doyle ex-city player and Sheff’s best mate good to see Doyle hasn’t changed. Christie fired over early on before Cresswell did the same at the other end in a not very entertaining game. Fifteen minutes in and a good cross by McSheffrey almost found Baker with a free header. United then put a free kick wide before the first real chance of the game when Doyle smacked a shot in on goal that Murphy was happy to turn away. City were looking composed in midfield but always seemed to prefer to attack down the right whilst the left was wide open with Adams waving his arms around to try to attract the attention of his team mates when the ball finally reached him there was a big cheer. There were a few more tame shots as thankfully the untroubled referee Mr Brown called an end to the first half.

The second half got under way in the same vein and City’s record of scoring in every game since Robbins joined looked seriously under threat. Moussa then tried his luck from distance as both defences were on top and it was easy to see why both teams seem hard to beat. United then fired in a low cross but no forward thankfully got to it. After 56 minutes finally some action when Bailey lifted a delightful ball into the area and surprisingly it was Jennings who raced after it the midfield controlled the ball well and fired the ball across the box for an unmarked McGoldrick but Harry McGuire got to the ball first and deflected it past his own keeper for an own goal. For once no City player could claim the goal. As normal the goal lifted City and the Sky Blues went in search of a killer second. McSheffrey could have raced through but showed a poor touch before Edjenguele header over and wide from a corner. United rang the changes to get back in the game and MR threw on Fleck for Moussa for a very slightly more defensive look. Wood was working hard at the back and did well to clear one cross as United found their feet again. With just over ten minutes to go Doyle again blasted in a shot Murphy could only parry it outwards and McAllister pounced to level the game. “Why can’t we hold onto a lead” was the collective cry around me as United tried to finish it in normal time and had a ball fizz across the box missing their forwards. Finally Mr Brown announced full time and for the 2nd time this season a JPT was to go to penalties.

Now City won the last one in some style against Burton whilst United lost their last two including one in the Play Offs last season. Some fans left the ground hardly could bear to watch the drama. McSheffrey was first up and confidently beat Long in the United goal in front of the travelling fans. Then stepped up sub Joe Ironside and comfortably beat Murphy for 1-1. Next in the firing line was McGoldrick who had a quiet game but he coolly rolled the ball into the opposite corner for 2-1. Then the scorer of the own goal stepped up and Murphy made his night truly mislabel by saving his kick still 2-1. Baker was next up with “this curial penalty” was heard behind me. The captain struck the ball into the net no problem 3-1! “Wembley, Wembley” the fans sung as City now had the upper hand. It was a surprise Doyle had yet to step up for a pen as he was a good penalty taker at City maybe he was saved for the glory penalty last but next up was little Flynn and the player skied the ball clean over the bar. The Wembley song grew louder as sub Fleck stepped up and beat Long to send City through to the last eight. “Que sera, sera, whatever will be, will be, were going to Wembley”, sang the City fans to the tune of the old Doris Day number one from 1956. We all went home happy knowing that none of the top teams in this division had made it thought in the Northern Section.

Man of the Match
1st Jamie Bailey Good game and can pass as well
2nd Steve Jennings Worked hard in midfield
3rd Richard Wood a rock at the back

Coventry City Vs Morecambe

So City took on Morecambe to make the third round and a chance to play one of the “giants” of football. MR was forced into changes with two loan players out and the keeper injured so in goal for the first time since last season’s FA Cup was Dunn with Adams, Edjenguele and two players that played up at Morecambe a few years ago Wood and a youngster hardly anyone had heard of back then making his debut Christie. In midfield we had Barton, Jennings, Moussa and another survivors from the last game and former Morecambe player Baker. Up front we had McSheffrey and a real surprise a player that made his debut against Morecambe O’Donovan. Before the game we had minutes applause for former City manager Dave Sexton.

The away side started the brighter on a crisp afternoon and five minutes gone Wood lost the ball and a shot came in forcing Dunn into a good save pushing the ball away to his left. The visitors were still looking the busier, as O’Donovan was isolated up front but working very hard. City slowly got into the game with efforts from Baker and Moussa. It wasn’t a great match, as both defences seemed to be on top several shots but both keepers where having a quiet afternoon. Wood then seemed to push a forward in the back whilst he was in the air in the penalty area but no appeals came from the away side. City did launch a good counter attack from a corner when O’Donovan fed McSheffrey but he fired high. After 35 minutes a mix up in the box saw Wood loop a header over Dunn and the keeper couldn’t stop the ball going out for a corner. The corner came in and Dunn caught it and threw the ball to Adams he feed Barton who played in McSheffrey free on goal the Morecambe keeper Roche came out and brought McSheffrey down penalty! The referee Mr Boyeson correctly determined since McSheffrey was heading away from goal going around the keeper only a yellow card was necessary. McSheffrey refused to give the ball to O’Donovan and took the kick himself and he scored his 12th cup goal for City. City now looked far more confident and started to knock the ball around well with Moussa looking a real threat. Half time City leading.

Second half saw a change but it was the ref who was changed. City kicked off and attacked the away end Moussa fed Baker and the captain cut outside and curved a delightful shot into the back of the net to make it two. City were now in total control of the game and only looked like adding to the score. At the back there was a good duel between beefy forward Ellison and Edjenguele with the Frenchman on top and the forward moaning to the new ref. Then Barton forced Roche into a save as City pressed. Most in the crowd where willing O’Donovan to get a goal but it was hard to say whether it was ironic or not as City kept pressing and the temperature dropped. Christie looked determined to score in the cup again and kept dribbling into the area maybe at times taking on a player too many. Baker then tried his luck from distance again but this time our 2nd highest scored drove it across the box. Then Moussa broke free and Roche saved the ball looked like it might end up in the back of the net when Wood made sure just about beating O’Donovan to the ball but the linesman had his flag up, now it turned out he had signalled for O’Donovan being off side but Wood was on side and for the third home game in a row the officials had made a basic error this time we hoped it wouldn’t effect the result. Then out of nothing Ellison controlled the ball well before unleashing a cracking volley past Dunn to bring Morecambe back into the game. This encouraged Morecambe as no one from Coventry fancied a trip to Morecambe in December. City kept attacking looking for a third but Morecambe threatened on the counter. MR made his first change to tighten things up at the back Christie was replaced by another player that last played against Morecambe as Clark came on. They pushed forward a bit more in the last ten minutes but Dunn commanded his area well and the defenders stock to their task. In injury time Moussa tried a shot from the edge of the area when he should of held on to the ball, Morecambe broke and forced a corner but city saw it out to make it to the third round draw.

Man of the Match
1st Franck Moussa Lively
2nd Blair Adams Solid down the left
3rd Carl Baker Great goal

Coventry City Vs Portsmouth

So for the first time this season we faced one of ours fellow relegated teams as Portsmouth were in town. Heavy rain fell around a few hours before kick off making the Rioch a damp place as MR announced an unchanged line up in goal was Murphy with Adams, Wood, Edjenguele and Christie at the back Jennings, Bailey, Baker and Moussa in midfield with McSheffrey and McGoldrick up front, as City attempted to transfer their away form to home against a team that had lost their last seven games.

The game kicked off with City attacking the away end as normal the Pompey fans were in fine voice supporting a team that looked like they had broken into the Wolves’ dressing room and nicked their kit. City knocked the ball around well in the first half against a team that looked far better then a one in the bottom four. Pomey’s new loan keeper had to be alert to beat away a shot and City pilled on the pressure before Wood hit the side netting. City kept the pressure up with a series of corners but couldn’t make the break through. With the game heading into it’s last five minutes Bailey played a great ball to McSheffrey who raced on to it and slid the ball past the keeper to fire City a goal up, Sheff carried out his traditional celebration by attacking the corner flag. It was Sheff’s first goal since a penalty at home to Peterborough in April and his third goal in four games against Portsmouth. The goal moves him to joint 11th highest league scorer in our history alongside Dion Dublin, half time City a goal up.

Second half saw Pompey make some changes to try to get back into the game as City attacked the home end. City started well as McGoldrick raced clear out wide and forced a good save from Cisak in the away goal. City kept up the pressure as the keeper tipped one around the post the resulting corner fell to Edjenguele who had a free shot but his blast was bravely blocked and from that resulting corner the Frenchmen had another go this time Harley somehow blocked it on the line and stopped it crossing the player was knocked back into the goal and needed a couple of seconds to recover. Portsmouth were slowly getting back into the game and making it a good contest. Then one strange incident in a scramble a City defender passed the ball under pressure back to Murphy the keeper knocked the ball in the air and when we all expected him to volley clear instead picked the ball up the referee Mr Salisbury who had a good game on the whole could only give a back pass. It was wide just outside the six-yard box as the referee struggled to get the wall back the correct distance “We just want 12 yards sang the Pompey fans”. Finally the wall was back and the kick blasted wide but a player had infringed on the kick so it was taken again but City saw out the kick without any bother. Portsmouth were now pushing more players forward and Murphy pulled off a good save to his left to prevent a curling shot going in. MR threw on Barton for McSheffrey to see the game out. City looked dangerous on the counter attack and nearly scored after a great move saw Baker blast a shot across the goal with McGoldrick inches away at the far post. Then City got even closer as Baker found room and crashed the ball against the crossbar only for McGoldrick to tap in the rebound but he was ruled off side. Into the last minute and a great ball between Wood making his 100th league appearance and Murphy saw McLeod sneak in and grab a very late equaliser to rob City of two points.

Most people in the crowd were disappointed with the result but satisfied with the performance maybe a half a step forward.

Man of the Match
Not easy decision.
1st William Edjenguele Defended well very unlucky not to score again
2nd Blair Adams Looked solid down the left
3rd Gary McSheffrey At last a goal

Colchester United Vs Coventry City

We were back in the car as we were driven through the rain towards Essex and it was slightly different as we had played in Colchester before at Layer Road which had character and we came back with a 5-1 win but after one more game there they moved to the Community Stadium. Now approaching the ground it looked great and it fact was great one of the best on a par with Shrewsbury’s ground trouble is The Weston Homes Community Stadium is a bit like the Rioch too big for the crowds and hence the atmosphere was no were as good as it was at the start at Hartlepool. They say “never change a winning team” and MR decided to give the eleven players that destroyed Hartlepool another chance in goal was Murphy with Adams, Wood, Edjenguele and Christie at the back Jennings and Bailey playing a holding role whilst Baker, McSheffrey and Moussa where the three in midfield attacking role or two in midfield with Sheff up front and up front was McGoldrick and as everyone knew was out to make history.

The battle between these two lower mid table teams started quietly as quiet as the crowd as the drummer in the home end tried his best and a few fans in the away end tried their best. The first real action after 12 minutes saw The U’s Wordsworth put one just the bar, or should that be The (Lakeland) Bard. City then had their first chance as Baker found McGoldrick the forward chipped the ball to the far post where Moussa flung himself at the ball only to see Sullivan in United’s goal pull off a brilliant save. City were looking solid and the most solid, in more ways then one was Edjenguele who is fast becoming a cult favourite as Paul started a song “you never beat the Edge.” It was a fairly even contest as Murphy was forced to block at his near post. The Edge then tried his luck from miles out and blasted well wide. Then City carved out an opening as one of the two hardworking midfielder found space now Bailey has been great since arriving on loan but he will never be a great goal scorer as a big gap opened up but instead of running through he passed instead. Colchester then got on top as Bean’s shot took a deflection off Ibhere standing in an off side position and past Murphy we all looked over to the linesman who kept his flag down, it looked like another bad decision against City but thankfully the vastly experienced referee Mr Kettle saw what happen and ruled the goal out. There was token protests form the home side but even Radio Essex thought the goal was off side. Buoyed the close shave United attacked again via one of the worst loan players we ever had in the small shape of Freddie Sears, the winger cut in form the right and curled the ball onto the crossbar. City counter attacked as McGoldrick found McSheffrey, Sheff still looking for his first goal of the season raced clear and with the keeper to beat unselfishly squared the ball to Moussa who tapped the ball in to fire City into the lead. McGoldrick then tested the keeper with a volley before City won a corner. The set piece was only half cleared as Baker got the ball and swung a cross to the far post where Edjenguele rose to head the ball home. Now the fun started because the linesman had his flag up and we stopped celebrating, then Mr Kettle trotted over the linesman to have a word, what was going on? After a chat Mr Kettle pointed to the centre circle and we celebrated twice for the same goal. Colchester players, not surprisingly surrounded the referee why had he allowed the goal? The theories came thick and fast, theory one; some media had give the goal as an own goal so was Edjenguele off side but not interfering with play? If that was the case his presents would be enough to put anyone off being a big lad. Theory two; was the linesman mistaken in giving Edjenguele off side since he had a defender between him and the goal? It was theory three; that turned out to be correct as McSheffrey was off side but no interfering with play but he was standing in front of the keeper and we could see why the home players and fans were angry. City made it to half time without any more incidents as the home fans booed off the officials.

City now attacked the end we were housed in and early on nearly made it three when McGoldrick had a shot blocked he could only hoist the rebound over the bar. City were playing well and with confidence and danger seemed to come from all over the pitch apart from the middle two who were happy just to control midfield and let others threaten. Cyrus Christie then had a chance on yet another raid he cut inside into the box and blasted a shot across the face of goal just missing the far post and not too far away from McGoldrick. Colchester’s boss John Dunne then threw on former City forward Clinton Morrison who received a big and warm ovation from the away fans singing his name and not a hint of stick. Players never change as Clinton promised not to celebrate if he scored against an old team but was soon in the book for dissent after waving his arms about in front of the ref. City were looking comfortable but a goal would change everything as McSheffrey gave away a free kick which was pumped into the area and Eastman got to it to guide it home 2-1. Now we were under pressure in this entertaining encounter. City started to concede silly free kicks around the area allowing Colchester to load the area City defended well. MR decided to make a change taking off the already booked McSheffrey and bringing on Barton to hold the ball up and to use his height. City were not sitting back like we have done in the recent past but trying to hit Colchester on the break as both Baker and McGoldrick went close. The game could go either way as we entered the last ten minutes when Murphy sprang to his right to pull off a great save and keep City in front. City countered attacked again and a sweeping move saw Barton control the ball and coolly play McGoldrick clean through on goal but to take you away from the drama for a second. Five years ago City last won away 3-1 it was at Stoke and since then all the 127 away league and cup away games I have predicted a 3-1 City win. It has become a running joke in the car no one is allowed to go 3-1 but me. We have come close only twice since then at 3-1 Mifsud spoiled it with a late 4th at Barnsley and at 2-1 at Norwich we hit the bar but back to the action. Barton played in McGoldrick and the forward coolly slotted it home to send the away end mental! “WE HAVE SEEN HISTROY!” I shouted but everyone knew that by now anyway as McGoldrick over took Bourton’s away scoring record. We had wrapped up the points but now I could se us scoring again. “Take to the corner” I shouted to Moussa as he fired wide then Baker had a goal bound shot turned away by Sullivan “GREAT SAVE SULLIVAN!” I shouted. Finally Mr Kettle blew his whistle, obligatory pun, and we could celebrate a fine victory.

We went back to the car in great mood as I collect my winnings for the bet all of 80p. For the first time in a very long time it felt good to be a City supporter. Mark Robbins’ record now surpassed that of even Eric Black’s and now has only Jack Fairbrother and Harry Storer in front of him speaking statistically.

Man of the Match
Maybe the best all round team performance for ages and it was decided by Rachel in the car that no one should have two nominations for man of the match so we gave it to five separate player.

Men of the Match

1st Moussa, Christie, Bailey, Edjenguele and Jennings Moussa looking better all the time, Christie strong going forward and back, The Edge new cult hero and a good, Bailey criminally overlooked in previous nominations and Jennings effective.
2nd The rest nuff said

Hartlepool United Vs Coventry City

The last half of last season Paul started to sing “Hartlepool on a Tuesday night” as the epitome of what is bad in League One well we had them on a Saturday instead. Our driver didn’t want to do both Hartlepool and Colchester by car so he opted for the coach to the North East joined by myself whilst the rest found another lift. A relaxing run up to the North East a area I had visited 14 times with no wins and a mere four draws as we arrived in Hartlepool. We had a warm welcome in this small but very tidy ground. The main talking point with the Hartlepool reporters on Tees Radio was the appointment of new manager John Hughes despite the fact that one favourite for the City manager’s job Phil Brown looked poised to tack the post or even Sven Goran Eriksson! For City fans the main topic was “who the flip is Blair Adams?” A new left back loaned from nearby Sunderland and the new boy was given his full debut as MR made a few adjustments to the starting line up. The team was in goal Murphy with Christie, Wood, Edjenguele and Adams at the back with Moussa, Jennings, Bailey and Baker in the middle with McGoldrick with the recalled McSheffrey up front. Hartlepool are rock bottom and a according to one elderly supporter in the bar are “cannon fodder” but we know what happens when a new manager is in town and John Hughes had his team in for double training sessions the last two days.

Thankfully we had an experienced referee for this game as Mr D’Urso blew to get the game underway with the home team attacking a pack out away end, in fact the small ground did look full. City had the first to show when a good Adams cross found McSheffrey but his shot was saved by Flinders in the Pools goal. After that brief chance the home side took over boosted by the new manger they ripped into a nervous looking City. Murphy had to make a couple of saves from Noble as City were on the back foot then he fired wide under pressure from Edjenguele. City survived the pressure and began to press forward as Edjenguele forced the keeper to save. Moussa then had a crack on target as the game was becoming more even. City had a few more tame efforts before half time came. City were not playing well and Radio Tees were worried by McSheffrey, no doubt the only player they had heard off.

Being held away comfortably by the worse side in the league was worrying as City attacked the away end in the 2nd half. Now we had a decent view standing in the away end but we couldn’t see the bottom left hand corner of the goal and it was there that Baker shot six minutes into the half it looked wide but then suddenly fans at the front started to celebrate and we realised we had taken the lead. Suddenly City looked full of confidence as the captain put one over the bar. City were buzzing as Bailey then put one over the bar. Both wide men in Baker and Moussa were proving to be a real handful for the home side back by a solid midfield and McSheffrey popping up everywhere McGoldrick meanwhile was having a relatively quiet game. On the 57th minute Moussa again cut in from wide and fired a shot and Humphreys clearly handle the ball in the area and Mr D’Urso pointed to the spot. McGoldrick took the ball off McSheffrey and stepped forward to try to be the first City player since 1931 to score in five consecutive away games, which he did with no problem. No I was starting to give Hartlepool’s decision to give John Hughes the manager’s job some stick and soon “sacked in the morning” could be heard. Just as we were getting used to being two goals up Adams hit a deep cross and Baker showed great skill to bring the ball down and swivel and fire past Flinders to make it three! I tried to start a Carl Baker song but no one joined in. Three nil up and coasting suddenly the worry at half time had gone and the home fans started to leave en masse. Hartlepool made the changes as City were looking for more goals. Moussa had a shot saved as City kept pressing forward. Then Baker advanced on goal looking for his hat trick but blocked by two defenders slipped the ball to an unmarked Moussa who drilled the ball past Flinders to open his account and make it four! MR then had the luxury of giving players a run out as Bailey came off and on came Barton for his first game for a while. City attacked and a shot was blocked but it went straight to Barton who half volleyed back into the net for number five! MR then took off McGoldrick who was now the league joint top scorer and brought on a player that the local radio described as Hartlepool’s last prolific scorer a certain Roy O’Donovan. The first action of the former Pool player was to curl a shot just over the bar. Late on Clarke replaced Christie as the away fans were enjoying themselves taunting Flinders in the home goal. Finally the referee blew for full time and for once we could make the long journey home happy.

Man of the Match
1st Carl Baker: Outstanding
2nd Franck Moussa A real handful
3rd Gary McSheffrey deserved a goal

Coventry City Vs Scunthorpe United

For a change we had a team that had already played at The Rioch on Saturday as Scunthorpe were in town. The last time they were here at the end of the game their keeper handed a pair of gloves to a fan in the Telegraph Stand that keeper Joe Murphy was soon to join City. It is Scunthorpe’s 2nd season back in this division and a warning to City as they are in the relegation zone. We had a minute’s silence for Remembrance Sunday before the game got underway. The line up was unchanged in goal was Murphy with Christie, Edjenguele, Wood and Clarke at the back, Baker, Jennings, Bailey and Fleck in midfield leaving McGoldrick and McDonald up front.

Murphy was first into the action saving a shot early on. The away side despite being in the drop zone were looking the better side early on as they were passing well. City slowly got into the game when Baker hit a post and Bailey’s follow up was blocked. Murphy was forced into action again as Scunthorpe still looked the better. McGoldrick had a shot saved whilst Leon Clarke was proving to be a real handful for Wood. The referee Mr Simpson was having a poor game giving just about everything the away side’s way. The referee finally awarded a free kick just outside the area McGoldrick dummied and Baker curled it in long the ground to the keeper’s left. With City now looking in control and near the end of the half a long punt saw Wood reach the ball until Clarke clearly push him over, Clarke went past and went down when he knew he couldn’t reach the ball but to everyone’s amazement Mr Simpson pointed to the spot he must have been the only one in the ground to think it was a pen no one appealed and I don’t think even the linesman flagged for it. Wood was booked and Clarke beat Murphy who didn’t even dive to save the penalty, Clarke celebrated in front of the home fans and was allowed to take his time getting back. Half time all level and everyone furious with the penalty award.

We hoped that the officials would even things up in the second half but no such luck as Mr Simpson gave an inept performance. With no change to the action in the 2nd half MR soon took off the disappointing McDonald and brought on Ball looking for his 1st league goal in 11 league games one of the worst records for any forward in our history. City defended a couple of corners well as United had most of the play. Moussa then replaced Fleck. McGoldrick had a shot saved by Mildenhall in the Irons’ goal and the half went on. Some more, dodgy decisions as City were deigned a clear corner nothing was going right. A good move by City let Christie in but he blazed the ball over the bar. The near the touch line a high boot almost caught Ball in the head as the forward was waiting for a free kick the ball was played up field to Clarke who looked offside he race clean through and beat Murphy who unusually stayed on his line and scored. “2-1 to the referee sang the crowd” and “you’re not fit to referee.” Despite a warning from the ref about time wasting Leon Clarke jogged back and was allowed to spot and pull his socks up whilst still in the City half. Christie then broke into the area and nudged down but the referee waved away cries for a spot kick another bad decision. MR threw on O’Donovan a player with a worse league goal scoring record then Ball’s he maybe be the worst of all time, Bailey was taken off. City finally started to play as Scunthorpe sat back. Scunthorpe meanwhile were wasting time at ever opportunity and getting away with it. City started to lay siege on the goal as Ball was deigned by Milldenhall then he pulled off even a better save to prevent Baker levelling before again diving to his left to keep out O’Donovan McGoldrick followed up but the keeper was close enough to block and City slid to a defeat.

Man of the Match
1st Carl Baker Looked good out wide
2nd William Edjenguele Solid at the back
3rd Cyrus Christie Always a danger

Coventry City Vs Crawley Town

Only just under nine thousand turned up in the middle game of the home triple header this was not helped by a pathetic turn out from Crawley a team that has had unprecedented success recently, sat third in the table and were visiting the ground for the first time. Most attention around me however where on the linesman warming up near us the fact she is blonde and female helped. We were here however to see if City could finally beat a “top side” in League One as MR welcomed back the loan players the team was in goal Murphy with Christie and Clarke playing right and left back respectively and Wood and Edjenguele at centre back. In midfield we had Baker, Jennings, Bailey and Fleck leaving a new partnership up front of the “Mack’s”, McDonald and McGoldrick.

Creepy Crawley as one local radio presenter called them whilst we were down at Leyton attacked the home end first. The opening of the game was not at all interesting as Town edged the early exchanges. Then things came to life as Clarke out wide clipped a clever ball to McGoldrick he laid it off to Fleck and the winger hit the ball first time across Jones and into the net maybe the keeper should of done better but City led. Crawley started to get the ball down and play some good football as they pressed City back. After 15 minutes City sprang an attack McGoldrick played in McDonald he brushed aside a defender and beat the keeper but the referee Mr Rushton called foul that was harsh. Crawley must be physically the smallest team in this division as they seem to rely on good passing the trouble was all City players were working hard including the wingers as Baker seemed to be winning a fair number of headers and Fleck threw himself into a couple of tackles the second one he caught a player but Mr Rushton realised it wasn’t a bad challenged and only had a word with him. The back four were looking solid and Murphy was punching well the only time he didn’t get any distance on his punch resulted in a scramble but the City players snuffed out any danger. What was lacking for Crawley was the final ball and finishing but did have a chance ten minutes before half time when Murphy blocked a shot at close range near his right hand post. City did look dangerous when going forward and came close to extending the lead when Baker whipped in a great cross that was headed just over by McDonald. Both Mack’s where then knocked over in a attack far more a foul that the one McDonald did but the referee mystified everyone by giving and unchallenged drop ball to the Crawley keeper. Then into injury time Christie did really well to keep the ball in play and he found Fleck, the little winger smack in a shot across the face of goal where McGoldrick was lurking for a tap-in yet another goal for the forward. Twice this season we have led by two goals at half time and we failed to win either of them.

Fleck fired over early in the 2nd half as City attempted to gain more possession. Then ten minutes into the half Simpson fired a shot into Edjenguele’s face the big Frenchman went down and Billy Clarke drove the ball home to put Crawley back into the game. The away fans bothered to belt out a song and promptly went quiet. Crawley were lifted and we could all see them coming back and grabbing a result but maybe City are made of sterner stuff these days as Clarke found McGoldrick on the edge of the area and first time curled and ball over Jones to restore City’s two goal advantage it was a great finish. “He scores when he wants”, sang the fans as the loan player crept closer to be this division’s top scorer. MR then took no chances and decided to beef up midfield to stop Crawley passing the ball through in off came the hardworking McDonald and on came Moussa who as normal liked to break from deep. City looked comfortable but a goal could set the nerves off again. Both sides kept pressing but City were proving to be hard to break down. MR made another change taking off Clarke who had a good game down the left and putting on the more defensively minded Reckord. McGoldrick meanwhile was looking for his hat trick and he tends to be a bit selfish which no one minds when he scores so many goals. At the other end a shot was deflected inches wide and crosses seemed to be just over hit before Murphy tipped one over. Late on a Crawley player fouled Christie and pleaded with the ref he went for the ball which he didn’t as I shouted “why don’t you player for a big club? Look at the number of fans you have brought, Arlesly brought more and they are only a village!” much to the amusement of those around me. City then caught the visitors on the break but Baker who had a good game miss hit a cross. No more scares as City put in arguably the best 90 minutes of the season and exited the relegation zone hopefully never to return.

Man of the Match
First place is easy but you could pick any two of the remaining ten players for the other two spots

1st David McGoldrick the difference between the sides
2nd John Fleck looking a lot better
3rd Jordan Clarke have MR solved the left back problem?

Coventry City Vs Arlesey Town

So little Arlesey where the visitors a town with a population that could comfortably fit into the Rioch playing four divisions below City this looked as easy game as anyone could of hopped for but this was the cup and plenty of journalists were at the ground to see if the Southern League side could pull off a shock. With two loan players being refused permission to play and Wood out of the firing line MR put out a strongest side as he could in goal was Murphy with Christie, Reckord, Edjenguele playing with Clarke starting as centre back for the first time. In midfield we had Jennings, Moussa, Baker and Fleck with McSheffrey and cup specialist Ball up front. Arlesey whose first choice kit is sky blue came to enjoy the day at an Olympic stadium.

This was City’s first 1st round game since 1963 and a 6-1 away win at Trowbridge and most of the 6,000 in today were expecting a similar score line. MR wanted a lively start by City but it was the part timers who looked the better early on and had the first shot. McSheffrey won an early corner but the defence and the stereotypical tubby no-league keeper dealt with the resulting set piece. Arlesy got closer with a shot as City seemed nervous. Marsh then fired over as City found it hard to pass the ball forward and the home crowd after only ten minutes started to get edgy. Nothing was happening much in midfield as City struggled trying one pass too many the only player that seemed confident in going forward was Christie. City soon won a free kick and Baker got the shot on target only for Nathan Abbey in the goal to push the ball away. The away side then went close when lorry driver Frater put the ball into the side netting. Twenty minutes had passed and still no goals and not much threat either then Murphy’s clearance hit Reckord on the back of the leg and former Nuneaton player Dillon fired the ball straight at Murphy. Meanwhile the away keeper seemed distracted and wasn’t watching the game as he looked in his bag for something I suggested it was for a pie. Then finally a chance McSheffrey broke through with Ball clear he fired in a tame shot on Abbey’s goal. Finally the breakthrough came as City’s best midfielder Moussa delivered a great pass and Ball beat the keeper and fired into the roof of the net to draw a sigh of relief from the home crowd. This was the forward’s third goal of the season all in different cup competition’s all against teams on in our division as diverse as Arsenal and Arlesey is he the new Keith Houchen? This settled City down a bit and Ball got more into the game. City then won a corner thanks to another good raid by Christie and the resulting set piece saw Baker forced Abbey into a save. Then Ball sent in a cross McSheffrey threw himself at the ball only to see Abbey pull off a great save. Half time City winning but no one was really too happy.

Second half saw City still passing too many balls sideways or backwards. Ball had an early shot as City attacked the old Telegraph Stand, which had one centre block open. Then Marsh went close with a shot in front of the 500 away fans, no doubt the regulars complaining about the bandwagon jumpers. MR then made his first change taking of the disappointing McSheffrey and throwing on McDonald. City were then caught off side but the officials always seemed to several seconds behind the play. City started to push up the pressure on Town with Christie still looking the main threat but it was his fellow Coundon born defender Clarke who had a header on target easily saved by Abbey. Murphy had a simple shot to save as Town counter attacked. Then Christie sick of delivering good crosses decided to dribble into the area he found space and scored a well deserved first goal for City “Coundon 1 Allesley 0” I shouted as the visitor’s name is very similar the North Coventry superb. Everyone now could relax and City started to dominate at last. Ball forced Abbey into a save before a McDonald header went straight to the keeper. Moussa was getting more and more into the game and was looking dangerous. Reckord went very close to his first goal as a blast hit the bar. MR made his second change off went Reckord and on came Jordan Willis to make up a back four three quarters from Coventry. O’Donovan then was given a run out replacing Ball before Arlesley’s player manager Zemi Abbey threw himself on, I insisted he run over to O’Donovan and sign him up immediately! Moussa then hit the post with a great shot the ball rebounded back and hit the keeper and trickled out for a corner. The City had a great chance as Fleck broke he had O’Donovan and McDonald unmarked in the box but he failed to deliver the ball first time and was crowded out. City attacked again and near the end O’Donovan put in a good cross and Jennings was first to the ball to score his first goal to make it 3. To give them credit Arlesey kept attacking but when one attack broke down Murphy threw a great ball to Baker he charged into the area but then blasted high when he had done the hard work. So City settled for 3-goal victory our biggest win against non-league opposition since out last 1st round game.

Man of the Match
1st Cyrus Christie Looked a threat
2nd Franck Moussa Got better as the game wnet on
3rd Callum Ball It’s a cup so he scores

Leyton Orient Vs Coventry City

A trip to darkest East London wasn’t as bad as we feared and we even managed to find a parking space near the ground. I wasn’t even born the last time we played here in the league but today was a must win game against a team no that far above us in the table. Griffin Park is not a bad little ground modern on three sides as we where in the oldest stand. The four corners of the ground had been sold to flats for a million pounds each offering a great view from the balconies took up by some City fans to our right. The stewards in the ground may think the Olympics are still on with the searches and demanding to see everyone’s ticket to make sure they sat in the correct seats. The music played a very good but eclectic mix of The Cash, Bob Dylan and the Who. Before kick off we were treated to some sleet as we heard the line up in goal was Murphy with Reckord, Wood and the reinstated Edjenguele, making up the back four was the welcomed return of Christie. In midfield we had Fleck, Jennings, Baker and Bailey with McGoldrick up front and no doubt MR must know my theory that McSheffrey can only play well when it is cold because he was the surprise addition up front.

City attacked the far end in the first half against a struggling Orient team. Baker had the first shot on target, as McSheffrey was looking lively. Then after seven minutes the two exchanged passes allowing McSheffrey to fire in a tame shot but the keeper in the O’s goal Allsop couldn’t hold onto the shot and McGoldrick pounced to tap it home to fire City a goal up. It was a historic goal as he had now scored in four away games in a row the first since Dion Dublin in 1996, only the tenth in our history and only the ninth player to achieve this. “He scores when he wants,” sang the City fans hopping this time we can hold onto the lead as we scored at the same time against Brentford. McSheffrey was playing quite well up front combining well with McGoldrick and at the back things looked a bit more solid with Edjenguele and Christie adding a bit of strength there, but Leyton still had chances but couldn’t finish as one player ballooned a ball over the stand as he tried to get a shot on target. City then should have made it two as a ball sent McSheffrey clear but he fired wide of the target. City were looking fairly comfortable but only leading by one could concede at any moment one incident came when Wagstaff miss-hit a cross from the right that looked like it could sneak in until Murphy clawed it from under his post unfortunately it landed at the feet on Mooney who blasted the ball high over the bar. One major worry was the referee Mr Robinson who was having a practically bad game giving most things to the home side and constantly penalising McGoldrick for pushing he two defenders were on him. We approached the time we conceded at Brentford but City players were winning the ball in their own area then in the dieing seconds of the half McSheffrey harried the defender and won the ball for a run in on goal he forced Allsop into a good save and Baker’s follow up shot was block by a sliding defender. Half time City winning for only the second time this season and we drew both of them.

City started brightly in the second half as McGoldrick had a shot then minutes later the top scorer broke and had Baker and McSheffrey either side of him a pass either way would of sent them clear but he greedily ran on and was stopped. The referee was still making strange decisions but when he gave something our way the City fans started to ironically cheer. McGoldrick went in the book when he complained he was being held again With twenty minutes to go MR gambled taking off McSheffrey who had by far his best game of the season, no saying much and bringing Moussa who we need quickly to offer a longer term contract to. The Moose got stuck in right away in the defensive 4-5-1 formation not allowing the Orient midfielders space and attacking them when he had the ball. City seemed to be hanging on for a point at this time making everyone nervous in the stand. Despite a series of free kicks and corners City stood up well when Orient did have a shot it went wide. Into the last minutes of the game and one City fan at the back started the “Jingle Bells” song he was booed and told to shut up by most of the other City fans. City were getting close to three points when a Leyton player was free in the box, Murphy came out quick to close him down but he poked the ball past the keeper thankfully it trickled wide. MR took off McGoldrick to a standing ovation and replaced him with Elliott to waste time. City defended the last corner before the referee blew to signal our 2nd away league win of the season.

Man of the Match
1st Gary McSheffrey Buzzed around and looked dangerous but should of scored
2md William Edjenguele Strong at the back
3rd Franck Moussa A livewire when introduced.

Brentford Vs Coventry City

Unlike every other ground in London Brentford is really easy to get to just off the motorway. Got there in plenty of time and good job we did as the drove down street after street with cars parked bumper-to-bumper Paul decided to park his car on double yellows in the end, as it was the only space. We wasn’t breaking the law as we had Kev’s Blue Badge with us allowing three hours parking. Griffin Park is a well-kept old-fashioned ground with flood light pylons that reminded me of a red and poorer version of QPR’s ground. A good turn out on the terracing and in the seats above heard the team news in goal for his 60th league game was Murphy with Clarke, Cameron, Wood and Rockford at the back in midfield we had Hussey, Jennings, Moussa and Fleck with Ball and McGoldrick up front.

City attacked the far end in the first half but it was the Bees in front of us who were first to show when Forrester fired wide. It wasn’t easy to see what was happening at the far end but after six minutes Hussey sent McGoldrick clear and he slotted it under Moore in the home goal to put us one up. McGoldrick then forced the keeper into a save as City were looking good. Harry Forester then went to ground but the excellent referee Mr Stroud booked him for diving. Minutes later Brentford won a legitimate free kick. The set piece was cleverly taken and heading into the back of the net until Murphy flung himself over and got both fists on the ball to concede a corner. Murphy did well to punch away the corner when it came back in Hayes headed wide when he had a free header. Now The Bees had found their feet and were swarming all over City Murphy saved before Cameron blocked a shot near the line. Then Murphy tipped one over the bar, as it was all Brentford. City were totally lacking in midfield and up front Ball failed time and again to hold on to the ball. A brief respite saw Clarke force Moore into a save. Then Cameron allowed a player far too much room out wide the cross came to nothing but Murphy raced out to lambaste Chris Hussey, no one would want to argue with Cameron! The pressure kept on when a poor back pass let Hayes in Murphy closed him down and Hayes fired wide but since the ref gave a corner Murphy must have got a touch. Brentford hit the crossbar with the resulting corner. Just as it we thought we were going to survive until half time Forester was allowed to waltz through midfield and defence and plant the ball under Murphy to level the game up. Halftime all level and I must be getting cynical because I could only see one result in the 2nd half.

Second half saw the end of experimenting with Hussey in midfield as Baker replaced him. Second half started better as no doubt MR had a word at half time he certainty didn’t look pleased as he was the last one off the pitch at half time. No long into the half Kilbane came on for Reckord. Brentford missed a couple more times as they took over again. McGoldrick did have a shot pushed over but it was nearly all Brentford. Murphy saved again before Brentford wasted a few more chances. Hayes then had a free header, he headed it down and it bounced over the crossbar. Wood then went down for his traditional head injury but he recovered in time to rejoin the action. MR finally took off Ball and threw on McDonald. Then out of nothing Fleck blasted a long-range shot on the post and the ball rebounded the wrong way for McGoldrick to score. Deep into injury time Forrester was chopped down by Clarke in the area, penalty! Forester took it and scored. So another defeat as City now have looked poorer then a top six side and a mid table side City need to start improving rapidly before a gap opens up between us and safety.

Got out quickly and reached Cov at 11.30 maybe the only good thing about the night.

Man of the Match
1st No one
2nd Joe Murphy kept the score down
3rd David McGoldrick I can’t see us signing him

Coventry City Vs Notts County

After Swindon I though we wouldn’t see John Fleck again for months but his injury wasn’t as bad as first thought and he was back. MR kept the same line up in goal Murphy with Clarke, Cameron, Wood and Reckord at the back with Fleck, Moussa, Bailey and Baker in midfield leaving McGoldrick and Ball up front. County are unbeaten in their last 13 away league games so a tough game was on the cards. Many fans couldn’t believe one piece of team news ex City player Lee Hughes was on the bench a crass decision that says a lot about The Magpie’s manager Keith Curle.

Ends were changed and City attacked the former Telegraph Stand in the first half. City had the first chance of the game when Fleck was sent through but the legs of the visiting keeper Bialkowski blocked his shot. Both sides were playing quite well as City won a corner it was well delivered by Fleck and McGoldrick forced the keeper to catch. Ball then had an effort on target but no trouble for the keeper. Then City had a great chance when a right cross from Bailey was played in Ball seemed almost certain to score but just couldn’t get enough on the shot. Apart from Fleck City’s midfield was playing too well at the moment. Then a move saw Boucaud have far too much room he turned and found the bottom corner on the net from out side the box. City couldn’t force anything before half time.

As the second half kicked off I really didn’t have any confidence that City could turn this into a win. City huffed and puffed but County were well organised and it is easy to see why they are challenging for a play off place. All too often the ball wnet back to either Cameron or Murphy resulting in a long ball up the field. The passes were too square as City struggled to break down County. It wasn’t long before MR stated to use his bench first on was Jennings for a disappointing Baker the “masked man” Wood took over as captain. City then was sixes and sevens at the back as in a scramble Campbell-Ryce had a shot that Murphy pushed away one handed. Bailey then who had by far his worst game was taken off and replaced by McDonald. The changes didn’t make that much of a difference but at one corner Cameron obstructed the keeper and he threw himself to the floor the away fans wanted a red card and the player surrounded the referee, Mr Gibbs was having a good game in the middle and ignored the protests and just awarded a free kick and a booking for Cameron. Then something I hoped I would never see as Lee Hughes came on and he was booed and verbally abused throughout going back to the day when he was responsible for the death of two in a road accident before running away. MR then threw on Hussey for Reckord. City looked slightly better but if there was any justice in football City should of won with Hughes on but I realised years ago there is no justice in football. County were happy to sit back and hit City on the break and they have a few skilful players that can do this one of them Arquinn found room on the edge of the box before neatly curling the ball around Murphy for the second goal it was a great finish. A couple minutes to go and City won a corner Fleck delivered well and Wood raced in to head it home for his 7th goal of his City career. With four minutes of injury time City had renewed hope. McDonald had a late chance but his first touch wasn’t very good and City slipped to a defeat.

It was a disappointing performance again a top six side maybe that will be us next season.

Man of the Match
1st No one No one deserved to be top
2nd Richard Wood Good goal worked hard
3rd John Fleck Good deliverers

Swindon Town Vs Coventry City

One great advantage of Swindon is it is not too far away. The County Ground is a descent ground at this level but £25 is excessive. The away end facilities were far too small for the thousand or so City fans. The side was unchanged in goal Murphy with Clarke, Wood, Cameron and Reckord in defence; midfield consisted of Baker, Bailey, Moussa and Fleck with Ball and McGoldrick up front.

City attacked the empty uncovered terrace in the first half as we were in the stand on the side. City attacked early and Fleck delivered a good corner. At the other end Swindon hit the post. Then the rain started to fall heavily not for the last time in the game either we were all glad we were under cover. Fleck then was brought down and won a free kick the midfielder took the kick expertly into the box for McGoldrick to flick they ball home to put City a goal up it was a very well worked goal. City now were looking confident and most attacks were going through Fleck and the Swindon players making sure he got kicked regularly. Then an amazing incident a ball was heading into touch until Swindon boss Di Cannio stepped onto the pitch and caught the ball! Even more amazing no official saw the indecent! Fleck then had one in the side netting from distance. Swindon were getting away with a lot of fouls by the referee Mr Collins who must have been scared of Di Cannio because he gave most things their way. McGoldrick then saw a nice bit of skill, as a second goal didn’t seem far away. Then Murphy was booked for descent by the terrible official. City then won a corner and Fleck delivered it well there was a loose ball in the area but McGoldrick was there to stroke it home to make it 2! After another foul on Fleck The Robbins managed some pressure on the City defence but Cameron and Wood were defending well. Meanwhile Moussa was also having a good game in midfield showing some nice touches. Two Swindon players then were booked as their attitude mirrored their managers. Half time came and City two up and cruising the best first half since Bury plenty of singing downstairs in the far too small away concourse.

City attacked early in the second and a great pirouette by Moussa in the area allowed him a shot on goal the ball fell to Ball who had an easy chance but he hit out at it with his left foot and went wide if he used his right it would of almost certainly been a goal. Then the linesman started to flag on the side and the referee went over, after a short chat he went over to Ball, now we were expecting a red but thankfully it was only a yellow to Ball and a yellow to Swindon’s Flint. Di Cannio then threw on City fan James Collins a player Swindon bought breaking the new rules and landing them in a transfer embargo. City were looking comfortable until Wood went down and if he was trying to win an award for bravery had to go off with yet another head injury. Blood was pouring from his nose and it looked like it would take time to stop so MR threw on Edjenguele. The enforced chance played right into the home sides hands as they started to take control as Murphy saved from a corner. Then we held our breaths as Fleck was sent crashing to the ground and the Swindon players started to signal for a stretcher, Fleck was out cold, I think it was accidental but Fleck had been kicked over the field by the Swindon team, Fleck went off on a stretcher to be replaced by Hussey. Now Swindon were well on top and City were hanging on. The injury seemed to have upset the City players as Swindon had a goal rightly ruled out for off side. The inevitable happen was Roberts scored from a corner. Then the referee may of turned the game when McEverly kicked Baker to the ground off the ball amazingly it wasn’t a yellow card maybe because he would have been off and the referee was clearly scared of Di Cannio. Then he pulled up McGoldrick for a handball that never was. City had more problems from a another corner a scramble saw Collins volley home for his first goal at The County Ground the so called City fan ripped off his shirt and was booked a far worse offence then kicking some one in the leg, Collins will not be welcomed back at the Rioch where Swindon might turn up with a different Manager since Di Cannio is much sort after. To make matters worse the assist was from McEverly who should off been sent off. They now only looked like one winner as City was clinging on. There was a lot of injury time and twice in that time a Swindon player got in a header but thankfully straight both times at Murphy. Then deep in injury time Cameron handle the ball in the area but he was already being subjected to a head high challenge by Navorro but the Swindon player came off worse and had to be stretchered off. City hung on as a defeat would have been totally unjust, Di Cannio signalled to the City fans were both teams were in the League but a half decent ref today and we would off been coming back with 3 points.

Man of the match
1st John Fleck His best game but needed protection
2nd David McGoldrick Already a big star in the City team
3rd Franck Moussa His best game so far.

York City Vs Coventry City

With Kev and Rach visiting friends in Newcastle and travelling to York that way, Lisa working and Paul working in Nottingham on the day and making his own way for the first time in about 12 years I travelled to an away game without any of the above four. Caught the supports coach which was full plenty of familiar faces including Joe Elliott and Gary Hoffman. A good trip to deepest Yorkshire that took two hours forty minutes got there in time for a good look around Bootham Crescent. It’s a small, tidy, old-fashioned type of ground that looks like it has hardly changed in many years. New ground syndrome kicked in as just fewer than 400 City fans turned up for the game. Mark Robbins took the competition seriously by fielding many would say his strongest line up the team was in goal Murphy, with Clarke, Wood, Cameron and Reckord at the back, in midfield we had Moussa, Baker, Bailey and Fleck with Ball and McGoldrick stating up front together for the first time. York had up front Matty Blair whose father Andy once played for Coventry and owns a sports shop near where I live.

The Minstermen attacked the away end first on a mild night for the time of year. First to show was Andy’s son who broke through and forced Murphy to save with his legs. “We know where your dad works”, I sang very much on my own. The corner was defended; as no one wanted to be fined apparently MR will fine a player every time a player he is marking scores from a set piece. City countered and the York keeper Ingram caught a shot from Fleck in what already looked like an entertaining game. City started well after the front two already seemed to have developed an understanding as they played in Baker who shot wide. At our end the dangerous “Son of Andy” then had a cheeky back heel shot on goal. Baker then forced Ingram into the save at the other end. City seemed to have also worked on set pieces as Fleck played a clever corner leaving Wood to force Ingram into a save. Then a swift counter attack from a corner saw Moussa fire in a long rang shot that Ingram struggled with. Soon York were getting on top with their fleet-footed forwards pulling out wide giving our fullbacks plenty to do but the final ball was thankfully lacking. Wood then had to go off after a clash of heads as luck would have it there where no centre backs on the bench so on came Christie and Clarke moved to centre back this meant the entire back four are from the West Midlands, two Cov, one Brumie and a Yam Yam. York continued to pile on the pressure but Cameron and his defenders kept them at bay. Walker came the closest with a shot across Murphy’s left hand post. Then there was considerable anger on the terraces as a fan announced, “they had ran out of pies!” Murphy was taking his time over goal kicks when a fan standing next to me called Graham shouted “Stop playing for penalties Murphy!” The keeper looked around with a huge grin on his face. Half time all level and we didn’t want penalties.

There cannot be many players that could be called a Cup legend for two different team but half time saw Keith Houchen introduced to the crowd and the ground still looks the same when he scored his famous penalty against Arsenal, maybe one of the current crop will score a diving header at Wembley this season? Ball perhaps?

City started well in the second half and started to attack the away end pressing York back. McGoldrick was first to show crossing for Ball who headed wide then McGoldrick curled one wide. Another defender had to go off as Doig was injured PFA boss Clarke Carlisle replaced him. Things didn’t start well for the sub as his keeper put him under pressure with a poor pass then Carlisle made a hash of the clearance as McGoldrick intercepted the ball with an empty net Ingram was furiously trying to get back but the forward calmly placed the ball into the far corner to give City the lead. Despite the fact it was the defender’s fault the City fans on the terracing took great delight in ripping into the home keeper for the rest of the half. City now dominated and holes started to be opened-up in the home defence as McGoldrick and Moussa shot narrowly wide. Then in the 72nd minute under fire Ingram rolled the ball out to a defender but as he tends to do Bailey was harrying around and robbed the defender he played in Ball who had a free run in on goal, the big forward composed himself before slotting the ball home to make it 2-0. York had now lost all shape and resorted to kicking the City players but the excellent referee Mr Eltingham was on top and soon awarded City a free kick, Baker took it quickly releasing McGoldrick totally unmarked the forward shot and was deflected in by Fyfield to make it three. MR now could make changes safe in the knowledge of a victory, off came Fleck for Jennings and Hussey was reintroduced for Reckord. York rallied and in a scramble had a shot cleared off the line. In the last minute a long goal kick over the top saw Hussey run clear before belting a shot across Ingram and into the net for his very first goal for City his team mates seemed very pleased the under fire left back had scored. So that was that a comfortable win and a step closer to the final.

Back on the coach I estimated getting back to Cov by 12.15 but then things started to go wrong, the driver took the wrong turn and couldn’t find his was to the main “A” road out off York he passed one spot twice before coming around the corner only to meet another coach coming the other way, it was only the team coach heading south! We continued north! Eventually we headed toward Harrogate ignoring a sign to Leeds, who wants to go south anyway, finally he found the A1 and we arrived back in Cov 45 minutes late, I got home at 1.30.

Man of the Match
1st David McGoldrick Constant nuisance
2nd Nathan Cameron A rock at the back of a very young defence
3rd Callum Ball Looking a lot better, a league goal next please

Coventry City Vs Bournemouth

City were looking for a win against mangerless Bournemouth at The Rioch. The line up was Murphy in goal with Clarke playing his 60th league game with him in defence were Wood, Cameron and Reckord with Baker, Barton, Fleck, Bailey and Moussa in midfield supporting McGoldrick up front in a 4-4-1-1 formation.

It was a quick start as McGoldrick was free down the right his cross went straight to David James in the Cherries goal but the man that amazingly won over 50 caps for England couldn’t hold on a simple cross but lucky for him no one was around to profit. It was a very warm day for October as we basked in the sunshine, every header of the ball produced a puff of water as the gossamer threads glistened in the October sunshine, in a poetic frame as the game wasn’t that good. Despite the good start Bournemouth looked a match for City early on. Then City had another chance as a Moussa shot was blocked and James already committed to the save McGoldrick stepped up and rolled the ball home but was ruled off side. James then again showed his total lack of handling ability by failing to hold onto a McGoldrick shot. At the other end Bournemouth were looking good wide but lacked any finishing ability. At the back Bournemouth were looking comfortable whilst City found it hard to string a few passes together as the crowd started to get on the backs of the home team. City’s best moment of the first half was when a long ball over the top saw McGoldrick sprint clear but James was equally quick and raced out to clear the ball outside of the box. Halftime no goals and City booed off.

The conscious around the ground was to bring on Ball switch to 4-4-2 maybe taking Barton off so it was to some surprise when MR did this. Ball made all the difference managing to hold the ball up allowing the midfielders to get more forward. Moussa tested James early on and the former England keeper couldn’t hold on to the ball. City were now well on top as Reckord fired a cross in and Ball just failed to make contact with as he threw himself at the ball. Down the other wing the captain’s armband seemed had gone to Baker’s head as he worked very hard down the flanks to get City attacking or to help out the defence. City kept up the pressure and another good cross saw McGoldrick met the ball and his header looked gold bound until James pulled off an excellent save diving to his left. Bournemouth slowly got back into the game after being blown away early in the 2nd. Murphy was forced to back peddle and push a shot over the bar. City kept coming forward then McGoldrick made a good run he past to Ball, the tall forward didn’t panic but held onto the ball until McGoldrick was almost passed him then the sub dinked the ball into the area McGoldrick raced after it and toe-poked it passed James to fire City into a deserved lead. City still looked more likely to make it two then for Bournemouth to level but City just couldn’t find a second as the nerves were staring to show. MR took off McGoldrick to a standing ovation form the 10,000 odd City fans and on came Elliott. It wasn’t plain sailing as late on a rare error by Reckord let a Bournemouth player go one-on-one with Murphy but the keeper had already read the danger and did enough to force the player to shoot wide and the referee Mr Adcock who had an OK game firmly ruled out any question of a penalty. No more scares and City could finally celebrate a home league victory and a move out of the relegation zone.

Man of the Match
1st Carl Baker Amazing work rate
2nd Callum Ball turned the game around
3rd David McGoldrick Constant threat

Coventry City Vs Milton Keynes Dons

Just fewer than 10,000 turned to what on paper should have been one of City’s hardest home games of the season. MR had to make a few changes because of injuries the team was in goal Murphy with Edjenguele, Wood and playing for the first time this season Christie, in midfield we had Barton, Bailey, Moussa and captain Baker with McSheffrey playing just behind McGoldrick.

City started off full of confidence and nearly scored within the first two minutes when Baker was left unmarked he controlled a cross on his chest before volleying it forcing a good save from The Don’s keeper Martin. McSheffrey then delivered a good corner that Wood header over. Bailey then had a good shot on target blocked as City pushed forward. City kept up the pressure when a header from Barton hit the arm of a Don’s defender or did his arm hit the ball? The referee Mr Madley signalled the first and MK were very lucky to get away with that. McGoldrick then was impeded from breaking into the box but the referee played a good advantage when the move broke down he had a word with the defender but didn’t book him when some might of sent him off as McGoldrick would have been clear. The franchise club that should of never been let to come into existence started to get a bit more into the game when Wood under hit a back pass Charlie McDonald intercepted and race one-on-one to the goal, Murphy raced out and McDonald slipped the ball sideways for an easy tap in but Edjenguele got back and cleared. McGoldrick then had a shot pushed away as City could of already have won the game. Moussa fired low before Baker skied a shot from a McSheffrey cross. Slowly the away side started to find some rhythm at first they tired hitting long balls into the corners past our fullbacks for their wide players to chase but Reckord and Christie were dealing well with that. MK switched to small forward passes and started to look good. Now they were controlling the game and City were chasing shadows and a following move saw Edjenguele clear. The team in red kept up the pressure and another mistake by Wood saw McDonald turn sharply and graze the outside of the post from outside the area with Murphy beaten. City attacked at the away end and won a corner to relieve the pressure, McSheffrey took it and Wood met the perfect deliver with a close in header to fire the Sky Blues into a lead. The players raced over to Sheff to celebrate with him on his great delivery something that has improved immensely since the start of the season. City needed to hold on until half time but it was not to be as seven minutes later Gleeson hit a shot that took a massive deflection beating Murphy who would of saved the shot without a deflection, there is no truth in the rumour that Cody McDonald claimed the goal. Murphy gave the post a good kick as he hasn’t kept a league clean sheet at home for eight games but sometimes keepers could do without bad luck like that. Five minutes from the end of the half a player slipped past McSheffrey and he did exactly what I do and hacked the player down, no complaints about the yellow card. Half time all level.

Second half started in the same vein with The Dons impressively stroking the ball around and City struggling to get the ball when they did they were closed down and wasted possession the visitors in fact are the Spain of League One. Bowditch then had a shot on target as it seemed only time before they would take the lead. At our end McGoldrick headed over from a good Baker cross. They kept up the pressure as a Don’s player missed at the far post when he should have scored. Then even a better chance as Wood made another mistake and it looked a tap in but Edjenguele just got a toe on the ball and Murphy was back on his line to smoother the follow up before it was cleared. Maybe his goal saving tackle injured the defender but Edjenguele had to limp off and replaced by Cameron to play his first game of the season. McSheffrey also went off to some booing which is unfair because he had a decent first half but did fade in the second, on came Fleck. City still under pressure was holding on when MR threw Ball on for a disappointing Barton. The big forward did get a header on target but no problem for the keeper. The officials missed blatant handball as Rachel came up with a conspiracy theory that the officials got together to act against the relegated sides. The changes did help to even the game up a bit more as McGoldrick had a shot blocked and a MK player finally was booked. City won a late free kick but Fleck blasted it well over. So in the end a draw not too bad a result but we need now to beat Bournemouth on Saturday and that would go down as a good week.

Man of the Match
1st William Edjenguele His best game so far
2nd Jamie Reckord Solid down the left
3rd Jamie Bailey Worked hard in midfield

Oldham Athletic Vs Coventry City

The slow journey up to Boundary Park brought back plenty of memories of previous visits to the ground. It was the ground I saw my very first away league game on, memories of a season later when a Kevin Gallagher goal early in the season made us think we were top of the Premier League but in fact we were only second great days, the following season coming back from 3-1 down to grab a 3-3 draw and clearly seeing me in the celebrations for the third goal and a league cup defeat with Roy Wegerle being sent off. Things haven’t changed much at Boundary Park apart from the fact I could swear the motorway was far nearer to the ground then. In fact the ground has got a lot worse and is now only had three sides the stand I sat in for my first game there now demolished. This did offer a great view of the moors but did mean a cold wind gusted into our faces in the third highest league ground in England. The welcome from the stewards was warm and one informed us that the away fans had to be moved into the corner when home fans threw a sweet and hit a steward in the eye causing a bad injury. The entire attendance was half the away following at The Emirates but it was back down to the regulars. MR could only select 5 out of his 6 loan players in his squad who we passed on the motorway on the way up. The line up was in goal Murphy, with Clark, Brown, Wood and Reckord in defence, Moussa, Bailey, Henderson and Baker in midfield leaving McSheffrey and McGoldrick up front.

City attacked the far end in the first half as Murphy made one or two standard saves from a team that had yet to win at home. The game wasn’t great as most of the younger City fans verbally abused Latic’s Manager Paul Dickov and not for playing for Leicester. It was noticed that the vast majority of Oldham fans closes to use were of school age and were very “mouthy”. At the other end keeper Bouzanis made a couple of comfortable catches as City struggled to get their game together. City changed the formation during the 1st half to try to get more of the ball McSheffrey dropped wide and Moussa played a more central role but it was dire stuff. With not much happening both sides were struggling and the referee Mr Coote was just bad City had a half chance just before the whistle when McSheffrey crossed and McGoldrick put the ball over the bar.

Halftime saw the schoolboys throwing a mars bar or two at the away fans the stewards waved back several City fans trying to get over and seconds later a few boys were dragged out of the home end. With Bury winning we were also unofficially bottom of the league.

Second half was no better despite Bailey having good game in midfield and City look OK on the left with Moussa and Reckord. MR decided to change things around by taking off Henderson who was quite and throwing on McDonald restoring the 4-4-2 formation. Then Baxter had a long range shot that hit the post as City started to ride their luck. City did look solid at the back with Murphy looking confident after only conceding six at Arsenal unfortunately City struggled to hold on to the ball with the back two, Clark and McSheffrey the most guilty. Finally the fattest player on the pitch Lee Croft was booked for fouling McSheffrey the player had already kicked McGoldrick off the ball in the first half. City had two very halfhearted penalties appeals, by me at least when Wood was held back in the area during a corner. With McSheffrey steadily getting worse misplaced a pass setting Oldham off in an attack the ball was crossed and met well but Murphy sprang to his right to pull off a great save before Wood cleared. MR then replaced McSheffrey with Fleck and the midfielder used the ball well. Murphy saved again as the tension mounted in the away end. Fleck gave the team more balance with Bailey winning the ball the former whipped in a cross that McDonald just missed. Minutes later Fleck knocked in another cross and again McDonald threw himself at the ball just barley missing it. City were steadily getting on top and the left flank looked the most dangerous as Moussa crossed a Oldham player headed the ball towards goal forcing Bouznis to pull off a good save. The Clark had to go off with an injury and was replaced by Edjenguele. City kept looking for a goal as Reckord sent in a cross towards McDonald but he just missed a header, Grounds behind him didn’t and diverted the ball past his keeper to spark off mad scenes in the away end. I jumped on the back of a fan called “Mad” Al as we all wnet just a little barmy. Imagine our surprise later when the media gave the goal to McDonald when is was clearly an own goal but I’m not complaining. City suddenly looked confident and minutes later McGoldrick was given room to the right of the keeper but the keeper did well to keep out his shot, minutes later a cross found McDonald with only the keeper to beat but Bouzins saved well still McDonald should of scored. We have even noticed that former City favourite Robbie Simpson had enter as a sub as we wanted the referee to blew, thankfully he did 1 ½ minutes after he should of done and we celebrated our first win of the league season and a rare clean sheet.

Everybody was happy with the win if not the performance something to build on. Outside in the large car park a group of young Oldham fans taunted the away fans until one City fan charged at them, they scattered three policemen chased after him the last being regular away copper PC Mapp when he returned Paul took “the mick” at his lack of speed, PC Mapp saw the funny side of it and we headed for home.

Man of the Match
1st Joe Murphy Dealt with everything
2nd Jamie Reckord Confident down the left
3rd John Fleck changed the game

Arsenal Vs Coventry City

We arrived in London after slow traffic with an hour to go. We took the tube from Cockfosters to The Arsenal Tube Station already we were tight on time, then we had to queue to get out. A swift walk to the ground and what a ground the best I have ever seen but we had no time to admire the view as we had 15 minutes to go before kick off. We found the away end to find a long queue and only two turnstiles open! Busting for the loo I made a beeline for the gents before taking my place amongst the 9,000 City fans most of whom had arrived in the bandwagons earlier. The game was a minute or so old and a glance up at the scoreboard said it was still scoreless. The team was in goal Murphy with Clarke, Wood, Brown and making his first start was Reckord, in midfield we had Baker and Barton and two new players in came Franck Moussa and new loan signing Jamie Bailey, up front was Elliott and McSheffrey. Arsenal were not at full strength but the line up boasted 150+ international caps.

Back to the action and City seemed to be playing quite well even carving out a chance when Elliott headed wide. “Mark Robbins Sky Blue Army” boomed out from the away end and it has been quite a while since a new manager had his name sung so early a sign that for once most fans are behind the manager. The Gunners were finding it hard to get going as the new boys in the middle of the park were playing well with Moussa showing some nice touches. Barton then fired over as City continued to match The Reds. City fans were enjoying themselves with a song about former Arsenal player van Persie not rating his former club to which later an Arsenal fan admitted no one had ever sung before. Then a mascot had a shot on City’s goal, well a former mascot when City last visited Arsenal, Yennaris was the mascot. Arsenal were getting more into the game and had a shot over before Murphy had a simple shot to save. City looked solid down the flanks and Reckord looks a really good player far better then Hussey. Then near the end of the half Giroud was played through he drew Murphy out before dinking the ball over him to give the home side the lead. Then Miguel fired well over the player was wearing number “54” and I started a “that’s why your 54” City hung on to half time.

Halftime gave me the opportunity to have a look at the stadium and it was just a shame we couldn’t get there earlier to have a proper luck. Each fan had a large generous padded seat with ample knee room but we were all standing anyway.

The referee Mr Jones, who by the way was very good, blew for the second half. Three minutes into the game and Brown brought down Russian International Arshavin Mr Jones thankfully only booked Brown when he could of red carded him. Then as a penalty was to be taken a fan ran onto the pitch and started to take his clothes off, surprisingly he was allowed to do this, and then he took off on a run chased by stewards, why can steward never catch anyone who runs onto the pitch? Another streaker entered the pitch and gave the steward the run around before the Arsenal players caught him. When both pitch invaders were escorted from the field Murphy faced his third penlty in three games, some thing that needs to be addressed. Giroud took the kick and placed it well to Murphy’s right but the keeper this timed guessed correctly and pulled off a great save. Wood then went close with a header from a free kick. Muprhy then saved from Walcott before his England International team mate Oxlade-Chamberlain blasted a shot from out side the box that flew past Murphy to make it 2-0. MR made his first chance taking off a tired Moussa and brought Fleck. Arsenal were now in top gear when Arshavin made it 3-0 with a low shot. Then Murphy did really well to keep the score down to 3. McSheffrey then had a chance when he broke clear but blasted the ball well over. The second change came when Ball replaced Elliott. It got worse when Walcott raced through the defence to make it four. “If you all going to Oldham clap your hands”, I sang at the top of my voice only a few fans joined in. Ball then headed wide as City at least were still trying. Then McSheffrey found Baker he knocked in a cross to what looked like an empty penalty area suddenly Ball steamed in and made good contact with the ball to send it to the back of the net for his first goal for our club, a sort of basic goal we do not score enough of. Unfortunately this made The Gunners angry and “number 54” scored with a header to make it 5. Walcott again broke through and made it 6 with minutes remaining thankfully the referee blew to end the hammering but my first ever game at Arsenal I saw City loose 6-1 and we were in the same league then.

Overall it what most expected the big game is Saturday and it will be back down to the real fans. Decided to miss Arsenal Tube Station and instead walk to Finchly Park on the way we passed Arsenal’s old ground of Highbury, instead of demolishing it they kept the façade of the famous East Stand and built into it a great idea seeing the old stand brought back lots of memories. Got home at 1 thankful we got that one out of the way.

Man of the Match
According to the votes in the car
1st Franck Moussa Looked class even against Arsenal
2nd Jamie Reckord Looked solid
3rd Carl Baker A higher team so Baker plays well.

Coventry City Vs Carlisle United

The day started fairly early when I played for the Vets in our first every victory after a year of playing a 2-0 win over the Sky Blue Supporters’ B side I marked an 18 year old, well he looked that young during the game. Not long after made my way to the Rioch for Mark Robbins’first game in charge. His appointment seems to have been greeted well by the City fans and the manager was quick to act bringing in three new players two of them were on the bench. MR changed the formation from the diamond to a 4-4-1-1 and he made four changes to the team the line up was in goal Murphy with Brown coming back in Kilbane switched to left back alongside Wood and Clarke. In midfield we had McSheffrey and Baker out wide with Jennings and Daniels in the centre with Fleck playing the forward role supporting McGoldrick up front. We had a tribute to the late Ernie Machin before the game kicked off.

It was a cagey opening from both sides found it hard to break down the defence. Fleck was doing well in his role passing well while Baker looked dangerous down one wing and McGoldrick again looked a handful. A great move saw Fleck knock the ball over the head of McGoldrick; the forward went wide and deliver a great cross that McSheffrey just failed to convert, Jennings was then floored by a two-footed tackle that the referee missed before booking Clarke for a trip. After 20 minutes MR was forced to make his first change as Jennings limped off and was replaced by Conor Henderson making his debut. Then a scramble in the City box and without even an appeal Mr Miller pointed to the spot to the surprise of everyone. City players were furious it looked a soft pen. Ex Everton forward Cadamarteri stepped forward and sent Murphy the wrong way to put City a goal down. This woke City up and a great flowing move saw the ball out wide to McSheffrey he shot first time when controlling the ball would have been a better option and the chance was gone. The referee and I use that term loosely was having a nightmare, he seemed to favour Carlisle in every decision one indecent saw Fleck lifted a great ball to McGoldrick with his back to goal he clearly controlled the ball on his chest and was about to turn when the referee amazed everyone by awarding a handball. McSheffrey then forced the keeper into a simple save with a tame shot. City were looking better when Baker swung in a cross from the right McGoldrick sat deep and headed the ball back into the net to level the scores up. Minutes later United should of retaken the lead when Garner had a free shot on goal from yards out but hit it straight at Murphy who dived on the ball at the second attempt as normal the keeper took it out on a defender but this time no one could blame him. Halftime all level hopes for the second half. At half time we had a parade of the “legends” so great old players some never deserve the title of a legend.

Early in the 2nd half McSheffrey went down in the area no penalty but it was as bad as the one Carlisle one. Baker then forced the keeper into a save. City looked poor at the back and far too often were opened up on one occasion McGovern was played in with only Murphy to beat but his powerful shot was slapped aside by the keeper. The referee again was centre stage awarding a free kick, which he never should, the ball was played in and a corner conceded. For the first time in years City didn’t drag everyone back for a corner but City’s inability to defend still persisted when Livsey looped a header into the top corner. Baker then frustrated by the terrible official picked up a booking for dissent. MR made another change bringing on new boy Jamie Reckord for a poor Daniels. Kilbane switched to midfield, Fleck went wide and McSheffrey went up front. With twenty minutes to go it was great to see Cody McDonald back on the pitch replacing a very out-of-sorts McSheffrey. Baker then was lucky to stay on after a challenge from behind. McGoldrick still seemed to be City’s only hope and he did well with ten to go to fire in a shot that hit the post and was cleared. City won a series of corners but the referee blew twice for fouls one else spotted by City players when the corners were played in. With minutes to go Fleck hit in a cross it looked a bad one until from nowhere McDonald headed the ball onto the post. The away side saw out the rest of the game with a lot of help from a referee who was no doubt by far the worst of the season. Robbins has a tough task ahead of him we could have done without the distraction of Arsenal on Wednesday but we must start winning league games soon before a gap develops.

Man of the match
1st David McGoldrick Winning the player of the season race hands down
2nd John Fleck Class in midfield
3rd Carl Baker Best league game so far but nowhere near his performance against Birmingham

Shrewsbury Town Vs Coventry City

A slow trip up the motorways meant we arrived at Shrewsbury at 7 but in enough time to admire their small by tidy ground. Inside the ground we were surprised that RS had an unchanged team despite loosing the last three games the line up was in goal Murphy with Clarke, Wood, Edjenguele, and Hussey with Kilbane, Baker, Barton and Jennings in midfield leaving McGoldrick and Elliott up front.

The Shrews attack the end we were in the first half and former City player Grandison won a corner Parry took it to the far post and Murphy left his line to catch the ball but soon as I said “Murphy ball” Jones beat him to it and headed the home side in front a bad mistake by the keeper who hasn’t kept a clean sheet in the league for 14 league games. The away end was in shock but at least it happen early plenty of time to fight back. Instead of taking the game to the home side Town were in control as City found it hard to pass, Shrewsbury looked dangerous in every attack lead by their big number 10 Morgan and by right back Grandison who was constantly skinning Hussey. Morgan had the run on Edjenguele and it wasn’t a surprise when the very good referee Mr Mohared booked the Frenchman it only seemed a matter of time before he would be sent off. City were still struggling to get forward but finally Baker had a tame shot on goal in the 16th minute. Four minutes later Edjenguele again upended Morgan for a free kick Parry took the kick which took a lucky deflection off Richards into the net, 2-0 down and being out played by Shrewsbury! The home fans couldn’t believe it as they chanted “Salop” an old name for Shropshire I chanted back “Warwickshire” to show them who has the best cricket team before reminding them “Salop” hasn’t been an official name for the county since the 1970’s. Meanwhile Kev sitting a few rows in front of us was scanning the main stand with a pair of binoculars seeing if he could see which future manager was there we asked him who he could see and said “Robbins, a sparrow a swan and duck”. Our only hope on the pitch seemed to be McGoldrick as he shot wide. More defensive frailties as Gornell busted into the box by Murphy did well to come off his line to force the player to shoot wide. Half time came City in free fall and I hopped that Robbins could get to the dressing room to address the team.

Second half we waited for some subs and we were rewarded off came Baker who was bad and had only played well once this season and also off was Barton who was worse. On came Daniels a surprise move but a more welcome one was the sight of Fleck. Things did improve at the start of the second half as Fleck had the cheek of passing to a team mate. Things seem to go off the rails when Shrewsbury scored but the goal was ruled off side. Then Summerfield out wide cut in and was clearly brought down by Edjenguele and the ref awarded a penalty, Richards took it easily beating Murphy 3-0! Yet again this season a goal conceded and the worst manager since 1919 throws on a player as McSheffrey replaced Kilbane. Just as we couldn’t believe we were three down Morgan pounced on a mistake on the back to beat the exposed Murphy to make it 4! Quite what defenders Brown on the bench and Malaga frozen out somewhere were thinking after both had been dropped for not doing much wrong is any one’s guess? Meanwhile I was busy slagging off Shaw before staring a “Sisu out song” and “Your not fir fit to wear the shirt” was sung loudly as well. McGoldrick still seemed to be City’s best hope with a couple of shots blocked. McSheffrey now as it has got a little colder was having his best game of the season which isn’t saying much but one fans pointed out Sheff had scored more goals last season then the rest of the team. That fan happened to be George McSheffrey, Sheff’s dad. City looked miles better with Fleck in the team and one wonders what would of happen if he didn’t get injured at Yeovil? The midfielder then got the ball on the edge of the area and a clever back heel found Daniels but the youngster got the ball stuck under his foot, oh for a natural goal scorer like McDonald. McSheffrey then has a shot deflected, as the home side were happy to sit back. I got an “are you watching Arsenal” song started. Then McSheffrey was in the area and Grandison leant on him anyone with a basic knowledge of physics knew what would happen as McSheffrey was crushed and a penalty awarded. There was an argument between Sheff, McGoldrick and Fleck on who was to take the kick but Fleck threw his considerable weight around and took it beating the keeper to give us something to cheer about. This may be the worst performance on the field but off it the City fans were in fine form and as Rudyard Kipling “If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same” well we are good at supporting the team in disasters we just want some triumphs as well. City tried to get another goal but Shrewsbury were in no mood to let a three goal lead slip and the only good thing was Bury had also lost by three clear goals meaning we were not bottom. Jordan Clarke at the end of the game trotted over to the home fans and he was clapped he made a beeline for his dad for a hug. We left the friendly stadium hopping this is the lowest point we will ever see City at. Got home at11.30.

Man of the Match
1st The fans best so far, they will be out of the woodwork for the Arsenal game.
2nd John Fleck our saviour?
3rd David McGoldrick Sign him up.

Tranmere Rovers Vs Coventry City


It’s been a while since we were last at Prenton Park on that day lower division Tranmere shocked top flight City 5-1 in the League Cup now we faced Tranmere in the automatic promotion place whilst City incredibly are in the drop zone. One of the Rover’s board members made us welcome by shaking as many City fans hands as possible. We were housed in the “Cow Shed” opposite to the one we were in all those years ago. Prenton Park is one of the better League One grounds and wouldn’t look out of place in the Championship. RS still had two games in charge but needed to win one of them since no team since the play offs have started have recovered from not winning in the first seven league games and then made it to the top six. RS sent his side out with Murphy in goal the back four were Clarke, Wood, Edjenguele and Hussey with Baker, Kilbane, Barton and Jennings in midfield leaving McGoldrick and Elliott up front. We settled on the back row were the PA was practically impossible to hear.

The game started at a slow pace with neither team looking too threatening as the game was run well by the experienced referee Mr D’Urso. City were playing the diamond formation and as normal this was fairly easy to counter by the opposition. In front of us Rovers should have taken the lead when a on target shot by Palmer was deflected wide by a teammate. McGoldrick was working hard up front and was giving the defenders something to think about but at time it looked like City were only playing one up front as Elliott kept dropping back and was slow to join the attack. The game itself was pretty dire as the fans sang, “Time to win City” and after the yet another sideways pass from the midfield “forward, forward!” That was it for the first half no goals both teams looking comfortable but it was hard to see were City were to score from.

City certainly improved in the 2nd half and started to push the home side back. McGoldrick was again the main threat with his pace and after an hour played in Baker for a long-range shot. City now started to dominate as Elliott knocked in a cross and Baker under pressure hit the post with a header. We now wanted a chance to turn the pressure into a goal one candidate that might of made way was Barton who was having a poor game until he let loose with a long ranged shot that keeper Fon Williams made a meal off when he push it wide. City were buzzing and McGoldrick managed to intercept the ball before it reached the keeper Fon Williams managed to stop the forward getting by him but we really needed a forward in the box to pass to. Finally a sub but it wasn’t McDonald but McSheffrey who replaced Baker in midfield. City were on top but in danger of a counter attack and this happened in the 70th minute when a good run down the left saw the ball played to Cassidy who rolled the ball past Murphy to give the home side the lead and to shock us. For a while RS had warmed up a player we guessed it was Daniels and then not for the first time this season a sub just after we conceded we were angry when it wasn’t an attacking sub but who was it? He was too tall for Daniels so must be Thomas but his tan was nowhere near as good, we saw he was number 19 prompting Paul to have a look on his programme who had just come on and it was Roy O’Donovan! We went mad; O’Donovan maybe the worst forward in the club’s history had jumped ahead of McDonald what was RS thinking about? Minutes later finally McDonald came on it was only after we learnt it was in fact Fleck! As we were working out how we were going to get back in the game with a forward that had only scored the same number of goals as the caretaker manager, an almost identical goal happen but this time down the left, the diamond system allows team to get behind the full backs all too easily this time it was Robinson who scored. City fans were unhappy and disgruntled by the performance and the man taking all the flack was Richard Shaw. My first game was back in 1979 and there is no doubt in my mind Shaw is the worst manager I have ever seen and we might have him running another game. We headed for home knowing our league season is almost over before even the cold weather has hit us we need a new manager before Shrewsbury.

Man of the Match
1st David McGoldrick A threat all game
2nd No one
3rd The fans Supporting a team that might miss out on a top six for yet another season