Choccy's match reports 2012/13

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Coventry City Vs Stevenage

Sky decided to have this fixture as their first live League One game of the season it is hard to imagine anyone outside of Coventry and Stevenage fans watching the game. With still no new manager anyone recognisable in the ground were being tipped including Richard Money and Steve Staunton thankfully the latter later deigned that he was up for the job. The caretaker decided to drop City’s only natural goal scorer and went for work rate over goal threat. The team was in goal Murphy, with Clark, Edjenguele, Wood and Hussey in defence, Barton, Baker, Kilbane and Jennings in the middle leaving Elliott and McGoldrick as the strike force.

City started well in the sun attacking the old Telegraph stand in the first half. City won a corner and a rare treat as it was delivered well. Minutes later City won another corner in an encouraging start and again Baker delivered well this time to the back post Edjenguele peeled off and had an open goal but somehow place his close ranged shot wide. Minutes later McGoldrick seized on a fumble in the away goal but the goal was correctly ruled out for a foul on the keeper. City were looking good when McGoldrick on the edge of the area let fly and he saw his shot dip over Day in the Stevenage goal to fire City a goal up a very well taken goal. Then Kilbane upended a Stevenage player and was a bit lucky not to be sent off minutes later Baker was booked for a mere shirt tug when the frankly hopeless referee Mr Pawson should of played an advantage to the away side. City on top and dominating but then things went wrong Murphy parried a shot straight to Shroot who shot home with City’s keeper complaining bitterly that Agyemang was in a an off position and blocked his view he may have had a point. The away fans were in fine voice and had the best drummers I have heard from football fans so far. City countered and the ball broke in the area Elliott kept his cool and picked the bottom of the net before any celebrations we all saw the linesman’s flag up for reasons no one could understand. Stevenage were gaining in confidence whilst City were going the other way when a shot hit the post rebounded onto the head of Murphy and trickle out for a corner. The half ended all level and we hoped for changes at half time.

Only Stevenage rang the changes as the 2nd half kicked of with the away side more that happy to waste time something Mr Pawson let them do. For City the defence looked fairly solid Elliot was working hard up front and McGoldrick was playing well unfortunately the midfield was well below par. McGoldrick did have a chance however and had a header pushed over by day. Shaw finally warmed up the subs but it was with some considerable surprise that it was Thomas that was ready to come on and not one of the forwards or McSheffrey. As he was ready Stevenage broke and it took Murphy to come quickly out to stop a goal. The corner was delivered and despite having all the players back Haber found room to head in. Not for the first time this season a sub came on seconds after a goal was conceded but it amazed me that RS took of attacking midfield Barton and replaced him with a defensive one in Thomas. Minutes later he finally threw on McDonald but was a big surprise when Hussey left when Kilbane would have been a better player to take off. The substitutions didn’t make a blind bit of difference finally Ball came on for Elliott and McGoldrick switched to the wing where he looked quite good. Despite the prompting from McGoldrick Stevenage held out with out much difficulty and the team was booed off as a relegation battle looked more likely that a promotion bid. Hopefully by the time Tranemere comes along we will have another manager in place, Shaw is just not up to the mark and if he lands the job it looks like League 2.

Man of the Match
1st David McGoldrick Looked dangerous we will coach that out of him
2nd Jordan Clark Used the ball well
3rd Richard Wood Defended well

Coventry City Vs Burton Albion

The smallest crowd ever to watch a first team game turned up at The Rioch for our debut in the Johnson Paint Trophy. To be fair it wasn’t a bad turn out considering Albion didn’t bring many fans. With the Telegraph Stand shut I took up residence in a place I had a season ticket for years until it became too expensive in block 20. RS put out a strong side then again he didn’t have much of a choice since the rules of the trophy forces a team to play at least six players that played in the previous league game or have played most of the season a great rule that should be introduced into the League Cup. The line up was in goal Murphy with Christie, Wood, Brown and Hussey at the back, McSheffrey, Jennings, Kilbane and Baker in the middle and a first start for McGoldrick partnering McDonald up front. Many were surprised that Kilbane was still playing when many thought the old man of the team needed a rest. Shawsy dumped the diamond and opted for 4-4-flipping-2 as Harry Bassett would of said.

Burton may be near the wrong end of League 2 but they are no mugs as in the league the put six past Wimbledon and had hilariously dumped Leicester out of the League Cup 4-2 away. The atmosphere reminded me of watching reserve team football as City attacked the away end in the first half. Early on McGoldrick found McDonald who forced a good save from the Brewers keeper Atkins. Meanwhile Burton were looking a good side passing the ball well and it was hard to tell which team was in the lower division. The Brewers then carved out a chance as Murphy was forced to tip one around the post. City were finding it difficult to get going despite the good work from Jennings the attacks normally broke down out wide. The main guilty pair were Hussey and McSheffrey who didn’t have an understanding but it was a shock from the idiots in the “Naughty Corner” booed Hussey when he was on the ball incensed I shouted “he is the only left back we have got!” Finally something happen down the left and McSheffrey knocked in a good cross and Baker forced the keeper to save. On the whole it was pretty dire stuff. The half ended scoreless and I reassured a fan that the JPT has no extra time but will go straight to penalties another idea that the League Cup should adopt.

Second half saw Elliott replace McDonald couldn’t see if Cody was injured most likely that they wanted the forwards only to play a half each. Burton changed their keeper as we hoped for a better second half. Things looked brighter in the second half as the players started to get used to the new formation as Baker found space and a miss hit a cross that only just cleared the crossbar. At the other end Kee was inches wide of unlocking the defence with a flick that went just wide hitting the post. The “Naughty Corner” where now behaving themselves and in full ironic mode cheering every time a City player touched the ball. City were now looking the more dangerous when McGoldrick fizzed in a shot that sub keeper Lyness did well to tip over. Then Elliott was played clean through but the keeper beat down his shot. Then from a corner McSheffrey had a header blocked on the line before he later broke on the left but blasted high. Into the last ten minutes and the best chance of the night fell to Burton’s sub a player that I was chanting “Port Vale” reject to Richards badly miss hit a shot with only Murphy to beat. RS sent on Daniels for Jennings maybe the youngster was a better penalty taker? That was it and so to penalties.

The first five Burton players stepped up and converted and so did McSheffrey, Baker, McGoldrick, Kilbane and Elliott. Neither of the keepers came close to stopping them and on to sudden death player now stepped up that didn’t like taking penalties, 6-5 young Daniels stepped up 6-6, 7-6 Man U’s loan Brown stepped up and this time a keeper got it right diving to his left he got a hand on the ball but the ball was struck too hard and accurately and it was 7-7. 8-7 then up stepped Hussey some fans couldn’t look as Hussey had such a bad game a miss could do some serious damage to his confidence but he buried it and signalled to the “Naughty Corner”. “We going to be here all night” was the thought of many as we joked soon it will be the time of the coaching staff. 9-8 Murphy guesses wrong again Christie 9-9 no problem. We were now down to the last outfield players as the previous 18 penalties were despatched in a style any German team would be proud off. Holness was next up and his pen wasn’t the best and Murphy guessed right and saved, “Wembley” I sang as Wood stepped up and promptly had his pen saved. Now it was up to the keepers Lyness would had a good game fired in his shot but Murphy was able to keep it out leaving the keeper to step up and to hammer the penalty home to send City through in the best penalty shoot out you are every likely to see.

Man of the Match
1st Joe Murphy Important saves and can take a penalty.
2nd Steve Jennings Always cool on the ball
3rd David McGoldrick Look a good player

Crewe Alexandra Vs Coventry City

Gresty Road is the first ground this season we had visited before and memories of our 6-1 victory there came flooding back also memories of all the other games there were we have been poor. The ground itself hasn’t changed and has always been a pleasant place to visit. A big following up the M6 saw Clark return to action and new signing David McGoldrick on the bench his nickname at Forest is “David Mc goal draught!” Crewe had just sold their top player to Villa and City fans were confident of a victory. The line up was playing his 50th league game Murphy with Clark, Edjenguele, Brown and Hussey in defence with Baker, Jennings, Kilbane and Barton in midfield leaving McDonald and Elliott up front.

City attacked the right hand goal in the first half as we hoped for a quick start. It wasn’t a bad start as City pegged back Crewe in the opening minutes but soon the home side got their passing together. City looked venerable down the flanks as yet again the opposition worked out how to beat the diamond but ganging up on the full backs. The Railwaymen double up on the fullbacks and with some smart passing got by them and caused trouble. It was City who were first to have a chance when Baker header over a lose ball that should of hit the back of the net. Up the other end a Crewe player totally missed his kick in acres of space and only Murphy to beat this should have been a warning. Minutes later it happened again a Crewe player missed his kick but this time Max Clayton was on hand to sweep the ball home and I had to say it was totally with the run of play. Crewe continued to look the better side as the City midfield couldn’t get going and the front two were isolated. Then Crewe won a corner and despite dragging everyone back a Crewe player Davis had a free header he placed it back across Murphy and looked goal bound until the keeper pushed it away with an excellent one-handed save. Half time and the City team were booed off after being out played and out passed by last season’s League Two play off winners.

We all hoped it would be another case of one good half of football from City and it looked that way as City attacked from the off. Crewe were happy to sit back and soak up the pressure as City toiled to create something. It certainly didn’t look like the team that beat Birmingham as Barton and Baker struggled maybe Kilbane needed a rest and the front two were starved of service in the box. The referee made one or two mystifying decision but I have seen far worse this season. Six minutes into the half and finally City carved out a chance when Baker played in a low cross, McDonald hit it with forced rattling the underside of the crossbar and Elliott followed up and put the ball wide when he should of scored. It was no surprise to see David McGoldrick coming on up front but it was a big surprise when RS took off our only natural scorer then again what does Shaw and Carsley know about goal scoring? McGoldrick got straight into the action adding much needed height in the side and a decent turn of pace. Had managed to flick on a few long balls but Elliot failed to read any off them. The mood in the away stand wasn’t great as fans who had too many shandies argued with each other and one set of so called fans abused a young City forcing his father to come over to confront them the police stepped to calm everyone down. On the pitch McSheffrey replaced Jennings as City switched to 4-4-2. The City born player managed to get a good run down the wing but his cross along the ground was too weak and was easily dealt with. Then Ball replaced Elliott to add even more height to the team. City keep up the pressure as Murphy could off easily sat with us, as he had nothing to do in the second half. City won several throw ins during the game most taken by Brown but if you are going to use the long throw you need someone to flick it on and City failed time and again to relise this one of Brown’s throws was so bad it went out for a goal kick! With most fan whining “why must this always happen to us” a good move saw McSheffrey find McGoldrick who shot inches over minutes later the forward fired in a shot on target no trouble for the keeper but it was City’s first effort on goal. In the closing minutes Crewe won a free kick and the City players went back to defend before a message from the bench left three up field. City defending a set piece with players up field that hasn’t happen for a while and it almost paid off as the free kick broke down and City could counter attack. City launched another attacked but Kilbane badly miss hit the pass as the attack fizzled out. Just before the end City won a free kick and pack the penalty box McSheffrey took the free kick with only one Alex player in the wall “beat the first man” someone shouted near to me but he couldn’t hitting the player square on the back. In injury time City won a corner and the ball fell to Edjenguele and the big defender almost took someone’s head off with a blast. The game ended and City fans stormed out singing “your not fit to wear the shirt”. It looks like Shaw has blown his chance to be manger as City dropped to 17th and may well be in the relegation zone when we take on Stevenage on Sunday.

Man of the Match
1st No one
2nd Joe Murphy the only player to start that can not be faulted
3rd David McGoldrick: looked lively.

Coventry City Vs Birmingham City

So yet another “new era” had started with the surprise sacking of Thorn as we entertained The Blues at the Rioch. The last time we played them at this stage of the League Cup City were the Premier League side facing a lower division team a certain Richard Shaw was in the City team that night. Rain greeted the teams yet again as new caretaker boss made a couple of changes because of injury the team was in goal Murphy, the back four were Hussey, Brown back in the centre, Willis playing in his first cup game and the last of Thorn’s summer signings William Edjenguele at the back. In midfield we had Jennings, Barton, Baker and Kilbane leaving McDonald and Elliott up front. The Birmingham fans greeted the announcement of almost each of the City team with a loud “who?” they would know their names by the end of the game.

The Blues attacked the Telegraph Stand in the first half backed by a large and noisy following from up the A45. The Championship strugglers started the brighter and a free kick in the fourth minute saw Lovenkrands unmarked to nod past Murphy. City looked very shaky and it looked like Birmingham were in for a comfortable ride into the 3rd Round it was just a matter of how many? Marlon King was receiving plenty of abuse from the home crowd including the hypocrites in the “Naughty Corner” signing, “she said no”. It was the former City player who set up the next chance pulling the ball back to Burke who with only Murphy to beat hit the crossbar living up to his surname. Then a cross that seemed to be handled by Edjenguele but for once a penalty decision went for City. City seemed to settle after that as the new look defence started to defend. Baker then threw himself into a tackle got up and threw himself into another winning the ball both times “who rattled his cage?” I thought. In midfield the hard work started to pay off as Kilbane played a superb ball to McDonald, the forward scampered through and beat former City loan keeper Doyle with ease. Suddenly the cloud over City fans lifted and we started to enjoy the game. Baker then beat his man and delivered a perfect cross that went straight into the path of Kilbane who smacked the ball home to totally turn the game around. “We’re winning at home, you must be sh**, were winning at home”, sang the City fans responding to the Blue Noses’ version of the song when they took the lead. Baker then put a free kick inches wide, what has happen to Baker he looked a totally different player? Then another chance as Baker forced Doyle into a save and the ball was cleared before it could be turned in. Edjenguele who was now had a great battle with King and winning the majority of it slid in on Lovenkrands who threw himself on the ground and rolled around like his leg was broken the referee Mr Whitestone who on the whole had a good game booked the big Frenchman. City were now playing the better football with everyone contributing the midfielders passing well the centre backs winning the balls and the fullbacks working hard and getting forward. It wasn’t just the defenders defending well in one incident Elliott was back near his own penalty box snapped around the heels of the Birmingham players and on the third attempt won the ball and moved it up field. Murphy had only long-ranged efforts to deal with but he did come off his line well on several occasions with decisive punches on the ball. Deep in the first half Spector charged through the midfield with a neat one-two raced into the area giving Murphy no chance and levelling the game up before half time.

It was now a great atmosphere in a third full ground as both teams went looking for another goal. Jordan Willis who had an excellent game was forced off with an injury, now normally when an opposition player goes off with an injury he is applauded but the Blues’ fans embarrassed them selves’ by greeting him with “whose?” On came the more experienced Cyrus Christie for the first game since he was assaulted at Burnley. Birmingham didn’t have the monopoly on idiots as one fan in the Telegraphy stand refused to give the ball back to Doyle in the goal and was surprised when the stewards escorted him from the ground. The game wasn’t quite up to the quality of the first half was we approached the last ten minutes. Birmingham were the first side to make tactical changes but City were not too far behind when RS threw on Blues old boy McSheffrey for a tiring Barton. Birmingham edged the rest of the half but City stayed solid at the back despite defending several corners with everyone pulled back. On the ninetieth minute mark a ball was played in the area and a shout went up for a second it looked like the linesman was about to award a penalty but correctly rule it off side, just wishful thinking from me. Deep in injury time RS took off McDonald and brought on Ball to add height to the team.

We all settled down for extra time and I was confident that Murphy would be better than Doyle in a penalty shootout. There was no sitting back for penalties from either team as Hussey pumped yet another ball forward this one found Baker and at the third attempted found enough room to turn and blast the ball past Doyle to make it 3-2 and to start the celebrations off. City now had something to defend and despite me wanting them to dribble into the corner at every attempt they kept looking for a fourth. Birmingham were still looking dangerous but City were defending well. Near the end of the 1st period Gomis’ shot skimmed the crossbar.

Second period Birmingham were now throwing players forward leaving gaps but City seemed too exhausted to exploit them. Baker was still causing trouble and beat a defender out wide a fired a shot across the goal. As Doyle was to take a free kick a City fans shouted behind me “You’re useless Butland” thinking he was Birmingham’s first choice and GB’s Olympic goalkeeper until I pointed out it was Doyle to the amusement of his friends and his embarrassment, “taxi for me” he shouted back. A mass scramble at the other end saw the Brummies loudly appeal from a penalty but thankfully Mr Whitestone didn’t point to the spot. He played well over the time limited as City defended before he blew his whistle. What a performance! City through to the next round and home fans went home happy.

Man of the Match
1st Carl Baker a man possessed
2nd William Edjenguele a good old-fashioned defender kept King quiet.
3rd Kevin Kilbane ran all night

Coventry City Vs Bury Town

Lightening greeting the teams as it looked like the 10,000+ crowd were to be threatened with some heavy rain but it in the end it never turned up a bit like City. AT announced an unchanged team and subs in goal Murphy the back four were Hussey, with Wood, Brown and Malaga. In midfield we had Jennings, Barton, Kilbane and Baker leaving McDonald and Elliott up front.

Only game three in a season and already it was a must win as City attacked the away end first. For once City started well as Malaga headed over the Frenchmen should score quite a few goals this season. City were quickly looking a class above Bury in the first half and were controlling the game as McDonald broke clear only for Carson in the Shakers goal to pull off a good save. City forced successive corners without threatening a goal. Maybe Bury’s plan was to keep things tight for twenty minutes and maybe the home crowd would become frustrated the plan almost worked but in the 18th minute when Baker passed to Barton and the midfielder cracked in a terrific shot from distance to signal his first goal for the club and Barton already looks a great signing. City were well on top and Bury were chasing shadows as livewire McDonald shot wide. The referee Mr Madley was easily the best official this season awarded a free kick on the edge of the box and Baker stepped up and drilled a shot past the keeper to make it two. It really looked like City were about to hand out a hammering. Bury improved a bit after forcing Murphy to catch the ball but it was still City in total charge. The half ended with the sun beating down on the Rioch and the clouds gone. City were applauded off the field at half time as fans tried to remember the last time City dominated a half of football in so much style.

We did expect Bury to make more of a fight of it in the second half but City still should coast it. Elliott had a couple of penalty appeals turned down as we went looking for a killer third. Nine minutes into the half and Wood used a player as a ladder to head the ball and Mr Madley correctly awarded a penalty. Now debutant veteran David Healy stepped up and put in a perfect penalty in off Murphy’s left hand post as the keeper came very close to saving the kick. This meant that the game was back on. Now Bury had set out to counter City’s diamond by pushing on the fullbacks their job was made easier because of Brown at right back is not the type of player we should be playing using the diamond maybe with Clark and Christie out we should of switched to a 4-4-2 or maybe the City manager should of switched to that formation to regain control as Kilbane and Jennings who was playing very well would of controlled midfield and Barton and Baker would of stretched the Bury defenders. Bury made changes throwing on some faster players to get in beyond the exposed full backs another drawback to the diamond. City were rattled as the forwards stared to fire over. Then the goal came down our right past our third choice right back as sub John-Lewis flicked a header past Murphy that had City fans head in their hands. The number of time I have seen City away, outplayed and trail by two goals at half time I can never remember them coming back it nearly always results in a hammering. AT threw on two subs maybe he should of done this when we conceded the first off came McDonald for Ball and off went Baker for McSheffrey. Ball who has been the poorest of the new signing s that has played so far did well to reach a long ball and he smacked in a great cross but only one City player made it into the box. Bury meanwhile were having chances themselves as they knew Brown was the weakest link. McSheffrey who looked a lot better than he had done this season wriggled his way into the box for a one-on-one with the keeper but Carson did well to keep out the forward’s shot. The final whistle went and City were booed off. On a positive note it was yet another improvement in performances but the patients of the fans is being stretched by Andy Thorn as he no longer has any excuses we need to start winning and the best way to do this is to play well for more than 45 minutes.

Man of the Match
1st Steve Jennings Playing the Clingan roll but Jennings tends to pass forward a lot
2nd Adam Barton A cracking goal
3rd Steve Elliott Looked dangerous

Coventry City Vs Sheffield United

My first trip to the ground since the Olympic Quarterfinals and sadly the Olympic rings have been removed and destroyed but I had League 1 to look forward to. Dodging a rogue shower I heard AT was forced into changes because of injuries. I was disappointed at the PA announcer didn’t point out the players making their debuts and home debuts. The team was in goal Murphy the back four were playing his 50th league game for us Hussey, with Wood, Brown and making his debut Kevin Malaga. In midfield we had Jennings, Barton, Kilbane and Baker leaving as Ron Atkinson would of called “the midgets” up front of McDonald and Elliott. Before the game we had a minute’s applause for former player Ernie Machin. .

City kicked off attacking the away end against what the bookies predict will be the team that will end up as champions. Backed by a noisy travelling support The Blades looked the better side early on as one player miscued a shot as the City players looked like they hadn’t played together before, which is about right. The referee Mr Tierney constantly frustrated the home fans by giving most things to the away side. Ten minutes in and a United free kick found Sheffield’s McDonald and he shot the ball past Murphy but thankfully Wood was on the line to clear the ball. City were working hard in midfield with Jennings looking good at the back and Barton looking good further forward but the supply to the front two was lacking. As normal the best crosser of the ball was Hussey and one of his driven crosses found Barton who put his header wide. Then Murphy was almost caught out by a cross as the favourites continued to press. Later on City attacked the away end and even from by low position at the other end of the ground it looked like McDonald was shoved over in the box but again no penalty. Half time was reached with some surprising booing from City fans.

Second half improved as City started to find each other with passes more often The Blades were no long ball team either as they also liked to pass the ball. City were looking more balanced as Brown was starting to get used to his right back roll and it was the Man U player’s cross that McDonald couldn’t get enough on to score but Hussey was waiting on the other wing and whacked it back in this time McDonald headed wide but it woke the crowd up. City soon won a corner and it was well placed by Baker as Malaga met the set piece and from I was sitting and I had a great view the ball did seem to have crossed the line but the referee refused to give it. United broke and very nearly scores at the other end. Minutes later justice was partially done when a punt from Murphy was flicked on by McDonald to Elliott, the little forward raced into the around a defender before blasting the ball past the keeper a great goal. As normal when a team takes the lead the other side responded and City were pushed back. Meanwhile in the next block someone was attempting to get the mass ranks of Oriental students to start the wave no one else joined in with many muttering, “this is not the Olympics”. The referee had to have a word with a Blades midfielder a certain Michael Doyle, it was the first time I saw him involved in the game nothing changes. City where hanging on and a ball boy received a standing ovation for taking a long time over retrieving a ball as City hung on. It wasn’t all one way as Malaga headed inches wide from a Baker corner. United counter-attacked and a low cross was met by Blackman to give us that feeling we had last season of a late goal against. Elliott was then taken off for Ball to give us some height. United still looked the more likely to score but City held firm for a point and another improved performance.
Man of the Match
1st Richard Wood Defended well
2nd Kevin Malaga Should have had two goals
3rd Stephen Elliott Worked hard took his goal well.

Yeovil Town Vs Coventry City

The holiday traffic meant our trip to Dorset took just shy of five hours but we were thankful we were playing at Huish Park now and not in midwinteror midweek. After a walk around the ground we assembled on the sun drenched terracing. The two thousand City fans boosted the crowd for the biggest gate at Yeovil for over a year. So we were ready for the start of the 3rd Division campaign and we had some new players to get used to as the side was in goal Murphy with Clarke, Brown, Wood and Hussey at the back, Daniels, debutant Adam Barton and John Fleck along with Kilbane in midfield with Ball and McDonald up front. The local radio reported that City had so much strength that a player, like McSheffrey could be on the bench by the end of the game they probably realised why.

It was good to get the league season started as City attacked the far end in the first half. The Glovers started the better and pushed City back as everyone was getting used to the new players. Mr Phillips the referee who was inconsistent throughout soon awarded City a free kick Fleck took it and curled it into the box McDonald emerged from the pack to head City into the lead. It was hard to see who scored at first until websites were checked. “We are top of the league”, sang the fans on the terracing backed by a drummer not too far behind me. Town responded well as Murphy punched a shot over the bar. The home side soon won a corner and it was well delivered to Hines who flicked the ball home to level up the game. This brought everyone down to earth who thought this division could be a stroll. City were being pressed back but Clark was preventing anyone attacking down his wing whilst Hussey was pushed back preventing him from raiding forward. The Glovers won another corner and too some anger again every City player dropped back to defend. Minutes later City won a corner but Yeovil kept a player back forcing City to keep two defenders back to mark him. City did have another chance when McDonald was played through but Stech in the home goal blocked his shot and Hines blocked the follow-up shot by Fleck. That was the last action by the diminutive midfielder as he was injured and replaced by McSheffrey. Despite brining in plenty of tall players the home side had a distinct height advantage over City so set pieces were to be important unfortunately McSheffrey’s delivering was terrible and grew increasing anger from the away fans as the game went on. Then Yeovil had a great chance to take the lead as Reid was left unmarked in the box with only Murphy to beat he shot low but Murphy showed great reflexes to tip the ball around the post.

The second half had to be better as City attacked the away end. City did look livelier as McSheffrey went down in the area before McDonald went down under a challenge the second one looking a strong shout for a spot kick. A flare signalled a break in the game as the players sort a water break before AT threw on Elliott for a disappointing Ball. Now City had no height at all up front so the long ball was frustrating. Things were improving for City as McDonald peeled wide and blasted a ball across the goal just begging for an outstretched foot to divert it goal wards. Then McDonald headed one wide as Kilbane and Barton started to get a grip on midfield. McSheffrey then went on a run and should of played McDonald in but decided to shoot tamely. Barton was looking like one of the only creative players on the pitch and when the lanky midfielder got the ball he curled one onto the crossbar from distance and Clark couldn’t get the rebound on target. Minutes later Hines volleyed the ball home but it was ruled out for a handball that seemed a touch harsh. The home side then launched a ball over the top that had City napping but Murphy raced off his line and instead of the player chipping the keeper like we thought City’s number 1 did well to block the shot and concede the corner. Into the last ten minutes and AT gave a debut to Steve Jennings replacing Daniels. In injury time the ball fell kindly for McDonald who only had the keeper to beat from a narrow angle but blasted over. Kilbane whose fitness has surprised a few had a shot pushed over before the final whistle.

Most fans were disappointed with the performance and a point but it was an improvement on the Dagenham game. After a break I got home at 9.20 with one of the longest journeys in the bag.

Man of the Match
1st Adam Barton Looks classy
2nd Jordan Clark Nothing got passed him
3rd Joe Murphy a couple of important saves

Dagenham and Redbridge Vs Coventry City

So after an awesome Olympics it was back to normal as I headed for my car at 2.55 for the trip down the only thing was the car didn’t start! Just what I needed, I rang the RAC and then rang Kev about the car; he rang Lisa who too has a Peugeot. Left the house to met her and left the car with my mum but RAC turned up after about twenty minutes and informed me I needed to be at the car. It turned out I had a dead battery and Lisa took up my “ferry captain” duties as she drove myself, Kev and Rach over to Paul’s in Lutterworth only half an hour late. The trip down to deepest East London was quicker then expected as we enter the friendly and very small Victoria Road. The away fans had the only good stand in the ground as we were welcomed to the friendly club that sold food at the lowest prices I have seen for a while. It did have a feeling of a pre-season friendly with the sunshine. As normal with the first game it was trying to get used to the new players as we heard the team news. In goal Murphy the back four Hussey, Clarke, Wood and new boy Reece Brown in midfield we had youngster Daniels, Baker, McSheffrey and defiantly old boy Kevin Kilbane. Up front was McDonald a player that I waged £10 on to be the league’s top scorer at 33/1 and debutant Callum Ball.

The game started slowly with Brown at the back looking in good shape as he dealt with every ball. The game itself was poor but City did have a chance when McDonald had a powerful shot pushed away by Lewington in the Dagger’s goal. The City started to sing the names not of the players but of the coaching staff with Shaw being sung about the most. City were finding it difficult to get going the only outlet seemed to be Hussey who had a free run in the first half down the left and was causing problems the home side. One of Hussey’s crosses was then headed over by McDonald. It was soon apparent that City’s play was very much like last season missing in midfield with the forward isolated and only the fullbacks showing any attacking ideas. Slowly the team that was only six points ahead of relegation to non-league last season started to gain some confidence and pushed City back. In the last minutes of the half Doe volleyed one on to the crossbar before another shot went wide. Half time pretty dull stuff and pre season optimism had already started to ebb.

Second half City attacked the away end and improved slightly as Ball had two attempted shoots block by some determined defending. Still City showed little signs of a breakthrough as the Daggers put a man on Hussey to nullify the left back. McDonald almost reached a long ball but the keeper came out to knock the ball away. The promising looking Brown also had a long throw in his armoury that he used to various degrees of failure. City fans were now bored and worried at the performance and started to cheer every time a ball left the stadium. Murphy in goal was also finding the touchline in way that would make any rugby player jealous. AT decided to ring the changes off went McSheffrey who struggled he was replaced by debutant Stephen Elliot. Kilbane then put in a block tackle that saw the ball head goal wards an easy catch for the keeper but the City fans celebrated like we scored “we’ve had a shot on goal” we sang. O’Donovan then warm up to go on with one wag in the away end shouting “last time to score City, O’Donovan’s coming on!” Then heading into the last minute a free kick was floated into the area and Wood went down under a challenge to my surprise the average referee Mr Williamson gave a spot kick. Other fans claimed they saw a pull and the home side put in a token protest but it looked corrected. The ball was past to Kilbane for the penalty as we sang “we going to have a shot on goal.” The former Irish International stepped forward and blasted it down the middle as Lewington dived out of the way. The home side poured forward as Brown gave away a needless corner his only mistake, City had another penalty turned down before we saw out the game it was our first away win in the league Cup since we won at Old Trafford. It wasn’t a great performance but at least we equalled the number of away wins from last season.

A good journey back and I was dropped off home at 12.30.

Man of the Match
1st Reece Brown Cool at the back
2nd Chris Hussey Dangerous in the first half
3rd Richard Wood Solid, and won a penalty

Ok Choccy...dazzle em mate... ...