Choccy's away match reports 2013/14

Sheffield United Vs Coventry City

We travelled to Sheffield for the last game of the season and in the last month or so it has been a drag as without Leon Clarke City have stopped being an entertaining team to watch but if you told us at the start of the season we would have secured a League One place before the last game and have a player in the League One team any fan would have taken that. We arrived in good time at Brammal Lane so making every kick off this season a couple of close calls, Oldham with a massive traffic jam, Bradford more jams and entering the home end and Port Vale a trip that still gives me nightmares. SP put out his strongest side possible so in goal maybe for the last time was Murphy with Willis, Webster, Clarke and another player we might not see again Christie in defence. In midfield we had Prutton, Marshall, Thomas and Fleck leaving Delfouneso and Wilson. We were housed in the upper tier of the stand as according to one sauce, called Kev by his friends, City fans were accused of planning a pitch invasion during the game which was nonsense but what do the Northampton Police know?

We attacked the far side in the first half on a nice sunny day and it felt like ages since an angry bunch of shocked fans descended on Crawley. City fans were in good voice singing “Sisu out” songs as well as anti A.C.L. song the “the Football League has let us down”. The meaningless game wasn’t very exciting as both defences looked on top. The first shot was after ten minutes but it was an easy catch for Murphy. United then put a header wide. City were defending well with Clarke playing well again one of the few players that have improved in the last few months along with his fellow Jordan. The Blades were edging it and there was a worry when one of their players went down far too easily in the box but the excellent referee Mr Bond waved away penalty appeals. City were getting forward as the game was getting slowly better and one delivery saw the ball loose in the box but Delfouneso refused to dive in for a challenge and received abuse from the away end for it. Christie, who should be an example to players at the end of their contracts take note Mr Moussa, made a great run before winning a free kick. United responded with a header form the ex City favourite Michael Doyle and I started “It could have been you, it could have been you, Michael Doyle, and it could have been you” song, I like it when it’s ironic. Murphy saved again from a typical Doyle blast. City finally had a shot on goal as Fleck fired in a tame shot on goal. City kept probing as Fleck found room in the middle his advance was checked with a found Mr Bond had his whistle to his lips but saw Delfouneso free, he played a great advantage leave the on loan forward to slip the ball under the keeper to register his second or third goal for the club. City came alive after that and Wilson was played into the box but couldn’t find room for a shot as he was closed down. Half time City leading and Radio Sheffield reported “that Coventry looked difficult to break down” not a phrase I have heard too many times this season.

United looked better in the second half but wasted their first chance. United were binging to take control in midfield as City sat deeper and it wasn’t long before a great passing move down our left saw Flynn slide the ball past Murphy to level the game up. United kept pressing and Murphy did well coming off his line to tackle a player and cleared the ball. City should have retaken the lead when an accurate Marshall corner hit Webster but the ball bounced off him and over the bar. The game now was quite entertaining as both sides tried to play good football but it was the home side that struck next as Davies found room and scored. SP threw on Baker for Thomas to give us a more attacking edge and it worked before Prutton was removed and Eccleston was brought on for what must be his last game as City went three up front. City then had a great chance as Marshall cut in form the left and blasted over and received an ear bashing from Wilson who had got in a good position to score. City couldn’t create any more chances and the season ended as it began with an away defeat but hopefully next season we can compete at the upper end of the table.

Man of the match
1st Jordan Clarke: Almost thrown out at the start of the season
2nd John Fleck same again next season but with more goals
3rd Jordan Willis most improved player

Oldham Athletic Vs Coventry City

“An easy trip for today” the thought as we headed north after a coffee break at North Staffs we continued for ten miles until we hit traffic and the signs saying the motorway had been closed because of an accident we pulled into a service station and joined a cue there and waited. About an hour later the traffic started to move again the accident was just before junction 17 and it look liked free to four cars had crashed into each other, thankfully we left early enough and some rally like driving by Paul got us to Boundary Park twenty minutes before kick off. The ground itself is improving vastly with a new stand being built. We took our places and the team news was in goal Murphy with Webster, Willis, Clarke and making his 100th League Appearance was Christie, in midfield we had Prutton, Robinson, Baker and Fleck leaving Eccleston and Wilson up front. Our record in the North on Easter Monday is awful no wins every, eight games but our record at Oldham is good one defeat in the last four.

City attacked the far end in the first half and won a couple of corners before Murphy was forced to punch away a corner at our end. The referee Mr Simpson was having a good game in the middle apart from a vendetta against Baker pulling him up several times for fouls. The game itself was very dull with no creativity from City with Prutton and Robinson providing nothing, up front Robinson was working hard but had no edge which meant Oldham players only had to look after Wilson. Oldham were looking the better side and Clarke-Harris a player that made his debut for City the same game Christie did forced Murphy to back peddle and push away a header. Then according to the ref Baker fouled and Clarke-Harris took a free kick this beat Murphy but thumped into the post and was cleared. City were looking solid at the back with the Jordans playing well and Webster winning his personal battles. Then we had a chance as a poor clearance saw the Oldham keeper wide of his goal the ball fell to Baker with a clear shot some 30-40 yards out but he hesitated and the chance was gone. The game fizzled out as the half ended it looked a typical end of season game with both teams looking for a point that would all but mathematically secure safety.

Second half saw City attack the away end, were the diehards were. City were finding it hard to hang on to the ball and is a shadow of the team that played great football earlier in the season the pitch was not to be blamed either as it looked in great condition for this stage of the season. City finally had a shot on goal when Eccleston found room and rolled a shot back to the home keeper sparking of ironic celebrations from the away fans. Wilson who looked well below his best then fell over unconvincingly in the area before SP decided to bring on Marshall for Baker. Oldham then came close as a shot was saved by Murphy and then blocked on the line before the keeper could dive on the ball. Thomas then came on for another loan player I hope I don’t see at the club next season Robinson. City won a corner and Marshall who is rumoured to be signed a contract soon took it and Clarke headed over. With the heading for stalemate Fleck was suddenly played through but the keeper came out and saved with his foot. Deep in injury time City won a free kick but Marshall hit it too high and we came away with a point that baring a mathematical miracle should see us safe.

A quick journey home was soon dashed with endless slow traffic back down the M6 got home at 9.30 a good hour plus then normal thinking “why do I bother”.

Man of the Match:
1st Jordan Clarke: Just to think he was almost kicked out of the club
2nd Jordan Willis now looking good
3rd Andy Webster Solid

Peterborough United Vs Coventry City


Thankfully the remaining away games are of no great distance as we went through the motions of going to another game. The much beloved terrace has been demolished and a new stand is being built which meant we were housed in a very old and cramped side stand and forced to pay £25 for the privilege. A slight injury meant a shuffling of the pack at the back as City started with three right backs in goal was Murphy this game meant only ten goalkeepers in our history have played more at the back were Christie, Clarke, Webster and Willis with Prutton, Robinson, Marshall and Fleck leaving Wilson and Eccleston up front. The game was billed as “the battle for the golden boot” as the top two in League One scoring charts faced each other. It was also 25 years since Hillsborough and we to have a minutes silence but just before that the PA played “You never walk alone” it was moving as the crowd joined in and really it was a shame they didn’t have that as the tribute instead.

City for the first half attacked the open end against a team that has one of the biggest budgets in League One. City conceded an early corner, it was delivered well and Ntihe got in a powerful header to fire the play-off chasing team into an early lead. The Posh were well on top and City were struggling to get out of their half we feared a pasting but the defence were looking solid and Murphy didn’t have to make too many difficult saves. One man coming in for stick was Marshall not from the City fans but the manager who wanted him to mark better from corners but we did have the sight of little Marshall trying to mark the giant Nugent during one corner. Midfield was not playing too well as Fleck unusually found it hard to pass and Robinson was having a poor game as was Eccleston up front who looks out of his depth. Slowly City started to get back into range as Fleck started to pass to his own players and after 21 minutes we had a chance when the ball was worked out to Eccleston whose shot was on target but saved and his shot was pushed out. The game was now more even as the hotshots were being easily contained by the defenders when Murphy fielded a long range shot in the goal. Fleck then put one just over from distance. Marshall was working hard out wide to try to create something and Christie was getting forward as much as possible. One thing Marshall is quite good at is his set piece delivery and one free kick almost found the head of Christie. City got to half time only a goal down.

Second half saw Baker replace the anonymous Robinson and the skipper livened things up in midfield. City started brightly as Wilson forced the keeper into a save. City were looking hungry when Christie found room down the right and picked out Eccleston the loan forward had a free shot on goal but sliced it embarrassingly wide leaving many fans shouting to get him off. Fans got their wish but unfortunately on came Delfouneso who is just as bad despite thinking he is still Premier League class. At the back City were looking solid and the two Jordans were the stars with Willis preventing any attacks down his wing Clarke had top scorer Assombolonga in his back pocket. Murphy was called on to keep City in the game when he pushed away a long range shot. The referee Mr Sheldrake wasn’t having too bad a game but he did allow Peterborough a lot of time wasting but didn’t book Baker for flinging himself two footed into one tackle. City kept trying when a Willis shot took a deflection past the keeper a defender just beat Wilson to the ball to prevent a goal. McGeouch came on late but to no avail as City only had one shot on target during the game it may be time to blood one of the kids up front as the loan are nowhere near the standard.

Man of the Match
1st Jordan Clarke Outstanding
2nd Jordan Willis improving all the time
3rd Carl Baker Looked better with him on

Crewe Alexandra Vs Coventry City

Last season we were knocked out of the J.P.T. here if we had gone through maybe we would still be at the Ricoh. It was a sunny day as City fans made our way to one of the most popular away destinations as City looked to almost secure safety. The team was sent out in a very defensive line up in a 5-1-3-1 line up in goal for the 130th time was Murphy with the back five being made up of Willis, Clarke, Seaborne,
Webster and Adams playing just in front of them was new signing David Prutton, just in front of him was Thomas, Moussa and making his away debut Anton Robinson leaving Wilson up front on his own.

City started brightly a Prutton threw himself into a 50-50 challenge and cleanly won the ball but the defender on the other end of the challenge was down injured and whilst he was still on the floor Wilson was played through but the forward went for power and blasted wide. Crewe fired a couple wide as City were looking pretty solid at the back before Prutton was harshly booked by referee Mr Davies who would come to dominate the game. The referee drew the anger from the home fans but making sure each free kick was taken from the spot of the foul giving no leeway at all. The referee then spotted a clear dive from Grant but didn’t book him. Prutton then needed treatment after a foul but the referee didn’t bother booking the Crewe player. City were looking the better side and were in control when Moussa found space and fired in a shot that hit the post but Wilson was alert and knocked the ball back into the empty net to give City the lead. Wilson had another shot saved until the home side upped the tempo and City sat back and defended. The home side won three corners on a row but the defence dealt with them comfortably. It was now mostly Crewe but they were finding it hard to break City down a phase I haven’t used this season. The referee was trying his best to help Crewe when he booked Moussa for a simple trip.
Wilson still remained a threat up front up this was like no performance this season and looked totally out of character to the side so much so several fans thought Aidy Bothroyd was back in charge. Into injury time and the massive Ikapeauz got a header in on target but it was an easy save for Murphy. After the first half should have finished according to my watch Moussa stuck out a leg and a player went down, Moussa held his head as no doubt he thought he was about to be sent off but thankfully Mr Davies kept his card in his pocket. Half time winning playing pretty awful football but looking solid it’s difficult to get the balance right.

Half time and I took up my duties as Paul’s official photographer as he persuaded the Crewe stewards to fetch the mascot over who was a lion but admitted in a board Manchester accent some people thought he looked like a monkey.

City continued to sit back or found it hard to get forward with so many defending as Ikapeauz had a shot blocked. The Crewe players were by now whining and moaning to the referee for just about anything with Grant, Dugdale and Ikapeazu being the main culprits. SP then amazed and angered many by taking off Moussa and bringing on Baker, did Moussa pick up an injury or was he on the verge of being sent off? Murphy then saved form their big forward as the referee was giving everything their way before he booked Robinson for wearing a Sky Blue top. We then held our breaths as Webster got his head to the ball but sent it goal wards thankfully it went just pas the post with Murphy beaten. The corner came in and Murphy went after it unfortunately he didn’t get it and Clarke accidentally knocked it back into his own net to level the game up. Now City were back in a relegation fight and it wasn’t long before Thomas joined the others in the book he was immediately replaced by Nathan Eccleston making his away debut. As City players were booked for even looking like they might foul someone Aneke threw himself into the tackle and the referee again angered the City fans by just giving him a warning. City were still defending too deep and Crewe’s fullback Tootle who looked their best player forced Murphy into a save by diving to his right. Mr Davies then booked Clarke mainly because he hadn’t booked him before Murphy saved from the free kick. City were working hard all over the pitch when SP made another change off went Adams and on came Marshall as City switched formation it was a bold move when a draw would have been an OK result. Murphy then saved again as Crewe were going all out for a win. Ikapeazu then too easily brushed aside Baker before having his shot blocked. Then it all changed a ball was missed in the defence and this was what Wilson was waiting for he raced past the defenders and into the area before planting the ball past their keeper to give City the lead and take him clear top of the goal scoring charts. Little Marshall then threw himself into a tackle thankfully missing the player the Crewe players and crowd demanded a red card but the referee only booked him. Tootle then forced Murphy into another save. At the other end a ball was played through the home defence and Baker set off after it but was clearly obstructed the referee didn’t bother to give City a free kick. Then Baker was booked adding to the pile. City fans were now in ironic mood and we wanted Murphy to be booked so he wouldn’t feel left out. City were fighting hard no more so than Seaborn who went down with an injury but had to clamber up on one leg to defend an attack. Murphy made another standard save as the clock ticket down and then it was announced six minutes would be played in injury time many were angered by this but it was just about the right amount of time. City sat through injury time to see the game out and almost certainly guarantee League One football next season the main goal at the start. It wasn’t pretty but it was a win. We have now scored more goals at this stage of the season then for 50 years.

Man of the Match
1st Callum Wilson City need to be strong to hold on to him
2nd Jordan Willis looked good at right back
3rd Danny Seaborn Worked hard

Brentford Vs Coventry City


With Paul off in Italy ready to run the Rome Marathon we decided to go by coach to West London. A trouble free trip to The Smoke saw us arrive a couple of hours before kick off allowing time in one of the four famous pubs one on each corner of Griffin Park. We entered the old ground which is far too compact to head for a drink or the toilets at half time and made our way on to the terrace. The team was in goal Murphy, with Christie, the two Jordans and Adams at the back with Fleck, Thomas, Baker and Moussa in midfield leaving Delfouneso and Wilson up front. We would have accepted a draw before the game as the Bees stood in second place.

The game started with City attacking the far end City started brightly as Baker found room and fired in a shot but it didn’t seemed to be in much danger until Button in the Bees’ goal couldn’t hold on to it and Wilson pounced to fire City into the lead it was his 20th of the season. City continued to look good as Moussa had a shot blocked from distance. City won a series of corners as the Brentford players average height was superior to the City team we tried the short corner but with little impact. Thomas then had a header saved before Brentford started to find their feet. The second placed team put a good move together leaving Judge in the box the player raced to the ball and was heading away from goal when Baker closed him down, we knew what would happen next as Baker left a leg in and Judge went down the referee Mr Ward couldn’t do nothing but to give a penalty as it was a pretty straight forward decision. This was a totally unnecessary penalty and yet again we had gifted a team a goal chance. Judge stepped up to take the kick but Murphy guessed right at sprang to his right to tip the ball around the post maybe his best penalty save of the season and he has made a few but he gets plenty of practice. Murphy came out and got a good fist on the ball to clear the resulting corner. City needed to keep it tight but yet again didn’t as Brentford counter attacked Clayton Donaldson raced away with the ball he was too fast and strong for Willis and the big forward entered the area drew Murphy out and slipped the ball under him, more poor defending. Now Brentford were on the up and realised that City couldn’t defend and four minutes later it got worse as Trotta was given room and he curled a shot passed Murphy to give the home side the lead. Now it was mostly Brentford as another goal before half time and we could have been in for a real pasting. City blocked a shot as the home side continued before Trotta fired into the side netting. At the other end Moussa went close with a good shot. Then after a great run by Christie City won a corner, City took it short and found Delfouneso who squared it to Wilson the forward just failed to score. City made it to half time still only a goal down.


City started brightly in the second half as Fleck forced the keeper to tip the ball over the bar with a good shot. City played the short corner again but this time Brentford were wise to it they won the ball and launched a counter attack leaving McCormack to score, yet another poor goal. Trotta went close yet again as we feared a hammering. SP they gambled and made a triple change but it had some bizarre choices on came Akpom for Delfouneso , who I thought wasn’t playing too badly, on came Marshall for Moussa when it was clear Baker was having a poor game and off went Adams for Seaborn whose height we should have had from the start. City fans despite everything that had gone on were in fine voice unlike the home fans. Brentford went close again as City were losing the midfield battle Marshall couldn’t get into the game Baker was off form and Thomas looks a liability. Murphy then saved a Donaldson shot. Baker then was booked maybe a touch harshly but he had made several fouls already. Baker then was very lucky to stay on with another foul but the referee decided on a final warning. Donaldson then had a shot blocked. As Brentford started to sit back City got more into the game Baker had a chance when a large gap opened in the defence but instead of running into it he passed then Marshall had a good run but delayed his shot too long the sub minute later fired inches wide. Akpom then got into the game going shoulder to shoulder with a player who was left in the crowd the young forward raced in on goal but fired wide. Mr Ward blew his whistle and we move away disappointed as we slipped towards relegation the next two games are vital if we loose them both I feel we would be down.

Man of the Match
1st John Fleck the only midfielder to play well
2nd Jordan Clarke Tried his best
3rd Callum Wilson Always dangerous

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Gillingham Vs Coventry City

Since the start of the season this is the trip we had been dreading and we were right. Paul’s satnav didn’t fancy a trip over Dartford Bridge and instead took us via the Blackwall Tunnel we arrived in Gillingham at 6.30 over 4 after I had left home. Priestfield hadn’t changed since our last visit a while ago and we were thankful we didn’t play them earlier in the season as we were on an open terrace. The ground brought back memories of the famous 5-2 win here and Richard Shaw’s goal the then manager of Gillingham who was sent off that day had his son playing now. SP sent his side out enforced into change as yet again Akpom was recalled to play a part in Arsenal’s Youth Cup victory so he will be off again soon. The team was in goal Murphy with Clarke, Seaborne, Webster and Willis at the back, in midfield we had Moussa, Fleck, Thomas and Patrasso leaving Delfouneso and Wilson up front.

City attacked the far end in the first half as Fleck had an early shot blocked. Former City player who was never given a good run at the club, Cody McDonald dragged a shot wide before Moussa fired over. We then had one of the most needless bookings of the season when the lumbering giant Akinfenwa blocked a Murphy goal kick. The game itself was pretty boring with both sides finding it hard to give the keepers something to do as a Gills’ player headed the ball over the bar. City did put in a good attack as Moussa played in Wilson his pace took him away from the defenders but his shot was too high and went over the bar. From the resulting goal kick Akinfenwa flicked the ball on to McDonald he sneaked around Seaborne and was about to shoot when the big defender leant on him and the forward went down a clear penalty and a clear red card but the referee Mr Sheldrake seemed to have let him off until the Gillingham players almost dragged the linesman over and the referee changed his mind but it was the correct decision. Massive Akinfenwa sent Murphy the wrong way leaving us with a very long night and wondering have we ever conceded so many penalties in a single season? SP could have gone three at the back but decided to have the three in midfield sacrificing Patrasso who unless a loan extension could be arranged could have played his last game for us and on came Adams. Despite being a man down City were looking the better side but were vulnerable as the man mountain lump headed over. At the other end City came close as Delfouneso went wide. If City could get to half time with only a goal down then we had a chance but from a corner McDonald headed home thankfully the linesman was flagging for off side.


Minutes into the second half a ball from Fleck sent Wilson on one of his sprints but he looked to be running out of space and responded to the away fans dive requests and went down thankfully Mr Sheldrake gave the penalty, Wilson stepped up to score his third in three games we have missed him. Now City were back in the game but one thing that has let us down all season is the lack of ability of keeping the ball out of the net and it happened again minutes later as a long throw found Weston whose looping header beat Murphy to put the home side back into the lead. City didn’t collapse but kept battling giving the best away performance since Bristol and the main tactic seemed to be knock the ball to the left where Adams was in acres of space and build the attack from there and the defender was causing plenty of problems and almost scored his first goal for the club but was deigned by Nelson in the goal. Then it was the turn of Clarke who was having a good game at centre half one of the many he can play in forced the keeper into another save. Then there should have been another penalty as Thomas was sent to the ground from our vantage point it looked just in the box but the ref awarded a free kick. City kept looking for a way back and should have got it when Wilson raced clear again this time out wide he drew the keeper out and should have chipped him instead he fired along the ground and he saved it. SP made another change taking off the disappointing Delfouneso and sent on Baker. Minutes later McDonald went down in the area and the ref played a great advantage as the ball rolled to Akinfenwa his shot was saved by Murphy but Mr Sheldrake enraged us all by awarding a penalty. Akinfenwa stepped up to make it 3-1. City stilled refused to give up as Marshall came on for Moussa who had already been booked for reasons we couldn’t work out. The speed merchant first action was to lobe the ball over the heads of the defenders and Wilson raced away again and was brought down, penalty number four! Now for some reason the referee decided to ignore the rule that got Seaborne sent off maybe City players should of complained more, Baker took the kick to put City back in the game again. This was all undo with more poor defending as a long ball was played we were horrified to see Murphy playing as a sweeper his header fell to the son of the former manager Hessenthaler and the player found the back of the net from distance a great finish. The game ended and the loyal away fans applauded the effort of the team as we set of back home.

I left my car in Lutterworth and when we got back into we realised the M6 was closed down the diversion from the Cathorpe Interchange took us back there so I decided to head Rugby way and make it home that way thankfully I had enough fuel to get home at 1.30 in the morning.

Man of the match
1st Blair Adams Looked dangerous
2nd Callum Wilson Too hot to handle
3rd Jordan Clarke Cool at the back

Colchester United Vs Coventry City

The day started off well as we hit the M6 and immediately found the traffic not moving after 15 minutes we were on our way again and made it to Lutterworth where we planned a breakfast after that we made a good trip down to Essex. We arrived at Colchester’s friendly ground hoping to finally beat a team in relegation trouble and end the fears of a relegation battle ourselves. The line up was in goal Murphy, with Clarke, Webster, Seaborne and Willis at the back with Patrasso, Fleck, Thomas and Adams in midfield leaving Akpom and Wilson up front.

It has been a year since SP had taken over one of the most turbulent years in our history and that is up against some stiff competition. The game started with City attacking the far end in the first half and Thomas tried his luck early on to score for the first time this season but his shot was straight at Walker in Colchester’s goal. Murphy saved an early shot before former City player Freddie Sears was left totally unmarked down the right and he cut in and placed the ball under Murphy to give the home side an early lead. This inspired the home side as Sears, who was awful at City started to become a threat as he was allowed to fire a shot in on goal. Prompted by Fleck in the middle City started to wake up and Akpom finally playing in front of the away fans showed strength and pace to go passed a player before he was brought down and referee Mr Kettle drew the anger of the away fans by not booking the player for a clear bookable offence. Fleck then had a free kick straight at the keeper. It was still mostly Colchester as Massey beat Webster and had a free shot on target but had an air-shot to the amusement of the fans behind the goal seconds later the amusement turned to anger as Massey raced clean through and beat Murphy to make it two nil. Now Colchester had previously only score twice in the last eight hours of football and we had just gifted them two goals. City looked at sixes and sevens at the back as they failed to clear and conceded an unnecessary corner. City were finally getting into the game as Fleck was seeing more of the ball Akpom was also busy but Thomas looked off the pace and Adams looked out of position in midfield. One player I was watching for the first time was Akpom and looked quiet good as he raced forward and forced the keeper into a save but the corner routine needs working on as too often the keeper caught it. Into injury time and with the City fans preparing to boo at the half time whistle Clarke played in Wilson and from a narrow angle the forward scored to give us hope for the second half.

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Changes were needed to get City back into the game and for once SP had plenty of options on the bench and ten minutes into the game he took off Adams and threw on Moussa. This helped as City were looking the better side in the second half. City had a chance as Clarke forced the keeper into a save as the home team sat back and hoofed the ball at every opportunity. City were getting closer but the delivery from set pieces was still poor before Moussa managed to get a shot in. Then with sixteen to go Wilson got the ball and raced away from the defence we expected him to score but his shot lack power and the keeper saved. SP then went all out taking off Webster switching to three at the back and throwing on Delfouneso. City tried to find a way back in but United have one of the better defences in the bottom half of the table. This left City exposed at the back and Colchester nearly exploited this when a player broke free but Fleck spirited half the width of the field to slide in with a great tackle. SP finally took Thomas off who was poor and brought on McGeouch. As injury time was upon us City found it difficult to get hold of the ball as Colchester kept the ball up our end but deep into injury time Wilson broke again and blasted the ball towards the far corner but the ball missed and no one could get a tap and City lost.

Man of the match
1st John Fleck Good passing
2nd Chuba Akpom Some nice touches
3rd Jordan Willis the pick of the defenders

Tranmere Rovers Vs Coventry City

“End of season fatigue” had already set in later than normal as we set off to Birkenhead. We left with the knowledge that we could play without the first team keeper and no forwards as Arsenal thought it would be better for Akpom to play in a youth cup game rather than in a league game. We made it up to the Merseyside area knowing that we have yet to win their in the league in February in seven previous attempts and our record against Rovers is similarly terrible. It was another friendly welcome up at Prenton Park with one of their directors welcoming us before Paul talked to Fishface and Waggott. Waggott did all the talking with his Peter Beadersly accent stating the pitch at Sixfields is a “pudding” and they would be investing money into it next season but they would return to the Ricoh if the price is right and Sisu want an independent valuation of the ground which came out of a meeting a day before, I stood back out of swinging distance of Tim Fisher. Inside the ground we saw Murphy had shaken off his flu and was warming up the team playing 4-5-1 was Murphy in goal with Christie, Seaborne, Webster and Clarke at the back with Moussa, Thomas, Fleck, Daniels and his first away game Michael Patrasso and up front was Baker.

City started fairly well attacking the far end in the first half with Moussa looking lively and the little Canadian Patrasso was full of pace. The lack of a regular forwards was soon evident as Baker tried hard but struggled to hold the ball up and soon the home side were on the attack when Murphy did well to claw the ball away from the top corner of the goal. City were holding their own until a player made it into the area and he looked to be going down until Daniels swept his legs away given a very good referee Mr Madley no choice but to award a penalty. Lowe stepped up and beat Murphy with the spot kick that is now three penalties conceded in the last four away games. City now were struggling and were lucky when a Rovers’ corner hit the post. City started to get more into the game as Fleck had the ball and was spreading it well and came close with a long range shot. It was clear also that the Rovers’ forwards were standing close to the central defenders when Murphy had the ball cutting off that outlet forcing a long ball which with the small size of City players we didn’t have much chance. Tim Fisher came in for some stick from the away fans as City tried to find their way back into the game, half time City a goal down but attacking towards us in the second half.

Second half wasn’t that old when Tranmere won a free kick Wallace met it and he made it 2-0. City fans were not too pleased and wanted a change as Thomas and Daniels were the ones coming in for the most stick and to be honest I can’t see what Daniels brings to the side. City kept trying as Clarke put one over from a free kick, Moussa had two to three players marking him but he still came away with the ball whilst Patrasso had a song similar to Konjic sung about him “He comes from Canada he is a quick f**ker”. City won a corner but it was cleared Tranmere swept up the other end Murphy saved but he didn’t have a chance when the ball came back in to make it three. SP then in made his change far too late taking off Daniels and replacing him with “Speedie” Marshall. Tranmere player were taking “the Mick” to the enjoyment of the home fans who were very quiet. City fans were not in a good mood singing “This is embarrassing” and “we’re all going on a League Two tour”. On the pitch little Marshall had made a difference with his pace and started to stretch the home side with the almost as fast Patrasso on the other wing. SP then surprisingly took off Christie and replaced him with Willis before sending on McGeouch for Baker and the midfielder got into the action helping City play higher up the pitch. With 13 minutes to go Marshall got down the right and delivered a ball to the feet of Patrasso his pace took him pass a defender and by the keeper before sliding the ball into the net to get us something to cheer. Marshall was also taking the set pieces well and wasn’t far away from scoring with a free kick before the game ended.

Now we are in a relegation battle but hopefully we could have some forwards fit and a team that contains Wilson, Marshall and Patrasso could win any sprint relay in football.

Man of the Match
1st Michael Patrasso: Could be Moussa’s replacement if he leaves
2nd Mark Marshall Great when he is fully fit
3rd Franck Moussa Despite being out marked still found room

Notts County Vs Coventry City

Some away games are a pleasure to visit County is one of them not too far away and we can park in Paul’s car park that he uses for work for free making it a cheap day out. We travelled to struggling Magpies looking for a win to keep us in the play off hunt and arrived at the ground to hear the team news in goal and playing his 120th league game, only 13 keepers have played more was Murphy, with Christie, Webster, Seaborn and Adams at the back, in midfield we had Barton, Daniels, Thomas and Baker leaving Moussa and Delfouneso up front.

Before the game we had a minute’s applause for former County legend and former City player Tony Hately. It was another big following the biggest away following in England that day as we occupied the whole of the Jimmy Sirrell stand. City had a half a chance early on when Delfouneso found room for a run but his shoot was well wide and very weak. Soon The Magpies were looking the better side and constantly feed Campbell-Ryce who had given City problems for many years and was up to his old tricks again with pace and ball control. City were finding it hard to get their passing game together the pitch wasn’t in great shape but was playable. The home side kept up the pressure as Adams was left exposed by Daniels failure to track back whilst Baker couldn’t find a pass Barton looked lost and Thomas was hardly getting a touch of the ball. The inevitable happened in the 12th minute when Campbell-Ryce got a cross in and debutant Mullins rose to head his side into a deserved lead. The back four were not doing that badly but the midfield went missing leaved the man with a bandaged head Seaborn to win several headers. City’s best hope for a goal seemed to be Christie who raided well but also had his hands full with the young Jack Grealish son of Tony who looks a player destined to play at a far higher level gave City the run-around for the rest of the game. The youngster then robbed Thomas before shooting on goal Murphy saved but the ball fell to Boucaud who looked like he couldn’t miss but Murphy pulled off a great save. Baker again misplaced a cross but seconds later played a brilliant ball to Christie who slalomed his way into the area and got his ball on his right for a certain goal until a defender got in a good block. Things got worse when Thomas lost possession to Spencer and the player left fly from distance beating Murphy and putting the home side two up. The “Why” banners went up again on the 35th minute to get the away fans singing for a while. Baker then was booked harshly by the referee Mr Berry who apart from one or two incidents had a decent game. More lost possession in midfield almost led to another goal but City survived. Near the end of the half Christie went close but this was the worse 1st half I had seen this season.

Halftime entertainment was provided by a five-a-side game played by kids and the P.A. said the “reds” were representing the Sky Blues and they played the better football and near the end the best player number 4 broke and scored the only goal prompting the biggest cheer of the day from the City fans and chants of “sign him up”.

Things had to change at half time and it was no surprise when Barton and Daniels were taken off replaced by Fleck and debutant Dylan McGeouch. The second half started with yet more rain. The home side were content to sit back in the second half normally this is a mistake but with Moussa offering no threat and Delfouneso worryingly looking poor there seemed no way back in. County won a few corners but the defence coped with them as City still failed to have a shot on target unheard off this season. The midfield still were struggling to get into the game as County were well in control as we just wanted the match to end. With seven minutes to go Campbell-Ryce ran into the area and we knew what would happen next as he went down too easily over Adams and Mr Berry quickly gave the pen for once Murphy couldn’t save the spot kick, which is unusual this season but the keeper angrily kicked the ball over the stand. Most City fans started to leave and maybe will not be back until the next big away following maybe Crewe they did miss in injury time City have a shot on target when Baker dirtied the home keeper’s shirt before Adams header over the corner and Mr Berry blew the whistle and may have signalled the end for our hopes of a top six finish. This was without doubt the worst I have seen City play this season.

Let’s hope we have no more away days in the Midlands next season as we have one won one out of the last 12 stretching back to 1968. More horrendous weather on the way home as it has now been an age since we haven’t had any rain during an away day.

Man of the Match
1st Cyrus Christie had to cope with Grealish but was still out best attacking player
2nd Blair Adams Worked hard on the other flank without and support
3rd Danny Seaborn won many headers

Bristol City Vs Coventry City

We arrived at the ground just as it started to rain. The last time we were here it was a vital Championship six-pointer that Bristol won that more or less relegated The Sky Blues so we were after revenge. Not good news on the player front as new signing Rory Donnelly had returned to Swansea for “personal reasons” and would not return but we did have two of the three new signings in the squad. The line up was in goal Murphy with Christie, Webster, Seaborn and Adams in defence with Daniels, Baker, Thomas and a surprise start for Barton because Fleck was laid low with a virus and up front was Moussa and debutant Nathan Delfouneso.

We settled in to the away end that has some of worst sight lines of any ground. The Robbins kicked off and put the ball straight into touch “that’s why you’re going down” sang the City fans. Despite the lashing rain the pitch was holding up well and City could pass the ball and after six minutes Adams fed Moussa, “The Mouss” jinked his way around one player and showed good footwork to beat another before firing the ball low and hard past Moore in the Robbins’ goal. The home side were looking poor as they fired wide minutes later. City continued to most of the possession and were passing it around nicely when Barton was fed in and tried his luck from distance and shot dipped forcing Moore to tip it over for a corner. Baker took the flag kick and it was flicked on by Delfouneso and the former Bristol defender Webster was on hand to nod it home. “We want six” sang the travelling fans remembering we put five past them at the start of the season at Swampfields. Playing the style of football City do sometimes we can be caught in possession and this happened when Thomas lost the ball forcing Murphy into a save. Still it was mostly City as Baker had a shot on goal. Near the end of the half with City coasting a long ball to the left saw Baldock in a race with Adams, Murphy came out but Baldock beat him to the ball , instead of retreating back to goal Murphy came out was about to tackle the forward but thought better of it, in that instance Baldock got pass the keeper and had the net at a narrow angle to shot at, he fired and the home fans to our right started to cheer we felt the worse until the ball hit the post and was cleared, “that’s why your going down, AGAIN” we sang. The referee Mr Woolmar, who apart from his time keeping had a good game, blew for half time.

Our biggest worry was the rain and the possibility of the game being called off but the subs were passing the ball without any hindrance and ground staff were busy at half time with rollers. Radio Bristol was in a sombre mood as they played a record that reflected the weather and the feelings of the home fans “Why must it always rain on me” by Travis.

Second half saw City attacking the away but into the wind. Bristol looked better in the second half and Murphy had to save early on. Despite the increased pressure City were looking solid at the back as Webster and Seaborn who had two changes of shirts because of a cut head seemed to relish the battle. There were half hearted penalty appeals but even from the other end it was clear that Baker slide in and got the ball. The Robbins had used all their subs when S.P. decided to take off the dangerous Moussa and brought on Fleck no doubt to see if we could hang onto the ball more. Minutes later the manager made another sub but Baker wasn’t happy at being taken off as he approached the bench he kicked over a water bottle. Replacing him was another new signing Mark Marshall who had just served a two year ban for drugs and he certainly had plenty of speed or should that be pace. Marshall first action was to pick up a yellow card for a tackle before he showed his pace worrying the Bristol fullback on a number of occasions. Christie then went on a good run shooting at the keeper but it was the home side doing most of the pressure. A couple of crosses went close and a shot deflected wide. Daniels was then taken off to be replaced by Clarke to tighten things up even more but “the best laid plans of mice and men” as a corner came in and Bristol scored. Now the game was back on and the home fans sang “ATTACK, ATTACK”. City defended well but we were unhappy at the time added on 2-3 minutes it should have been but the board stated 5. City closed ranks and saw out the time and in the sixth minute of injury time Mr Woolmer blew to signal a vital victory.

We were driven home to torrential rain and I got home just after 12.30.

Man of the match
1st Danny Seaborn Solid
2nd Andy Webster Scored and defended well
3rd Franck Moussa Another goal

Leyton Orient Vs Coventry City

Another trip in the rain as we made our way to London, everything was fine until we were 30 miles from the ground on the M25 and thoughts of stopping for a coffee were forgotten as we hit heavy traffic it took us an hour to travel 15 miles and all because a lorry had broken down on the hard shoulder and people were slowing up to “rubberneck”. We reached Brisbane Road with an hour to go and parked in our normal space as this is the third trip here this season. Inside the ground we looked out for the new kid George Thomas that would be making his debut but all we could see was a mascot warming up with the team then we realised that was George, what do parents feed their kids on these days? The 16-year-old was playing because Leon had an injury or refused to play as he was keen on joining Wolves’ reserves. The team in full was in goal Murphy, with Christie, Webster, Seaborn and Adams at the back, in midfield we had Connor, Baker, Fleck and Daniels leaving Moussa and little George up front.

Leyton started the better as a team in second should but the defenders were on their game against the divisions’ highest scorers. The O’s went close with a deflected shot before Murphy save a shot from Cox one of two players wearing gloves on a very mild January night and both received verbal abuse from the travelling faithful. Another player in for some stick was Leyton’s forward Dagnall who despite not being very good had ended up at Leyton. Baker had the first shot of the night for City as the front two were struggling to get into the game. Then Baker slid in and won the ball cleanly but as we had learnt before with Leyton any contact and they go down our anger increased when referee Mr Bull pulled out a yellow card seconds earlier a similar foul at the other end didn’t result in a booking. Daniels then shot wide before Cox found the side netting. Orient were still looking the better side and missed a few half chances before “run all day but don’t know were the goal is” Dagnall blazed one over the top. Half time came with no goals.

Second half saw George taken off the kid did look out of his depth maybe it was a mistake by SP to play him this early, on came Jordan to play up front and he managed to hold the ball up more. Murphy did well early on to block a shot. City were looking better as per normal in the second half when a quiet Moussa weaved some magic sided stepped a challenge or two and hit a ball that was heading in until their keeper pulled off a good save. Not long after at the other end Daganll had already learnt how to fall and went over Webster’s foot and Mr Bull was all too eager to award a penalty. Lisbie took it but Murphy pulled off a brilliant save thus saving more penalties then any other keeper in a single season. Unfortunately whilst the fans were still celebrating Cox was left unmarked from the corner and he scored. SP threw on Slager for Daniels and the Dutch forward made a difference up front, maybe he should have started. City’s best hope seemed to be from range as a Baker free kick was turned around by their keeper before Slager forced the keeper into another save. With six minutes to go sub Mooney tried one form distance but the ball slipped past Murphy to wrap the game up and for the first time this season in the league we had failed to score away hopefully by Bristol we will have some forwards signed but it may be too late for this season.

An easier run back got home at 12.35.

Man of the Match
1st Cyrus Christie Always a threat
2nd Carl Baker Tried his best from an under form midfield
3rd Danny Seaborne Solid

Arsenal Vs Coventry City

We made sure we got down to London early this time as last season we had just got into the ground as the game started. We parked at Cockfosters or Cockstoppers as Lisa called it. A short tube journey and we could admire The Gunners’ Emirates Stadium. Inside the ground we heard the team news it was in goal Murphy with Christie, Webster, Seaborn and Adams at the back with Fleck, Baker, Thomas and Daniels in the middle leaving Leon and Moussa up front.

City kicked off and dominated the first minute. Soon in the rain the league leaders were, not surprisingly looking the better side as Wilshire fired over. City were trying to pass the bal around but Arsenal were on top and German international Podolski had the first chance knocking he ball over the bar. Then England international Oxlade-Chamberlain blasted a powerful shot over the bar. City kept trying to go forward but a break down saw a swift move before Podolski went clear he drew Murphy out before rounding him and slotted home from a narrow angle to give the 1-9 favourites the lead. Minutes later City almost hit back when Baker received the ball in midfield and wormed his way up field with several internationals unable to get the ball off him the captain found room and fired shot towards the top corner of the net only for Fabianski to pull off a great save. City were still in the game until Arsenal won a corner and Podolski appeared at the end of the cross to make it two-nil, no doubt the BTSports people congratulated themselves on screening an even clash. It looked like City could be in for a real hammering. On the thirty five minute mark the prearranged protest happened when the City fans held up the “Why?” poster and sung” I want to go home, back to the Rioch”. The game itself was still going as the excellent referee Mr Madley booked Wilshire for a foul. Then amusingly the lights dimmed in the 60,000 capacity stadium forcing fans all around the game to provide their own light via their smart phones. Arsenal had a few more shots go wide or high as we made it to half time only two down.

Now sometimes other things apart from football take our attention and this game it was Paul, who normally the loudest person at a game had in a second turned from that to someone very quiet, he missed the first five minutes in the loo and returned looking very grey and ill, he spent the half in his seat some time asleep! I got a steward to call over the St John’s Ambulance crew to have a look at him and they took him at half time to the medical centre accompanied by myself. After a quick check they said was we thought he had gastro enteritis. We got back as the second half was kicking off. Paul wasn’t well for the second half and we left in injury time as he slept on the tube back and seemed to be a little better back in the car and he was well enough to drive us back to Lutterworth before he left for home, his wife is a nurse.

Meanwhile City started a lot better in the second half, not for the first time this season. City won an early corner as they attacked the end the 5,000 were housed. Baker then sent Leon through the big forward had a run in on goal but seemed to hesitate with his shot and the keeper saved. The ever lively Moussa then robbed Oxlade-Chamberlain before feeding Leon, the forward’s shot hit the post as City came close again. City were now playing well all over the field with Daniels maybe having his best away game. Just after the hour mark the “When?” posters went up along with the Sky Blues’ song. Almost to the second a good move saw the ball fall to Daniels who fired over when he should have done better. Minutes later a fan made it on to the pitch in a protest before he was lead off by Baker and Leon. City kept fighting away with some crisp passing and were looking a far better side that the one that lost to a weakened Arsenal side last season trouble is Arsenal are miles better them selves as sub Giroud found room to make it three with six minutes to go another sub Cazorla fired over before making it four from a Murphy save. Jordan came on for Moussa to play in an attacking midfield role as he came closer to playing in every position and had a chance could find his namesake with a pass. Now in injury time we were escorting Paul out of the ground just as Leon had a late chance but could direct his shot.

Man of the Match
1st Carl Baker: Didn’t look out of place
2nd Billy Daniels Enjoyed himself
3rd Franck Moussa The Mous is on fire.

Preston North End Vs Coventry City

So with Leon still at the club as Sisu didn’t fancy selling him for only a reported half a million and well done to them for not taking the offer, we headed up to Preston without any trouble. City went looking for the first ever League victory at Deepdale at out 17th attempt. Inside the ground we were welcomed by a lovely touch as Preston had put up posters with a picture of Pressely on with the caption “Thank you for travelling 258 miles good luck for the rest of the 2013/2014 season” they then handed some out to ourselves. The team was announced and we wondered if the Clarke boys would play up front together but no as the team was in goal Murphy with Christie, Webster, Adams and signing on permanently Seaborn. We had Baker, Fleck and Thomas in midfield whilst Jordan was having a go at playing on the left wing leaving Moussa and Leon up front. Leon had his name chanted by the fans before kick off as we took on the 4th team in the table.

City attacked the far end in the first half in this ground that is very familiar to us. City started well winning a free kick and forcing a couple of corners without testing Rudd in the Lilywhites’ goal. Soon The Old Invincibles got into their stride and pushed City back as Murphy was forced to tip one over the bar. Preston were worrying City early on working hard and closing down their visitors and they nearly scored from a corner when Murphy was beaten the ever dependable Webster was on the line to clear. City were finding it hard to break out of our own half as another attack came but thankfully the chance was wasted. Preston then wasted a chance by firing over. The back four and keeper were playing well but the midfield were closed down and not up to their normal standards whilst Leon was marked out of the game and Moussa and two to three men on him every time he got the ball but you could tell they saw him as a threat when he picked up a loose ball near the area he was immediately brought down earning a booking for the decent referee Mr Wright. Leon took the kick and smashed it against the wall. Preston’s shooting was off as they had a few more chances without troubling Murphy. Then Preston came close with a shot towards the top corner but Murphy was equal to it. Webster and Seaborn kept up the effort keeping Davies and his pals at bay, Davies proving to the real bad boy when Seaborn was forced off to change his shirt because of blood. Half time 0-0

Radio Lancashire reported that Preston dominated and Coventry didn’t look like they would win their first League game at Deepdale and I couldn’t argue with that but we do normally play better in the second half.

Davies flashed one wide early on but it was already clear that Coventry were already more into the game than the first half. Seaborn then won a good tackle to break up an attack. Then on an attack and great cross was delivered and Davies met it well hitting the underside of the crossbar and giving the home side the lead. S.P. made a change taking off Jordan and replacing him with Daniels to give City and better attacking edge. City were looking a little better as Christie found room and knocked in a low cross that nobody read then the full back knocked in another cross towards Leon the big forward was then seemed to be pushed to the ground but the referee didn’t think it was a penalty and Preston got away with that one. Meanwhile at the other end a strange sight as Preston fans started to shine their smart phones at the back of their stands for reasons no one could fathom, Paul started signing sarcastically “twinkle, twinkle, little star”. City kept trying to get back in the game but Preston were defending well and Baker’s passing was off so it was no surprise to see him replaced by Slager. The Dutch forward was caught in possession a couple of times as City tried to find some way back into the game. Preston were now sitting back and wasting as much time as possible. A handball saw a booking for a Preston player but the free kick came to nothing before Slager had a shot that went wide. With two and a bit minutes left a loose ball went to Thomas before Davies threw himself two footed into a challenge Mr Wright had no choice but to send the forward off and to Thomas’ credit he didn’t roll around after the foul. Davies took his time leaving the field walking down it instead of getting off this gave the City fans more encouragement as we have yet failed to score away in a League game this season. Four minutes of injury time was called and already deep into that time a ball went out of play and a Preston fan refused to return the ball and then he threw it over the head of a City player trying to retrieve the ball I demanded that the referee add ten minutes on for the time wasting. Now very deep in injury time a ball was cleared from the box and it fell to Moussa some thirty five yards out “Shoot!” shouted the City fans and he did as we watched in amazement he curled the ball into the top corner to earn the point the away end exploded as stranger hugged stranger and we had snatched a dramatic point against one of the best teams in the division.

We went home happy ready to tackle the annoying 50mph limits on large parts of the M6.

Man of the Match
1st Franck Moussa What a goal
2nd Andy Webster Reliable
3rd Danny Seaborn Defended well.

Rotherham United Vs Coventry City

A wet but trouble free journey up to Rotherham as we pass the half waypoint of the season. This was a massive game with The Millers sitting in 6th place nine points ahead a defeat and the season could be over. We parked and at only £3 which a short walk from the New York Stadium and in sight of the floodlights to the wonderful old Millmore. The New York Stadium is certainly impressive and is a model for Sisu’s proposed new ground but is no way big enough. So we started 2014 knowing that we have never lost an opening league game in a year that ends with a 4. Inside the ground we heard the first team news of the year in goal Murphy, with Christie rumoured to be Spurs bound, Webster, Willis and Adams with Baker, Moussa, Daniels and Thomas in midfield leaving Wilson and a target for Wolves and Huddersfield if you believe in gossip was Leon.

The game started predictably to the tune of “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra as The Millers attacked the end the City fans were housed as Revell headed over. City then launched an attack as Adams went on a run cutting to the outside before hitting a shot that hit the far post coming very close to his first goal for the club. From then on the side that won 3-0 at Swampfields took over playing the better football whilst City were playing poorly. The pressure was on as a long-range shot was on target forcing Murphy to push the ball away. The Millers kept up the pressure in the rain, as Murphy was force to tip over another shot. It was clear that City were missing Fleck in midfield as City found it hard to pass, Clarke was being marked out of the game whilst Wilson never saw the ball. The one-way traffic continued as Murphy was forced into another save. By now Rotherham should have won the game as we were hoping to make it to half time with out conceding then the home side should have scored when Frecklington raced onto a ball with only Murphy to beat the keeper came out spread himself and got a great block on the shot. Meanwhile the referee Mr Sutton was not helping matters by giving everything to the home side he missed a push on Wilson and seconds later awarded a free kick to Rotherham after a clear push by Webster. City lined up for the free kick but failed to pick Skarz who had a free run on goal and his shot deflected off the pick of the City back four Adams and ended up in the back of the net a goal they defiantly deserved. Mr Sutton immediately went over to the City bench and ordered Pressley off the manager at first followed the ref to the edge of the pitch before departing not the first time he has been sent off for City. The home side continued dominating and Murphy saved City again this time with his legs. City made it to halftime only trailing by a goal.

City had 45 minutes to save the season but it didn’t look good the midfield was missing and the main culprit seemed to be Baker. City kicked off the second half to the tune of U2’s “New Years Day” as SP had knocked a few heads together Baker seemed to be playing a more central role as they attacked the away end and not for the first time this season seemed to improve. Rotherham were some reason now not playing like they did in the first half and sitting back against the best attack in this league. City were looking better but Rotherham were looking solid and the front two were still not seeing much of the ball. With just over twenty to go the first cracks began to show as Leon chased a ball, forcing keeper Collin out wide Baker got the ball but couldn’t thread the ball in from a narrow angle. The away fans kept up the singing that one Rotherham fan later claimed to be the best away support this season. Then Baker knocked a ball through the defence and Wilson hared after it Morgan brought him down and Mr Sutton immediately sent off the defender and awarded a free kick then Christie attracted the attention of the referee to his linesman who said the offence was inside the area and the referee awarded a penalty. Baker stepped up and hit the post and the ball deflected off into the net, City were level the fans celebrated the season was back on. City know were looking the better side as Wilson went on another run before being blocked by a fair challenge but the forward went down and started to frantically signal to the bench it was clear he was in some pain. After lengthy treatment for a shoulder injury Wilson limped off and was replaced by Dagnall playing his last game before the loan ended. Daggers got straight into the action by racing around and trying to close everyone down. City kept attacking as Christie found room and fired a shot that Collin tipped over the bar for a corner. Baker took the corner and the next thing we knew the ball was in the back of the net, more made celebrations in the away end as a push for a play off place had now returned but who had scored? I thought Baker scored directly from the corner, Moussa was credited with the goal a defender got a touch and Christie later claimed it on Twitter but the important thing was City were leading. Rotherham tried to hit back but City were now on top as Baker tried his luck from a free kick. Phillips was sent on for Moussa to see the game out. Mr Sutton awarded six minutes of injury time for the Wilson injury as Rotherham hadn’t come close to scoring City were on the verge of three valuable points but then even more drama. Thomas went down under a challenge and did move this was very worrying as a stretcher was called for the player was taken off. Barton came on to see out the injury time and the injury time that would be added on for the injury in injury time. Seconds later at the other end a player goes down looking over to the linesman he placed his flag across his chest penalty. The sub O’Connor took the kick to Murphy’s left the keeper guessed correctly and pulled of a brilliant save becoming only the third keeper in our history to save three spot kicks in a single season. The resulting corner saw keeper Collin race forward for the set piece but for once City dealt with the kick and the ball found its way to Baker on the left he raced forward with the City fans screaming “shoot” he took his time before a player got to him just in side his own half before passing the ball towards goal at first it seemed to be going wide but then it gently curved and was heading straight for goal with the away fans already celebrating Phillips allowed the ball to cross the line to seal and unbelievable and dramatic win for the Sky Blues. I slaged off Rotherham for sitting back in the second half and for having a Bear as a mascot, what a start to 2014!

On the way out we was passed by an ambulance and this was give a round of applause by the City fans that sang Thomas’ name.

Man of the Match
1st Joe Murphy Several great saves
2nd Carl Baker First half terrible and a hand in all three goals in the second half
3rd Blair Adams Defended well.

Swindon Town Vs Coventry City

We travelled to Wiltshire for our pre Christmas game via the scenic Cotswolds. Now The County Grounds is not a popular destination for we away fans, as it seems to be stuck in a time warp from the 1980’s. Inside the ground we learnt that Wilson wasn’t fit enough to even make the bench as we took on a side with a good home record and even, according to the stats pass more then we do. The line up for our last away game of the year, which had earned the second most points in our history tied with last year, in goal Murphy with Christie, Jordan, Seaborne and Adams at the back with Moussa, Fleck, Thomas and Baker in midfield leaving Dagnall and Robin’s “old boy” Leon up front.

It was a damp day but the pitch looked in fine condition as City attacked the far end in the first half. City started well with arch villain Nile Ranger well marshalled at the back as City started to knock the ball around well. City had the first chance when Christie, who was given plenty of room fired in a cross that Leon could only head straight at Foderingham in the Robin’s goal. After defending a corner City counter-attacked and won one of their own the corner was cleared but only to Baker who whipped in a great cross that Leon just failed to get on the end of. It was a good entertaining game with both sides trying to play good honest football as the Robin’s just shot wide. City’s midfield was looking on top with Thomas breaking up the home side’s attacks at every opportunity and it was from one of those that Moussa was fed and he shot wide. Dagnall was working his socks off up front and good work he got a shot in forcing the keeper to push the ball away. Thomas was getting stuck in midfield and pulled off a great tackle to prevent an attack before Jordan kept Ranger in his back pocket with another fine interception. City were still looking the most likely to score as Christie knocked in a great cross before great build up play saw Adams send in a great cross Leon header it at the keeper when he should have scored Murphy had something to do with a standard save before Fleck was probably rightly book for a tackle. Up to then referee Mr Ward was having a good game but then he lost the plot as a player went down after the merest of touches by Christie our surprise at a awarding of a free kick turned to anger as the full back was booked from then on any foul by a City player was booked whilst Swindon seemed to get away with it including a second half rugby tackle. Fleck then had a good shot just wide before half time came.

Radio Wiltshire’s football expert Steve White was full of praise for City at half time and called the game as were saw it, unusual for a local radio station.

We expected the home to come out fighting in the second half but it was City that came close as Baker fired one over the bar. At the other end City had trouble from a corner and it took a smart save by the legs of Murphy to prevent a goal. Five minutes into the half and Baker knocked in a perfect cross from where we sat we saw Leon was going to get to the ball and was already celebration before the ball hi the back of the net to send the forward to the top of City’s goal scoring charts for the season and to overtake Baker as the highest goals scorer in the squad. Leon ran over to the City fans cupping his ear before running over to the home fans and celebrating in front of them, Leon is always a player opposition fans hate. City needed a win to keep alive the play off push and every player was fighting to keep the lead. City kept up the pressure as Leon found Baker and the captain got the ball onto his favoured foot before smacking the post the post the ball round straight back to the keeper anywhere else Leon would have had a tap in. Minutes later Swindon were given a disputed free kick the ball was played in but only partly cleared and the ball fell to Kasim who struck the ball well trough a crowed box to level the game up. The game could still go either way as Moussa fired over. Fleck then tried his luck from distance but it wasn’t in as the ball smacked against the crossbar. Then on a counter attack Storey got past Seaborne before chipping the ball past Murphy to give the home side a lead. SP then sent on Maguire maybe ten minutes too late but then the player showed why he can’t break into relegation threatened Sheffield Wednesday’s first team and we had to accept defeat with the away following wondering how we lost that one.

Man of the Match
1st Connor Thomas Hard working in midfield
2nd Carl Baker More like the Baker of last season
3rd Leon Clarke A hand full

Hartlepool United Vs Coventry City

Left at 8.30 to pick everyone up before transferring to Paul’s car in the East Midlands he brought the cakes and biscuits with this game being the closes to his birthday. Got to Hartlepool for 1. Plenty happening off field with Tim Fisher using the old World War One analogy “Lions lead by donkeys” referring to A.C.L. he has a check and the SI.SU turning around and threatening to sue some Lions in the trust for putting up a link to an article in the Guardian Newspaper. The main topic of conversation was who would be playing up front after our first five choice forwards were either injured, suspended, not allowed to play or not wanted and ran away to France. The team was in goal Murphy with Jordan switching to right back with Webster, Seaborne and Adams also in defence we had Christie, Baker, Fleck, Thomas and Daniels in midfield leaving Moussa up front.

Before kick off we had a minutes applauses for the recently departed Nelson Mandela after his name was chanted by the away fans the game started. City attacked the far end in the first half and started well when Baker tried his luck from distance forcing the keeper Flinders to push the ball over otherwise it could have sneaked in under the bar. “Live in the Dubai” the fans, sang as the game was being televised over there, I wonder if anybody rich there wants to buy out Sisu? Minutes later City should have made it two as Daniels raced into the area and went around the keeper but by then the angle was too narrow and he shot wide. City kept up the pressure when Moussa robbed a defender and advanced on goal he tried to pick out Baker but he pass was blocked maybe by a hand whilst the captain had turned to appeal Moussa got the cross in, Baker now with his back to goal launched a bicycle-kick that gave Flinders no chance and City led, this was the skipper’s third goal in the cup competitions one more than he has scored in the league. This woke the home side up a little and they started to press forward more. City should have made it two later on when Christie put in a good cross and Adams flung himself at the ball Houchen-like but directed the ball wide from close in. Hartlepool were looking better as the game went on but the defence was holding firm. A minute or so later Pool won a corner it was delivered well and met with a good header straight at Murphy who did well to push away the header and the ball was cleared. Jordan Clarke then went wide with a long range shot as Hartlepool were pushing City back. James Pool who had a header saved from the corner went close again with another header. At the other end Seaborne headed one wide in a rare City attack. Despite the pressure City were coping at the back typified by Webster in a space of a couple of seconds three time beat his mad to win a header inside his own box. The referee Mr Madley meanwhile was having a good game in the middle. Right on half time Hartlepool won another corner and again they used it well but Murphy pulled of a good reaction save to keep City in front at half time.

Radio Tees’ expert admired City’s passing ability and he thought we were by far the better side in the first half a touch harsh on United. The home side were attacking their own end in the second half as they pressed City back Seaborne dived in wide taking out a player Mr Madley awarded a yellow card it could have easily been red. Hartlepool kept plugging away but the finishing was missing. City were struggling to build any attack and I thought if Hartlepool get one they would go on and win the game. They won a free kick in a dangerous position thankfully the ball went cleanly through the wall to Murphy another free kick was blazed over the bar leaving the City fans to sign “You’re just a sh** Chris Maguire”. S.P. then decided to make a sub throwing on young Courtney Baker-Richardson for his debut for Moussa; the kid with a big name almost wormed his way into a shooting position with his first touch. City seemed to have weathered the storm and won a free kick which Baker took quickly to Adams he hit a cross that was cleared and United counter-attacked down the flank with Adams still up the field, a cross came in and Monkhouse steamed in to level the game and it was a goal they deserved. Both teams pressed for a winner but thankfully City stood firm and won a replay were we might see and very small crowd.

Got home at 9.45 after a good journey back.

Man of the Match
1st Andy Webster Stood firm
2nd Joe Murphy Important saves.
3rd Carl Baker A good goal

Milton Keynes Dons Vs Coventry City

For once it was a trouble-free run to an away game and we arrived two hours before kick off to what must be the best stadium in League One. Around seven thousand City fans made it here making up half the gate which meant that the citizens of M.K. could only produce seven thousand themselves therefore hardly deserving a 32,000 capacity ground. Inside the big welcoming black stadium, with wide seats and penlty of legroom we heard S.P. had given debuts to two of the three new loan signings the team was in goal Murphy, with Christie, Clarke, Adams and making his debut Danny Seaborne, in midfield we had Moussa, Baker, Fleck and Thomas leaving Wilson and the other debutant Chris Dagnall who according to kit man Andy Harvey who we spoke to before the match was “full of running, fast but could he finish?”

City started defending the end the biggest league away following since the Premier League days was housed. Wilson won an early corner before a counter attack was launched but the player looked well off side something the linesman on our left totally missed the attack fizzled out before Adams vented his frustration at the linesman who spent the rest of the game waiting for the referee to give the decisions. Then Powell was played clean through with only Murphy to beat, the keeper came out and blocked well with his leg to prevent a goal. Now the plan was on the ten minute mark for the City fans to give the team a minutes applause to thank them for the season so far but this started with only nine and a half minutes gone by the tenth minute most fans had joined in with applause and a “Sisu out” chant and then to petered out a good thirty seconds before it should then we were supposed to hold up the back page of the Telegraph who had printed a special page but I could only see one person doing this. The Dons were looking the better side as City seem it hard to get going and as yet Dagnall had hardly seen the ball whilst Seaborne was looking composed at the back. Fifteen minutes gone and MK fired over. City were trying to use Wilson’s pace and it almost paid off when he found room and was about to play Dagnall into the clear before a defender beat him to the ball. One thing that hasn’t changed since last season was The Dons ability to fall over when a player goes near them not helped by a poor referee in Mr Simpson. The ref did award City a free kick a minute later but Baker blasted it into the wall. Then the Dons had a central free kick, which was blocked, but the rebound was fired wide. Wilson had a shot deflected wide as City were still struggling to get their game together before The Dons headed one over then deep in injury time Reeves threw himself down in the box and the ref blew, at first we thought he would book the player for a blatant dive but amazed us all by pointing to the spot and then Murphy was sent the wrong way by Williams’ seventh penalty of the season, which means they tend to win plenty of spot kicks. The people on Three Counties Radio said their team had deserved the half time lead and I couldn’t really argue against that.

Half time entertainment was called “The Talent of Aylesbury” first up was a 1940’s style trio name after a bomber that brought death and destruction and then some young lad started to sing but was drowned out by cruel City fans taunting him.

For the second half I wanted new boy Maguire to come on and replace Baker but S.P. decided to sick with the first half side. The manager must have said something at half time because straight from the off City looked a lot better this encouraged the away support to get singing again. Fleck finally tested McLoughlin in the home goal with a good effort forcing the keeper to tip the ball around the post. Baker then put a free kick high as City kept on top but the home defence looked solid but offered nothing going forward. Pressley then made the change and gave a debut to Chris Maguire replacing Baker. Minutes later Fleck played a dangerous ball towards Maguire in the area but Dagnall got to it first, he controlled it and snapped a shot on goal it then took a big deflection off a defender and ended up in the back of the net to level the game up much to the delight of the travelling hoards, some made it on to the pitch to celebrate. The Dons wasted a chance at the other but it was mostly City as Thomas bossed midfield with some robust challenges. Then Wilson dived into a challenged and was booked by the ref, which meant he would be suspended for the Cup game which most of us where not too unhappy about, rather the F.A. Cup then the League. City were on top and Dons were hanging on as they cleared a dangerous shot and Maguire forced the keeper into a save. City then won a free kick and up stepped set piece expert Maguire who blasted the ball just over the bar. The home side were panicking as City kept up the pressure and with minutes to go won a free kick in a promising position, Maguire again stepped up but this time curled a delightful shot into the roof of the net to send everyone crazy in the away end as people behind us tumbled over their seats celebrating Maguire was book as he became the 78th City player to score on his debut. With City now heading towards victory in stoppage time we won another free kick Maguire stepped up to take it, surly not another goal? The answer was an emphatic YES as he curled another one in to give us another reason to jump around like madmen. He is the first sub to score twice on his debut and the only the 5th player to score more then one on his debut. Murphy pulled off a good save late on as Radio Three Counties wondered where all their fans had gone; they even admitted City had deserved the win.

Man of the Match
1st Danny Maguire What an impact
2nd Connor Thomas got the midfield rolling in the 2nd half
3rd Chris Dagnall Worked hard and scored.

Bradford City Vs Coventry City

We made good progress up the motorways but it would be great to see one without long stretches of 50 mph zones. We hit Bradford and entered slow moving traffic, now time was ticketing on and “here we go again”, I thought. After driving around Valley Parade with the game only half an hour away we found some double yellow lines to park on using Kev’s Blue Badge. A quick walk to the ground we entered the first stand with “Visiting Supports” on. Inside the stand we suddenly realised there we a fair few Bradford supporters there yes we had made it into the wrong stand, somehow the turnstile operators failed to do their duty. A steward escorted us around the pitch to the away end ten minutes before kick off. We took our seats to notice Valley Parade has been extended since our last visit some ten years ago and now looks too good for this division and despite this being on tele there was a very good turn out from home and away fans. We have a good record in Yorkshire in November unbeaten since 1973 but I have yet to see us win in Bradford in five visits. Only one change as it was Murphy in goal with Christie, Webster, Jordan and Adams at the back with Moussa, Fleck, Thomas and Baker in midfield leaving League’s One’s deadliest duo up front of Leon and Wilson whilst Bradford had a challenger for the Golden Boot Wells up front.

City attacked the far end in the first half and won a free kick the kick was floated in when their keeper and defender clashed and the ball dropped to Webster the defender had a simple tap in to open his account for City. What a great start then it got better when Wilson outpaced the defender that blocked his keeper, that keeper McLaughlin came out and blocked well, only for the ball to fall for Leon who had a simple task to record his twentieth league goal for the club, as we just couldn’t believe the start. Minutes later Wilson raced past the same Northern Irish International and drew the keeper out for another good block but then the ball rebounded off the keeper to swerve and hit the post. Bradford finally got forward and a good cross that found Reid who should have done better but blasted over. Bradford fans will still willing their side forward when a cross that found Hanson who forced a great save from Murphy. Then a long ball over the top saw Murphy come out of his goal but not make great contact with the ball then Jordan had a chance to clear but he only sliced it leaving Wells to nip in and beat Adams on the line to bring The Bantams back into the game. City responded well when Fleck had two good shots charged down before Baker curled one towards the top corner but the keeper spotted it. At our end the highly entertaining game continued as Wells dived in our area and escaped a booking for the good referee Mr Friend that is apart from his decisions on throw-ins. City won a corner and we saw Aron Phillips on the touchline ready to come on but thankfully Webster recovered to continue and the sub wasn’t made. Bradford’s biggest threat came from their winger Kyle Reid who was using his skill to cause all sorts of problems for City. Then another long ball was flicked on a Wells got around the back of the defence to finish well to level the game up. Plenty of action followed as both sides looked dangerous going forward until Baker played a great ball for Wilson he pulled wide before shooting before we knew it the ball was in the back of the net to restore our lead. Bradford went close with a couple of headers before the half time whistle went.

The second half started just as frantic as Christie cut in and sliced wide in the first attack. City seem now to be keeping Reid under wraps as most attacks went his way as our own tricky winger Moussa started to get into the game winning a corner before Leon had a deflected shot that went wide. At the other end Wells hit the bar before at our end Wilson broke through but could get any direction on his shot. Webster then was pulled up for a foul he already had been booked but thankfully Mr Friend decided not to show a second yellow. At the other end Mr Friend did miss a blatant high boot as Thomas was kicked in the head and his is a tall lad, Connor had to go off to change his shirt because it had blood on it! City continued to work hard and Leon and Wilson had half chances to wrap it up. Bradford’s other ford Hanson then wasted a chance to level but Phillips came on for Moussa late on. Deep into injury time a ball was pumped into the area and poked wide it was then the players stopped and it seemed Mr Friend had awarded a penalty. Jordan had his hand around his head when the ball hit it and really it couldn’t be anything else but a spot kick. Wells took it and placed it to Murphy’s right the keeper very nearly reached it but we had to settle for a point.

A slow journey home which was made worse but the M69/M1 junction being closed meaning Paul had to enter a junction before to drop us off at my car and I had to use the M6 to head for home.

Man of the Match
1st Callum Wilson terrorised their defence
2nd Franck Moussa Looked better in the second half
3rd Leon Clarke Good foil for Wilson

AFC Wimbledon Vs Coventry City

So the F.A. Cup was up and the idiots at BTSports decided that this match would be the one to televise whilst Round One should be about Non-League Vs League this meant a Friday night trip to London at short notice. Things didn’t start well on the coach as we hit traffic jams on the outskirts of Coventry after passing these we made our way down to the M25 and then we were stuck in traffic until we reached the Kingsmeadow Stadium some four hours after leaving the City Centre. I have seen some league grounds that look like non-league ground but none as bad as this ground then again AFC Wimbledon have had a meteoric rise through the divisions since the League allowed them to be franchised and they share their ground with Kingstonians who play in the Isthmian League the third tier of Non-League football. We took our places in terracing just behind the dugout as the team was in goal Murphy, with Adams, Jordan, Webster and the returning Christie in defence in midfield we had Moussa, Barton, Thomas and Baker leaving Leon and Wilson up front the bench was full of kids. The game was delayed for fifteen minutes at first we thought it was for fans stuck in traffic but in reality it was for The Don’s first choice keeper who was held up in the appalling traffic snarl up he didn’t make it in time.

We gave BTSports good amount of stick early on for forcing us down The Smoke on a Friday as City defended the stand sponsored by a Korean Noodle firm in the first half. Coventry started lively but it was soon the home side making the early play with the little winger Porter proving to be a real handful as he got around Adams and knocked in a cross just in front for their forward Smith. Minutes later Porter found room again and picked out Pell with only Murphy to beat the player placed the ball towards the top corner only for the keeper to pull off a stunning one handed save to keep the scores level maybe this wouldn’t be as easy a game as we thought. They came close again when Porter broke into the area and Murphy saved again. At the other end The Dons had a tight grip on the City forwards as we struggled to get into the game that was expertly marshalled by Mr Drysdale the referee. City did recover some composure as Webster put in a good tackle. Wilson did go close with a shot as the game moved on before Smith had a chance as he tried to slip the ball under Murphy but Joe managed to adjust and knock the ball away with his foot. City survived the rest of the half without any more trouble in a game that lacked for any real excitement for the handful watching BTSports who had no connection with either club.

The second half continued in the same vein as Murphy again saved from Smith. City finally came close when a ball was played in and a Wimbledon player beat Wilson to the ball only to see it deflect off him and onto the foot of the post. At the other end The Dons were still pressurising City and it paid off when Jordan misplaced a pass straight to Porter, the winger raced on and crossed to Smith and the loanee finally beat Murphy with a header and on one could deign they didn’t deserve this. Was the curse of Manger of the Month about to bite City? It looked like it as Baker over hit a cross before Barton was pulled up for a foul throw. Five minutes later a gift out of the Brown as Christie crossed and Brown caught the ball only for it then to turn into a bar of soap as the ball slipped out of his hands and flipped over his shoulder the keeper dived back and got a hand on the ball on the line and pushed it out taking his hand off it then Wilson had arrived for a tap-in of all tap-ins to level the game it was a mixture of cheering and laughing on the away terrace. I tried a solo “Worse than David James “ chant on my own at Brown as the so-called keeper is an “expert” with BTSports. Suddenly Wimbledon’s heads had dropped allowing City more room and minutes later some smart work by Moussa as he found room on the by-line and knocked in a low cross that Carl Baker reached first to ram the ball home to make it 2-1 it was the captain’s third goal of the season all of them in different competitions. City now on top kept coming forward as Moussa was fouled and Mr Drysdale awarded a free kick. Baker took it aiming for the bottom left hand corner of the keeper’s goal but it took a big deflection off Kennedy’s knee and rolled into the other corner to wrap the game up. Wilson then forced Brown to catch an easy ball as the City fans sang ironically “England’s number one”, at the keeper. The Dons boss made some changes taking off Pell who the City fans sang “Your just a sh** Peter Crouch” to as he left the field. Murphy saved again to prevent it being a nervous closing moments of the game. SP made a change late on throwing on Phillips into his dad’s position of midfield to see the game out.

The run back home was a lot better reaching Coventry at 12.20 I got home in time to turn on BTSports to see them rerunning the game just as Smith scored.

Man of the Match
1st Joe Murphy Important saves early on.
2nd Franck Moussa set up two goals
3rd Carl Baker scored one and forced an own goal

Walsall Vs Coventry City

We returned The Banks’s Stadium a ground that that almost became our temporary home before their manager said “no”, Northampton meanwhile said yes and before kick off Walsall sat in a play off place whilst Northampton are in the relegation zone, justice. Last season we lost here 4-0 a performance that convinced many that Steve Pressley wasn’t the man for the job things have changed since then. We arrived without much hassle to hear the team news it was in goal Murphy, with Adams, Webster, Jordan and making his full debut viewed by his dad in the away stand was Aaron Phillips. In midfield we had Baker, Moussa, Fleck and making his 50th league appearance Thomas leaving Leon and Wilson up front. Before the game Radio W.M. were praising Walsall’s win at Swindon in midweek saying it was a battle between two footballing sides.

City attacked the far end in the first half, as we were crammed into the away end with very little legroom. City came close to opening the scoring early on as Moussa received a ball from Adams but his pull back to Leon was intercepted, Moussa came close seconds later when he robbed a player in the box and hit the ball just wide of the far post. City looked in total control early on giving the Saddlers a footballing lesson as the home side found it hard to get going. Wilson had a shot hacked away as City continued to press and Fleck was pulling the strings in midfield whilst everyone else was putting in a shift. Phillips was having a great full debut at right back winning just about everything and pushing forward well winning a couple of corners. Wilson then fired wide as City were looking for the breakthrough. The back four were looking solid with Jordan in total command at the back. Slowly after surviving the early pressure Walsall started to get back into the game as Mantom fired wide. At the other end Moussa fired straight at the keeper. With seven minutes to go in the half a poor referee Mr Ward awarded the home side a free kick disputed by Thomas who was penalised. The free kick hit the wall only for the referee to give Fleck a yellow card for handball forcing the free kick top the edge of the area when Mr Ward push the wall back beyond ten yards when Westcarr got the ball around the wall only for Murphy to pull off an excellent save. The corner eventually fell to a Walsall player whose shot was deflected by Westcarr, which went inches wide of a stranded Murphy’s post. Half time all level but City needed to score when they were on top we hoped City could reproduce the form of early in the game.

Second half and City attacked the away end with 2,000+ travelling fans in. Baker who seemed to be playing better after his great goal against Orient fired over early on. Eight minutes into the half City won a corner taken by Baker, the captain swung the ball in onto the head of Jordan the header looked goal bound until keeper O’Donnell pulled off a great save only to see Moussa tapping the ball home to fire City into the lead, it may not be as spectacular as the one against Orient but they all count as fans bumped into fans in the away end celebrating the lead. Walsall hit back in what was becoming a good match then the home side had a real chance as Baxendale sped past Webster for a run in on goal but only to see Jordan race back and put in a perfect tackle to stop a shot. City were working hard all over the pitch to pressure Walsall when they had the ball making them make the passes quickly and often losing possession. Walsall then threw on City old boy Julian Gray many of us thought he had retired years ago. Mr Ward finally booked a Walsall player after he had hacked down Moussa. At the other end Walsall headed straight at Murphy as the City fans sung to the tune of Tom Harks “Minus ten points, who gives a f***, we’re Coventry City and we’re going up”. The Saddlers were throwing more men forward leaving gaps at the back and in one counter attack Wilson went wide forcing the keeper towards him the forward got the ball but with a defender in front of him tried to find Leon but another defender got to the ball first. At the other end we held our breaths as Murphy clearly got to the ball first knocking the forward over thankfully Mr Ward didn’t give a penalty which would have been very harsh. S.P. started to make the chances to see the game out off went Moussa for Barton before Baker made way for Daniels. City still playing on the break almost sealed it when Wilson pulled wide for a run on goal but O’Donnell got his body in the way of the powerful shot. Five minutes was signalled for injury time when they should have only two and it was deep in injury time when Walsall won a free kick level with the area and O’Donnell ran forward to join in the attack but it was Murphy first to the ball and as he held it on the ground Mr Ward signalled for full time and another impressive performance from City. We left with the knowledge that we now only sit five points from the play off places and Dean Smith added to the list of managers that said, “They are the best team we have played against”.

Man of the Match
1st Jordan Clarke Outstanding in the centre
2nd John Fleck Controlled midfield, again
3rd Aaron Phillips Very good full debut .

Wolverhampton Wanderers Vs Coventry City

This was my 11th trip to Molineux but our first for but our first for five seasons. Things haven’t changed much they still got one narrow road leading from the motorway to the ground but they do have a new North Stand. This didn’t feel like a third flight game as Wolves biggest gate of the season boosted by many from down the M6. SP kept the side that beat Sheffield United last week in Northampton, in goal Murphy, with Willis, Jordan, Webster and Adams at the back, Baker, Thomas, Fleck and Moussa in midfield leaving the Wilson and ex Wolves forward Leon up front. Meanwhile Wolves put out a side that looks far too good for this division and before play they were in 3rd place and have only conceded six goals none of them coming in the first half.

The City fans were placed down the lower tier of the Steve Bull Stand and a section of the new North Stand the end City defended in the first half. Wolves started the brighter with Jordan tackling the dangerous Griffiths early on after the threatened to break through after a good pass. Veteran Kevin Doyle then fired over as the game progressed. Their was a good atmosphere in the ground and according to one Wolves fan City fans made a lot of noise. City were playing as normal and one move won a corner, Leon managed to knock the ball down before Wilson hit the ball over the bar. City were getting more into the game as Thomas started to get control of midfield allowing Fleck to move the ball around intelligently. Wolves fans started to sing, “Where’s the Rioch gone?” whilst we told them it was still there. City were looking solid at the back with all four contributing Adams was looking good going forward. City then won a free kick but Baker’s set piece was poor as it hit the wall. Then the skilful Sako blasted over. Sometimes with big away followings morons can come as well as behind Paul and I were three drunk idiots that spent the game racially abusing the coloured Wolves players without realising the colour of half of the City team but they did pick out Fleck for some sectarian abuse as well thankfully they will not be at the next away game. Wolves were looking a good side and better then Leyton Orient as they made one sweeping attack that cut through the City defence before Griffiths blasted over. In injury time Doyle just failed to get a header on target before half time came.

Wolves started strong again in the second half as Murphy pushed one around the post. The rain started to lash down as game could go either way as a good tackle prevented Leon a run on goal. City always looked better when either Thomas of Fleck was on the ball and “The Wee Man”, put in a good shot that went close. Leon then also went close when his header hit the roof of the net. Meanwhile the referee Mr Graham who looked good in the first half was giving everything to the home side he then booked Jordan but the defender could have no arguments about the card. With 24 minutes left confusion in the area and the ball fell to Griffiths and he made no mistake by firing Wolves into a lead. A Wolves fan ran onto the pitch and half way down the stand we were in before being brought down by a steward just in time for me to inform him that the massive disparage in the wages he shouldn’t be so happy at a one nil lead, his invasion prompted several City fans to try to get on to the pitch but hopefully the Wolves fan will serve a month in prison for the encroachment, according to the signs in the away stand this is the maximum term for this offence. City didn’t panic and kept playing when Wilson was to break through but he was stopped by someone grabbing hold his neck an offence the referee missed. Then a surprise move as goal scorer Griffiths went off no doubt Wolves’ Manager Jacket was hopping to hold on to the single goal lead. City won another free kick and Baker got a lot closer just inches wide but the Wolves fans in the North Stand seemed surprised the referee awarded a corner. SP also made changes by taking off the quiet Moussa and bringing on Manset switching Wilson wide the change helped City get more into the game. Willis then went off after a great effort in marking Sako almost out of the game and Phillips came on. City now were pressing the home side back and with four minutes of normal time left Wilson made his way into the area before spotting Phillips free he floated over a perfect ball and the right back hit it fire time with a sweet volley straight into the back of the net, pandemonium in the away sections as City fans celebrated the goal. City now were still going forward but were venerable as Sako got past Phillips but he hung onto him in a manner that many a rugby player would be pleased and was rightly booked. City won a corner and a loose ball fell to the one player in our team you would want a chance to fall to as Webster blasted high. The dieing seconds saw a chance for Wolves but Phillips was in cover and threw himself into as tackle winning the ball and soon we could celebrate a great point and a great performance. On leaving I made sure the Wolves fans in the upper tier that it was the 4th choice right back that scored, Aaron become only the third father-son to score for City behind Dudley Roberts and Mark Hateley.

Man of the match
1st John Fleck Quality in midfield and got back to help out the defence
2nd Connor Thomas: Looking better as the season goes on
3rd Aaron Phillips: What an impact.

Leyon Orient Vs Coventry City JPT

With Lisa working and Paul having a meeting in London and meeting us at the ground we decided to take the coach Kev and Rach were still buzzing about their day out at Buckingham Palace as Kev was awarded Grassroots Hero Medal along with 150 others in front of Prince William. Less regal surroundings on a two third full coach as we had a trouble free trip down to East London for our second cup game there this year and on paper the toughest tie imaginable. SP put out his strongest side possible but he has no alternative. In goal was Murphy with Willis, Jordan, Webster and Adams at the back. In midfield we had Barton, Moussa, Thomas and Fleck leaving Leon and Wilson up front. There was a surprisingly large turn out of City fans considering we had only played there recently.

City attacked the away end first half but it was Orient who had the first shot of the night. The referee Mr Robinson soon awarded City a free kick that Leon hit into the wall and Fleck fired over. City fans were doing their best to create an atmosphere as Orient fired one over the bar. City were matching the league leaders all the way and again looked solid at the back. Just before the twenty-minute mark City attacked and the ball fell to Wilson he turned his marker but was prevented entering the area with a tug, now in the League Cup game earlier in the season the referee refused to send off a defender for “Deigning a clear goal scoring opportunity” and now the same thing happen as only a yellow card was showed the referee indicated that one or two defenders who have closed Wilson down but the only way they could have done that if Wilson had stopped and sat on the ball. Moussa took the free kick but it went straight into the wall. The game was then fairly even as both defences seemed to be on top. City had plenty of possession but the O’s defenders coped well with ball in from wide positions but we did miss the attacking abilities of Christie but Willis was looking good defending. In the last five minutes Leyton headed over as City saw out the half time scoreless.

Home keeper flapped at a Barton corner early on as City’s corner delivery on the whole wasn’t too bad. A well-worked corner at the other end saw number 11 Odubajo fire wide he would have another two shots during the game each getting more inaccurate. Murphy then had to save with his legs as the home side put on more pressure. It was still an even contest but again Murphy had to come to the rescue darting out of his area to head a ball to a City player. City then made their first change as Phillips came on for Willis and the little right back was soon in action with two well-timed solid challenges. City seemed afraid to shot instead getting in one pass too many as Orient looked in danger at the back. Phillips then knocked in a cross his dad David would have been proud off. Leon then put a fire kick just wide as it curved just a little too much. At the other end Murphy had a great reflex save and Jordan was on hand to clear up the danger then sub Mooney should have done better with a close range header but Murphy kept him out. Finally the game ended and on to penalties.

The kicks were taken in front of the City fans and Leon scored with his first but Jones was close to that one. Orient levelled with no trouble but Moussa then put in a poor penalty that was saved. The home side took the lead with another comfortable kick. Many City fans were surprised to se Jordan step up for the next kick but he scored easily. Murphy almost got to the next one before Fleck screwed one wide leaving Orient to score the last and put them through. We were all philosophical about the defeat and at least we do not have to travel mid week for another JPT.

Man of the Match
1st Joe Murphy: Great saves
2nd Jordan Clarke Another solid performance
3rd Andy Webster Again solid

Stevenage Vs Coventry City


After a trouble free trip we arrived in Stevenage well before kick off with an incredible record of winning our last seven league games when the first game in October is in the south stretching back to the mid sixties. The Lamex is a tidy small ground with a large car park over the road and is always a friendly place to visit. With Baker out we didn’t have any of the goal scorers playing from last season’s victory the line for today’s game was in goal playing 101st league game Murphy with Christie, Jordan, Webster and Adams at the back with Fleck, Barton, Thomas and Moussa in midfield leaving Leon and Wilson up front. After two defeats where the opposition stopped us playing we feared that Graham Westley’s side would be past masters at the spoiling tactics as City needed a win to get out of the bottom four.

City attacked the far end in the first half. The Borough won an early free kick only to see Ashton head over. City soon settled when the lively Fleck found room and fired inches wide. City kept up the pressure when Moussa went wide. City were looking comfortable at the back with Webster winning most things and Jordan increasingly looking like a centre half. Stevenage won another free kick but Mr Scott surprised everyone for booking Tansey for taking too long over the kick the referee went on to have a very good game apart from one amazing error in the 2nd half. Again City opened up the Stevenage defence when Wilson was allowed a shot but the top scorer couldn’t keep the effort down. After 15 minutes the away fans erupted into a round of applause, which confused many of us, but it was in tribute of a City fan that had recently died of leukaemia. City kept up the pressure as Barton had a shot blocked for a corner that corner fell to Thomas whose shot took a big deflection forcing a good save from Day in the goal. At our end the home side went close when a shot curled wide. A long range shot from the home side was wide before Leon and Barton combined before the former fired over when he should have done better. Moussa had a good run and shot. Stevenage then had a chance as one of their players got passed Jordan but the defender tracked back, forced him wide and snuffed out the danger. Not long after Stevenage’s Shroot under hit a back pass straight to Leon and the big forward with only the keeper to beat made no mistake to give City the lead. Day then prevented City increasing the lead as he tipped over a Moussa shot. Stevenage went increasingly long ball as the half drew to a close but without threatening the back four. Half time City leading but we expected the home side to come out strong early in the second half.

City didn’t allow Stevenage to build up a head of steam as the away side kept possession well and six minutes into the half a great ball saw Wilson race away, he entered the area and turned and was clearly brought down but to our amazement Mr Scot didn’t award a penalty. With nothing happening for the home side the manager made two changes. City were working hard all over the pitch and defending very well as Fleck controlled midfield. City were looking comfortable with only a gaol lead when a good moving involving Adams and Wilson set up Leon but he hit the ball over. SP soon made his first change taking of the effective Barton to good applause and throwing on Willis to tighten things up. Murphy then came to the rescue as he saved well with his feet. Then a sad sight as Christie went down after fair tackle and couldn’t continue SP threw on Louis Gardner for his debut and the Manchester born midfielder showed some good pace when he went forward. Six nervous minutes were shown by the fourth official is was spot on City defended those minutes well and finally Mr Scott blew for full time one and half minutes past the time added on. So a hard working win and a great performance, for once at the back and City leave the bottom four.

Man of the Match
1st Jordan Clarke The new Richard Shaw?
2nd Jon Fleck Controlled midfield
3rd Andrew Webster Won his battles.

Port Vale Vs Coventry City

With Paul dropping one of his daughters off at university and meeting us at Vale I took up the driving duties. After picking everyone up I decided to head up the A444 to the motorway that’s when things started to go wrong as we hit a traffic jam on the road that lasted for 40 minutes by then steam was coming out of the car but the temperature dropped again when we got past the road works. On the M6 and we soon realised most the journey was cut down to 50mph as they had road works this didn’t help my car as we past Wolverhampton it started to over heat again and it flashed a message for me to stop. I pulled into the next service station as the car stalled. Thankfully we had help to push it into a parking bay as steam poured out of the car and it was now past 2 o’clock. I bought some coolant in a garage but didn’t have any water so the attendant filled up a 2-litre bottle for me. Back at the car and after 5 litres of water, Costa kept up the refills and half a bottle of coolant I started the motor only to find water bubbling over the water bottle but when that died down we set off. We made it to Burslem and hit some traffic when the car started to overheat again so we dumped it in the first street we could find a good mile from Vale Park. We reached the ground at 5 to 3 with Paul waiting outside as I had his ticket I got in and the just got my seat to see the kick off as I was in no mood to see a football game. The team was unchanged as Murphy was in goal with Christie, Webster, Jordan and Adams at the back in midfield we had Moussa, Fleck, Thomas and Baker up front we had Wilson and Leon. There was no sign of Lee Hughes on the Vale bench as no doubt Micky “Arthur” Adams knows the strength of feeling amongst the cabbages, as he once called us.

City started well as Vale sat back and tried the long ball to catch us on the counter, as twice as many away fans were present that attends home games. Baker went close with a free kick before having a shot deflected wide. Leon then had to go off for treatment as he picked up a knock, as both our forwards received no protection from Mr Naylor. Wilson then put one just wide. It was nearly all City as Christie had a shot. On the 35th minute Christie lobbed a ball over the defence straight to Wilson he took off and turned the defenders inside out before drawing out the keeper and poking the ball home to City a deserved lead. Vale now hit back but the officials missed a blatant handball in a build that lead to Vale winning a free kick, the set piece was delivered well to Pope whose header beat Murphy to level the game up. City hit back again when Moussa ran on goal and unleashed a terrific shot that was in all the way that was just before half time.

Second half saw MA make changes as former City player Chris Birchall was introduced. Soon the changes worked as Vale stopped City playing and were looking the better side but still no protection for the front two as Wilson went down and minutes later Leon was taken out in a crude tackle Mr Naylor did play a good advantage but incensed the away fans but not bothering with a booking. At the other end Murphy was on hand to pull off a good save but the defence wasn’t looking to solid apart from Jordan and only Fleck and Moussa were playing well in midfield the front two had been kicked out of the game. Pope went close twice before a cross, found the unmarked Loft who scored to level the game up. City meanwhile were too narrow as the fullbacks and Baker failed to produce any quality crosses. Not long after the P.A. got the Vale fans to thank the City supporters for coming and to show their support for the fans who have been affected by the move to Northampton from the Ricoh Arena by giving us a standing ovation. Old Micky Adams thanks to City playing at home on a Sunday had chance to watch City a few times this season and he had done his homework. City kept probing as Baker was kicked in the air by Birchall finally Mr Naylor awarded a yellow card. Leon then had a chance with a free kick that he almost bent around the wall. Again defending is our weakness as Murphy pulled off an excellent save only to see Birchall ram in the rebound. SP threw on Manset but on late goals this time and City slipped to their third defeat of the season all of them 3-2 it is not dull watching City.

Man of the Match
1st John Fleck Ran midfield
2nd Jordan Clarke Coped well at the back
3rd Franck Moussa Great goal

After a walk back to the car and filling up again with water and coolant we decided to miss the traffic and find a different way out but this took us down some of the most deprived streets imaginable a place you wouldn’t like to walk down in the day. We soon rejoined the traffic as the car was behaving itself to face the madding long stretches of 50 mph motorway it is never dull travelling in my car.

Shrewsbury Town Vs Coventry City

We along with a capacity away following travelled to Shrewsbury hoping to revenge last season’s 4-1 hammering one of the lowest points in following City. We arrived at the friendly Greenhous Meadow to find out that Blair Adams have failed a late fitness test. The team was in goal Murphy with Christie, Jordan, Webster and starting only his second game Hynes. In midfield we had Moussa, Fleck, Thomas and the returning Baker leaving the “hot shot” duo up front of Wilson and Leon.

The Shrews started brighter but soon City got into gear and after the third minutes Baker played a great ball sending Wilson through he got around Weald in the Shrews’ goal and rolled the ball into the back of the net to put him clear top scorer in League One. City’s tail was up and the away side were giving Shrewsbury a torrid time as Moussa fired from the edge of the box forcing Weald to parry it away. As the home fans chanted “Salop” I, on my own reminded them who is the County Cricket Champions. City kept up the pressure as it the turn to Leon to force the keeper into a save. City kept attacking and Weald again was in action as he pushed away a Christie cross come shot. City had most of the possession in midfield as Wilson remained the main danger with his pace and he almost added to the score but again Weald saved. Leon then had a shot blocked. Half time came as Radio Shropshire realised City were by far the better team but thankful it was only 1-0.


The frailties at the back were exposed again early in the second half as sub Main was too strong for Jordan and took the ball off him raced down the field and crossed to an unmarked Bradshaw to level the game up. A minute of so after the restart Christie brought down Taylor we all held our breaths as the referee Mr Rushton had given us nothing all game only produced a yellow card. The home side were lifted and most attacks came down the left were Hynes and Jordan were defending. City still looked dangerous going forward as Moussa just put one wide. Not everyone was playing well as Baker looked well off the pace and tended to over hit or over complicates matters. City managed to win a free kick taken by Leon who forced the keeper into yet another save. Christie was proving to be good coming forward as he just missed Wilson with a cross. At the other end Shrewsbury kept up the pressure forcing Murphy to come out on several occasion once with a good punch under pressure. SP decided to make a change but ignore the “bring on the Manset” chant and replaced Baker with Daniels. Wilson then had a chance to break free but was pulled up for a handball. City then had a great chance as Wilson found room and past to Leon but a Town defender put in a brilliant block-tackle to prevent a certain goal. At the other end the home side where winning plenty of corners one when Murphy did well to tip over a shot. City kept looking for a winner whilst the home side seemed more content with a draw and after three minutes of injury time that’s what we got. So still in the minus and only one away league game next month by the time that comes around we should be hopefully in the red.

Man of the Match
1st Callum Wilson Livewire
2nd Cyrus Christie Dangerous
3rd Joe Murphy Important saves and commanded his box well.

Carlisle United Vs Coventry City

Paul decided he didn’t want to drive to just south of Scotland so we five boarded the coach at White Street and it has been some time since I took a coach from there. A steady journey up we arrived in Carlisle with a few hours to spare. Carlisle is so close to Scotland the local radio gave score flashes from the southern teams in the Scottish Leagues and I received a Scottish fiver in my change after buying a pint in a nearby rugby club. In the friendly Brunton Park we remembered the last time we were there a disappointing defeat and battling our way home through the snow. SP kept the side that edged out Bristol City at the neutral ground, in goal was making his 101st appearance was Murphy with Christie, Jordan, Adams and Scottish International Andrew Webster at the back with Fleck, Moussa, Daniels and Thomas in midfield leaving Leon and Wilson up front. Carlisle had conceded 9 goals in their first two league games and manager Greg Abbot said, “League One is a score first and win league”.

City attacked the far end first half and within seconds of the whistle Thomas was hacked down forcing Mr Tierney the referee to show a yellow card in the first minute. Callum Wilson looked lively early on and had a couple of blocked shots. Radio Cumbria’s commentator warned “the worst thing that could happen if Coventry score early”. Three minutes gone when Wilson found Leon, without breaking stride the big forward turned a curled a ball past Gillespie in the goal to give City a good start and the worst possible start for an under confident home side. Not surprisingly City fans were in a good mood and were soon singing, “The Football League has let us down”. Minutes later Daniels and Leon combined to send Moussa through the midfielder skipped and couple of challenges and chipped the ball over the diving keeper to make it two, mad scenes in the away end, as that was the 16th goal witnessed by City fans in the first three league games of the season, which is a new record. Not surprisingly Carlisle hit back but City seemed fairly solid at the back with Webster looking better at the back then the reports of him at the neutral ground. The home side came close when a header sent Murphy peddling back and he tipped over the header that if went in would have been identical to the one they scored here last season. The corner came in and one Carlisle player went to ground in front of Webster maybe it was a penalty. Now this was a massive moment in the game Carlisle score and our defensive confidence could crumble they fail to score then it would be a long road back for the home side. Berrett stepped and placed the ball to Murphy’s right the keeper guessed well and pulled off a good save. Slightly later Adams was floored by a bad challenge that the referee missed from then on Adams had an excellent game. The surge from United was over and City players were enjoying themselves and were in total control as Carlisle were looking very poor at the back failing to give cover down the left allowing Christie and Daniels free reign, Paul kept advising Greg Abbot to play a fullback there. It wasn’t much better down the right either or in the centre was Wilson went close again. Christie then fired across the goal just beyond the forwards. City kept on looking like they were from a different league when Wilson charged into the area and picked out Daniels who finished coolly. Three goals in two games for Billy and we thought we would miss Baker, those goals placed the midfielder joint top scorer in the league along with Wilson. “Just like watching Brazil,” sang the away fans as Wilson was roaming free and came close twice before Moussa went close a couple of times himself as the away fans demanded 10! Half time came with City leading 3-0 for the second game in a row as I tuned in to Radio Cumbria to listen to the excuses. The commentator was down and pointed to the fact that United had a young side out but his expert by his side pointed out that half of Coventry’s team was under 21.

Greg Abbot brought on two players at half time to his credit both attacking players as he went all out for an early goal. One tactic in the first half was to lump a long ball towards Jordan and let a tall forward challenge for it but the defender copped well this half they had what Paul called a “mascot” playing. The changes didn’t make much of a difference as City were in cruise control and it took a smart block by the legs of Gillespie to prevent Christie from scoring. After doing O.K. in the first half referee Mr Tierney started to give everything Carlisle’s way. City looked very comfortable at the back lead by Webster. Moussa then became the third City player to be booked harshly. There was considerable anger with the away fans when the referee restarted play with a drop ball but instead of kicking it back towards City Carlisle launched and attack when it was over the referee gave the Carlisle player responsible a lecture. It was only a matter of time before City scored and this happened when a defender lost possession to Leon, the forward robbed the ball advanced and coolly beat the keeper to make it four and to join Daniels and Wilson at the top of the goal scoring charts. This was our 11th goal in our first three league games a joint record start for City. With the City fans still celebrating Moussa was floored with a bad tackle as we were demanding justices Potts blasted in a shot inside his own half the ball sailed over a shocked Murphy and hit the post before the keeper grabbed it an amazing effort from the Carlisle player. The main architect of most City’s moves was Fleck who was controlling the game. City kept all the pressure looking for the “Old Five” when Wilson was played clean through looking to be only the 8th player in our history to score in the first three league games of the season but Gillespie pulled off a good save. That was the last action for Wilson as former Carlisle forward Manset replaced him. Manset got to work as the City fans sang to “Oh Manset, he’s not from Bosnia, he is a big f**ker”. The player we saw in our pre-season trip to the Netherlands put him self about but his finishing was a little wayward until one thunderous shot shook the crossbar. City still looking for the five when Gillespie somehow kept out another shot. The game ended as we move to minus four points or the top six on form. Reached home just after 9.

Man of the Match
1st Leon Clarke and Callum Wilson Too much of a handful
2nd Jon Fleck Controlled midfield
3rd Blair Adams Best game for a while.

Leyton Orient Vs Coventry City League Cup


A trouble free trip to London saw us arrive early enough for a drink in a café and a pub before making our way into Brisbane Road and finding ourselves in a different stand from last season. SP put out the same side that lost to Crawley, he really doesn’t have much choice was Murphy with Christie, Adams, Willis and Jordan making up the back four. We had Baker, Moussa, Thomas and Fleck in the middle leaving Wilson and Leon up front.

City attacked the end with the 400 odd City fans were housed which about the same number that will attend our “home” games. City started well as Wilson banged in a good cross an Orient player directed it towards goals forcing a great save from their keeper Jones. City kept up the pressure with some good football as a Christie cross just misses an onrushing Leon at the far post. Then Leon and Wilson exchanged passes playing in Moussa who fired narrowly wide. City were busy as Thomas who was showing improvements on his Crawley game had a shot blocked taking the power out of it. With just over twenty minutes gone Murphy quickly played a long ball to Baker on the right, the skipper skipped around a defender before sending his shot into the bottom corner of the net to spark off the celebrations in the away end. “Top of the League you having a laugh”, I sung. City look great going forward but lack experience at the back and this showed when James was free to fire in a shot brilliantly saved by Murphy but the ball fell to Lisbie who scored as our lead lasted just a couple of minutes. Not long after there was confusion in the box, leaving Cox to make it two and to give the home side an undeserved lead. City kept plugging away with the passing game until a Orient player went in two-footed on Fleck which the referee Mr Whitestone missed or ignored he later booked Leon for telling him what action he should have took. Moussa was still looking the major threat and just before the break a thumping shot has Jones beaten but the ball bounced the wrong way off the post. In injury time Murphy did well to keep City in touch with a good save.

City again started well as Leon hit a shot from nowhere forcing a good save from Jones. Then in the 55th minute Baker threw himself into a tackle from our distance it look fair but the referee immediately flashed a red card. I went off on my “the Football League hates us conspiracy theory” rant. Down to ten men and losing everything seemed to be going against us again that was until Wilson found Moussa and the midfielder wormed his way into the box and blasted the ball home to send the away into a frenzy. This was another great game and watching City could be entertaining just a shame our board and the League are trying to ruin things, I told you I got a League hates us theory. Lisbie looked threat all night head one wide but it was City who looked like they had the most players playing some great football despite having a player down. Then Leon had a ball and he got past Cuthber in defence and the defender brought him down penalty. For some reason the defender stadied down as the away fans demanded a red card for deigning a clear goal scoring opportunity but the referee decided to ignore the rules and only booked him. Leon hit the penalty to the keeper’s right and he saved it. Orient seemed to up the tempo from then on as City started to run out of steam. Deep in the match Lisbie met a cross and the forward headed past Murphy to leave me to reflect “there is no justice in football”. We left the ground with the stewards said we played well as we headed for home. Made it back at 12.30

Man of the Match
1st Franck Moussa Dangerous all night
2nd Callum Wilson Could turn out to be a find
3rd Cyrus Christie Best attacking right back in the division

Crawley Town Vs Coventry City

It had been the worst summer ever for City with 10 points deduction and maybe more on the way meaning the 9 month season was already over as we set off south. It was the earliest ever start for a football league season as they tried to reduce the number of midweek league games. Being early August plenty of holidaymakers were still on the motorway and with Crawley just north of Brighton we were caught up in traffic congestion even trying to get into a motorway service café need us to queue. We arrived in Crawley at 2 but after last season we now know the lay out of the ground and the best places to park. After parking we chatted to some Crawley fans who could believe that the club hadn’t snapped up the offer of the £150,000 pa rent to play at the Rioch, Crawley’s ground too is owned by their council but they have no problems. There was a good turn out of City fans over three times the number of season ticket holders and no other club could claim that. In the ground SP sent out his team and there was no surprises in the line up as he had hardly any choice. In goal was Murphy with Christie, Adams, Willis and Jordan making up a very young and short back four. We had Baker, Moussa, Thomas and Fleck in the middle leaving Wilson and Leon up front.

City attacked the far end in the first half as plenty of anti Sisu songs were sung we even had a brief anti ACL chant as well for balance. Despite the off-field problems which must of have a bad effect on players’ moral City didn’t start too badly as Baker found room and blasted before Leon had a shot blocked. A couple of shouts for “handball”, was ignored by the referee but they may have been more ball–to-hand. At our end Murphy was forced to push a shot wide and defend a couple of corners in a lively encounter. Then a move from the back as Procter was allowed to move forward and beat Murphy with a superb shot from outside the area. City hit back with a fairly quiet Leon heading wide. The performance of the referee Mr Collins came in for some attention as he struggled to give the correct decisions over corners. Fleck had the ball then was fouled not spotted by the referee then he awarded a corner that never should have been. The corner was sent in leaving an unmarked Walsh to head Crawley into a two-goal lead. Their was plenty of anger in the away end fuelled by a summer that everything went against us, hot weather and beer, five fans made it onto the pitch before being removed by the stewards. After a brief hold up in play the game continued. It looked like City’s inexperience at the back would cost us big as Crawley hit the post. At the other end Wilson and Moussa had chances but we were relieved we just trailed by two at half time.

City started well in the second half as Christie forced a save from the keeper before a chant of “sit down if you hate Sisu” rang out as the terrace sat down, seconds later most had their shoes off for the same reason before we all started bouncing. It was a good atmosphere and it is still amazing we can take a thousand plus away after what has happened not just the summer but also the last 40 odd years. Leon then headed wide but he had a quiet game well marshalled by their defenders. There was now good banter from the City fans towards the stewards and a chant of “he must be on steroids” was aimed at a well-muscled steward he showed us his biceps. City were playing a lot better as the hard working Wilson placed a header just wide. With an hour gone City created another chance as Leon was upended in the area before we could shout “penalty” Moussa fired and the ball ran loose but Wilson was there to slide the ball home to give City a goal. This may of prevented a massive pitch invasion as rumours where City fans were to go on after the hour mark. Crawley were now on the back front a relied on counter-attacks and they should have done better on two of them. Willis went off injured forcing SP to give Aron Phillips his debut, which meant we had three right backs playing. Aaron is the son of former Cup Finalist David Phillips and became only the fifth third father/son to play for City after Dudley and Ted Roberts, the Hatleys, the Goulds and the Strachans. Things got better as Moussa met a cross to incredibly draw the team level. City fans were still singing when Jones was played through to give Crawley back the lead. City couldn’t come back from that as the game ended. Considering what had gone on it was a good second half performance but it is going to be a very long season with rumours all our senior players are about to be let go.

Back out of Crawley we hit a major hold up with an accident involving a motorbike after queuing for over an hour and a break for a coffee I hit home at 10.30 over twelve hours after I had left home and with only a minimum of another 23 trips left.

Man of the Match
1st Callum Wilson Hard work and a goal
2nd Franck Moussa Scored
3rd Blair Adams Looked composed

There ya go Choccy...a bit late I know...sorry chap... ... ...belated B/day pressie for you...lol.