Choccy's match reports...2016/17

Blackburn Rovers vs Coventry City

The last away game of a historic season was upon me as I drove up the M6 to Blackburn. This was my 9th visit to Ewood my first 3 we conceded 13 goals, but since 1997 I haven’t seen us loose here. With a growing injury list, we had Kelly, Eccles and O’Hare in midfield, Collins kept hold of his place as the keeper as many wanted Wilson back, the defenders were van Ewijk, Kitching, Thomas and da Silva, with Palmer, Wright and Simms in the attacking roles. Rovers had former City defenders Hyam and McFadzean in the side, we sang the song of the latter as he left us, with the City fans saying goodbye. They needed a win to keep from relegation we needed a win to keep our slim Play Off hopes alive.

Eccles had the first shot of the game, going wide after a da Silva pass. Without a doubt their dangerman was Sammie Szmodics, top scorer in the Championship, remarkable for a player at a struggling team. Rankie-Cosstello got the first shot on target as Rovers were looking the better side and City were already looking like they were “on the beach”. After 12 minutes a Dolan shot was pushed away by Collins, but it fell to Szmodics, but for once his shot was high and it was still level. Szmodics then got one on target, Collins saved, and he saved the rebound as well. Then the best move of the game O’Hare came forward and played a great curved pass to Palmer, but Kasey dummied to let the ball run to Wright whose shot was saved. Despite that it was mostly Blackburn as Collins kept out a shot on his near post from Szmodics again. It wasn’t the best of games as the first half came to a close.

The second half weren’t much different as Blackburn missed with a flying header, then finally some drama, as Palmer had the ball for a Rovers’ throw in, they were not happy and their manager tried to wrestle the ball off Kasey, the players raced over and the ref had to sort it out, yellow for Palmer for time wasting and a harsh red for their manager, only then did I remember their manage is former City player John Eustace, “Super John Eustace”, I sang, “Stupid John Eustace”, Kev replied. Then we had a chance at our end Wright played in Kelly at a narrow angle, his shot hit the near post, curved and hit the far post, before going out. Minutes later Eccles lost the ball and Fadz broke, he played in Gallacher, and he raced off, he got in front of Kitching and Liam tugged him over, was he the last defender, yes said the ref, so Kitching was shown his third red card of the season, a new record according to City historian Jim Brown. Yasin Ayari came on for Rovers, he played for us early in the season but was pretty poor. Now down to ten, Blackburn fans woke up a bit. Changes had to be made and no surprise when Latibeaudiere came on to plug the hole in defence with Simms going off. Now Rovers were on the front foot as Szmodics fired wide again. Collins saved from Brittain as City were digging in. Godden replaced Simms and Allen replaced Eccles. Blackburn hit the post. We were looking solid, and Rovers were struggling to break us down. Bidwell replaced O’Hare and then a new player as forward Aidan Dausch replaced Wright. Both Moran and Fadz had shots on target. Into injury time and Kyle McFadzean was announced as Player of the game, City fans broke into a chorus of his song. The game ended with a good point, but we were no longer able to make the Play Offs.
Away fans stayed behind to say goodbye to Fadz, which radio pundit and former City player Kevin Gallacher praised. Good run home, got back by 8.

Player of the game
1st Bradley Collins: Kept them out, but we need a new keeper.
2nd Bobby Thomas: Helped to shore up the defence.
3rd Callum O’Hare Was our best player going forward.

Coventry City vs Manchester United


Well after the event how the flip am I going to write about this?
The drama was yet to come as I set off at 7.45 from my house, the road signs on the ring road had the message “Good luck to Coventry City, PUSB”. Driving to Kev’s and seeing and beeping a workmate on the way to the game. At Kev’s I picked him, Rachel and another Rachel up. I drove them to Warwick, hoping to avoid the chaos we had leaving from Leamington for the Play Offs. After a mere 50 minutes wait in a good-natured queue in the multistorey car park, we boarded the train, this time finding seats. A good journey down to The Smoke and headed for a Wetherspoons, after a quick drink, I couldn’t order any food on their app, so crossed the road to a Popeyes for chicken and chips. Off to the Arch and after a couple of walks around the stadium, I entered. Found my seat and then set off looking for people I knew. The main target was someone, I think that used to be on the old chat forum, we used to be on, Nickola Davoski from Bulgaria, found him and we had a chat, he flew over on his own with the cost of the game setting him back £220. Back to my seat and my “home buddies” were drifting in, Graham and his two adult kids Seth and Kate, who organised the tickets, Graham’s newest wife, also older fan Keith and his ever-growing grandson Ollie and of cause Paul McKay. Each seat had a Coventry City flag on it. By now we knew the line-up it was Collins, van Ewijk, Kitching, Collins, Latibeaudiere, Bidwell, Eccles, Sheaf, O’Hare, Wright and Simms. United were packed with very expensive players. Pre-match build up included “We live and die in these towns”, by the Enemy, and where I was it sounded and looked spectacular. Now it was the turn of United, which great artist from a list of greats from there City would they pick? Well none they opted for a lad from West Virginia, but this backfired as we sang the Country Roads song louder.

The game got underway with City attacking the far end. It was a very slow start to the game with City sitting back and letting United have the ball. We were keeping them at arm’s length and defending well but allowing them too much of the ball. Milan was the only player close to any of the United’s players skill. Then after 23 minutes an attack down our right a ball was played in along the six-yard box, Collins should have cut it out, but didn’t and McTominay had a tap-in and The Reds were in the lead. City got more into the game and one move saw Simms slide in for a goal, but a United player got his boot in first for a good interception. The game wasn’t great with United allowed to keep possession. Then in injury time Rashford connected to a great effort in the box and Collins did well to knock the effort over the bar. From the corner, their most dangerous player from set pieces, Maguire got space and the last thing we needed was a late goal against. Two nil down not looking good for any upset.

MR made a tactical change in the 2nd half he pushed van Ewijk up field, now City were pressing and not allowing United so much time on the ball and things were looking better. The fans were lifted, and Paul said one of his catchphrases “a goal and were back in this”. City were buzzing around their box, but United stood firm and their keeper wasn’t troubled, still he was annoying the City fans with some blatant time wasting. Then a swift counter by United, saw Fernades shot, it took a deflection off Thomas’ calf and 3-0. We hoped they wouldn’t get any more and turn it into a rout, but game over anyway. Still the City fans were there to enjoy themselves and we were doing just that. Robins then rang the changes off went Kitching, who wasn’t having the best of days, Latibeaudiere and Eccles, Milan moved back to right back as Binks, Torp and Tavares came on. Despite being three down, the changes lifted City with Fabio now an outlet on the right and Torp driving in midfield. Minutes later O’Hare, who was starting to get the ball, squared it to Fabio, he curled in a cross, and Simms swept the ball home 3-1. I thought, “Good, not a hammering and a Wembley goal”, I was happy with that, it was the scoreline I thought it was going to be anyway, but this year I joined the supporters predict the scoreline competition and as, yet I have failed to get a single scoreline, the number of goals for each side, correct. The goal lifted the crowd again. Eight minutes later a good move saw O’Hare have a blast, it struck the back of a United player and it seemed to loop over the crossbar, but then we saw the roof of the net ripple from underneath, somehow it had gone in. City fans were going mad, we were back in the tie, we couldn’t believe it, “the obligatory Wembley own goal”, I said. Now everyone was up for this and United were shrinking. Meanwhile da Silva had come on for Bidwell and the left back got stuck into his attacking mode. Now City had width on both wings, Torp was driving forward, O’Hare was finding the pockets. At the other end Thomas executed a perfectly timed rugby tackle, and was booked by a ref, I thought, did alright in the game. Five minutes to go and in the box, Torp blasted a shot on target, their keeper did really well to get it over the bar. Finally, their keeper, Onana, was booked for timewasting, after the yellow card he decided to have a drink, I would have sent him off. Into injury time and a pass across the six-yard box, suddenly the City players appealed, and the ref pointed to the spot, after checking by VAR the penalty stood but no booking for the player. So, how dramatic an injury time pen, Wright pulled rank on O’Hare and took the pen, beating Onana and somehow and unbelievably we were level. What an incredible fight back against one of the biggest teams in the world, this City side never fails to amaze me. We almost won it as well as Tavares found Simms but his effort was blocked.

Extra time and the first period United crashed the ball off the underside of the crossbar and Collins was called into action later on.

Tavares had to go off after being clattered earlier on in the game as United were struggling to cope with him. On came Godden. Second period as Maguire had a shot saved from a narrow angle. City got back into the game and were looking the stronger team, da Silva was booked for a miss timed tackle, no arguments. Then a sweeping move, with some one-touch passing saw Wright on the edge of the box, he shot, we held our breaths, but it went wide. Then even later Simms with his back to goal, wriggled clear turned and hit the crossbar. Into injury time Wright got the ball and the next thing we knew the ball was in the back of the net, pandemonium in the away end, fans hugging each other, it was a miracle, City were heading to the final of the FA Cup, then the thing we dreaded VAR. We knew given a chance they would rule out our goal and they did as Wright’s toe was off side of a United’s player’s toe, but the United’s player’s arm, was playing him on side, but they don’t look at such things, The FA didn’t want a Championship side in the final anyway.

To penalties, again, Onana picked up another booking, but by some truly bizarre rule, wasn’t sent off or even suspended. Manchester won the shoot out and they hardly celebrated. United fans left in their droves, meanwhile the numbers stayed back in the Sky Blue sections as we showed our appreciation for the great effort.

I left feeling proud, deflated and cheated.

Back on the train, this was packed and an extended family group from Solihull plonked themselves down on the train floor near our seats after just watching the London Marathon. They were Birmingham City fans and said they felt gutted for us as well, to cheer everyone up Kev started to sing, “Sh** on the Villa” they joined in. We chatted with them on the train journey home. After dropping Kev and Rachel off, I dropped the other Rachel off and got home, with my Sky Blue flag, at 10.30, what a day.

Man of the Match
1st Milan van Ewijk: Outstanding
2nd Victor Torp: Should be in our folk law as the player that got us to the final
3rd Fabio Tavares: So good they had to kick him out of the game.

Birmingham City Vs Coventry City

As a rehearsal for next week, we took the train. After a short trip we reached Brum, walking to the ground a couple of Blues fans, noticed we are Coventry fans, because of our accents as we talked about Mowbray, who is not in good condition with either prostate or bowl cancer. Into the ground and my biggest fear was, Birmingham are fighting for their lives, we had a big game next week, so would we be distracted? Also, The Blues have a terrible record against us that had to change sometime. The line up was Collins, Latibeaudiere, Thomas, Kitching, Bidwell, Torp, Sheaf, van Ewijk, Palmer, Ellis and Wright.

The game got underway with City attacking the far end. We started well when van Ewijk got forward, fired in a cross, it went wide and Palmer, got it back to him and Milan just flashed it wide. After that start Birmingham started to get forward going wide just a few times. It wasn’t looking good as Collins saved a shot. After 12 minutes they got down the left and past Latibeaudiere, a shot came in and Thomas dived in, it deflected off the defender for another own goal. Birmingham were buzzing as Palmer was brought down by a bad foul and Sunjic went into the book by a ref who ran the game well. Then a chance a long ball forced their keeper out of the box, he headed it out and it fell to Wright, he fired the ball back in, it looked a goal all the way, until it bounced and hit the crossbar. It was still mostly Blues and City didn’t turn up, Latibeaudiere was having a nightmare. Then in the last five minutes, they won a corner, it came out to Sunjic and he blasted it through a ruck of players and into the net. Half time Blues two-up.

Changes for the second half off went Thomas, Bidwell and Torp, on came Tavares, da Silva and Eccles. We started well as Palmer fired one in from outside the box, forcing a save from their keeper. Simms had a shot blocked. At the other end of the pitch Latibeaudiere tangled with one of their players, I was fearing a soft red card, but the ref settled for a couple of yellows. We had a couple of corners, but da Silva’s delivery wasn’t good. Then it was three, all too easily. Eccles was booked before The Solihull Messi came on. The Blues were still looking like they wanted it more than The Sky Blues, no surprise. It was nearly four with a diving header straight at Collins. Simms isolated all game but late on he dribbled into the area and had a shot on target that was blocked. So, a 3-0 defeat with City minds on next week.

Leaving the ground, we caught both trains spot on and got back to Coventry at 5:50, great journey.

Man of the Match
1st No one: No one deserved it
2nd No one: Like above
3rd: The trains: Brilliant.

Southampton vs Coventry

After the highs of the Leeds win, it didn’t get any easier as we travelled to 4th placed Southampton. This was my 14th trip to the city, 7 at the Dell and now 7 at St Mary’s. The drive down was fine, but then we hit Southampton, a place that had one B Road, leading into the city centre and as normal heavy traffic. We got to St Mary’s with just under an hour to go. The team was, in first names Bradley, Joel, Bobby, Liam, Jake, Josh, Ben, Callum, Milan, Haji and Ellis. The Saints had two former City players in Jack Stephens and Adam Armstrong.

We attacked the far end in the first half in front of another large away following. After only three minutes Latibeaudiere was harshly booked by a referee from the Isle of Wight, so another “big” team and another “local” referee, I hope we get a ref from Nuneaton for the Cup Semi Final. A Southampton player pull down a City player, the City players asked for a yellow card, but the local ref waved them away. The Saints started the better but after six minutes van Ewijk played in Latibeaudiere he went down the ref awarded a penalty. Wright got up to take it, but he hit the bar, the ref stopped play as Wright made double contact with the ball as he slipped in taking it. At the other end Armstrong went down in the area, but thankfully no penalty, as he was accused of diving. After 18 minutes the breakthrough, Stephens fired in a shot that was deflected off Walker-Peters to give them the lead. They were the better side but looking back on it clearly came off the arm of the player, the local ref missed it, if we had V.A.R., it would have been ruled out. Southampton were looking good and looking like a team in the Play Off zone, meanwhile City were looking leggy. Southampton had the ball in the net, but it was clearly offside. Bidwell then came in for one of his famous interventions clearing a ball from near his penalty area over the bar. Then it looked like two as Armstrong was played in, despite looking a mile offside, he advanced on goal, but Collins got a hand to the ball and pushed it away for a corner. It was mostly Saints as Collins saved again. The corner came in, it was headed towards goal, Collins tried to slap the ball away, but didn’t make great contact, allowing Adams a tap in with his head, it was a bad mistake from Collins. Eccles then picked up a yellow card, as City needed to hold on until half time. Meanwhile main rivals, Norwich were two-up at Sheffield, it looked like the Play Off challenge was ending tonight. Their first player also went into the book. We made it to half time as the team needed a shakeup.

No subs at half time as the Sky Blues were attacking our end. Early in the half van Ewijk ran into the keeper and was winded, some Saints fans were booing, like he was wasting time, the home fans soon settled down and didn’t do much singing. Twist and Shout struck up from the away end, our song of defiance. Milan went off and Tavares came on, the Portuguese forward, got straight into the action and looked lively. At the other end Armstrong had a shot on target. City were slowly getting more into the game, as we had a couple of efforts blocked and an O’Hare shot that went wide. Tavares then went close as his shot out wide took a deflection and hit the top of the net. Then in the build up a City player was clattered to the ground, ignored by the ref, the ball went out to Fabio, he swung in a cross and Bidwell steamed in to bury the ball, for his first goal of the season and only his second for us. Now we were back in the game and news from Sheffield saw them now draw level with Norwich, The Play Offs were not over. City were now looking the better side as Torp replaced Eccles. At the other end Collins saved from Adams. Palmer and da Silva replaced Bidwell and the hard-working O’Hare. Kasey’s first action was to set Simms up, who fired at the keeper, but a square ball could have let in Wright for a better chance. Into injury time and Wright had a chance to fire the ball across the six-yard box but opted to shoot.

So, a defeat against one of the best sides in the division, with plenty of money as well. Then a long trek back to the car and to tackle the horrible single-track lane out of the city, away fans must love our triple lane A road to the motorway. After getting out of Southampton, it was a good run home, reaching there at 1.30.

Man of the Match
1st Jake Bidwell: A goal for the terminator.
2nd Fabio Taveres: Looked lively and set one up.
3rd Joel Latibeaudiere: Had to mark Armstrong all night with an early booking and won a penalty.

Coventry City vs Leeds United

Fans of Coventry City turned up at The CBS shocked and stunned, we had a Saturday home League game at 3 o’clock for the first time this year and the first since the 11th of November! Today we faced Leeds, a team unbeaten in 15 games, in which they have won 13. The manager put out an attacking line up with O’Hare coming in and Palmer and Wright supporting Simms up front. Sheaf and Eccles in the holding roles, van Ewijk back in defence with Kitching, Thomas and Bidwell, Collins in goal. Before the game our main rivals Norwich beat Ipswich, which gave a boost to Leeds promotion bid and if we lost, it would mean a 7-point gap to the Play Offs.

The game got under way with Leeds in an away strip of salmon pink. Leeds like to move the ball quickly with Summerville one of their best players, he gave us problems at Elland Road, refused to shake hands after the game and was one of the players that squared up to Thomas after the game, so Summerville was booed throughout the first half. It was Leeds, neat approach play that caused problems early on, but Collins and the City defenders managed to block the shots, preventing an effort on target. Then after six minutes breaking up an attack Sheaf to O’Hare, City sprang forward, Simms got the ball but was hacked down by Gruev, the ref played advantage as Wright ran away with the ball into the area and his shot had to be tipped away by their keeper, the ref awarded a corner and booked Gruev. Eccles took the set piece, Thomas got a head to it, but knocked it towards the goal line, he reacted quickly and hooked the ball back into play, Kitching, headed it on, but it looked like it was heading straight into the keepers’ hands, until Simms popped up to head it home at point blank. Yet another goal for Ellis and the ground was rocking. Minutes later it was almost two, as Palmer, found Wright, Haji to O’Hare, back to Wright and O’Hare again who forced a save from their keeper. City fans were singing “On the march with Robins’ army” and “Wembley again, Wembley again, o-lay-o-lay”. Leeds looked flustered and their following stuck in the corner of the ground were being out sung. Palmer then had a shot on target after Wright set him up. The away side were still very dangerous, and one move saw a low ball across the area and Bamford came close to making contact. Eccles was then injured but the game continued with booing from the home fans, before the ball went out of play. City looked comfortable in nullifying Leeds’ attack; Summerville was in Milan’s back pocket as the game went on in front of a packed home gate. Despite it being a warm day it was very windy, two of Collins kicks caught the wind and hardly made it to the halfway line. Half time City in control but only leading by a single goal.

Early in the second half O’Hare went forward and seemed to be knocked off the ball, Leeds attacked and won a free kick on the edge of the area. The free kick was floated into the far post Rodon headed it towards goal, Collins pushed it away, Sheaf cleared the ball and van Ewijk, showed a great first touch to bring the ball under control and set off on a run up field. He showed great pace and carried the ball into the other half. He checked back and played the ball to Eccles, he swung in a first time cross to Wright, who got clear of his marker, with only the keeper to beat Haji leant one way, the keeper dived to his right, but Haji hit a side foot volley with the outside of his boot, rolling the ball into the opposite corner, a great finish. Two up and flying, but now City started to sit back and invited Leeds to come forward, but City were in a solid shape, with Eccles breaking up attacks and Thomas a tower at the back. It was Eccles that cut out a dangerous Summerville cross. Minutes later it was the same player in the box he arrowed a shot towards goal, but Bidwell threw himself at it with a diving header, to clear the ball over the bar, a brilliant piece of defending by The Terminator. The attendance was shown on the scoreboard and the 30,000 + crowd was the biggest ever to watch a League game at the ground, it wasn’t that long ago the North Stand was closed for the lack of interest. Back to the game and Bidwell picked up a silly booking for holding on to the ball and preventing a throw in. Collins was called into action to save a shot as it was all Leeds but they were struggling to create a clear scoring opportunity. Latibeaudiere replaced Palmer and Joel dropped back in defence and Milan went forward. Sheaf picked up a yellow card for consistence fouling, by the referee who was getting on the nerves of City fans as I kept reminding everyone the referee is from Yorkshire, he lives in Wakefield. Then all that pressure paid off as Leeds found room and Piroe put them back into it, we now had a very nervy 15 minutes plus to see out the game. The atmosphere cranked up a few levels as we were biting out nails. Torp replaced O’Hare, who had his best game for a while. Now the referee from Yorkshire seemed to be giving everything Leeds way, Leeds were trying their best to influence the official, one player hit the deck holding his head like it had been hit by a cricket bat, no card for him despite clear simulation. Collins saved again and the tension was high. Deep into the game Simms was being held, ignored by the ref, until Simms held back, there was a slight scuffle and the ref booked Simms and Ampadu. Minutes later the same player was clattered into the advertising hoarding and the ref ruled it a good tackle. Da Silva replaced Wright to see out the game. Into injury time Eccles was booked for a foul, not the only card he got on his 24th birthday. The free kick halfway in our half, was played in and Piroe only had Collins to beat, but he scuffed the shot allowing Brad to clear it with his foot. Leeds won a series of corners deep into the game, the last one their keeper came up for, it was played short, but Bidwell cleared to send van Ewijk free, then the ref blew for full time, a great win and the Play Offs are still on. Many of the City fans remained behind to celebrate as van Ewijk did his now familiar post victory celebration punches to each stand. We left singing “We live and die in these towns”, by The Enemy.

Player of the match
Too harsh to give someone third place so joint 1st Thomas, Eccles and van Ewijk.

Huddersfield Town vs Coventry City

It was a slow journey up the M1 near Sheffield because of roadworks and the bank holiday traffic. Off the motorway and we were on the “b” road that connects Huddersfield to the M1, we were further delayed as we found ourselves behind a tractor. We got to their ground in a time it would almost take to get to Plymouth. Josh Eccles was the only survivor that started last season’s win here, the goal scorers that day were Gyökeres, with two, Hamer with one and Walker with one! Things have changed, the line up was Collins in goal, Latibeaudiere, Thomas, Kitching and Bidwell at the back. Veteran Eccles alongside Sheaf in midfield, van Ewijk in his new wide role, or was he a wingback? Wright was the other wide player, but he might have been playing up front, I can see why Wolves got confused. In the attacking midfield role was former Huddersfield player Palmer, with Simms up front.

The Terriers were in the bottom two but defeat here and wins elsewhere and our aim to make the play-offs could be very tricky. We attacked the far end in the first half. The home fans, back by a drum were trying to create a good atmosphere. The home side looking lively early on as they buzzed around the box, and Kitching brought down a player out wide trying to go past him and was harshly booked. The Sky Blues got more into their stride as Wright tested the keeper, after Palmer played him through. City were doing well blocking shots as the “Que sera sear we’re going to Wembley” song rang out. Then a foul identical to the one Kitching was booked for, happened at the other end, at least the ref showed consistency with a booking. The home side were shading it, but then we held our breaths as Latibeaudiere slipped and headed a ball straight to Koroma, who raced through on goal from a narrow angle, but Collins closed him down and blocked the shot. After 16 minutes Palmer played the ball forward to Simms, he was wide in the penalty area, with a defender between him and the goal, “see what you can do here, Simms”, came a shout from someone to my left, well, Simms controlled the ball, cut outside, before curling a shot into the top corner of the goal, a great finish and City were off again. Minutes later Palmer won the ball in midfield escaped from two of their players, advanced and played in van Ewijk, he entered the area and picked out Simms for a simpler finish and 2-0 in next to no time. This made Simms the highest scoring player in the top four divisions in all competitions. Three minutes later, it nearly got worse for the home side when Wright played in Simms, he only had the keeper to beat, but Nicholls was quick off his line to prevent another Simms hattrick. City now took complete control of the game, Town had run out of ideas and tended to fall over a lot. In the stands it was “We’re on the march with Coventry City”, to the old Andy Cameron song for the 1978 World Cup, and “Who the f**k are Man United”, it reminded me the 1980’s. Soon the atmosphere died, because it was so comfortable for City. With the game heading to half time and out of nothing Kasumu decided to try a shot from long-range, and it was a good one clipping the outside of the post, waking us up. Sheaf then went into the book for a nothing tackle. Wright was left on the ground after a tackle from behind that the ref missed, before half time came around and City coasting to three points.

Early in the half another Town player hit the deck, but it must have been a bad landing as he was replaced. Then at the other end Huddersfield got into a good position and Rudoni was the second Terriers’ player to hit the woodwork. Palmer had a shot blocked before he flew in with a tackle, that looked good, but the ref said was a foul and despite the protests didn’t book the former Huddersfield loan player. That was his last action as O’Hare replaced him. Not a huge amount of singing as the away fans tried to lift the atmosphere with “Twist n Shout”. The game was plodding along when O’Hare forced a save from their keeper. Then Wright got another on target as City were coasting to victory. Wright got into the area and went down, but the defender, clearly got the ball so no penalty. With 11 minutes to go the ball went back to Collins, he tried to pass it out but straight to Wiles, he passed and got the ball back and scored. Suddenly we were nervous, the home crowd got back into it. Town were sniffing blood when Jones fired, but Collins got a hand to it to turn it over the bar. Passing was going astray, and we were hoping for the final whistle. Changes were made, Torp came on for Eccles and Simms was replaced by Godden who scored on our first competitive game here. Thomas went into the book, no arguments about the yellow card, this time. Collins then picked up a card for time wasting, before pulling of another save as 90 minutes approached. Into injury time and a great block by Bidwell to prevent a shot on target. City seemed to have weathered the storm when we got forward, van Ewijk found Wright, on the edge of the area, he held up the ball, finding room, going inside and placing the ball beyond their keeper to wrap the game up, another injury time goal by Haji. Kelly replaced Sheaf.

So, a good win and we keep pace with the 6th placed team. The journey back was far smoother.

Man of the Match
1st Kasey Palmer: Ran the game until he went off.
2nd Ellis Simms: Too hot to handle.
3rd Milan van Ewijk: Now can play in midfield as well.

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Coventry City

The big day had arrived a FA Cup quarterfinal clash at Wolves. It was only just up the M6, so no problem, well no, the main slip road to Wolverhampton was closed and thanks to an accident, we had 40 minutes delays, we got off the motorway early and took a back route via Darlaston. We got to the ground with just over an hour before kick-off. This was my first ever away quarter final. We were playing Premier League’s 8th best team, but they had some injuries. They also play in a shade of yellow and all three teams we beat so far, also played in a similar kit. I climbed my way to the top tier of the Stan Cullis stand, a good view but high up. It was a safe standing area. This was my 12th visit to this ground the first was a friendly some 29 years ago, frightening! The line up was Collins, van Ewijk, Thomas, Latibeaudiere, Kitching, Bidwell, Eccles, Sheaf, Palmer, Wright and Simms. Their team contained four players from Portugal.

The game got underway to a roar from the City faithful in the Stan Cullis stand and along the side in the Steve Bull Stand. Wolves held the ball for the first 90 seconds before it went out for a goal kick. After settling down, City started to play well and van Ewijk was upended with a foul by Ait-Nouri who went into the book. City won a corner then did Wolves as the Sky Blues were competing. Then another corner and their keeper, Sa, went down with an injury, but after some treatment he was fine. Simms set up Palmer for a blocked shot before Wright dragged a shot just wide. It was clear to see Wolves were class coming forward, with neat interchange and quick triangular passing the defenders had to be on their toes to cut out the crosses. After a promising first 20 minutes Wolves started to have more of the ball and City players blocked their shots. One player that was getting on my nerves from the first minutes was Spanish forward Sarabia, every time Collins had the ball his arms would shoot up claiming time wasting. Sheaf was working hard in midfield breaking up their attacks. Then a slip up in defence as Bidwell tried to let the ball run out of play, but a player got it back and centred it, it looked like a goal all the way, but three times City players blocked the shot and we survived. It was Semedo who had the first shot on target as Wolves looked for a way in and found it, thankfully the shot was straight at the keeper. Wolves came close again, as more blocks prevented a shot on target. City regained composure and went forward, a slip in defence, allowed Wright to shoot, Sa pushed the ball away to his right, Bidwell cottoned on to it and squared it to an unmarked Simms, with only the keeper to beat, but instead of hitting it straight he side footed back to Sa, a bad miss, we had our heads in our hands, but at least we had threatened the Wolves’ goal unlike Brighton in the last round. Wolves’ fans were not making much of a noise as they tried to win the FA Cup for the first time since 1960! City now had the bit between their teeth in the last five minutes as Simms set up Palmer to shoot on target, then a great ball by Ellis sent van Ewijk clean through out wide, it looked like a goal all the way, but Sa did well to come out and block the shot. Half time City competing and having the best chances.

2nd half the Sky Blues attacked towards our end. Wolves came close with some clever approach player early on. Soon The Sky Blues were threatening again as Latibeaudiere forced one wide. 53 minutes in City won a free kick, Palmer swung it in, Wright, flung himself at it, but missed, leaving Simms to scramble the ball over the line to give us the lead. We couldn’t believe it; we were leading in the FA Cup Quarter final. The players got back to the centre circle, but there was an VAR enquiry, something we are not used to, we waited and waited “F**k VAR”, we sang as it was taking ages, waited and waited, as they were trying their best to rule out the goal, finally the ref got the signal and pointed to the centre circle “GOAL”. It took them around seven minutes to decide as the ball hit Simms’ arm on the way in, but it hit the hand of a Wolves player just before, so either a penalty and a red card, or a goal. “Wembley, Wembley”, we sang. Wolves made a couple of changes. It seemed the ref was giving them everything that fed my conspiracy theory that the FA wanted us out so not to change the date of the Play Off Final. They won a free kick in which, Doyle placed over from close in, direct from the free kick. After the surge from Wolves, City settled down again, as Wright was played in, Sa, saved well, the ball fell to Eccles outside the box, he blasted it, and it looked like a goal all the way until Sa sprang to his left to keep it out. Eccles picked up the ball and crossed, Wright planted a firm header, but Sa had got off the ground for an easy catch, City then made their first change off went Palmer, who caused problems, but tended to lose the ball as well and on came O’Hare. It was a cracking game as Collins then pulled off a good save from a shot from a Portuguese player. Then the ref missed O’Hare being caught by a high boot, he had to go off for treatment. Then it was another close call as a Wolves free kick came in, it was headed on, only for a header to hit the post. Both Simms and O’Hare forced the keeper into saves. City were defending well as the count down to Wembley was on as the ref blew for a foul on O’Hare, Semedo sarcastically applauded the decision and finally the moaning arrogant little so-and-so went into the book. Sa then saved again this time from Kitching; the Portuguese keeper was single handedly keeping the Premier side in it. Then a deep cross into out box, Latibeaudiere tried to block but it spun off his knee and Ait-Nouri pounced to level the game up. With two minutes to go Wolves played from their own box, a great show of flowing football, we couldn’t lay a glove on them and Beuno finished us off. “A brave quarter final defeat, we played well and will gain encouragement from the game.” I was thinking. The Wolves fans woke up and sang Wembley. Well, this City doesn’t think like that as Wright planted a header just wide as we entered 9 minutes of added on time, most for the VAR decision. Torp replaced Eccles and we decided to increase the number of Portuguese on the field as Fabio replaced Latibeaudiere. Collins saved one at the other end as Wolves seemed to be heading for Wembley. Seven minutes into injury time City attacked down the left, Wright, got wide and put in a cross, Thomas flicked it on only for Simms, to find room and plant a header past Sa, 2-2, the away end went mad, we had rescued the game and taken it into extra time, or did we? Deep into the game, O’Hare, escaped down the left, resisted a shirt tug and played it low to Simms, Ellis first touch went out to Wright, now everything went into slow motion as Haji coolly curled the ball around Sa, to spark off total pandemonium in the stands, strangers hugged each other, fans went mad, some were filling up with emotion, what a game. Players celebrated in front of us, Palmer was booked for racing from the bench to join in. A minute or so later the ref blew for full time, we couldn’t believe it, we were in the semifinal of the FA Cup. Not even the normal delays getting out of Wolverhampton could dampen the mood, it what has to be one of the greatest moments in our history.

Man of the Match
1st Ellis Simms: Two goals, one assist, a beast of a player that is getting better and better.
2nd Ben Sheaf: Class in midfield
3rd Liam Kitching: Worked hard at the back.

Watford vs Coventry City

On Wednesday, Chief Scout Dean Austin visited Watford for a game, he shared his views on the game on WhatsApp to Mark Robins, it went viral, as Austin slated Watford and their forwards, stating they don’t track back. Team talk done for Watford’s boss Valerian Ismale; the 14th manager Watford have had since Mark Robins returned to City. After some slow driving on the motorway, we reached the town in plenty of time. We waited for the team news in a café and no change to the team, Collins, Eccles, Thomas, Latibeaudiere, Kitching, Bidwell, Torp, Kelly playing his 150th League game for us, Palmer, Wright and Simms. Overheard some Watford fans talking to City fans and friends of ours, the Watford fans were not at all confident about the game.

The teams switched ends so City would be attacking the away end in the first half. The Sky Blues started well with Bidwell coming close to breaking his duck, just curling a shot wide. Watford hit back and Collins had a shot to save. The Hornets started to take over and were looking like a good side. They had a chance, but Collins pulled off a standard save. Kelly then went into the book for an earlier foul, the ref played on and went back to book him, in my view, I thought the ref did a good job today. The home side continued to look the better team. After 20 minutes they won a throw in parallel to the box, a long throw was prepared, the secret to defend them is to win the first header, the ball was slinged in and Porteous, got a flick on, but with Collins stranded on his near post, the ball flew over him and into the net, a goal they did deserve. Palmer then went into the book. Despite the pressure Watford seemed wasteful with the final ball, the defence were holding out well, with Latibeaudiere looking the best and a new song “Latibeaudiere, Latibeaudiere, he’s got the biggest (you can work out what word went in here, how people know is a mystery) in the Championship, Latibeaudiere”. A Watford player went into the book with a foul on Simms, who was proving to be a real handful. City had a rare attack as Eccles set up Wright, for a shot that was saved. He then had one blocked as City started to get more into the game. I have been to Vicarage Road 14 times now and their fans never sing loudly, and it always seems to be a bit of a library. We needed to get to half time and rebuild, but with six to go Eccles got into the area, nutmegged a defender, drew out the keeper, side-stepped him, but then was brought down by their keeper, no doubt it was a penalty. Wright took his time and placed the ball past the keeper to level the game up. Bidwell was booked a minute later as it was now all City.

Half time all level, I tried to tune into Three Counties Radio, but couldn’t find it, but bizarrely, this was the first ground this season I had a signal for the internet on my phone.

Change at half time off went Kelly and on came van Ewijk, Eccles went into midfield. The second half started in a similar vein, with Watford looking the better team, in build-up, but not the final ball, finishing or defending. With the hour mark coming Ben Sheaf came back into the side after his injury lay off. Torp went off, O’Hare also replaced Palmer. Watford were still wasteful in front of goal, they did get a shot on target, but an easy catch for Collins. Thomas then went into the book for hacking down a player. Watford won a free kick out wide, it was delivered in, but Asprilla headed it straight to Collins as the Hornets were buzzing around but had no sting. Then in the 72nd minute Eccles passed to Wright on the edge of the area, he took one touch on the edge of the area, before finding the bottom corner to give us the lead. Eccles had a shot, as City were looking confident, Sheaf was back to his normal control midfield self, already. Watford tried to hit back and won several free kicks out wide, all dealt with. Godden came on for Simms, to the relief of their defenders. Wright was booked before the ref called a halt to the game for a hard-won win.

City fans waited behind for Milan’s trademark celebration. Finally managed to tune in driving out of Watford, to Three Counties Radio for the last ten minutes of their football programme, we did hear the commentary on the goals and the commentator seemed more excited about Wright’s goal than their goal. A footnote later that Watford sacked yet another manager.

Man of the Match
1st Joel Latibeaudiere: Now looking good at the back.
2nd Josh Eccles: Two assists and an all-round good game.
3rd Haji Wright: Two goals.

Coventry City vs Rotherham United

A very good midweek crowd of 22,000 + came to the ground on a midweek, with not too many away fans for another game. Rotherham had all the danger signs, seven defeats in a row, not won an away game since November last season (and that was Sheffield United), only two wins in Coventry in 99 years, normally a stick-on away win. Mark Robins, who is the Football League’s current longest serving manager, for a team in the League, is approaching his 7th anniversary, he looks like he is sticking with the wingback system as he played Eccles, Thomas, Latibeaudiere, Kitching and Bidwell. Collins returned in goal, with Torp and Kelly in the holding role, Palmer in the attacking role and Wright and Simms up front.

We started lively with Eccles finding Palmer who fired just wide. Then another attack saw Bidwell swing in a cross but an easy catch for keeper Johansson, but after getting both hands on it, unbelievably he dropped the ball under no pressure, Simms poked it home, five minutes gone and a massive gift for City. Rotherham are a team that loses games, but they always seem to make a game of it and so they came forward, they won a free kick in a dangerous area and the wall deflected it away for a corner, from this corner, a cross came in and one of their players threw himself at the ball, any contact it would have been in, but he missed. City were soon in charge again, with Palmer roaming freely and the wingbacks raiding well. Torp and Wright both had shots blocked. After 23 minutes City won a corner, the players overloaded the far post, Bidwell floated in a good set piece and Latibeaudiere rose to plant a firm header into the back of the net, as City took control. Then a great chance Kitching came out with the ball and sprang a great ball to Eccles, who bust clear, he got the ball from under his feet and entered the area, with only the keeper to beat, but he took another touch and went wide. Minutes later Wright was sent away with the ball, the forward ran towards the box drawing players in, one got the ball off him but only played it straight to Simms who swept the ball home for incredibly 3-0. The game was over by 25 minutes, Maidstone had put up a better resistance than this. Palmer put one wide before Rotherham made their first sub. Then it got better as Bidwell went down the left, he crossed for Wright, he laid the ball off to Simms, who curled it in with his right foot, for his second hattrick and 4-0. The last time we led by four goals before half time was when we beat Bury 6-0 in 2016. Also, it what is known as a “perfect hattrick” for Simms, header, left foot and right foot. So, how many can we get? Our biggest ever score was a 9-0 against Bristol City, pre-war days. Some Rotherham fans left, and I couldn’t blame them. Half time four up we could relax for the 2nd half.

No doubt, it was “don’t be embarrassed”, in the 2nd half for Rotherham as they tried to hang onto the ball some more. They certainly improved in the second half and soon had their first shot. “You’ve had a shot, you’ve had a shot”, the City fans taunted the away following with. One noticeable thing was the amount of shirt pulling Rotherham were getting away with. One incident Palmer was clearly dragged back by the shirt on the edge of the area, but nothing given. With an hour gone and with a game on a Saturday MR made three changes, off went Palmer, Eccles and Wright, on came Godden, van Ewijk and O’Hare. It was almost a perfect change as within a minute a fast break saw City go forward and Godden played in a cross, van Ewijk threw himself at the ball, but he couldn’t get direction on the header as it went over. Then with 10 to go, The Millers put in a good move resulting in Collins having to use his leg to prevent a goal at his near post. It was the first shot on target in six, in the League that hasn’t ended up being a goal. A bit later Tavares replaced Simms, as our forward line now became somewhat shorter. City almost made it five with three to go when another good Bidwell delivery into the box found Godden, he headed downwards, forcing a save from Johansson. A minute later Kai Andrews came on for his second game for the club and first this year, replacing Torp. With the game in its last throws a loose ball in midfield was picked up by van Ewijk, who charged towards the box, a pass was deflected straight to Tavares who gleefully swept the ball home for the “Old Five”. Ending a great game and City very much still in the hunt for a Play Off place.

Man of the Match
1st Ellis Simms: Into double figures for goals and another hat trick
2nd Jake Bidwell: Some great deliveries.
3rd Haji Wright: A good foil for Simms.

West Bromwich Albion vs Coventry City

So, the powers that be, mainly the television companies, decided it was ok for City to play two games in mid-week. We set off to tackle the M6 at night, but not too bad a journey up and after parking we walked to the ground for my 9th trip to The Hawthorns, only twice have I seen us score there, previously. Albion were in 5th and had the 3rd best defensive record in the Championship. The team news saw a change in formation reverting back to a 5-3-2, the back five were van Ewijk, Binks, Latibeaudiere, Thomas and da Silva, Eccles was the holding midfielder with Torp, Plamer and O’Hare playing further forward, Simms up front and Wilson in goal.

City in green attacked the opposite end, but after 6 minutes Johnston got the ball on the left, nutmegged van Ewijk and entered the area, he sidestepped Eccles and curled a great shot into the back of the net. City hit back as O’Hare set up Simms who fired wide. It was Palmer who looked the most dangerous as City pressed forward looking for a goal. Connor Townsend then went into the book for a foul on Eccles. Then from a corner, Eccles is free on the edge of the area, his shot has the keeper beaten and looks to be curving into the net, we started to celebrate, but somehow it curved just wide of the far post. The game wasn’t great, and Albion didn’t look like anything special as Palmer just put one wide, after being set up by Simms. With the game drifting, suddenly Albion got down the right and da Silva was beaten too easily, the ball came in and Diangana beat Thomas to the ball for a second shot on target and their second goal. That’s the way it ended.

We needed changes in the 2nd half, and it was no surprise that O’Hare went off as he couldn’t get into the game. Wright came to partner Simms up front. This improved things and City started to get forward more, Palmer went into the book for a nothing challenge. City kept pressing as Torp had a shot blocked. Torp then got into the box and forced a catch for the keeper. The Sky Blues kept up the pressure as Milan played in Palmer to forced a save from their keeper. Then hope, Plamer raced into the area, cut back when a leg brought him down, no doubt it was a penalty. Wright waited his time before sending the keeper the wrong way and joins Dion Dublin, Peter Ndlouv, Leon Best and Michael Mifsud as City players I have seen score on this ground. Simms then blasted on over as City were in the ascendancy. City kept up the pressure, but struggled to break them down, even Wilson came up for a late corner, but the defeat now makes it tricky to reach the Play Offs.

The run back was looking good until 1.7 miles from the junction to the A444, they decided to close three lanes of the motorway off. Got home before midnight.

Man of the Match
1st Kasey Palmer: Only one candidate
2nd Haji Wright Scored
3rd Victor Torp Did well.

Coventry City Preston North End

A few years ago the Premier League spat their dunny out of the pram about playing too many games, so the FA caved in and made The FA Cup 5th Round a midweek game, low and behold two non-Premier League teams make the round, and despite both playing more games than most Premier League teams, the game will be played on a Monday meaning our games are either postponed or shoved back to Friday. So, it was a cold Friday at the CBS and we had the unwelcomed sight of Preston in town, a team we have only beaten twice since relegation from the Premier League and not in the last 20 games, it was a last minute screamer from a young Michael Doyle that saw our last win. The line up for tonight was Wilson, van Ewijk, Thomas, Binks, da Silva, Latibeaudiere, Eccles, O’Hare, Sakamoto, Wright and Simms. Meanwhile the South Stand was opened for home fans as the away fans were shoved into a corner.

The game got underway and PNE won a corner, it was played wide, and their player had plenty of room to swing in a dangerous cross. Riiss climbed over Thomas to head past a static Wilson, to open the scoring after 48 seconds! A bad start. After ten minutes Thomas went down after an arm was planted in his face, free kick but no further action from the ref. The early goal had lifted PNE and they were looking like a team at the top of the table, giving us all types of problems as Storey forced a save. Then another attacked opened us up, Riis fired in a shot that Thomas did well to block, da Silva got the ball and tried a drag back in his own area, Riis robbed him and past to Keane, and he had all the time in the world to plant the ball past Wilson for two. What was going on, we looked awful. City tried to hit back as Sakamoto went up for a high ball, an elbow was planted in his back and he fell awkwardly, the ref somehow totally missed the blatant foul, meanwhile it was clear Tats was in some trouble, the stretcher came on and took him off, with what is rumoured to be a broken hip, I wonder if the ref thought there was still no foul. Palmer came on. No one was playing well, apart from Simms who was proving to be a handful in the first half and playing like a big centre forward should. The Sky Blues got it together and a sweeping move down the right ended with Eccles blasting over. Then the sucker punch, a counterattack went down our left the ball was crossed low, their player missed it, but it hit Thomas tracking back and went in. After putting in fouls in the first half finally one of their players went into the book. Then a great chance just before halftime, da Silva found O’Hare he slipped in and placed the ball under the keeper, a defender was on hand to kick it off the line and Wright’s follow up was blocked. Another attack saw Wright kicked over, but O’Hare got the ball and found Simms, he cut inside, to fire at the keeper. Home fans meanwhile turned their phones on and showed their light, quite embarrassing. Half time three down.

No surprise that Bidwell replaced da Silva at half time, and he got into the action, fouling one of their players and winning a 50/50 tackle. City changed formation now with 5 at the back. Simms and Palmer had shots blocked before Storey went into the book for a rugby tackle on Palmer. Milan then fired in a low shot that their keeper grabbed on the line. Thomas then went into the book on appeal from the Preston bench and their manager was also booked for wanting a red card, I hope he popped in to see Tats in hospital on the way home. With ten to go it was Godden for Wright and Torp for O’Hare. Later Kelly replaced Eccles. Another Preston player went into the book later on before Torp got one on target. A late corner saw one of their players fall over clutching his face, despite the fact simulation is a bookable offense the ref didn’t bother. This game reminded me of a 6-2 home defeat by Yeovil and a 4-0 home defeat by Stoke and we made the Play Offs in those seasons. We need to improve, let’s hope it’s a one-off and take it out on Maidstone on Monday night.

Man of the Match
No one really deserves this, but I will select the three least poor.
1st Ellis Simms: Looked like a Centre forward.
2nd Jake Bidwell Did the defending.
3rd Joel Latibeaudiere Stabilized the defence.

Stoke City vs Coventry City

So, after the long trek to and from Plymouth over Wednesday and Thursday it was a short trip up the M6 to visit Stoke, a team not playing well at home. It would take a genius to predict Robins’ line ups these days, a couple of bombshells, Wilson back in goal and Tavares starting his first game and playing his first league game since 1st of January 2023. The remaining team were Latibeaudiere, Binks, Thomas and da Silva, we had Torp, Eccles and O’Hare in midfield with Wright and Simms making up the rest of the forward line.

The game got underway, and the first action was a booking for Stoke’s Thompson after a arm or elbow in Latibeaudiere’s face. They then were pulled up for a foul on the edge of the area, the home fans were not happy about the ref, blaming him for correct decisions. Then after 11 minutes we should have taken the lead, Tavares put in a deep cross that found Wright, his header was kept out by the outstretched arm of their keeper, the keeper tried to dive for the ball but Simms beat him to it and shot home from inside the 6-yard box, the keeper had got up and blocked the shot, the ball fell to O’Hare with only defenders on the line, but hit the post and it was cleared. Stoke started to get more into the game but City were defending well with Binks intercepting everything in the box. City had another couple of half chances, but nothing solid. In a Stoke attack, Thomas fouled one of their players on the edge of the box, this was missed by the ref then seconds later Baker was booked for fouling O’Hare.

Second half a surprise as Torp was off, with an injury and van Ewijk came on with Latibeaudiere switching to midfield. Then a rare event as Stoke had a shot on target. Wright did well to get into position but a disappointing finish. Then from nowhere a breakthrough, Hoever dithered on the ball, Wright stole it, O’Hare played the immediate ball to send Simms through to cooly slot past their keeper to give us the lead. We all agreed that Hoever sucked. The Potters started to get the ball more, but they were really struggling. City were staying strong as another Stoke player was booked. They had a number of corners, but couldn’t get a header on target, including Michael Rose to heading over. Second sub was Palmer replacing Tavares. The same pattern continued, with Stoke going forward, but didn’t look like they had a goal in them. We had no trouble in seeing the game out, for a good hardworking performance and a rare clean sheet.

A Stoke fan in the Radio Stoke phone in described his team as “a sick horse waiting to be put down”, but most Stoke fans were positive about the performance, which tells me how bad they must have been, it wasn’t that long ago we beat them in the FA Cup and it was considered a giant killing. Drove home in pouring rain.

Man of the Match
1st Luis Binks Great at the back
2nd Bobby Thomas A solid wall
3rd Ellis Simms Two goals in a row.

Coventry City vs Millwall

The tv deemed this to be a high noon kick off on a Sunday, with the results on Saturday, City had slumped to 10th and the pressure was on. Today’s visitors Millwall are in a bunch of teams just above the trap door. Only the keeper was changed from the Cup game, so it was Collins, van Ewijk, Latibeaudiere, Binks, da Silva, Eccles, Torp, O’Hare, Sakamoto, Wright and Palmer.

The game got underway as City moved from 10th to 7th in the Championship. Millwall won a throw early on and a long throw, was flicked on into the danger area, thankfully Collins was on hand to block at point blank, to keep them out. Minutes later a good move saw Palmer play in van Ewijk, he crossed, and Sakamoto met it at full speed, their keeper Sarkic, went full length to pull off a good save but it fell to Wright, with an open goal, but somehow from inside the 6-yard box hit the post, it was a bad miss. The away side had started brightly as Collins parried a shot most keepers would have caught. Minutes later a long ball by their keeper went down the wing, van Ewijk, challenged a player in the air, but didn’t have a chance of winning it, it was flicked on to Fleming, he got into the box and managed to square it to Esse who fired them into the lead via a deflection off Binks. Millwall had another shot on target after a great move down our left that Collins again parried. The Lions were pressing high, and City were struggling to get going. After twenty minutes Wright was fouled and Torp aimed a free kick over their very tall players, forcing Sarkic to tip over. Esse was then booked for a nothing foul on da Silva, they made far worse fouls and got away with it. Finally, City started to get beyond the press and started to look dangerous. Torp was running things from midfield as the pressure increased, with Palmer having a goal bound effort block by a Millwall head for a corner. It was now nearly all City but Millwall defenders kept getting important touches in the box, to break things up or their keeper got an important touch. Half time they were still leading.

We had to wait for the second half, as, no doubt Sky still had adverts on. The second half started with City on top as O’Hare set up Sakamoto for another effort on target. Twelve minutes into the half MR acted, two changes off went Eccles and Palmer, on came Thomas and Simms, Latibeaudiere switched to midfield, Wright went left leaving Simms up front. This gave City a push and were looking even better as Millwall kept blocking good efforts. City kept pressing when Wright got into the box their defender Tanganga tackled him, but missed and brought him down, no doubt it was a penalty. So, who was going to take it, O’Hare and Wright played “Paper, scissors, stone” for it, Wright won the contest and stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way, put us level and him into double figures. Now City were up for it as Thomas sent a ball through their press to suddenly release O’Hare in acres of space, he raced on and found Wright, who took control and placed it past the keeper, incredible we had scored two quick goals and moved back into the Play Off zone. We were now rampant as Wright wriggled clear down the left and squared it to Torp, his shot took a big deflection and it looked to be heading for the back of the net, but somehow it spun just over. Everyone was working hard to see out the win and Simms had his second touch an important defensive header. Millwall were no longer wasting time as City defended well with Latibeaudiere making a world of difference in midfield and Thomas matching their big guys at the back. Into injury time and City had to defend a free kick and a long throw, Simms winning a header for the second, before the ref could blow and another three points, won the hard way.

Man of the Match
1st: Victor Torp: Great at set pieces and overall play
2nd Callum O’Hare: Always driving from midfield.
3rd Haji Wright: Two goals, looked far better on the right

Coventry City Vs Sheffield Wednesday

For the 4th and last time this season, and in a couple of months we faced Wednesday in the FA Cup replay. To say it was raining was an understatement, for the first time this season I had to use my car to get to the ground. Thankfully I had my ticket loaded onto my season ticket card, so with an hour to go I got in no problem, not so for many fans as the paper ticket wasn’t working as well, meaning a late turn up and big queues, many missed the kick off. For the game MR decided on six changes, whilst Wednesday went in for 9! The line-up was Wilson, da Silva, Latibeaudiere coming in the centre back role as captain, Binks and van Ewijk in defence, Eccles, Torp and O’Hare in midfield leaving the front three as Palmer, Wright and Sakamoto. The officials were worrying, a Premiership ref, never a good sign, but a nice nod to the recently departed Ian Lavender, one of the linesmen was called Mainwaring, meanwhile the 4th Official was none other than the American comic actor Steve Martin, may have had the same name. Many were already talking about a quarter final, but I was worried about Wednesday, it would be typical of City to throw it away now.

There was a good turnout, considering the number of times we’ve played them and the weather, the away end was fairly full as well, not easy supporting a failing team. Fans were still coming in when the action started as Torp robbed the ball in midfield, found O’Hare, he advanced and played in Palmer, he ran across the box unchallenged before planting the ball past their young keeper for a perfect start, Kasey raced over to reveal a t-shirt stating, “Action not words, end racism”. Wednesday have had, recently a nasty habit of collapsing, but to their credit they hit straight back. Attacking the end where their noisy support was, they pushed us back. They had a couple of shots blocked and won two corners, from the second one, we cleared, but the ball was crossed in Wright, headed it, but it hit Eccles and sat up nicely for Cadamarteri who scored, all level. After fighting back, City got control of the ball again and started to press forward, a brilliant ball from Palmer, put Wright in behind the defence, he cut outside and found O’Hare, whose shot was just wide of the right-hand post. “Where were you when you were s**t”, sang the Wednesday fans. The Owls were already struggling with the movement of City and Palmer was running riot and a player was booked after he was brought down when the advantage came to nothing. Palmer had a shot blocked, which drew a massive hand ball appeal from the home fans, minutes later Palmer again played in Eccles, who was clearly pulled down as he was shooting, not only a clear penalty but a straight red card, but the officials didn’t see it. It was now one-way as Wednesday hoped to stay in the tie, but they were hanging on as Eccles, slid in a cross, Wright got a touch to it, sending it inches wide. Wednesday were struggling to cope with attacks coming in from all angles and da Silva having one of his best games for a while, adding to their problems. O’Hare had a shot saved. After soaking up all that pressure almost a classic sucker-punch, a ball swung into the area and Flecther reacted quicker than our defenders, thankfully Wilson closed him down, forcing him to head over. Another Wednesday player went into the book near the end of the half, no doubt their manager would be more pleased about than ours.

Strangely Wednesday made two changes at half time. Despite the changes it was still all City as Torp had a shot blocked, before having one saved. Then a great ball over the defenders, Wright raced after it, but their keeper was quick out of his box to intercept. Then da Silva got forward, found Palmer, he got the ball under control and headed towards the area, looking like he was going to shoot, instead he played in a disguised pass to O’Hare, in the box and Callum beat the keeper to restore the lead. “This could force Wednesday out” I hope for, as Palmer was dragged back, and another Wednesday player went into the book. Minutes later, da Silva, robbed the ball in a dangerous area and found O’Hare, who cooly curled the ball past the keeper, to wrap the game up already, it was our 10th goal in the FA Cup this season, and Callum’s 21st goal for us. Rampant City went forward again, Torp played the ball to da Silva as I said, “da Silva is having a good game”, he crossed, and Wright powered in a header. “Sexy football”, sang the City fans. Subs as Simms replaced Wright and Tavares replaced Sakamoto, bizarrely this is Fabio’s third game in a row, and they have all been in the FA Cup. It was cruise control now for City as more changes saw Godden for Palmer and Allen for O’Hare. With nine to go it should have been five, as Simms was left all alone but skied his shot. Minutes later, Tavares also got under a shot and sent it up. Their looked a problem as Allen went down, looking like he received a blow in the face, but no action from the ref, it turned out Jamie had his cheekbone broken! Liam Kelly came on for the first time this year replacing Torp. City coasting as Eccles as almost decapitated with a shirt pull from that player who doesn’t have a “dolly blue” Fletcher. Leaving the ref to call a holt to the game and set up a last 16 tie with Maidstone.

Man of the Match
1st Kasey Palmer: Totally unplayable.
2nd Callum O’Hare: Two goals
3rd Jay da Silva Best game yet

Coventry City vs Bristol City

It was back to League action as we faced Bristol City, a team without a League win since Boxing Day, but had knocked out West Ham and have a replay against Forest in the Cup. MR reverted to the side that started against Leicester, which now seems an age ago, Collins, van Ewijk, Thomas, Kitching, Bidwell, Sheaf, Eccles, O’Hare, Palmer, Godden and Sakamoto.

The Robins were the first to show, with the first shot, in front of a disappointing away following. Collins then saved an effort. The Sky Blues looked sluggish, Bristol were brighter as Collins parried a long-range effort. City finally started to build up some momentum when Sheaf went down, it looked like a muscle injury and the player who is a rumoured £5 million target for Sheffield United had to go off, on came Latibeaudiere. Coventry were really struggling to get anything going and were putting in a lacklustre performance. The atmosphere was unusually flat as well. O’Hare was trying his best to get things moving in midfield, when in the 27th minute he sprayed a ball wide to Bidwell, he fired in a cross, Palmer got his head on it and it fell to Sakamoto in the box, there looked no danger, but Tats adjusted his feet, before passing the ball into the bottom corner, a surprise goal and against the run of play, City provisionally up to 5th. This pepped things up for City as we started to cause more problems, especially down our right, but it was on the left, with the next shot as Palmer fired one in against his old team. Late in the half Collins pushed one away from his near post, the corner came in and was cleared, but the defence failed to get out, the ball was swung back in, and Dickie got a flick to level the game up, he also scored against us at Ashton Gate, earlier in the season.

We hoped the second half could be better, but despite the promise from Sakamoto, City were still struggling, so it was no surprise to see the cavalry waiting, off went Godden, Palmer and Eccles, on came Wright, Simms and making his league and home debut Torp. They threw on former City player Matty James. The changes pepped things up with Torp looking skilful in midfield Wright put a shot wide. It was now anyone’s game and it started to become end-to-end as the game was improving. Both sides had half chances. Then with 8 to go a ball was played through, it got stuck under Thomas’ leg, Nahki Wells pounced, and the player that once scored a hat trick against us for Bradford in 2013, out them in front. “I’ll take a point”, I said, but it looked like our second home defeat of the season. Pring was first into the ref’s book for a foul on Sakamoto. Then City attacked, Latibeaudiere squared it to Kitching, the defender pushing up from defence, had a blast, their keeper failed to hold, and Simms was first to react to score and level the game up. Now neither of the teams settled for a point and both went for it, one attack City were caught out and it took a great sprint from van Ewijk to recover, but according to the ref, who had a good game, brought the player down outside the box and was book, thankfully the freekick was overcooked and went out. At the other end Sakamoto had a shot that just didn’t have enough bend on it, before in the dying seconds a Bristol shot was covered by Collins, until a deflection off Bidwell and Bradley had to quickly adjust to pull off a good save.
Man of the match
1st Tatsuhiro Sakamoto: Always dangerous
2nd Callum O’Hare: Doesn’t look like a player leaving on Thursday (famous last words)
3rd Bradley Collins: Vital save at the end.

Sheffield Wednesday Vs Coventry City

So, for the second time in a week I aimed my car at Sheffield. Slightly longer to get there, being a Friday night, but parked in the same place, and walked the same path, it felt like I was a home fan. On the way to the car park, the team was announced and a massive eight changes to the side, but with a stronger squad, this wasn’t as damaging as it would have been in the past. Not only changes but a switch back to the 5-3-2 formation. The two headlines were that Palmer was playing after the much publicise racial abuse he took days ago and a debut for Victor Torp in midfield. The rest of the line-up was Wilson returning in goal, the wingbacks were da Silva and Eccles, with Latibeaudiere, Binks and Kitching the centre backs, Sheaf was the other midfielder and Godden partnered Simms up front. Wednesday had a keeper crisis, the lad that played against us in the League, Beadle, was cup-tied so they played an even younger keeper in goal. Before the match Wednesday players stood arm-in-arm, whilst City players took the knee. Before the game City fans released black and white balloons.

Only three sides of the ground were open, and City attacked the closed Kop in the first half, as Palmer had the first shot. Then Latibeaudiere headed over after a Torp cross. The game itself was nothing short of dire, on a bad pitch, neither of the teams could get going. Both sides had shots off target. Then the first real chance, Simms robbed a player wide of the box, he passed to Eccles, who found Godden who blazed over. Torp was looking useful whilst Sheaf was looking head and shoulders over anyone else on the pitch. The Wednesday came closer as Torp was tackled and Gassama fired inches wide. Torp got the first shot on target as the game dragged on. Both sides continued to fire wide as this looked like a scoreless draw already. Then Gassama got their first shot on target, with through boredom I cheered. From the pass from Wilson, City attacked, it went to Torp in midfield, he advanced and wasn’t closed down and had a blast from outside the area that sailed over the head of the keeper and into the net, what a debut goal. The first debut goal since Adam Armstrong in 2015, the very first goal for a player making his debut in the FA Cup (apart from Dennis Simpson in 1945, but he had already played unofficial league games for City) and our 82nd debut goal scorer since becoming a League side. It was a bolt out of the blue and totally against the quality of the game.

Half time some Wednesday fans displayed a banner reading “Racists – put them in the bin”, drawing applause from the City fans.

A change as off went Sheaf, hopefully not an injury and on came van Ewijk, Lati to wingback and Eccles to midfield. We hoped to see them off to prevent the very predictable replay, and it should have been two very early on as a Wednesday player passed to Simms, he should have hit it, but took the ball into defenders and his shot was week and an easy save. Palmer then picked up a predictable booking and started to get booed. Then out of nothing Wednesday hit Wilson’s right-hand post. City fans settled on a new song for Torp, to the tune of “Gold” by Spandau Ballet, just changing “gold” for “Torp”. Ugbo, then having hit the post put one just over. Another change as Torp left after an encouraging debut and on came Thomas and Allen replaced Palmer. The game was getting better in the 2nd half as another song was aired, to the tune of No Limits by 2 Unlimited, simply just singing the names of Bobby Thomas and Liam Kitching to the tune. Da Silva then was booked by a ref who was having a good game. Then it was a welcomed return for his first game of the year for Wright, replacing Godden. With 15 to go a lively van Ewijk fired in a free kick that looked like it was heading for the top corner, but the wall did its job. Kitching was booked, as Wednesday kept up the pressure, then Gassama fired through a crowded penalty box it took a slight deflection and beat Wilson, it looked like the predictable draw after all. Minutes later a good move saw a great chance for Wednesday, but Thomas took it off the boot of the forward and in the follow up Flecther’s shot was blocked by Kitching. Even deeper into the injury time the ball fell to Allen in our box with only the keeper to beat, expecting the net to bulge their young keeper got his hands to it, and it ended level. Just about the most predictable result this season and we have to face Wednesday once again.

Despite being a big City, it was fairly easy to get out of, unlike others, Bristol and Cardiff spring to mind, after dropping everyone off I got home at 12.30.

Man of the match
1st Victor Torp: Good debut and a great goal
2nd Ben Sheaf: Would have been player of the match but only played 45 minutes.
3rd Joel Latibeaudiere: Contributed to wherever the manager wanted him to play.

Sheffield Wednesday Vs Coventry City

This was my 17th visit to Hillsborough, the first was the FA Cup semi-final in 87, my first game outside of Coventry and includes an abandoned game as well. A trouble-free trip to Sheffield for the first of two visits in a week got us to a ground that has seen very little change since 87, apart from seats in place of the terracing. Older fans were reminiscing about the two Cup games here in 87, whilst for younger fans this was their first visit to the ground. Wednesday may have played badly against us at The CBS on Boxing Day and be in the bottom three, but they are in good form, and I was expecting a tough game. The line up was the same as the last game. Collins in goal, the back four of van Ewijk, Kitching, Thomas and Bidwell, with Sheaf, Eccles and O’Hare in midfield, Palmer, Sakamoto supporting Godden up front. Wednesday gave a debut to on-loan keeper from Brighton, James Beadle.

Another sell-out away section, saw the game get underway with City attacking the Lepping Lane End, the end we were in. The Sky Blues, in green started the better as Sheaf and O’Hare had shots blocked, the second one after an advantage played by the ref, who went back to book the player making a foul. Then a scramble, Sheaf had one blocked O’Hare had one saved and a Palmer shot was blocked as Wednesday were throwing bodies in to protect the keeper who looked a bag of nerves. City were looking fairly solid at the back, apart from Kitching who wasn’t getting into the game early on and lost a ball that led to a dangerous counter, but Thomas was on hand to intercept the forward in the box and prevent a shot. After half an hour Josh Windass got their first shot on target but an easy catch for Collins. Another Wednesday player went into the book for not retreating from a free kick, the home fans were not happy with the ref. Sheaf, meanwhile, was everywhere breaking up attacks and looking dangerous himself, as he had another shot blocked. It was Sheaf that started another attack, he chipped the ball into the box, Palmer, flicked the ball behind him into space, it fell to a home player, under pressure from O’Hare and Godden, he cleared, but the ball fell to Eccles in midfield, he passed to Sheaf, he took one touch on the edge of the area, turned Bannan a curled a delightful shot past Beadle in the goal, a great finish. Sheaf ended the half with a booking as City were fully in control of a very poor home side.

Sheffield had to be better in the second half as Bannan had a chance but decided to lob Collins and sent it well over. Palmer then had a shot blocked, that is their Palmer and not ours. Sakamoto picked up a yellow card. This was Wednesday’s best spell of the game, then as often happens a sucker-punch, City had an attack, Sheaf found Bidwell, his cross was over hit, but Kasey got to it and drove it back in, Godden couldn’t make a clean contact, the ball fell to Sakamoto, he blasted it and their keeper pulled off a good save, but the ball fell to Sheaf who buried the re-bound to give us a two goal lead. Thanks to Jim Brown for the next stat, we have now scored two or more goals in seven consecutive games, this is our best run since 1959-1960 season when we managed this in eight games, we also scored 2 or more in eight consecutive games in the 1950-1951 season. Kasey didn’t seem to be a popular player at Hillsborough getting some boos from the home fans. Then The Owls attacked and van Ewijk brought a player down out wide as he was about to enter the box, no argument about a yellow card. Wednesday made four changes, including Ugbo making his debut replacing Fletcher, who the Wednesday fans described as “Atrocious” and they used Yorkshire rhyming slang saying, “He didn’t ‘ave a Dolly Blue”, in the post-match phone-in. The changes helped as a miss place pass was seized upon and Windass entered the box but could only fire at Collins from a narrow angle. Godden went into the book as well. Another attack saw Wednesday win a header in the box, it fell to Musaba with a free header, Collins somehow kept it out, but it fell to Windass to score and give them hope. Eccles and Godden had shots saved at the other end. City made the changes off went Godden and Eccles to be replaced by Simms and Latibeaudiere. Ellis had an early chance but fired wide from inside the penalty area. Kasey then became the latest player into the book in a game that wasn’t that physical. Collins had to save late on as the City fans were getting nervous. Allen replaced O’Hare to see the game out. City played professionally and kept the ball, we won a throw in in injury time at the far end, when suddenly the game stopped, we didn’t know what was going on, but some “Monkey chants” were aimed at Palmer, he reported this to the ref, the ref reported it to the two managers and the real Wednesday fans were angry about the conduct of a couple of their so-called fans. Deep into injury time they won a free kick, their keeper came up for it, but City won the header, and the game was over.

Man of the Match
Another win
1st Ben Sheaf Scored two, had a hand in both his goals and broke up their attacks.
2nd Bobby Thomas Defended well.
3rd Josh Eccles Stuck to his task.

Coventry City vs Leicester City

High noon, ok 30 minutes after, was the start time for the M69 derby. The Foxes, not named for the love of the animal, but because Leicestershire was the home of fox murdering (fox hunting), are clear top of the table and are storming a return to the Premier League, despite all their resources and money. We have only beaten them once since our relegation from the topflight and that was in Chris Coleman’s first game in charge back in 2008. The line up today was Collins in goal, a back four of van Ewijk, Thomas, Kitching and Bidwell, Sheaf and Eccles in holding midfield, O’Hare in attacking midfield, Palmer and Sakamoto supporting Godden up front. Before the game at a packed-out arena, new signing Victor Torp was introduced to the fans, whilst this was Dave Boddy’s last game on the board, the last link with Sisu, meanwhile a real blast from the past as chairman from 1987 and beyond, John Poynton was in the crowd.

The Sky Blues started the better and in one move Palmer got the ball and ran in front of the box, there may have been a trip, but the ball went to Godden who fired a shot on target. A minute later almost a carbon copy, Palmer, got the ball rolling, outpacing a player, he played a one-two with O’Hare, but he lost the ball, O’Hare picked up and interception and passed to Sakamoto, he slalomed past a player and entered the area, aiming for the top corner their keeper deflected the ball onto the crossbar, a great save. At the other end Leicester won a corner and Mavididi kicked the ball away and it went into the crowd, anger from the City fans, the ball was thrown back at the player, missed him but hit the ball in the corner arc. The ref came over and really should have booked the player, but this was a Premier League ref, so, as normal, totally clueless. Mavididi was booed every time he touched the ball from then on. At the other end the very hard-working Godden had a shot blocked after being set up by O’Hare. City were edging the game played in a great atmosphere as Eccles drove forward in one attack. Then a moment of controversy as Godden chased a through ball, their keeper raced out of the box and cleared with a kick, but his foot was head height to Godden, but no free kick given, despite dangerous play. Then in another attack Sakamoto had a shot blocked, the ball fell to their best player Dewsbury-Hall, he skipped around Eccles and started a swift counter, he ran almost the length of the field, played in Mavididi, to huge boos, he found Dewsbury-Hall in the box, he slid a great ball to Casadei, with only Collins to beat, out wide fired across the box, it was a great move and he should have scored. There were plenty of niggly fouls by Leicester as the ref kept warning them but deciding not to book, Graham next to me said, “You watch, our first foul will be booked”. He was close, as Palmer kicked the ball away and got a yellow card, if he aimed it for a fans’ face in the crowd, he would have gotten away with it. The Sky Blues were still looking the better side as van Ewijk set up O’Hare who put one wide. Five minutes from the end van Ewijk had a bit of loose control, Leicester nicked the ball off him and a ball sent Dewsbury-Hall away, Thomas slid in and won the ball, suddenly the Premier League ref, pointed to the spot, we had been here before with the top officials, Thomas was booked for the foul and Sakamoto for the protests. Looking back on the incident, Thomas did clearly win the ball, but followed through and caught the player, years ago that would have not been a pen, but these days, maybe the ref had no choice, even Robins said it was a pen, not seeing the replay yet, we thought we had been done, Dewsbury-Hall stepped up to sent Collins the wrong way to give them the lead against the run of play. “We shall not be moved” sang the away fans, a song I haven’t heard at a game for 30-odd years, stuck in a time loop I was expecting them to sing “Can you hear us on the box”, or other hits of the 1970’s. Minutes later City broke up a Leicester attack and Bidwell slid in to win a great tackle, but then Fatawu flew in two footed, massive anger from the home fans, but the ref, again, really didn’t have much choice but to show a red card and they were down to ten. The back story to this is interesting, Fatawu, was picked to play for Ghana in the African Cup of Nations but turned his back on his country to play for Leicester, so the traitor got what he deserved, by the time he had served his suspension the tournament would be over, justice. Now we had hope to cling to as the atmosphere was wound up some more.

Half time we had an interview with Trevor Peake, who was the special guest.

Second half Mavididi was taken off and replaced so Leicester could be more solid. It was now a case of Leicester keeping compact and seeing out the 45 minutes for a win and the Sky Blues trying to find a way through. Palmer had a shot saved before Collins had to be smart to push away a shot on the counter, before saving again from a header. Despite the danger of a break-a-way it was all City, but we were struggling to get a round them and find a cross, van Ewijk did get one in that Godden headed into the keeper. Thomas had a shot blocked as the time went on and City fans were getting impatient as we tried to break them down. “Leicestershire”, came the chant from the way end “how many times have you won the County Championship then?”, I replied. (The answer was once, back in 1975, Warwickshire have won it 8 times). Finally, in the 67th minute we had some changes, off went Bidwell, after a typical solid performance and on came da Silva for a more attacking option, Allen replaced Eccles for the same reason. The Foxes still looked dangerous on the break and City went forward and Tommy Cannon (not Bobby Ball’s comedy partner) forced a catch from Collins. Palmer was haring around as normal and then was pulled up for a trip, the Leicester players demanded a second yellow, the ref, didn’t book any of them, but instead booked their manager. Finally, a Leicester player went into the book as Winks ran out of warnings, after a foul on O’Hare. With 11 to go finally Simms came on, he replaced Palmer, who was a tackle away from a red. Godden stayed up front and was still working hard. It was a dream sub, as Simms got the ball wide, found fellow sub da Silva in the box, he controlled it and passed to O’Hare, and Callum did the rest, guiding it past their keeper, all level, everyone going mad, a point, but momentum was with us. Minutes later Godden battled for the ball with two defenders far bigger than him, forcing Cannon to miss fire and bring him down, Cannon was booked and then went off and was replaced. The Foxes looked terrified as their gamesmanship and moaning to the ref wasn’t working. Another Leicester player went into the book, before van Ewijk won a corner, the set piece came in Allen, of all players won a header, it went across the box, a Leicester player didn’t clear it too far and it fell to Milan, one touch and he sent a shot through the legs and into the back of the net, 2-1 TO THE SKY BLUES. Pandemonium in the home sections, some younger adults were in tears, apparently, it looked like City would come from behind to win again, this year. Milan raced over to the bench and did a knee slide, which MR was worried about, just in case he was injured, he celebrated with the players that have come off the bench and the rest of the team, even Collins made it over. Now we had to see out the remaining minutes for a great win. Leicester tried to respond, but sitting back in the half, found it hard to get forward, da Silva was booked. “Leicester get battered everywhere they go”, sang the Sky Blues fans, factorially inaccurate, a long ball saw Godden on the chase, but he didn’t get the ball, Leicester failed to clear, and O’Hare got the ball, he passed to Godden, his shot was deflected and fell to O’Hare to volley home to wrap the game up. The ref decided to book van Ewijk for inciting the Leicester fans, should have kicked a ball at them instead. The game restarted and the ref blew for full time, what a win.

Mass celebrations after, van Ewijk with his trademark and he was the last one off doing his own lap of honour.

Man of the match
1st Callum O’Hare: Please sign the contract.
2nd Milan van Ewijk: Always dangerous
3rd Matty Godden: Worked hard, in a tough position without the reward of a goal.

Coventry City vs Middlesbrough

I left the article for the Wimbledon game, stating that without Hamer, we would struggle, little realising he would be gone two days later. So, here we were, without our most creative player, the fans were down as a 20,000 + crowd turned up to welcome, Middlesbrough back, the last team we faced at the ground. The exterior of the ground had improved with a large Sky Blue banner, outside the part of the ground I go in, as this side seemed to be turned into a fans’ zone. With no season tickets delivered, it was bit of a queue to get in. Improvements inside the ground as well, for the fans. The team news was Eccles switched to midfield in Hamer’s place, with Sheaf alongside him, Palmer in midfield, with Godden up front and making his home debut Simms. Wilson was “between the sticks” behind four home debutants, da Silva, Thomas, Latibeaudiere and van Ewijk, with McFadzean making up the defence.

The home campaign got underway between two of last season’s Play Off teams. Simms was the first to test the keeper, after being set up by Palmer. At the other end, Brough’s new signing Silvera got a shot in, McFadzean, got a heel to it, that changed the direction of the ball, but thankfully not enough to worry Wilson. Then after 11 minutes City launched an attack, van Ewijk to Sheaf, Ben swept a ball out to Palmer, on the halfway line, he carried the ball forward to near the box, slipped a disguised ball out to da Silva, his cross was headed out, by a defender it fell to van Ewijk, he squared it to Eccles, Josh, had a blast, it took a nick of a defender and Godden was on hand to get a foot on it, to steer it into the back of the net, great start. Middlesbrough now had a problem, no win today would mean their run without a league or Play Off win, would stretch to seven games, four of them against us! City were playing well, Eccles had filled in for Gus, no problem, meanwhile Sheaf was dominating midfield. After 22 minutes a swift break led by Sheaf, found Godden wide, his shot was fumbled by their keeper, van Ewijk dived in with a shot, with a defender right in front of him, the ball went wide. Both teams, like to pass the ball, so no changes from last season, but Middlesbrough were missing the injured Akpom, as well as a few forwards they had on loan. Their manager Micheal Carrick picked up a yellow card. A chance then for City as da Silva, set up Simms, he tried to curl one in from the edge of the area, when a square ball to Godden would have been better. Half time City one up and looking comfortable, but needed another goal, just like in the other games this season.

Second half, saw Latibeaudiere, booked for impeding the keeper. Minutes later Godden, seemed to be clearly fouled, but nothing from the ref, Middlesbrough’s Morgan Rogers, took the ball up in his own half and ran half the length of the field, dribbling past players, he entered the box, but thankfully screwed his shot wide, it would have been a brilliant goal, but a controversial one after the foul on Godden. Middlesbrough were lifted by this as Rogers played in Isiah Jones, who hit the side netting. A minute later, Brough should, have levelled, da Silva, was caught with the ball, McFadzean and Latibeaudiere got in each other’s way, leaving the ball to be crossed for Silvera to balloon it over. MR rang the changes, off went van Ewijk, after playing well on his home debut, on came Sakamoto. The fans started singing to the tune “Feeling hot, hot, hot” with the lyrics “ole ole, ole ole, Haji Wright, Wright, Wright” catchy but City fans have done better in the past. This lifted the crowd again, City went forward, and Sakamoto raced down the wing, now the player seems only to have one trick, dummy to the right, and then cut in on the left, he did this and supplied a good cross that Wright, almost got to. Palmer blasted the corner in, Godden got a flick, it was knocked out but straight to a lurking Wright, who buried the ball into the net for his first goal. The ground was rocking. “Two nil on your big day out”, sang the City fans, “We saw you crying at Wembley”, responded the away fans. Minutes later Palmer had a head injury and was taken off after a good contribution to the game, Kelly replaced him, as da Silva was also withdrawn for Bidwell. Rogers was again causing problems, with a run wide and a low cross, Wilson did well to get a hand on it, it was enough to guide it out of the path and the ball was placed over. Into injury time as Thomas cleared to Sheaf, a great first touch to Wright, he returned the compliment to Sheaf, he played the ball into Wright’s path, the big forward raced on, played the ball into space, where Sheaf ran into, then he knocked it wide to an unmarked Godden, he raced into the area, with Wright waiting for a cross, but the cross took a deflection and went in, 3-0 game over. We scored three goals against Middlesbrough last season, in four games, we did it in just over 90 minutes today. It nearly got even better as another attack saw Wright, into the area, but a great blocked prevented goal number four. In the last-minute MR gave a debut to Kai Andrews, a player, who according to the Coventry City website was born on the 1st of January 1901!

So, a great win and maybe we can be successful without the big two.

Man of the match
1st Ben Sheaf: Will attract the attention of the vultures, as Mark Robins calls them.
2nd Josh Eccles: An excellent game, in the heart of midfield
3rd: Matty Godden: Back to being Matty Godden again.

AFC Wimbledon vs Coventry City

For the 1st time in ages, someone else was driving me to an away game. Interest was high as it was, “New Ground Syndrome”. The trip down was a bit of a nightmare, a part of the M40 was closed and we diverted away from the motorway, it took us 3 ½ hours to reach the pub, instead of two. After something to eat, we made our way to the new Plough Lane. This is the 4th venue Wimbledon had played on in the league. The first Plough Lane was just down the lane from this ground, then there was Selhurst Park and Kingstonians’ ground. I never saw them at the old Plough Lane. The ground itself was small but impressive, the bicycle storage area, was nothing short of awesome, built with a stand and with a gate that was locked during the game! Inside the ground the club had a mini museum and a Womble, Wombling outside. We got the line-up and to our surprise it was a lot stronger than we had guessed. The main player was Gustavo Hamer, starting, despite one big rumour that he was in talks with Sheffield United. Brad Collins was in goal, making his debut, also playing for the first time was Luis Binks, we had a player with the same name playing in 1919! The others Bidwell, Latibeaudiere, Howey and van Ewijk, Kelly, Sakamoto, Godden and Wright.

This was our first cup clash with Wimbledon since 2014 and incredibly Wimbledon’s Harry Pell played in that game, and he lined up tonight as well. The game got under way and was the Womble old-boy Pell, who gave a great chance to Tilley, who fired wide when he should have done better. The Sky Blues quickly took control of the game when some nice inter-play saw Godden set up Wright for a crack on target. Godden then headed wide from a Bidwell cross, before Hamer played a great pass that put Godden through on the edge of the box, his shot was turned around by their keeper. Wright then set up Sakamoto, who forced a save from their keeper. Then after 17 minutes a 1-2 between Hamer and Sakamoto, left the Dutchman with the ball he played in a great ball to the American, Wright raced through and before he could shoot, he was brought down, penalty. Godden, who recently signed a new contract, despatched the kick, with the keeper going the right way. It was a nice warm summer’s night as City seemed in total control as Hamer set up Godden for another effort on target. At the other end a first save for Collins as Pell set up Tilley. After an hour Kelly set up Wright for an effort on target. Before Hamer was set up by Wright to test their keeper again. It should have been two, as from a corner Bidwell had a free shot, but his shot was blocked and so was the follow up. Hamer then flashed a free kick, inches wide of the post, we needed a second goal. City looked comfortable at the back with Binks, playing in a couple of good passes and Bidwell looking dangerous, it was the former who set up Howley for an effort on target. Half time City a goal up.

The pattern stayed the same for the 2nd half as Bidwell had a shot. With City coasting we had our first change, off went Hamer and on came Sheaf, we hoped City could play without Hamer. Wimbledon made a couple of changes, including taking off Ali Al Hamadi, a forward we were heavily linked with near the end of the last season. More changes, Palmer for Howley and Simms for Godden. We were only winning by a single goal, but we looked oh so comfortable. Wright had two shots that were well off target. Wright then played in Palmer whose shot was save, but it rebounded out and Simms had a tap in to score, but he played it on the ground and the keeper’s leg kept it out. Then, with four minutes to go and out of nothing a long ball was crossed, and it fell to the substitute Bugiel, on the edge of the area, his shot beat Collins and we were level. Now minutes away from a penalty shootout. Eccles came on for penalties, but a minute later, a deep cross was met at the far post by another sub, McLean and he volleyed it home, it was a great finish. If we had the same level of finishing, this game would have been over in the first twenty minutes. In injury time Simms turned in the box and fired a shot towards the top corner of the net, but their keeper Tzanev, pulled off another good save, a well-deserved man of the match. So, another League Cup and another defeat in the competition, four in a row now.

A far better trip back, got home around 12.30.

Man of the match
1st Gustavo Hamer: If he goes, we could be in real trouble.
2nd Jake Bidwell: Had a good game.
3rd: Luis Binks: A couple of good passes.

Leicester City vs Coventry City

So, I started my 44th season as a City fan. A lot has changed since we trooped out of Wembley with a penalty hart ache defeat. Gyökeres, had left and the money has been reinvested into the team, optimism for the new season is on a high. To say our start to the Championship is difficult, is an understatement, start off at the home of the favourites, with home games against the two other Play Off, sides, with Swansea away, who we can never beat, away as a sandwich. We travelled down the M69 with two bridges displaying signs, “All Cov are bas***ds”, but without the asterisks, and “Cov are scum”, and Leicester always claim they hate Forest and Derby more, they are very petty. The King Power Stadium has always bene difficult to reach, but we made it there in good time, free parking a mile from the ground. After a stroll down Raw Dyke Road, interesting name, we reached a ground where we have never won on. Inside the ground we got the first line-up of the season, Ben Wilson had recovered to be back in goal, we had three debutants in the back five, Jay da Silva, Bobby Thomas and Joel Latibeaudiere, with 3.5 million signing Ellis Simms up front. The rest was Kyle McFadzean, Josh Eccles a surprise inclusion in defence, Ben Sheaf and a great relief Gustavo Hamer, in midfield, supporting the two up front was Kasey Palmer, with Matty Godden. On the bench was record signing Haji Wright. The Foxes had an experienced line-up, including Callum Doyle making his debut and on a reported £38,000 pw! Plenty of familiar faces in the crowd including Pam Carvel.

Leicester are still under the elution they are a Premier League Club, because each fan had a flag to wave. The atmosphere was good in the ground with the Sky Blues fans singing about possibility that Leicester people might have parents who both might be closely related. The Foxes, their nickname, not because they are cute animals, but because Leicestershire was the home of the hunt and they liked to rip the animals apart, started the brighter, when Dewsbury-Hall tried a long-ranged shot that was an easy save for Wilson. City defended well from a couple of corners before another shot easily gathered by Wilson. Ndidi, then had a shot blocked, before Dewsbury-Hall also went close. City were struggling to get forward, as Simms was finding it hard to keep hold of the ball. Then we got our first serious attack going, with Palmer firing over after 26 minutes. Hamer and Sheaf were starting to see more of the ball and City looked more a threat going forward, with Palmer being the main architect. Callum Doyle then headed to Wilson, as Leicester were patient in their build-up and I heard rumours that ex-England forward Jamie Vardy was playing, but I couldn’t see him. Bobby Thomas then had a chance, but put the ball over, after diving in under pressure. As the half wore on City got more into the game as da Silva played in Simms, his shot was blocked. Palmer was then set up by Hamer, as his shot was also blocked. One guy behind me was already moaning about the lack of pace of Simms “He will struggle to score two goals this season”, he moaned. Then near the end of the half Godden put a shot wide after a Hamer cross, in the pursuing scramble, Ellis and Palmer had shots blocked, before Sheaf had a shot saved. Then from nothing Leicester broke and McAteer had free space and blasted his shot, Wilson did well to push it over, half time no goals.


The second half started, with City attacking the away end, and we were on our feet as Simms got the better of the defenders and raced through, but his attempt at a shot at the keeper, was shanked and went embarrassingly wide. A minute later City won a corner, Hamer took it and McFadzean, flicked the ball home in front of the delighted City fans. We sang about the untrue liking for Vodka and Jaeger and the size of his head, for the defender, but we were in front. Vestergaard was then booked for bringing down Godden. City were now up for this as Palmer raced forward, they couldn’t get the ball of him, he played in Godden on the left with only the keeper to beat, which he didn’t do. “1-0 to the Bas***ds from Cov”, we sang mocking the sign on the motorway bridge. Palmer then set up Simms for a shot on target. “It could have been you, Callum Doyle, it could have been you”, we sang. Eccles then set up Godden to force a save, City were well on top but needed a goal. Palmer then set up Godden for another crack at goal. It was Hamer’s turn to send Godden through, but his shot was well wide. At the other end Vardy forced Wilson into a save. Doyle then picked up a booking for fouling Eccles. MR then started the changes on came, for his debut Milan van Ewijk for Eccles, Kelly for Hamer, who had a soar calf, and with his name being sung Haji Wright replaced Simms. Then from nowhere Praet, crossed and Dewsbury-Hall levelled the game, against the run of play. Dewsbury-Hall then curled one into the side netting. Not long after a ball out of defence saw Godden chest it down to Wright, he knocked the ball forward and showed a sprinters’ pace, beating two players and entering the box to fire his shot of the underside of the crossbar, Godden had an empty goal, but with players getting back screwed his shot wide. Then at the other end Dewsbury-Hall turned the game on its heads with a smart finish. Now it was Leicester fans singing about Doyle. City tried to hit back as another new signing Tatsuhiro Sakamoto came on, but despite 9 minutes of injury time, new rules will make this common, The Sky Blues couldn’t force an equaliser and we left wondering how we didn’t win, it was the finishing.

Man of the Match
1st Kasey Palmer: They couldn’t cope with him.
2nd Gustavo Hamer: Ran midfield, we looked weaker when he went off
3rd Kyle McFadzean: Defended well and scored.

Middlesbrough vs Coventry City

The big day had arrived, despite my hatred of the long midweek trip there was no way I couldn’t go to this one. Went on the Sky Blue Tavern Coach. On the way over picked up two others including Kev. Sky Sports were in the bar, not the program but a camera crew! The coach was an hour late in coming, plenty of time for the younger passengers for several more drinks. Sky cameras were in the coach before setting off. Left at 2.30 for the long journey to the land of the Smoggies. Meanwhile around Europe fans were getting ready for the game, Paul was holidaying in Bosnia, my Bulgarian friend Nicky, was in Amsterdam, in a bar and on the table behind him was Joe Cole! Still in the Netherlands none other than the Sitton Brothers were getting ready for the game as well, back in Cov, regular traveling companion for the season Lisa was with Craig at the Empire, whilst Rach, who had work in the morning was elsewhere in the City. After a toilet break for the driver, they need to go as well, we arrived at Middlesbrough after a not too bad 3 ½ hour trip. On the way up we heard that MR had signed a four-year extension to his contract, conveniently announced today. Getting off another coach was none other than Jordan Shipley, the player that led the celebrations at the Notts County game.

To no one’s surprise MR went one up front, that being Gyökeres, supported by a midfield of Hamer, Allen, the returning Sheaf and our survivor from our League Two Play Off Kelly. The back five were Norton-Cuffy, Doyle, McFadzean, McNally and Bidwell.

This was a ground we had never won on, but MR has a habit of breaking such hoodoos, we had a bad record at Notts County as well, before the other play off. There was an incredible atmosphere in the ground, 24,000 red flags had been placed on the Middlesbrough seats, it reminded me so much of Notts County’s efforts in the last Play Off semi. The game got underway to a great noise as we were battling hard to be heard over the noisy Middlesbrough stands. Middlesbrough backed by their crowd were pushing forwards early doors as City tried to absorb the pressure. Former City loanee Ryan Giles got wide and fired in a dangerous low cross, thankfully it was McNally that was first to it and cleared. Then Cameron Archer went on a run, but he ran straight into McFadzean who robbed him with a great tackle on the edge of the area. Archer then was released down the wing, but Wilson came out to easily beat him to the ball. City were sitting deep and waiting for a mistake, then it happened a short back pass to the home keeper was intercepted by Gyökeres, who only had the keeper to beat, we held our breaths, but their keeper Steffen came out and got to the ball first, but Viktor should have given us the lead. Another attack saw The Championship’s top scorer go wide left in the area and banged in a low cross, but McFadzean was on hand to block the ball. Tommy Smith was first into the book for a foul on Hamer, meanwhile their players were falling down at every opportunity, it looked that way to us anyway. Hamer delivered a good ball in from near the touch line on the left, McFadzean rose to head it, but he put it over the bar. City were now settled into the game and started to play a bit more. A good attack started by Kelly fizzled out. At the other end a good first touch by Giles got him past Norton-Cuffy and into acres of space in the area, but McFadzean, as ever was alert to the danger and calmly dealt with the situation. It was very tense most had the feeling the first goal would win it. After 26 minutes there was a sharp intake of breath when McGree hit a shot that was deflected wide of Wilson’s righthand post. Another scramble in the box as McGree hit in a shot, but it was Kelly, this time to clear. The home side were building up a head of steam, then typically City hit them on the counter, a swift move forward saw Allen go into the box with a free shot on goal, but Giles got in and nipped the ball off his foot, another chance gone for City. At the other end a high ball in caused problems as Akpom won a header from McFadzean but McNally was in behind to scramble the ball away. McNair then went into the book for bringing down Gyökeres, who spun him and was on his way. Another cross went in, a header out fell to Forsse, with a free shot on target, but Bidwell threw himself at the ball for a great block. Then another counter and another chance as Sheaf got wide and fired in a cross to at least two charging City forwards, but a Middlesbrough player intercepted, and they took off on a counter as Archer was on the end of it until McFadzean intercepted for a corner. Hamer was booked for shoulder-barging a player down off the ball. The corner came in and Lenihan got his head to it, but an easy catch for Wilson, it was the first shot on target in the game. Both Forsse and Bidwell had a little scuffle just before half time with the ref telling them to calm down. Half time no goals anyone’s game.

The atmosphere in the first swung with the home fans then with us and the home fans again reflecting the game, but at the start of the 2nd half it was Twist and Shout, that could only be heard. The Sky Blues were attacking the end we were near in the second half as Bidwell put in a dangerous cross. Sheaf had one blocked before a good run from Hamer, as he tried to set up Allen. This was better from the Sky Blues, Middlesbrough seemed to have gone more longball in frustration. Then another great chance Sheaf busted down the left and pulled the ball back to an unmarked Allen, he had time but slipped when taking the shot and the chance was gone, we had our heads in our hands we had started to miss chances. We kept going then in the 57th minute a great ball by Sheaf sent Gyökeres racing after the ball their keeper, Steffen came out, but Gyökeres lifted the ball over him, he had to score, but he was wide, Hamer, picked up the ball, he had to shoot to score, he didn’t he steadied himself before curling it into the top corner of the net. Pandemonium in the away stand, we had the vital and deserved goal. “Wembley!” we sang. McFadzean then went into the book for fouling Akpom. Both sides had shots blocked as the countdown was on. Wilson went down with a head injury as Middlesbrough made three changes. Then at the other end Gyökeres, spun his defender and is brought down, free kick and a yellow card for Lenihan. Eccles came on for Sheaf. Hamer lined-up the free kick, time to remind everyone he has yet to score from a direct free kick for City, he stepped up and beat the keeper ends-up, but the ball cannoned off the crossbar. The subs gave them new energy as substitute Jones miss hit a cross to our delight. Then a big handball appeal from the home fans, but no referee would have given it. McNally then picked up a booking for a foul on the edge of the area, that looked like a dive. Giles delivered the ball into the box, Lenihan got free and unmarked, he was ahead of the ball so could only head it back into the box, the resulting shot was blocked. The home side were turning up the pressure, but we were staying strong with just over 15 to go. Another ball in and another sub, Barlassa got the ball in the box, but this time it was Doyle, on top of him, to get the ball away. City always look good on the counter and one incident a ball was played over the top and Gyökeres was after it, but Steffen was quick off his line and cleared outside his area. Gyökeres minutes later was shown the yellow card for kicking the ball away. Then our first subs, Dabo for Norton-Cuffy and Godden for Allen, how many managers with 11 minutes to go, defending a goal lead, decides to swap a midfielder for a forward, Mark Robins, that’s who. It was almost the perfect sub as Gyökeres found Godden and the forward’s shot was blocked leaving Hamer to fire over, we still looked more likely to score than them. More great singing from the away fans as the time ticked on to Wembley. There was always a chance they could score and with Gyökeres, now looking spent, they could go on to win. With a cross into our area and McGree had a snapshot, it deflected off McFadzean, for what looked like a corner, everyone stopped but the ball was still in play, it went back to Jones who fired wide, replays clearly showed the ball had crossed the line for a corner, missed by the officials. Then Middlesbrough had the ball in the net but three of their players were offside. Jones was booked as City defended the corner. Six minutes to go. A minute later McFadzean was replaced by Panzo. Wilson was booked for time wasting. With a minute of normal time left Gyökeres entered the box, but his shot was blocked. The 4th official put up 8 minutes of stoppage time when six would have been closer. Into injury time and Middlesbrough got very close as a shot hit the crossbar. Wilson had to back pedal to tip one over the bar. Very deep into injury time City had to see off two corners, after the second one the referee blew for full time. It was like the start of the 100 meters, players sprinted over to the away section as the Wembley party started.

Mass celebrations, no one in the away section was leaving early. After the celebrations and singing the songs of each player we hopped back onto the coach for the journey back. We had to stop near Wakefield on the way back, the toilet was full! Plenty of City fans milling about all very noisy. Got back into Cov and after dropping Mark and Kev home got to bed at 3.15am! What a night!

Man of the Match
1st Gustavo Hamer Ran midfield and a great goal.
2nd Kyle McFadzean Won everything kept Akpom out.
3rd Luke McNally Anything missed by Kyle, Luke swept up.

Coventry City vs Middlesbrough


The day had dawned, it was Play Off time at The CBS. On a warm day, a full ground saw the line up with Wilson in goal, Norton-Cuffy, Doyle, McFadzean, McNally and Bidwell at the back, in midfield we had Hamer, Eccles and the only player to play in a previous Play Off for City Liam Kelly, up front was Gyökeres and Godden. The atmosphere was cranked up before the start of the game.

The game got underway as the crowd were tense. First action was Bidwell down the wing winning a corner. Middlesbrough slowly got more of the ball and pushed us back. Then a real chance and it fell to their and The Championship’s top scorer, former City loan player Chuba Akpom. The forward found space on the left of the penalty area and Wilson had to come out and got a good block in, the ball spun off him and hit the crossbar before it was cleared. Middlesbrough had the ball a lot and were pressing us back, but we kept our shape. It wasn’t a great spectacle, but Middlesbrough came close when Smith had a shot blocked by Wilson at the near post. Slowly City got more of the ball as Kelly fired wide from a corner. The game was very cagy as City improved as the half went on, with a surging run by Hamer. Both defences were on top and the two highest scorers in the Championship were not getting a look in. A couple of blocked shots for City and the referee warning their keeper over time wasting before the end of the half.

Second got underway to a roar, as City are normally better in the 2nd half. The ref meanwhile was angering the crowd by giving Middlesbrough free kicks for not much. Early in the half a nervy moment when Akpom headed wide from a cross. There was a lot of huffing and puffing in midfield as Middlesbrough were in no hurry. Doyle did have a run but blasted over. It wasn’t a great match for people on Sky to watch as both teams were cancelling each other out. City could have broken but a handball stopped the attack, we took the free kick early, but really the ref should have dished out a yellow card. Allen replaced Eccles as the game wore on. Akpom became the only player in the book after fouling McFadzean. Hamer had a shot blocked as it looked destined for no goals. Borough sat back and City got their second wind, backed by the crowd urging for a late goal. None was coming and we head off to Teeside all level.

Man of the match
1st Ben Wilson Two important saves
2nd Gustavo Hamer Tried to get things running.
3rd Brooke Norton-Cuffy Defended well and was a danger going forward.

Coventry City vs Birmingham City

What a season, started off with a pitch that was too dangerous to play on, forcing us to sell our best defender, our top creating midfielder being injured most of the season and being bottom in October. For the visit of Birmingham, The Sky Blues could secure a Play Off place, if the results went for us. A record crowd for a league game turned up at the ground on a sunny day for the fun. The team was two players selected for the Championship team of the season Wilson and Gyökeres, The London Supporter’s player of the season and Young Player of the season Hamer and Doyle, the two captains Kelly and McFadzean, the rest were McNally, Norton-Cuffy, Bidwell, Eccles and Godden. Further boosted by agreeing to play at The CBS for another five seasons, there was an excited nervousness in the air. The troubled pitched looked in excellent condition, it’s amazing what not having a load of heavy rugby players churning up the pitch can do.

The game got underway to a roar with Birmingham going forward. Then City launched our first attack, Gyökeres won a header in the middle of the park, this sent him wide and he advanced down the field on the left, he reach level with the area and cut in, running at a defender, he kept the ball and saw Eccles in the box, he slid a pass to him, Josh hit it first time and the ball went it. What a start, there was a terrific noise, so loud it made Bidwell’s ears ring. It was Eccles first goal for the club and a perfect start. Also, it was Gyökeres 10th assist of the season. A bit later Birmingham had a throw in, and the ref waved the player back, because he was taking it in the wrong place, he took several steps back and ran up and took the throw in from the place the ref told him not to, the ref promptly awarded the throw to City, much to our delight. The Sky Blues were flying, and it looked like we could win this game easily. City won a corner and Hamer delivered it into the box as McFadzean’s header was deflected for another corner. Another attack saw another corner, this time it was Bidwell turn to pick out McFadzean, whose header was blocked. Another run saw Gyökeres set up Hamer for a blocked shot as The CBS was rocking. Birmingham slowly settled down and had more of the ball as Jobe (Brother of Jude) Bellingham headed one over. City kept up the pressure and late in the half Eccles took the ball into the area, and that side of the ground shouted “handball”, the ref agreed, and we had a penalty, difficult to see where I sat if it was a pen or not. Gyökeres, had the ball but Godden wanted to take it, but Viktor is bigger, so he took it, the crowd held its breath as The Big Swede ran up and placed it in the bottom lefthand corner of the goal as the keeper went the right way, but it was 2-0.

Now it was up to the games around the country, if City could secure a Play Off place, because a Birmingham fightback looked unlikely.

The second half got underway with a booking for a Birmingham player before Hamer set Gyökeres on one of his runs, he had two defenders on him, but Viktor twisted and turned and raced into the area but blasted the ball over the crossbar. Around the 60th minute mark, suddenly the atmosphere was cranked up as a party had started around the ground. We had a long delay, as a Birmingham player needed treatment before being taken off, the noise just grew louder. The Blues had a lot of possession, but they were not troubling Wilson in the goal, as he was looking for his 20th clean sheet of the season. Then Birmingham came close, a corner was met by Long, but his header was flicked just wide of the far post. City then set off on an excellent counter, the ball was played up field, Godden made a dummy run and latched onto the ball, he could have run into space, but instead picked out Gyökeres with a ball, he scored but the flag had gone up as the forward was offside when the ball was played. Gyökeres then set up Bidwell for a blast that their keeper did well to tip over the bar. With ten to go City fans belted out the Callum O’Hare song. Allen replaced Eccles, after an excellent performance from the midfielder, “He’s one of our own”, we sang as he left. Late on some good work by Bacuna saw him enter the area and curl a shot onto the crossbar. Into injury time and former City forward Lukas Jutkiewicz, had the honour of their only shot on target. The ref brought the home league season to an end.

The fans stayed off the pitch as the players did a lap of honour, all we need now is a point to make the Play Offs, what a season.

Man of the Match
1st Josh Eccles: Just getting better.
2nd Kyle McFadzean One major reason for so many clean sheets.
3rd Brook Norton-Cuffy Defended well and attacked well.

Coventry City vs Reading

So, another day and another massive match as Reading came to town. The Royals are in the drop zone for overspending, or cheating, if you prefer. With four main midfielders out, Liam Kelly started a league game for the first time this season and his first home league start for 16 months! With him in midfield were Hamer and Eccles, up front we had Godden and Gyökeres, at the back McFadzean had an injury and was rested, playing was, Dabo, Doyle, McNally, Panzo and Wilson-Esbrand and in goal leaping like a salmon was Wilson. The biggest home gate of the season, by 44 turned up, mostly City fans as Reading didn’t bring that many.

It could have been a great start as Kelly played in Gyökeres, whose shot was just wide. City had started off well, and Reading looked poor, after 12 minutes Gyökeres was wide and it was elementary as he slipped past Holmes, Holmes hacked him down and took a yellow card. It was one-way as Hamer played in Gyökeres, who was terrorizing the Royals’ defenders, he spun beyond their defenders forcing a save. It only seemed a matter of time before we scored as Reading kept blocking shots on target. Hamer had to go off to change his boots as the surface looked slippery. Then Hamer played a ball through the defence and Gyökeres was clean through, he had time to think and decided to go around the keeper, but there wasn’t enough pace and the keeper stood up and Gyökeres, went wide, on the goal line he turned and fired in a shot, but their keeper followed him back to block the shot, a great chance went begging. After a rare Reading attack Wilson launched a counterattack that saw Godden go clear, he put the ball over the bar but was offside. Then the breakthrough, Eccles advanced wide, he was tackled but the ball hit him and suddenly the ball found itself in acres of space, Eccles latched on to it and placed a low cross in the box for Godden, his shot was blocked, it fell to Hamer, who lifted it back in and Godden volleyed it home to give us a well-deserved lead. City now provisionally in 5th place. If we could get another the floodgates could open. Minutes later, we had a shot with a player, with a poorer goalscoring record than Wilson as Dabo had a shot on the edge of the box blocked. Into the last five minutes and Reading found some momentum as Holmes forced an easy save from Wilson with a header. Then another booking and I bet the referee is glad the days of taking down a players’ name is over as Guinness-Walker was booked. Then after defending two corners City broke, Kelly found Gyökeres, he turned and fired the ball against the post, he could have had four by now.

Reading had offered nothing, and City should have been out of sight as the second half opened with Kelly having a shot. Then the midfielder dived it to try to win the ball, but his opposite number, just got to the ball first, leaving him needing treatment, the game went on as Reading attacked and Joao got the ball on the edge of the area, there seemed no danger, until he curled the ball into the bottom corner, it was a great finish and a jolt to the system. His song was sung and so was the old ditty “you’re not singing anymore”, came from the away fans. We needed a quick response and got it as Hamer drove forward, his shot was block, but he was the first to react and scored to restore the lead. It seemed like the whole of the home sections got up and sung, “You’re not singing anymore!”. Yiadom then went into the book, but despite that the ref seem to give them soft free kicks and Gyökeres, nothing, maybe if he tried staying on his feet things might go more his way. Dabo was then replaced by Norton-Cuffy. Wilson-Esbrand was then booked after giving away a very soft free kick. Reading put two chances wide as City needed another goal, to win the game and for goal difference. Hamer then broke into the box again, but their keeper came out to block. City made a triple change as off went Panzo, Wilson-Esbrand and Godden and on came McFadzean, Bidwell and Walker. Into the last ten minutes as Hamer was booked. We had a worrying moment as McFadzean needed treatment for a head injury, but his massive head was fixed, and he continued. Eccles took one for the team with a foul. Then a great chance to wrap the game up Hamer played in Gyökeres he found room and dragged his shot wide. Then we had an idiot run onto the pitch, there was a great cheer as a steward expertly rugby tackled him, and it took six stewards to drag him off. The lengthy injury time had just got longer. There was some pushing as tempers rose and Norton-Cuffy and Fornah went into the book. City saw the game out and ended the game in 5th place, with two games to go, exciting times.

In a crunch game later on, Blackburn visited Preston, an away win and we would drop to 6th, Rovers took the lead with ten to go, then for the second time in a week they conceded in injury time, not a keeper this time but former City defender Dominic Hyam scored an own goal, or Agent Hyam as he was being called.

Man of the match
1st Gustavo Hamer Player of the season
2nd Liam Kelly “Kelly in the middle, he never gives the ball away.”
3rd Josh Eccles Played well from midfield.

Blackburn Rovers vs Coventry City

This is my last away league game of the season, as I am not going to Middlesbrough. After a horror journey to and back from Preston, I promised myself something different, so I booked into a hotel 25-minute walk from the ground. After a meal and a pint, I made the walk to Ewood Park. This was a massive game, Rovers in 6th we were in 7th until Tuesday’s fixtures knocked us down to 9th, but a win and we would rise to 5th! The team news included two players making their 100th league appearance, Sheaf and Godden the other players in reverse order were Gyökeres, Hamer, Eccles, Bidwell, Doyle, McFadzean, McNally, Norton-Cuffy and Wilson. Rovers had Hyam playing for them, who thought when we sold him, we would break a clean-sheet record?

Both sides started slowly, with Blackburn keeping a lot of possession at the back. In truth it wasn’t a great watch, City were struggling to get going and Rovers were patient, but they came close when a cross came in and Sam Gallagher had a free header, anywhere to the side of Wilson would have been a goal but he fired it straight at him. Sheaf then needed treatment and emerged with a bandaged head. Then McFadzean went down and looked in pain and some trouble, but, after treatment he was ok, scare over. Rovers were still looking the better side as Gyökeres was contained and we speculated if Godden was even on the pitch. Hyam had a shot blocked as Blackburn were looking the more likely, but the game lacked a spark. Then another attack saw Rankin-Costello fire in a shot that was aimed for the bottom corner, but Hamer was on hand to block it well before it reached the goal. Then a break from deep, as City were back-peddling, the attack looked dangerous, Rankin-Costello chipped in a cross, and Gallagher threw himself in with a diving header beating Wilson to give them a deserved lead. Sheaf went down again with and injury and worrying had to be replaced, on came Wilson-Esbrand. His first action was to take the ball into midfield, before being tripped by Travis, before he could say, “Why must it always rain on me?” he was booked.

It was a poor first half by City, but we were only a goal down. Kelly came on for his first game in ages, Wilson-Esbrand dropped back as Bidwell went off.

City were now attacking the end with the City fans in. City were on the front foot from the off with a driving run from Hamer, resulting him blasting one over the bar and minutes later, getting our first shot on target. Meanwhile Blackburn took every opportunity to slow the game down, every time one of their players went down the physios came on, City fans were not being conned suggested, in song, that the official was oblivious to the time-wasting tactics and was doing nothing about it, in words to that effect. Not much was going on and Blackburn were holding City, with Gyökeres it was literally. Time ticked on and City didn’t look like they had a goal in them. Walker came on replacing Eccles, Godden dropped slightly deeper. Ranking-Costello became the third player in the book or the 5th name, if you count hyphens. Panzo then came on for McFadzean before Dabo replaced Norton-Cuffy for the last 8 minutes plus injury time. With four minutes to go Travis but in a bad foul and was lucky not to see a second yellow. Approaching the 90 minutes Blackburn started to sit back and City got some momentum in the attack as Hamer tested Pears in the Rovers’ goal with a long-range effort. The corner came in Pears, punched it away for another corner, the corner came in Pears again punched it away for a corner, the corner came in and again the keeper got to it first, to concede a corner. City were now piling the pressure on as the away following were trying to suck the ball into the net. Five minutes of injury time was announced when seven would have been closer to the mark. Doyle then was booked for some reason after the 4th corner. Into injury time and Blackburn had their backs-to-the-wall, Hedges fouled Dabo, but not in the box, otherwise it would have made a good headline about Hedges and a box. Hedges was booked, Gyökeres was then brought down, as we were testing them with the set pieces. Deep into injury time we won another corner, Wilson started his way up the pitch, now MR never really likes his keepers coming up for corners, but this time he was persuaded, and Wilson joined the attack. The corner was taken, it came back over to Hamer, who swung in a deep cross and everything seem to go into slow motion, the ball broke in front of Wilson the next thing the ball had gone between the keeper’s legs and a goal, there was a fraction of a second delay as no one could believe what they had seen, mass celebrations started as we had nicked a point and seen a goalkeeper score for us, for only the second time in our history. We were still singing “Super Ben Wilson, in the middle of our goal” when the ref blew for full time.

Quite a remarkable ending to a game and City still in the play off battle. As most of the City fans set off on an arduous trip home, some not getting back until 1.30 in the morning, I had a stroll back to the hotel, a pint, before seeing the goals on The Football League Show.

Man of the Match
1st Ben Wilson Well I couldn’t give it to anyone else.
2nd Gustavo Hamer Set up the goal and looked our only danger.
3rd James Wilson-Esbrand Pepped up the attack.

Coventry City vs Watford

Another game and another depressing stat, we have only won one of our last 17 games played on Easter Monday. Today Watford were in town and the City team were in initials only, BW, BN-C, CD, KMcF, LMcN, JW-S, JE, BS, GH, MG and VG.

It was a warm, cloudy day with chances of rain as we played our penultimate home league game of the season. Nothing in the first five minutes then a single ball split the City defence and Pedro raced through, with defenders following him, he entered the area and placed the ball past Wilson to give them the lead. It was like Stoke all over again. The Sky Blues hit back when Sheaf found Hamer and Hamer found Hamer, their keeper has the same name. After 15 minutes McFadzean slid in with a well-timed tackle cleanly winning the ball until Keith Stroud, the ref thought otherwise, giving a free kick and a card to the defender, much to everyone’s anger. Pedro then had a shot on target but easily saved by Wilson. City were struggling to get their passing together, but Wilson-Esbrand was giving them problems out wide as he cut in but fired well over. City slowly got into the game and started to play the football, whilst Watford wanted to slow the game down. Then a good move saw Norton-Cuffy fire in a cross, but keeper Hamer got to the ball before Godden. Norton-Cuffy then headed well wide before Eccles was fouled resulting in a yellow card. City were getting more into the game and had a couple of wild shots, but nothing to test the keeper. It was then a case of not conceding before half time, then late on Saar beat Wilson-Esbrand passed to Louza, his first shot was blocked but the ball came straight back to him, and he volleyed home for 2-0, it was really just like Stoke. The last action saw the ref book Eccles for complaining and McNally for a foul, but the Watford players did like to roll around a lot.

No changes for City at half time, but it is hard to select someone from the bench that could turn the game. Watford came out and started to dominate the first five minutes of the half as City were struggling to get out, Louza had a shot saved. Ten minutes into the half and a brilliant ball from Eccles along the ground some thirty yards out found Sheaf in space in the area, his shot went just wide. Watford were enjoying themselves, with tricks and flicks, as they looked comfortable. Minutes later Gyökeres played a great ball that sent Godden racing through out wide, “He’s got to score this”, I said, he entered the box and had a shot that looked off target, suddenly it was in the back of the net, this took us all by surprise, “did it take a deflection?” No it was expertly curled in by the forward, game on! The game now had turned, Watford, were now not as cocky and City smelt blood as Hamer fired at Hamer. Louza then was booked for fouling our Hamer, as their tackles were getting desperate. Gyökeres went close and then City should have been level, as Sheaf headed well wide as he was unmarked after a cross from Wilson-Esbrand. W-E was at it again running at the Watford defenders, he turned back near the area and passed it to McFadzean, who had started the attack with a run from deep, the centre back, fired in a great cross Godden dived for it, getting a nick but Sheaf was at the far post to make contact with a volley to level it all up. It was now nearly all City as Gyökeres went down in the box, his defender argued with him as the game went on and Sheaf in the confusion had a shot that their Hamer came out to save. Then the big talking point Brook-Cuffy nutmegged a defender and entered the box, it looked like he had his heel clipped and went down, nothing from the ref, this looked to everyone a stonewall penalty. The corner came in and was fired, big handball appeal but still nothing. Eccles then fired over, and Watford were hanging on. Gyökeres then had a run at goal but decided to shoot instead of pass to a free Hamer in the box. Gyökeres, then did pass to Hamer who forced his namesake into a save. The ref blew the whistle for an entertaining encounter.

Man of the Match
1st James Wilson-Esbrand Lively attacking performance.
2nd Ben Sheaf Started to become more a goal threat and his first home goal.
3rd Matty Godden Worked hard, great goal.

Swansea City vs Coventry City

For the Stoke game I depressed many with our awful record on April Fool’s Day, so I decided to do it again for Swansea, no wins against them for 14 games, never beaten Swansea City away, the last time we won there was in 1950 and they were called Town then, ten away games there since without winning, this is why I go to see, in case we make history. Decided to go by coach and we set off at 9.30, it was heavy holiday traffic and within 30 miles of Swansea we had been on the road for 3 and a half hours when the steward on the coach announced we had to stop because of the driver’s taco, I thought “If she insists on eating Mexican food on the way down, no wonder she needs a rest”, but it was her tachometer and she be breaking the rules, so a quick half hour stop. Then the M4 ahead was rammed so we took a scenic route via places like Aberfan, which I can only remember in history as the place of a coal slagheap collapsed killing many, back in the 60’s. We made it to the ground at 2.30 some five hours after leaving. We got the line up on the coach and the team was the two loan wingbacks of Wilson-Esbrand, Norton-Cuffy in and Allen returning, the rest was Wilson, Doyle, McFadzean, McNally, Eccles, Hamer, Sheaf and Gyökeres, Swansea had former City loan favourite Liam Walsh playing.

This ground had seen more goals than any other in the Championship. It was a full ground, and the Swansea fans were making good noise, despite having nothing to play for, they made have been lifted with doing the double over Cardiff for the second season in a row, before that it was a hundred years before any double between the teams. They started stronger today as well, as a good move resulted in a header rippling the side netting. Swansea love to keep the ball and City were holding back ready to intercept a loose pass. City won a corner at the far end in the 17th minute, it came over Gyökeres, laid it off to Doyle, who found space and fired in a shot that Fisher in the Swans goal did well to get down to save, Wilson-Esbrand fired the clearance over. Minutes later Swansea won a free kick, it was delivered, and they got a flick in the area, another Swansea player got a boot to the ball and looked like it could sneak in, but Wilson dived across to keep it out with his fingertips. Then with ten to go a great chance, Hamer intercepted a loose pass, and he was free and one-on-one with their keeper, sadly the keeper got a hand to the ball to keep the sides level. Swansea then had a shot that just cleared the crossbar, then confusion, the referee was the only one in the ground that thought Wilson had touched it, but we had a great view, and he came nowhere near it. After the arguments the corner came over and Darling fouled McFadzean as the ball was cleared, the ref saw a scuffled and booked both players, as the official started to make some strange decisions. Then Wilson-Esbrand when forward knocking the ball past his marker and raced forwards, he had his shirt clearly tugged, but the ref played the advantage, until Gyökeres was brought down for a free kick, amazingly the ref didn’t show a single yellow card, when the first player should have at least been booked. With six to go Piroe had a crack at goal that Wilson did well to keep out, but the ball fell to Darling who put it over the bar. Allen was then taken out with a bad foul, the ref somehow missed it and allowed play to continue. It was clear that Allen was hurt by the challenge. Half time no goals.

The Radio Wales expert praised his team for passing better than they have for a while, but he admitted the game was equal and there for any side to take.

Second half Allen had to be replaced as he was injured, I wonder if the ref still thought it was a fair challenge? On came Godden, meaning we had fewer players in midfield to cope with the Swans possession. The home side started well as Walsh tested Wilson. City saw out the early pressure and went forward, a good move saw Hamer into the box, but his shot from a narrow angle was blocked by their keeper. On the hour mark they threw on Jamie Patterson, a player that always seems to score against us. Ten minutes later City made a switch as both wingbacks came off to be replaced by Dabo and Bidwell. Minutes later a great chance a high ball wasn’t dealt with, and Godden raced in for a chance, but their keeper was quick off the mark and blocked again. Into the last five minutes and Doyle had a shot from a corner that looked in, but just went wide. Wilson saved late again before Howley replaced Eccles. In the last minute Gyökeres got the ball wide, he did well to find space before blasting well over from a narrow angle and that was it. Ben Wilson meanwhile had set a new club clean sheet record, and, in the end, I did see history.

Man of the Match
1st Ben Wilson Several goods saves and history.
2nd Callum Doyle Defended well and looked dangerous from corners.
3rd Kyle McFadzean Helped to keep a clean sheet.

Coventry City vs Stoke City

So it was April Fool’s Day, a bad day in the recent past for City as we had gone nine games without a win on this day, losing seven of them, the last win was at home against Chelsea in 1991! Also Stoke are long overdue a win against us and we never like an international break anyway. The line up for the day was Wilson, Dabo, Doyle, McFadzean, McNally, Bidwell, Hamer, Eccles, Sheaf, Godden and Gyökeres.

It was a bumper crowd that saw the game get underway and the first action saw Bidwell catch a player, with a bad tackle, thankfully the ref didn’t reach for an early card. Then McNally blocked a throw out by their keeper, again the ref decided not to book him. City started fairly well against a side that recently smacked five away against Sunderland. Then out of nothing McNally found himself in no-man’s land and some swift passing and a good cross saw Tyrese Campbell score with a tap in, a well taken goal, it was too early to remember if we had come from behind this season to win. Now The Potters were full of confidence as City were struggling to pass to our own side, but one move saw Godden force their keeper to catch the ball from a header. Then an attack at the other end and Stoke overloaded the penalty area and looked certain to score, but a block and then a great save from Wilson denied Campbell a goal. From a later corner, Ben Wilmot got a flick that beat Wilson but Doyle hacked it off the line and City survived. Another corner saw Stoke go close again as City had forgotten how to defend. Wilson saved again this time from Smallbone, it was one way traffic, City couldn’t get a grip on the game. Then it was Campbell again causing mayhem but his volley was kept out well from Wilson. Stoke then managed to miss three other chances when they all should have been on target. Really Stoke should have been out of sight by now. City started to get more into the game and the thinking was “go in at a goal down and regroup”. Then a Stoke counterattack, a long ball saw Campbell all alone in our half, we waited for the offside flag, it never came, he slotted the ball past Wilson for two, still no offside flag. The player looked so far offside, no officials could have missed it, the only explanation was Campbell was in his own half when the long ball was kicked and when he got it, he was free in our half with Dabo trying to play the offside trap. Hamer then went into the book with a trip born out of, no doubt frustration. Half time came with booing from sections of the home fans.

It was Legend’s Day and we had 40 former players on the pitch, with the most recent being Max Biambou, we had four players from our last April Fool’s Day win, Oggy, Peake, Gynn and Sansom. MR made three changes at half time, off went Eccles, Bidwell and McFadzean and on came Howley, Wilson-Esbrand and Rose

The changes had the effect and City were looking a lot better, Wilson-Esbrand was looking good at wingback. Meanwhile Sheaf was getting more control of midfield. Hamer put a free kick over making us wonder have we ever seen him score from a free kick? Then we came very close to getting back into the game a good move saw the ball fall to Gyökeres, he hit an instant volley with the outside of his boot, this was swerving away from the keeper, but he pulled off a brilliant save to prevent the goal. Minutes later another chance as Dabo entered the box, went around a defender, and had a shot, it just went wide as a wait for a goal from the player goes on. Wilson saved at the other end, but City were getting closer when a Godden shot seemed to behind their keeper, but he stretched back to scoop it off his line. Gyökeres then had a shot straight at the keeper. Sheaf joined in the action with a shot before Gyökeres gave catching practise to their keeper again. City had subs ready to come on, but then the sucker-punch as Smallbone slotted the ball home from a counterattack. On came Norton-Cuffy and Walker for Dabo and Godden. Ten minutes later Ki-Jana waltzed through our defence to make it 4! Late on Hamer had a good shot that looked like it was heading for the top corner, but it hit Gyökeres on the back and went over, that summed up our day.

Man of the match
1st Ben Sheaf Played well in the 2nd half.
2nd Josh Wilson Esbrand Contributed when he came on.
3rd Ben Wilson Conceded four, but some important saves.

Blackpool vs Coventry City

Blackpool is a big day out for many, with plenty of City fans spending the night, weekend or longer, like my friends Kev and Rach who has been up since before the Wigan game. I drove up and parked within a couple of minutes of the ground. The car park was app only, it said “Stress free”, but several City fans were stressed by it. The pubs were jammed packed with City fans, after a walk along the prom I entered Bloomfield Road, in their long lasting temporary side stand. We filled the whole side of the ground, the press was also in the stand as Oggy and Clive Eaking were about twenty feet away. The team news Walker in for Godden and Dabo in at right back. The rest of the side was Wilson, McFadzean, McNally, Doyle, Bidwell, Sheaf, Hamer, Eccles and Gyökeres.

Blackpool are on the up after an incredible 6-1 home win against QPR, their manager said his side “are up and down like a fiddler’s elbow”. It was a cracking atmosphere as the game got under way. The Seasiders started the better as Rogers had a free header over the bar in the first minute. Then a minute later a ball across the box went to Dabo, he let it run under his foot to Hamilton, Dabo tried to tackle back the ball rebounded off him back to Hamilton, who had a snap shot on goal, fully expecting it to hit the back of the net it instead hit the post, a real let off for City. City got back into the game then after seven minutes a chance, Walker got the ball on the edge of the box, turned and entered the box and was brought down, the foul was just outside the area, so a freekick. Their player seemed in a bad way, and it looked like concussion, he was taken off and coming on as a concussion sub was Dougall, that reminded me of Father Ted, whilst Kev was reminded of Magic Roundabout. Hamer took the kick, the wall did its job and blocked the ball before it was cleared. After fourteen minutes a player went down near Gyökeres and he received a yellow card. Blackpool were fuming they wanted a red, McCarthy later said, “he gave him a right, then a left and then stuck the boot in”. Looking back on it he may have been lucky to escape a sending off, still the ref missed plenty of fouls on the forward for 90 minutes. City were now looking the better side as Hamer passed to Gyökeres who attacked down the left, he threaded a ball through to Sheaf, who was unmarked in the “D”, he steadied himself before blasting the ball past their keeper for his first league goal, since the two he got at Birmingham at the tail end of last season. City were looking to make it two with a couple of shots. City had a corner Hamer swung it in this cause problems at the back for Blackpool but they just about dealt with it. Then out of nothing Sheaf lost the ball in midfield, this sent Rogers through with a run on goal, McFadzean got back, Rogers cut in front and went down for a penalty, Radio Lancashire thought it was a bit soft, I thought it was a penalty. Yates stepped up to send Wilson the wrong way to level the game up. Then panic in the away defence as Hamilton broke, he played in Yates with only Wilson to beat, either Wilson or Hamer got to it to get the ball away, the resulting shot went wide, before the Blackpool players surrounded the ref, they wanted a penalty, Radio Lancashire, said it was, even Mark Robins agreed, I wasn’t that sure, but the ref didn’t give it, when your near the bottom, things never seem to go right for you. Eccles then set up Gyökeres for a shot on target. The game could go either way, but City were looking the better side, then into injury time Dabo showed skill the skin a defender, despite having his shirt pulled the wingback entered the area and blasted the ball which the keeper did well in pushing out for a corner, preventing the player’s first goal. The corner was swung in and the next thing we knew it was in the back of the net, who scored, at first it looked like McFadzean, but he raced over to Hamer, did it go straight in, no it was an own goal, our 103rd in the league. A great time to score and City had yet to win away this season after conceding a goal.

City started brightly in the second half Gyökeres went through and a square ball to Walker could have resulted in a goal, but decided to shoot and it was blocked. The ref gave a foul after Walker’s shirt was tugged. It was twenty yards from the edge of the box, he floated one into the box, a Blackpool player got a boot on it, but the ball didn’t clear the penalty area, it fell to McFadzean, who immediately volleyed straight back into the net, a great finish, Kyle circled and raced over to the away fans to celebrate, making up for the penalty he gave away. Now City were in charge, The Seasiders had a couple of efforts, nothing dangerous, before they threw on two subs. Walker then set up Gyökeres, but he was wide with his shot. MR then made the first changes, on came Godden for Walker and Norton-Cuffy for Dabo. The latter got further up the pitch and gave us an attacking outlet. City broke again as Gyökeres entered the area, he had options either side but went for goal and an easy save. City fans were in fine voice and already partying. Godden got into the action shooting high then playing in Bidwell into space but he was off target. Minutes later Hamer, won the ball and advanced, he played in Godden in the area, he took one touch before beating the keeper for four. “Come on the Old Five” I shouted and someone joined in with me for a change. Bidwell then put in a good cross that went to McNally but his shot was blocked. Gyökeres had one saved as the team was enjoying themselves, this looked like the first time we can beat a Mick McCarthy side away from home! Pool then made three changes, making it six in all, hold on six subs! History seemed to be made as a team changed half their team against us, the first was a concussion sub, so they were allowed. Hamer picked up an unnecessary booking. The City fans were singing “Town full of seagulls”, I at first misheard this, but a strange chant, but for once accurate. Maguire and Wilson-Esbrand came on late as City saw out a great win.

For once the M6 was clear, apart from 30 miles from home, in the rain, a long way to go but a great performance. Nine unbeaten, our best run in this division since 2001, under Roland Nilsson.

Man of the Match
1st Gustavo Hamer Set up all four.
2nd Ben Sheaf He is back and as normal everywhere.
3rd Jake Bidwell Had a quietly effective game out wide.

Wigan Athletic vs Coventry City

For the 2nd time in the space of two weeks, we faced the M6 in midweek. Last time for Preston we took a minibus and just about arrived on time, this time it was a mini coach, still no toilets, but we made it in plenty of time. This is the 4th time we had visited this ground and yet to win, in fact the last two trips Wigan were top of the table. The team news was Maguire was to make his first start supporting Gyökeres and Godden up front, also in midfield we had Hamer and Eccles, with Dabo apparently rested, in came Burroughs at the back, along with Bidwell, Doyle, McFadzean and McNally, in goal was Wilson. This is the middle game in trips to the bottom three. Got to my row to find my seat, number 37, but it wasn’t there, 36 was in place, then a whole section for disabled supporters, but no number 37, I reported this to a steward, who said, “don’t get me started on that!” I think this happens all the time.

City attacked the far end in the first half as Hamer won an early free kick, he took it and tested the Wigan keeper. City had started well as Gyökeres, set up Godden to forced another save from the keeper. Wigan hit back when Sinani tried his luck from distance, forcing Wilson to tip it around the post. The corner came in a Wigan player got to the header first, Gyökeres blocked it on the line, it rebounded for a free hit, this time Eccles blocked the shot and it was cleared, Wigan should have scored. Now the snow started to fall as I sang, on my own “call it off”. As The Sky Blues fans sung “Football in a library”, I responded with “Football in a snow globe” as the snow was getting heavier. Both sides had shots, but Wigan were looking nothing like a side six points from safety. The snowing started to stop as the action continued. Then another attack and another pop from long range, the ball skidded and bounced on the surface and Wilson had to be alert to push it away for a corner. City were finding it hard to get going, as their forward Will Keane was dropping off and finding space between the defenders. We then did have a great chance, Hamer, played a brilliant ball through the defence, Maguire ran into the area, rounded the keeper and fired from a narrow angle, unfortunately a defender got back to clear it off the line and it remained scoreless. From the corner McFadzean headed on and Bidwell had a blast that was caught by their keeper. At the back Doyle was trying his best to get City moving up field, but Wigan were looking the better side, he then set up Gyökeres for a blocked shot. We had a nervy moment when on a counter a Wigan player burst through, but there was enough time for Wilson to race from his line and beat the player to the ball well outside the box. We got to half time with Wigan buzzing around our box and maybe the reason they are struggling, able to create chances but they find it hard to finish them off.

Waste of time trying to tune in to their local radio station, because like Huddersfield, they don’t seem to have any.

Second half MR made the unusual decision to change things, but he needed to do this, off went Maguire and Burroughs and on came Norton-Cuffy and the welcomed return of Sheaf. All of a sudden City looked a lot better and more like the team we are used to. The away fans were trying their best to encourage the team. We had a couple of half chances, then Gyökeres laid the ball back to Eccles, he played in Bidwell on the left, the wingback swung in a cross and Gyökeres threw himself at the ball, looping a header over the keeper and it the process took a clattering from a defender. The Big Swede was down but not out, after treatment he got up holding his shoulder and made his way back to re join the action. City were now in the ascendancy and the fans were up for it. A meek reply came from the home fans of “Your nothing special, we lose every week”, an old hit for City fans, that we used to sing. City were looking for a second as Sheaf got one on target, before Godden had one blocked after an Eccles cross. Wigan, however were getting back into the game as two City players allowed too much room for their substitute Lang, down their right, he fired in a cross, and Keane gambled and got to the ball first, point blank, but Wilson had read it and smothered the shot, the keeper needed treatment but thankfully was Ok to continue. City were looking fairly comfortable as we entered the last ten minutes. Then in another attack the ball went to their number two, in the box, Nyambe tried a cross, but it hit McFadzean and beat Wilson to level it up. Wigan fans started to wake up. “Sing when your drawing”, we sang. Despite losing the lead City were looking more likely to score a winner. Hamer went into the book for persistent fouling, from a ref that ran the game pretty well. Into injury time and City came close, first Eccles set up Godden with a cross, but he miss hit it, then a minute later good combination between the two forwards sent Hamer clear into the box, their keeper quickly closed him down and got something on the shot, but the ball went passed him, only for a defender to hoof it clear. The game ended all square.

Then we had to face the M6 on the way back. We stopped for a comfort break at Keele Services, remembering our trip back from Preston, where we ran into Mark Robins, then, whilst we were in the services, Viktor Gyökeres, walked in! We asked him about his shoulder, he said it was alright and posed with the younger ones for photos. Made it home about one o’clock.

Man of the Match
1st Ben Wilson: Super Ben Wilson in goal.
2nd Jake Bidwell Supplied the cross and defended well.
3rd Callum Doyle Tried to get City moving forward on a cold night.

Coventry City vs Hull City

We have an interesting home record against The Tigers since playing on this ground. They were the first away team to win here, the first away team to get all three results here, win, draw and defeat and in one game then Chairman Ken Dulieu sat on the bench, to the embarrassment of then Manager Andy Thorn. Back to today with Doug King in the Directors box we faced Hull. The line up for the game was Wilson, Dabo, Doyle, McFadzean, McNally, Bidwell, Eccles, Hamer, Howley, Godden and Gyökeres.

Coventry attacked the away end in the first half as Hamer tried a volley that was totally miss hit and went out for a throw in. From the off City were trying the high press on Hull and they didn’t look confident passing out from the back. Eccles was the first to try a shot on target but straight at the keeper. A couple of minutes later City sprung an attack, Dabo left his marker for dead, exchanged passes with Eccles, Dabo raced on and crossed the ball, Howley, couldn’t make contact, Godden had his shot blocked, it fell to Hamer, whose shot was also blocked before Godden got it on target but straight to the keeper. Hull were looking pretty poor and The Sky Blues were looking by far the better side, but recently Hull have been difficult to break down and they were proving that today. Hull’s forward Tetty then pulled up chasing a long ball, he had to go off, bad news for City because coming on was Oscar Estupinan, who scored a hat trick in Hull against us earlier in the season. It wasn’t the best of games with both defences on top, a couple of blocked shots from City, a blocked shot from Hull and an easy catch for Wilson, as the 22,000 + crowd waited for some serious action. Then in the 33rd minute, we came close, a good move down our left, saw Hamer in the box, he went to the by line and pulled the ball back, it sat up perfectly for Dabo, 122 games no goals, it looked like a Richard Shaw, or Harry Roberts (for older fans) moment, he made good contact, beat the keeper but a defender blocked it on the line and a wait for a Dabo goal goes on. Then a controversial moment as Howley went down in the box a big appeal for a penalty but the ref said no. Near the end of the half City won a corner and we had some head tennis in the box, until McNally headed over. Half time no goals, this looked like a game where the first scorers would win.

The Sky Blues continued to look the better side in the second half, then seven minutes in a Hull attack was intercepted by Howley, but his deflected ball fell to Estupinan on the edge of the area, he took one step to the right and curled the ball past Wilson, it was a great finish and his 4th goal against us this season. So far this season City have never come from behind to win. The crowd tried to get behind City with the Sky Blue Song, Dabo won a free kick in the Hull half, played it square, it made its way to Doyle whose long range grass cutter took a deflection and just went wide. Meanwhile the goal had lifted Hull, they were suddenly looking not at all bad. One attack ended with a Wilson save. MR went for broke, taking off McFadzean and Howley, bringing on Norton-Cuffy and Maguire. We went to four at the back. City took time to adjust to the new formation and it almost cost the game, as a swift breakaway saw three Hull forwards attack, Dabo was the only one back, a square ball by Ebiowei to one of his team mates and they would have a tap in, but he went for goal from a narrow angle and put it wide. The Sky Blues were caught again as we were losing our shape, thankfully the ball was blazed over the bar. City seemed to settle down and went forward down the left, Gyökeres, well contained until now took off towards the box, he was blocked off from having a shot so passed to Godden, his first time shot was blocked, Gyökeres picked the ball up again and tried to go the other way, he stepped over a challenge, dragged the ball and headed for the touch-line, before knocking the ball back to Godden, his first time shot wasn’t blocked and it beat the keeper on his near post to level the game. Godden had now scored 60% of his league goals this season against Hull. The goal changed the plans of MR to bring on three players, as Walker was ready to replace Godden, instead Wilson-Esbrand and Burroughs replaced Dabo and Bidwell. Both added to the game and the latter linked up well for Norton-Cuffy, whose cross was fired over by Godden. Down the other wing Wilson-Esbrand went on a run the ball fell to Eccles whose shot from outside the area curled inches wide. Hull went forward found plenty of room, the ball went square and to the other side, it was crossed and two Hull players emerged unmarked and one headed in, both clearly offside, so no goal. City then had strong handball appeals turned down, the linesman had the perfect view. Eccles, looking for his first goal then had another blast, that a Hull player, not for the first time got a block and it went wide. In the end a 1-1 draw.

Man of the Match
1st Josh Eccles Combined well in midfield and getting closer to a goal
2nd Luke McNally Another good performance
3rd Gustavo Hamer Our best creative player.

Huddersfield Town vs Coventry City

In the car again and thankfully up the M1 and not the M6, to Huddersfield. A trouble-free journey to the ground. The main topic was who was to play in midfield? MR decided to give Ryan Howley his very first start in the league. The lad looked a lot taller than I last saw him, he slotted in alongside the now veteran Josh Eccles, Hamer played further forward, at the back we had Wilson, Dabo, Doyle, McFadzean, McNally and Wilson-Esbrand, Gyökeres and Godden up front.

We were in our Cathedral away strip, against a side that started the day seven points adrift of safety. Last season they made the play-offs we dominated the game here but grabbed a late goal to get a draw. The home side started the brighter and a good move saw a cross go across the area straight to Lowton who had a powerful header but straight at Wilson, no problem. City soon settle down as Godden had a shot blocked. There was a good atmosphere in the away end as both sides had shots blocked. Meanwhile the referee was annoying the away fans with some strange decisions. More anger as Howley went in for a challenge, their players surrounded the ref and he gave in and booked the full debutant. The Terriers were winning some dubious free kicks around the box, but City defended well. Then on the 31st minute a good build up saw the ball passed rapidly up field, in the direction of Gyökeres, one of their defenders tried to steer it back to his keeper, but scuffed the pass, Gyökeres latched onto it and raced on goal, it seemed to go into slow motion at the other end, as their keeper raced out to the edge of the box, but Gyökeres put in a gentle chip over the keeper, it bounced once before ending up into the back of the net. The Terriers hit back as High got a shot on target and Wilson had to dive to keep it out. Howley then blasted one high, but he didn’t look like a player on his first start. Gyökeres then headed one wide, now City were looking by far the better side and Huddersfield look like they lacked confidence. Into the last five minutes High had a good shot that went just over. It was noticeable that Dabo was playing well and looking like the old Dabo. Deep into injury time McNally had a header saved.

Second half City attacked the away end, that was packed out. City were looking confident; the home crowd were quiet, and we were singing the “Doug King” song. City then won a throw in, it went to Hamer, he knocked it back to Dabo, he held the ball up, for what seemed ages, with cries of “take him on”, Dabo then slipped a brilliant ball to a rampaging Hamer, who entered the box and blasted a shot from a narrow angle and somehow it went in. Great celebrations in the away end and on the pitch, Hamer celebrated last with Dabo, were they both rested their heads on their hands to signal sleep. Now we were rocking in the away stand, as Huddersfield looked a beaten and relegated side. Minutes later City went forward again, Hamer won the ball and threaded a brilliant ball and Gyökeres escaped his markers again, he entered the area, he had Howley with him, but he went himself and buried it for 3-0. What a stroll. City were flying and even Dabo attempted a shot. Then the first change off went Wilson-Esbrand and on came Bidwell. Before a triple change, off went Dabo, Godden and Howley and on came Maguire, Walker and Norton-Cuffy. The home fans were not pleased as they started to leave with songs of “Going down” ringing in their ears. Huddersfield had a couple of shots go wide but they always looked like a side destined to make errors. Eccles had a chance with a free shot on target, but a defender somehow blocked the shot with his heel. Walker then set up Gyökeres for a blocked shot. The home side then came close when Wilson had to deal with an awkward ball towards the top corner of his goal. Into the final minutes as Rose came on for his 100th league game for the club. Into injury time and Town had two shots blocked before Bidwell launched the ball forward for Gyökeres, he had his back to the defender, got the ball, turned around and ran, he turned inside and then outside into the area, we were all expecting him to go for his hat trick, but he squared it to a totally unmarked Walker, who had a tap in for his first goal of the season. The game ended, this was our biggest away win since hammering Cheltenham in League Two 6-1, and our biggest away win in the 2nd flight since a 5-1 mauling of Colchester at their old ground (2008). Wilson now goes level with Bill Morgan on the number of clean sheets in a season, 17, set in the 1938-1939 season, we move to 8th and had a good journey home, everything is looking good.

Man of the match
1st Frankaty Dabo The Dabo of old
2nd Viktor Gyökeres Two goals, one assist
3rd Gustavo Hamer Ran midfield again, a goal and an assist.

Preston North End vs Coventry City

The best known stat about Coventry City is, we have never won a league game at Deepdale. We set off in hope at ending the hoodoo. Leaving from The Sky Blue Tavern, using their services we climbed aboard the hired minibus little realising what was in store for us. Left at 3, hit traffic south of Birmingham because of an accident, 2hrs later of very slow driving we passed Wolverhampton! Now it was a race to Preston, the driver Myles, refused to stop for another toilet-break as we headed towards the town of the first league champions. Thankfully, being a coach, they had arranged parking with the police and we arrived at the ground at 7.25. Four hours twenty minutes, this, on a clear run would normally have taken us well into Scotland. We had the team news on the way up and with Palmer, joining the growing injury list, MR was forced to play two up front of Gyökeres and making his 100th appearance for City Godden. Allen, Eccles and Hamer were in midfield with Brooke-Cuffy, McNally, McFadzean, Doyle and Bidwell at the back and Wilson in goal.

It was a tepid opening with City playing in the purple kit attacking the far end. It was a slow start but after ten minutes, Brooke-Cuffy played to Hamer, he turned and lost his marker, picking out Bidwell he laid it back to Doyle who tried a shot from outside the area that the keeper turned around the post. The game wasn’t great but Hamer looked the best player on the pitch. After 17 minutes a chance a long ball, over the top from Doyle gave Allen a chance, he had to volley it but put it over the bar. There was a good atmosphere in the away stands as the quality on the pitch wasn’t great, the referee, was looking better than some of the players and ran the game well. Preston won a corner, City fans seemed enraged that the ball was outside the corner arc, but part of the ball was, so I had no complaints, the corner came in, it wasn’t cleared and the ball was switched to Chad Evans wide, in acres of space with only Wilson to beat, I was expecting the ball to be banged into the back of the net, but, thankfully he put it wide. A minute later City broke from a deep free kick, Hamer took the ball up and charged at Preston, he rode a challenge, the ref played a good advantage, now Gus had the field to run into, he got near the box before he was closed down, then played in Allen, on the edge of the area with only the keeper to beat, but he fired it straight at him. City almost landed themselves in trouble as Evans got past McFadzean, a rare mistake by the captain, but McNally was on hand to cover and cleared the danger. It was noticeable that Gyökeres was being well marshalled up front and for once wasn’t overpowering the opposition defenders. City caught PNE offside on a couple of occasions, before a not very interesting half came to an end.

Second half City attacked the Bill Shankly kop, named after one of their great players and legendary Liverpool manager, his brother Jimmy, played 8 games for us in 1928. The start of the half saw Allen taken off with an injury, that is now five midfielders out injured. On came Wilson-Esbrand to play in midfield. Doyle was first into the book. Wilson had to field two shots on target getting down smartly to save both. Preston had two shots go close, the first fell to Potts who should have done better close in and the second was an overhead kick. At the other end Gyökeres found space in the area and laid it back to Bidwell with a free hit in the penalty box he hit it high. City made the changes, off went Doyle, Brooke-Cuffy and Godden and on came Rose, Burroughs and Walker, whose last league goal for City was in this fixture last season. City had two attempts blocked before Wilson-Esbrand fired one easily at the keeper. Walker was brought down twice, but not according to the ref as the game dragged on. Eccles was booked followed by a yellow card for Hamer, his first for ages. Cannon then went off and a Parrott came on, I hadn’t fallen asleep and was dreaming, those are names of a couple of Preston players. City had a few later set pieces but nothing came of them, before Gyökeres was booked late on and that was it.

Still no wins at Deepdale in the league, but not a bad result.
Now we had to face the M6 at night. First off we encountered the motorway shut down to one lane, then what the police in Preston warned us about, three junctions of the motorway were closed, after negotiating them, the driver decided to stop near Stafford for a quick 15 minute comfort break, whilst in the service station, one of the guys on the minibus was playing on a kids coin operated car, a guy walked in and said “why don’t you grow up!”, we couldn’t believe it, it was Mark Robins! He allowed us to gather for a team photo. On our way again and the lovely M6 was closed between 5 and 6 some 20 miles from home, a nightmare joining the queue of lorries to get off the motorway. Finally back in Cov and after a short walk I got home at 1.35, thinking “I’m too old for this” and we have to do it again in a couple of weeks.

Man of the Match
1st Gustavo Hamer Best player on the pitch
2nd Luke McNally Sign him up
3rd Callum Doyle One shot and an assist

Coventry City vs Sunderland

It was high noon (plus thirty minutes) at The CBS as we took on, what many younger fans consider is a big rival of ours, Sunderland. For the early kick off they brought an impressive 4,500 to the ground, pushing the attendance to over 21,000. Sunderland haven’t beaten City in Coventry since 1985. The team was unchanged from last week Wilson, Brooke-Cuffy, Doyle, McFadzean, McNally, Bidwell, Eccles, Hamer, Allen and Gyökeres. Sunderland are managed by former City boss Tony Mowbray. Before the game we had a tribute to the late great John Motson, replaying his commentary for the 87 Cup final goals and when we lifted the Cup “The Sky Blues are sky high”, he said.

There was a good atmosphere in the ground as the game got underway. The ref missed a couple of pushes on Gyökeres early on and this kept up for the entire game. City had the first chance with Palmer firing over. Sunderland look a classy team and early on Jack Clarke was giving Norton-Cuffy some problems. The Black Cats had the first shot on target saved by Wilson, from outside the box. After nine minutes Clarke tried to get past Norton-Cuffy and Cuffy brought him down near the goal line. It was delivered well and a Batth header struck the crossbar and City cleared. City were playing the high press on Sunderland, so they couldn’t break from the back, but after 17 minutes it was a missed place pass, picked up by Gyökeres, he raced forward across the defenders and had the goal at his mercy but blasted high. Sunderland players seemed to go to ground too easily but the ref was having none of it and tried to let the game flow where ever possible. City won a corner and McNally headed over. City were back defending in numbers from a corner, and a shot was blocked Allen raced forward, he was too clever for Neil who misread his turn and brought him down for a booking. After a quarter of an hour a high ball was won by McFadzean in the centre circle, flattening a midfielder in the process. The ball went to the left, and was played forward from their fullback, Clarke was favourite for the ball but McNally slid in with a great tackle, Michut got the ball and turned his back to protect it, but McNally flew in with another great tackle, they were expecting the ref to blow for a foul, but no, he won the ball, McNally seemed to pause for a second before heading up field, he played in a ball to the box, Gyökeres had cut in from out wide and ran in on goal, he squared it to Allen who finished first time, 1-0 to City, great goal. A minute later with City on a high, Allen threw himself into a great tackle and the ball fell to Gyökeres for one of his familiar surging runs towards the goal, the defenders were floundering around as he was fouled but stayed on his feet, went wide in the area and dragged his shot just wide of the far post. City were now looking the better side Eccles had a shot blocked and not much later a ball fell to Hamer on the edge of the box he volleyed it back in just missing a great goal. There was some pushing and shoving following a disputed corner, but the ref just preferred a word. Palmer then got booked for what looked like a good tackle. Palmer set up Gyökeres, whose shot was blocked. Into injury time and the highly skilful Diallo, raced into midfield, he skipped past McFadzean, he fouled, but the ref waved on, another tackle and another foul, but he kept moving, until Eccles brought him down on the edge of the box and a yellow, Diallo reacted to the tackle and also received a yellow, this time good reffing form the man in the middle. Roberts took the free kick but Wilson spotted the danger and saved it. Half time City a goal up.
The Beeb reported it as Sunderland’s artisan midfield against the more industrial midfield of City’s, times have changed!

Sunderland, no doubt were told to hold onto the ball more in the second and break City down, they certainly had some skilful players, but City has the colossus McFadzean at the back organising everyone to keep working and keep them out. Palmer then went down, with a worrying injury, he had to go off, it was a bit of the surprise when he was replaced by wingback Wilson-Esbrand, who went into Palmer’s position. City were being pressed back but defending well as a shot was blocked. Then a good move a backheel saw Diallo fire towards the bottom corner of the goal and Wilson had to be alert to pull off a good save. City defended two corners before the danger was passed. City finally started to get forward as Hamer had a not very accurate blast, then he set up Gyökeres for a blocked shot, before the same player headed over from a Bidwell cross. We then had an idiot on the pitch, dropping smoke bombs before the stewards got to him and escorted him off the pitch. There was another case of pushing and shoving off the ball as the ref just had another word. Both sides had shots go wide before Sunderland made the changes, I wanted Clarke to go off and to my surprise, he left. They made two other changes. Wilson had another save as it was nearly all Sunderland. Then panic as a ball high over the defence was chased by Diallo who got free, Wilson was to advance but thought better of it, the Sunderland player got to the goal line and crossed, appeals for hand ball but it fell to Roberts who, thankfully prodded it wide. With nine minutes left it was a double City substitution as Rose, Godden came on for Doyle and Bidwell, with Esbrand dropping back into his normal wingback role. Sunderland were still holding on to Gyökeres and there was anger as an elbow was seemed to be aimed at him. With four to go City had a free kick, no one wanted to get the ball so the ref decided to book Wilson. Then with a minute to go Brook-Cuffy got the ball and laid it off to Hamer, he swept a brilliant ball out to Godden, wide he went into the area and slid a ball along for Gyökeres to get in front of his marker to make it 2-0. Sunderland fans were leaving before Godden fired one on target. Deep into injury time Hamer let a player run past him, he crossed, a header was won it fell to Diallo who had all the time to curl it past Wilson, to give us a nervy last minute or so, but the ref blew for a great win.

Man of the Match
1st Kyle McFadzean Great organiser won so many tackles.
2nd Viktor Gyökeres Pulled, tugged elbowed throughout the game, one assist and a goal.
3rd Luke McNally Need to sign him next season.

Rotherham United vs Coventry City


Off to Rotherham, for once with a full car. This was my 7th visit to the town, four at Millmore, which still stands and the third at this ground. Arrived in the town and we were delighted to find the car park near the ground was free all day! After a drink in the pub, we got to the ground and the team put out by former Rotherham player and manager Mark Robins was Wilson in goal at the back was Bidwell, Doyle, McFadzean, McNally and a player that played 20 games on loan for Rotherham this season Norton-Cuffy. In midfield was Hamer, Eccles, Palmer and Allen with Gyökeres up front. Rotherham confusingly had Coventry playing for them, that is Connor Coventry.

The Merry Millers are not so merry these days as they, yet again face relegation from The Championship. The Sky Blues defended the goal which we were behind. In the first minute they won a corner, it came over and Hugill headed it in at the far post, I optimistically shouted “Off side”, to my surprise the ref Keith Stroud disallowed the goal for what was a push, good job he spotted something and the “goal” music had to be turned off. It wasn’t a great game as Hamer had a shot easily saved by a keeper that has been up and down with Rotherham. Norton-Cuffy then conceded a free kick with a little tug, but amazingly the referee decided it was bad enough to award a yellow card. After 20 minutes a great ball by Hamer set Gyökeres off on one of his rampaging runs ending by forcing a save from their keeper. Rotherham had two off target shots each time set up by Coventry (that is Connor). Rotherham were having a lot of the ball, but they never threatened Wilson in the goal. Not much was going on when Gyökeres was pulled down near the centre circle, free kick but again the ref flashed a yellow card when a free kick would have done. The game was really dull as it limped to half time then a cross came into Hugill he was totally unmarked and had a free header but played it straight at Wilson. A minute later Doyle pushed a player and the card happy ref showed yet another harsh yellow card. Half time no goals and the game looked pretty dire.

Second half City were attacking the away end. In the first minute Bidwell came forward down the wing, he exchanged passes with Palmer and Jake got to the edge of the box, he picked out Allen, his first touch was heavy, but no defender reacted, Allen got to the ball and drove it home for the opener. Allen celebrated by sucking his thumb, we celebrated with the “Jamie Allen baby” song. We saw the Stewards then race the length of the away stand for some reason. City were lifted by the goal, not surprisingly as Brook-Cuffy was fouled near the box. Palmer took it and squared it to an unmarked Brook-Cuffy who fired a shot on target. Hamer then set up Gyökeres for a shot on target. The game looked very comfortable, and I couldn’t see them scoring against us. Meanwhile in the home stand near us there was scuffles between their stewards and some of their fans. A fan in a yellow bobbled hat was thrown out, not sure why, I don’t think it was his headgear. Long after their fans were arguing with their stewards and pointing to the away fans, maybe he was thrown out for persistently standing. On the field, more confusion in the New York Stadium as Washington came on. City conceded a number of corners all defended well. Then a great chance, a brilliant ball by Doyle sent Gyökeres away with a run, he entered the box but dragged his shot wide. Godden came on to replace Palmer. City were looking as comfortable with a one-goal lead as it can be. Another veteran came on as Tom Eaves came on for Rotherham. Into the last ten minutes as Gyökeres and Ogbene fell over the goal line, there was a little bit of shoving by both players, most referees would just of had a word, but not Mr Stroud who gave his 4th and 5th harsh yellow cards. Late on Kelly replaced Eccles as it looked like it was heading for a 1-0 win for City. Into injury time and a missed placed pass meant Coventry (Connor) had to stretch for the ball knocking it into space, Hamer was the one alert and raced onto the ball the had a chance of a run in on goal but the defender did well to get back, Gus, stopped turned and saw Gyökeres was in space, he passed and Viktor got the ball under control before finding the opposite corner, 2-0 game over. The stewards again sprinted the length of the away stand, I don’t think they were joining in on the celebrations. The game ended in one of the most comfortable wins this season.

Man of the match
Going on the votes in the car
1st Josh Eccles Better in midfield
2nd Kasey Palmer Always an outlet
3rd Jake Bidwell Defended well and an assist.

Coventry City Vs Millwall

So on St Valentine’s Day City played at home for only the 8th time and we had won six of those including a 4-1 win over tonight’s opponents 70 years ago. In the ground there were no longer any Wasps signs, replaced by Fraser Group signs. The line-up announced and according to one website Bidwell was up front with Gyökeres! In fact Jake was at wingback, with Norton-Cuffy on the other side, in goal was Wilson, with Doyle, McNally and freshly signed a new contract was McFadzean. In midfield we had Hamer, Eccles, Allen and Palmer. Millwall came to the game in form, only one defeat since after the World Cup and had won their last two away games. We needed to get our own back on Millwall, as on a baking hot day we took a two-goal lead at their place before losing 3-2.

One thing we didn’t want was another slow start and we didn’t get one as Eccles had a shot blocked after good work by Norton-Cuffy. Minutes later Palmer showed some skill in getting Allen in the box, his shot was saved by Long in the Millwall goal. Fadz then put the corner wide. It was certainly a fast start for City. It was nearly all City as Millwall were struggling to get out of their own half. Palmer was running things in midfield, showing up everywhere. After 12 minutes we nearly had a breakthrough, a swift counter saw the ball come out of defence, Gyökeres played a lovely touch sending Palmer on a run, now Vik had to make up the ground to support him in attack, he put on the after burners like a sprinter, Kasey carried the ball forward and slid the ball into Vik who had race the length of the pitch, he only had the keeper to beat, but Long came out and blocked a low shot. At the back Fadz was organising the defence well as Millwall were caught offside twice in a row. Both Gyökeres and Palmer had shots that were too high as City continued to dominate. Then Allen was played it with a great chance, but the ball got stuck under his foot and the chance was gone. Millwall then had a penalty appeal turned down, by a referee who was outstanding. Then Norton-Cuffy on the edge of the area, attacked, slipped between two defenders and banged in a low cross that Long got a hand to, deflecting it away from danger. Billy Mitchell (not the character from EastEnders or the American pilot who championed the Aircraft Carrier after the 1st World War) was booked. Both Hamer and Bidwell had shots that were off target. Jake Cooper then went into the book as Gyökeres, went past him and he tugged him back with a shirt pull. Near the end of the half Millwall had a corner, it fell to Eccles, he knocked the ball out of the area to Palmer, he carried the ball forward and knocked it into space, Gyökeres ran from the blindside of a defender and went into the box, Long charged out quickly and blocked the shot, the ball rebounded off Gyökeres and roll inches past the post. Half time some how it was scoreless, Millwall looked very poor, but they had to improve in the 2nd half.

The 2nd half got underway with the Doug King song. Norton-Cuffy went into the book. City were still on top but finding it hard to break down Millwall. For the 2nd time in the game Allen got the ball in the box but his touch let him down. There was always a danger of a counterattack, and Millwall launched one, Eccles brought down a player in his own half but the ref, played the advantage, the attack came to nothing. City got the ball back and passed it around at the back looking for gaps, then Doyle was sprung into the Millwall half, he went forward and found Gyökeres, he had a defender at his back, dummied to go to his right, but then turned to his left, heading in the direction of the goal. He found a little bit of room and released a shot from well outside the penalty area, this caught out their keeper and the ball ended up in the back of the net, a great goal and Gyökeres had ended his goal drought. Before the players went back for the restart Eccles was booked for his foul several minutes earlier, can’t argue, great refereeing. Millwall meanwhile had made two substitutions to all out attack. Now it was The Lions on the front foot as City sat back, maybe a little too deeply. They won a series of corners, from one of them they had a free header, thankfully it went straight to Wilson. It was getting nervous as City were struggling, now to get out of our own half and the away side were applying the pressure. They came close after a corner, a shot was blocked, Palmer couldn’t clear, and a shot was cleared off the line by McNally and City survived. With four minutes to go finally City made a change off went Gus and on came Kelly, who’s contribution was two big clearances from the box. Millwall also went close when one of their players, Fleming found himself clear in the area after a great pass, thankfully he couldn’t get the ball under control it fell to one of their subs, Esse, who fired across the goal just about missing the far post. In injury time Burroughs replaced Norton-Cuffy, who had his best game for the club so far. City saw out the rest of the game for a well-deserved win.

Man of the match
1st Viktor Gyökeres: Outstanding off and on the ball
2nd Kasey Palmer Linked the team together and put in a real shift, still attempting to close down their keeper late in the game.
3rd Luke McNally: Fadz will take the praises, but McNally was outstanding beside him

Coventry City vs Luton Town

A game against the familiar shape of Luton Town, a team that always seems a year ahead of us in their development. On the way to the ground, I heard the team news, and it signalled the welcome return of McFadzean to the defence and the first start of the year for Godden up front. The rest of the team was the wingbacks Eccles and making his first start Wilson-Esbrand, the other two central defenders were Doyle and McNally, with Sheaf and Hamer in the holding roles, Allen in attacking midfield with Gyökeres up front, then I got to the ground and change was made Sheaf was injured in the warm-up, I can’t believe the bad luck we have had with injuries this season, Palmer came in with Allen dropping back in the holding role. Meanwhile and as normal Luton had a team full of giants. Before the game we had a minutes’ silence for the loss of lives in the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

Luton are in form and have scored more goals in the opening 15 minutes than any other team in the Championship. In the first 30 seconds Luton won a throw in, it was taken and crossed, Palmer tried to stop the cross but it deflected off his leg and straight to Lockyer for a tap-in, what a dreadful start! The goal shook City and Luton were looking lively. Their fans had made it halfway over towards the “Naughty Corner”, but were stopped by the flags there and the stewards. The referee was Stephen Martin, not the comic actor, because this official wasn’t funny at all, and in fact gave one of the poorest displays this season, he was in charge even telling his “assistances” which way the throw in goes. Slowly City started to get back into the game as the fans struck up the Doug King song. Then the first chance Eccles set up Gyökeres and his shot was turned over the crossbar a great save from their keeper. Palmer then went close with a shot, as Luton were trying their best to foul Gyökeres and getting away with it. The Hatters own man-mountain Adebayo then force a catch from Wilson. We had a handball shout then, the ball did hit the defenders hand, but his arm was at his side, so no penalty was the right decision. Bell then failed to trouble Wilson with a shot. City were growing in confidence at the back as Fadz was organising well. Another shot on target from Adebayo and Luton but another easy catch from Wilson. Esbrand then had a shot blocked in a tight game. Hamer then set up Palmer for a shot that was blocked. Meanwhile the referee was still missing plenty in the game. With a minute to go Gyökeres escaped down the left and went by a player he was brought down and finally the ref acted, awarding a free kick and a yellow card. A minute later a sweeping move saw Godden arrow in a cross straight to Gyökeres, he got in front of his defender and would only have the keeper to beat, before he was dragged down, penalty, now since the Professional foul rule was introduced many years ago, a red card would have followed, but this ref is in a world of his own and only gave a player, who dragged back a player in the box, a yellow. Godden got the ball of Gyökeres and hit it down the middle for his first goal since August after a long layoff and in celebrations he fired up his lawn mower again. City were back in the game, but Luton should be down to ten.

Into the second half and renewed optimism we could beat Luton at home for the first time since 2008. McNally decided to try to do this on his own with a run from the halfway line ending up with a shot on target. It was a competitive game as Luton headed over and Gyökeres had one blocked. On the hour mark City were so unlucky Palmer got the ball in the area, but blocked by two defenders and seeing the keeper off his line, chipped them all, the keeper was stranded as the ball hit the bar. The game continued with the ref missing lots and then the biggest miss of all, the ball was played into the area, it hit the hand of a Luton player, his arms were well away from his body, but the ref was the only one not to see it, or he didn’t want to give two penalties in a single game. Bell joined two others in the book for fouling Gyökeres. We then made a change, off went Eccles and on came Brooke-Cuffy. City were now edging the game, but Luton should have taken the lead when a cross came in substitute Woodrow only had Wilson to beat and his header, seemed to have done that but Wilson got a hand to it, killing the flight of the ball and then pushing it out for a corner, save of the season contender. The corner came in and fell to a Luton player with a free shot but Doyle threw himself in the way of the shot, preventing a goal. With ten to go Wilson-Esbrand seemed to have won the ball, but the ref said it was a foul and booked him, far worse had been going on. Godden had played his part and played well, but we were surprised that it wasn’t Maguire coming on but Walker for his first game of the year. City were looking for a good finish. We had a corner, and it went to the edge of the box as Wilson-Esbrand tried a shot, totally missed and kicked Onyedinma, then the Luton players swarmed around the ref to show a red card, pushing started with Morris pushing over a player and McFadzean pushing him over. Wilson-Esbrand was shown his second yellow card, I have no complaints over a yellow, it was reckless, but it wasn’t a yellow card for the first tackle. The ref then shocked his assistant by asking him about the scuffle, thankfully he only showed a yellow to Morris and McFadzean. Now down to ten Hamer dropped back to left wing back and Norton-Cuffy to right. Luton had a second wind and went forward. City then made another change off went Allen, Bidwell came on, Norton-Cuffy went over to the left and Hamer back in midfield. City were now on the front foot and Bidwell was fouled, but no booking despite him being clattered. Deep in injury time Walker went for a 50/50 and seemed to be fouled, this would have given us a dangerous late free kick, but frustration as the ref thought Walker had fouled. That was it the final whistle sounded the crowd sung “Your not fit to referee!”

Man of the match
1st Kyle McFadzean: Great to have him back.
2nd Ben Wilson Brilliant second half save.
3rd Viktor Gyökeres Hand Luton defenders hanging off him all game.

West Bromwich Albion vs Coventry City

Thanks to Sky we were forced to travel to the Hawthorns on a Friday night through the heavy traffic took an hour to reach the ground, only half an hour away. City were aiming to do our first double over Albion since 1968! This is my 9th visit to the ground and only twice I have seen City score here. Albion had won their last five home games without conceding. Despite that Radio WM gave me optimism they said, “brace yourself” when announcing the team news, their regular keeper was out and David Button was in goal, the next five minutes, analyst Tony “Bomber” Brown slagged off the keeper. The City line up was Wilson in goal, the back five were Brooke-Cuffy, Panzo, Doyle, McNally and Bidwell the latter could have been lining up for Birmingham tomorrow if we got Da Silva from Bristol City and they got their target from Wimbledon. In midfield was Hamer, Sheaf, Palmer and playing his 100th league game Allen, Gyökeres was up front. It was Cyrille Regis Memorial Day, part of the “Kick it out” campaign.

The game got underway, and it was a good atmosphere in the away stand with the Doug King “I’m into something good” song, being sung. What wasn’t good was the start, Albion looked a threat from the off. All the danger seemed to be coming down our left as they went close, then in the 4th minute they should have taken the lead, too much room down our left, the ball was crossed McNally tried to clear but set up Dike, thankfully he headed over with only Wilson to beat when he should have got it on target. A minute later City got forward, Hamer played in Allen on the by-line in the box he fired in a low cross Gyökeres, threw himself at it but under pressure knocked it wide. Down the left again and a cross, McNally’s clearance wasn’t the best and fell to Wallace with a free shot, it looked a goal all the way but somehow McNally got a toe on the shot and deflected it onto the post, it rebounded to Wallace, he missed his kick and Diangana tried an overhead that was cleared, City were hanging on. WBA then had a throw level with the area, Furlong (Son of Paul) heaved it into the area, it was flicked on by Wallace (no relation to Ian) and Diangana popped up on the line for a tap-in. Not a good start and it looked like a long night. Albion fans then lit up their phones to protest against the board, who they think haven’t spent the Premier League money on the team, I wish we had their budget. The Baggies had the art of falling over, if they had the ball and a City player behind them, they would slow down, bend over and fall down, and the ref fell for it every time. City seemed to be getting grips with the Albion attack as the game and their fans went quiet. Recent signing Marc Albrighton was receiving the most stick after his recent move from Leicester. He set up Wallace for a shot that was blocked. City were struggling to get forward, but Palmer did have a shot blocked. The half petered out as we were happy, we were only one goal down.

Half time more tributes to Big Cyrille including a choir, meanwhile I was looking after four other seats until their occupants returned.

Second half things had to improve with City attacking the away stand. It was almost a nightmare start as Dike (pronounced Dee-Kay) went clear with only Wilson to beat, the keeper stood up and pulled off a good save. City were still struggling so no surprises when the subs came on, entering the field were, Wilson-Esbrand, Eccles and Godden, replacing Norton-Cuffy, Palmer and Bidwell. The change had a positive effect and City were at last looking more of a threat. Wilson-Esbrand got into the action and set up Eccles for a blocked shot. Hamer then turning outside the area foxed Albrighton who brought him down earning a booking. Hamer took the kick and got it on target but an easy save for Button in the goal. Another chance as Allen was played in, a shot straight away would have caused problems but his first touch was poor, and the chance was gone. City were playing better, but needed a goal then we went close, some great pressing saw City win the ball on the edge of the box Allen played in Gyökeres who fired over when a shot on target could have resulted in a goal. Maguire replaced Allen with 12 minutes to go, but WBA were now keeping the ball and City were struggling, still Maguire did touch the ball once after a throw in. Then at the other end Molumby fell on top of Panzo and there was a scuffle, both were only given a yellow card. Hamer had a shot blocked as the time ticked away. Into injury time and Furlong was booked for taking too long over a throw in. Kelly came on for Doyle deep in injury time. Deeper still into injury time Gyökeres had his legs taken out by a bad tackle from O’Shea despite his protest he was rightly given a yellow card. The free kick came in and was cleared for a corner, that corner was grabbed by their keeper and that was that.

In all WBA should make the Play Offs we have far more winnable games coming up. Next was to face the awful congestion to get out of West Brom, after an age we got on the M6 only to be faced with road works and a single lane. After the coach dropped me off and a quick 20-minute walk I got home at 11.50.

Man of the match
1st Luke McNally Seemed the popular choice on the coach.
2nd Gustavo Hamer Tried to get things going on the pitch.
3rd Ben Sheaf Put in the hard work.

Coventry City vs Huddersfield Town


It was a week when we waited for new players to come in and finally, they did, then the next day the big surprise news that Doug King had taken over the whole club buying the final 15% share of Sisu, the Sisu era had thankfully ended. To matters on the field, today was what seemed like a big game, a defeat and City could be plunged into a relegation battle, a win and a shot at the Play Offs looked more likely. The Sky Blues haven’t beat Huddersfield at home in the league since 1971! Admittedly we have only played twice since then. The line-up was announced and one of the new signings would be making his debut, it was at the back Luke McNally the tall commanding defender we had been missing since McFadzean’s injury. The rest of the side was in goal Wilson, right wingback Norton-Cuffy, other central defenders Doyle and Panzo with Bidwell on the left preventing fielding a defence made up entirely of loan players. In midfield we had Sheaf, Hamer, Palmer and Allen, with Gyökeres, who is reportedly subject of a £15 million bid from Everton, up front. Good news on the injury front as Godden returned to the bench.

The game got underway with Huddersfield in all black and the officials in orange. The Terriers have gone from last season’s Play Offs to this season’s relegation battle, and they started the brighter, as we, in the home sections seemed a little nervous. City were taking their time to settle down as Town wanted an early goal. Four minutes in Rudoni escaped down the wing and Panzo dived in, got his timing wrong and picked up a very early yellow card from the referee who was making his Championship debut, no complaints about the booking. Town players did seem to go down far too easily from then on and won a dangerous freekick that was placed over the bar. City slowly settled into the game as most eyes were on McNally and to be fair, he won his early battles and looked every inch the type of defender we have been missing since the World Cup break. Meanwhile the Naughty Corner had raided a song from the 60’s Herman Hermits, I’m into something good. “Woke up this morning feeling fine, I’ve got Doug King on my mind, we’ve got rid of Sisu. like we said we would, something tells me, I’m into something good”. Something that wasn’t good was the game, both teams were taking their time building up attacks and both were well organised at the back, making for pretty turgid stuff. The Sky Blues were pressing well as Huddersfield tried to play out from the back but seemed to be getting caught. City slowly got more into the game as Hamer fired over after a pass from Gyökeres. Their main danger is veteran forward Jordan Rhodes and he was aloud a header but it was easy catching practice for Wilson. At the other end our danger man Gyökeres, went on one his solo “I’m not passing to anyone runs” out wide, he cut in and finally fired a dangerous low cross, but no player made the run to intercept. Bidwell then had a shot as City started to get the upper hand. Then closest yet to a breakthrough as on a counter attack Allen fed Gyökeres, he raced forward, went wide and fired in a shot that the keeper tipped over. The corner came in and McNally headed over. Things were improving as Palmer was going well in midfield and McNally at the back. Later in the game Gyökeres entered the area again, with his way blocked he turned around and headed the other way finding Hamer on the edge of the area the midfielder curled in a shot that the keeper tipped around the post. Half time no goals, as City had something to build on in the second half.

Second half started as Panzo came out with a new shirt without his name on, the joke was, if he got booked again the ref wouldn’t realise it was Panzo and wouldn’t send him off. City started the better with Hamer a growing influence on the game. A Town player went into the book as finally a foul on Gyökeres was seen. A minute later a long kick by Wilson went to Hamer in their half on the left, he got the ball under control, turned and headed for the box, exchanged a 1-2 with Gyökeres, skipped in front of a couple of defenders in the penalty area, before curling a great shot into the net for the opening goal. It was a really well taken goal by Gus. This lifted the crowd as City were looking for a killer second. Huddersfield started to come out more and one scary moment saw Rhodes win a free header but straight at Wilson. Apart from that City were well on top with Palmer creating problems further up the field and Hamer dominating further back. City soon won a corner that was cleared, but as only as far as Sheaf, he passed to Gyökeres, who raced into the box on the left, skipped passed a player and fired in a great cross, Palmer was on hand to flick the ball home for 2-0. Palmer wanted to celebrate with Gyökeres, but the Big Swede seemed to refuse. Another 60’s classic was then sung Do-wah diddy” by Manfred Man in honour of Palmer. City were about to make a couple of substitutes but after the goal they sat back down again. Huddersfield tried to hit back but their slow build up was predictable, they looked like the side with a two goal lead. Huddersfield then almost got a way back into the game as Panzo let a player get behind him, not wanting a second yellow but Wilson was a match for the shot. Then it could have been three as Hamer picked out a great 30-yard pass that could of set Gyökeres free on goal, but it hit his heel. With ten to go the subs came on Eccles replaced Norton-Cuffy and it was a welcomed return to Godden replacing Palmer. Seven minutes later it was almost a dream return for Godden as he found space in the area, had a free shot that the keeper did well to keep out with his foot. Then with a minute of injury time left Sean Maguire was given his debut replacing Hamer.

A much needed first win of 2023 and a great start to yet the dawning of yet another new era.

Man of the match
1st Gustavo Hamer: Ran things and scored.
2nd Kasey Palmer: Proving to be a great signing for City
3rd Luke McNally Commanding in the air.

Coventry City vs Norwich City

With no players coming in we had the same team as last week, playing four at the back, we had Wilson, just signed a new contract, the back four were Dabo, Rose, Doyle, Bidwell, with Norton-Cuffy, Sheaf, Hamer, Allen and Palmer in midfield and Gyökeres up front. The Canaries fresh from a 4-0 away win had quality players in their attack. A stupid 12.30 kick off meant a cold cycle to the ground.

Norwich started the better and won a free kick when Pukki went down too easily from a challenge. From that they won two corners from the 2nd Hanley got in front of Bidwell to score, it may have come off the defender, but Norwich had the lead. Minutes later a sweeping ball found Hernandez totally unmarked down the left, he cut into the box found room and shot, somehow Wilson couldn’t get a hand on a fairly tame shot and it was 2-0 in next to no time. The Sky Blues tried to hit back with Hamer having a shot on target. It was still nearly all Norwich as Sergeant forced a save. Another good move saw Pukki, this time in space, he got to the by-line and pulled it back to an unmarked Sergeant who had no trouble in beating Wilson. What was going on? City were being ripped apart and it looked like they could get a hatful. Sky Blue fans were booing the performance, I haven’t heard booing like that since before Robins joined. Minutes later with booing still around Dabo got to the by-line swung in a cross, Bidwell headed it down and Allen volleyed into the back of the net, 3-1, hold on. The crowd were back as minutes later Norton-Cuffy went wide and picked out Gyökeres, he collected and turned was about to shoot when Palmer came in and fired passed the keeper 3-2 WHAT???? This was madness now Norwich looked worried. Meanwhile the ref and his assistants were giving an awful display, one of the linesman did have a yellow flag. Then in the 30th minute a great tackle by Rose won the ball off Pukki, but the ref didn’t think so to the anger of the crowd, gave a free kick to Norwich. Minutes later Gyökeres was brought down but no free kick the home fans were fuming. The Sky Blues were again caught short down the left with an unmarked player advancing and hitting the crossbar. City were pressing well, and Norwich at the Canaries looked like they had a mistake in them, one incident saw Norwich miss hit a pass and it went to Palmer, he tried to play Gyökeres clean through but didn’t get enough on the pass. Finally City won a foul, with massive ironic cheering from the home fans, Hamer tried a shot from 35-yards out from the free kick but straight at their keeper. Norwich were passing well but City were pressing better and under pressure Aarons fell over to win a free kick, the ref didn’t give so Aarons moved the ball away with his hand, free kick but incredibly no booking. Half time City trailed by 3-2, I was worried for late in the game, City would need fresh legs by then.

Sky Sports must have loved the 1st half, so much entertainment, the 2nd half would be no match. Second half saw Norwich take off the awful Giannoulis, which was a shame and threw on former City player Sam MacCallum. For Norwich it was keep the ball and pass quickly and they started to dominate the game, it seemed only a matter of time before they would score. They hit the post before Wilson saved from Aarons as City couldn’t get the ball, a couple of close calls as City warmed up three subs to change things around, but before they could get on MacCallum found Dowell he kept the ball in the box, found room and made it 4-2. On came Panzo, Burroughs and making his debut James Wilson-Esbrand. City improved and started to get more of the ball. Soon Norwich regained control. Then Pukki was sent through, it looked like a goal all the way but Wilson stuck out a foot and prevented the 5th goal. City still looked a bit better and a melee on the edge of the box ended with a blatant handball, which, incredibly was missed by the ref and his assistant. Bidwell had a blast and Gyökeres had a go with time running out and Norwich time wasting. Then the ball went out of play and a Norwich player kicked it away, the player surrounded the ref wanting a yellow card, he had to talk to Robins and Viveash as they wanted him to follow the rules as well. More time wasting as Aarons grabbed the ball from a corner and the ref finally booked him. The game ended with City desperately needing reinforcements, otherwise we could start to drift towards the drop zone.

Man of the match or more a case of who didn’t play too badly
1st No one
2nd Kacey Palmer Scored one.
3rd Jamie Allen Scored another.

Burnley vs Coventry City

On paper this was the toughest game of the season. Burnley unbeaten at Turf Moore for a year, four straight wins, hardly concede and they beat Premiership Bournemouth in the Cup. It was our first game here since 2012, our last point before we got relegated from the Championship. It was a very wet journey up to the town, via a confusing number of different motorways. After finding a Football Car park 15 minutes from the ground, we rested at a café before making our way back to Turf Moor. It was the start of a new era as Dough King, was now in charge as chairman and owner. Two new players in, but one had picked up an injury in training, typical of our luck, the line up was in goal Wilson, the back five were from Arsenal on loan Brooke Norton-Cuffy, a tall lad, the other defenders were Dabo, playing at the back a place he never seems to play well in, Rose, Doyle and Bidwell. In midfield was Sheaf, Allen, Palmer and Hamer with Gyökeres up front. Before the game there was a minute’s silence for the fans of Burnley that had died in 2022, one or two idiots in the away section decided to ignore this, with the rest telling them to shut up.

City attacked the far end in the first half and started well, when Gyökeres was sent wide, he got level to the box and ran at his defender, before playing in Allen in space but the captain could only graze the post. It was looking like four at the back instead of five with Brooke playing in wide midfield. Five minutes later a carbon copy as Gyökeres set up Allen to fire wide again. City were not intimidated by the big budget side and were looking good. The ref then played a good advantage after a foul, when play had stopped came back to book former City player Jack Cork. City then won a corner; we played it cleverly allowing Hamer to swing in a shot come cross which their keeper had to come out to punch. The debutante Norton-Cuffy was looking good, some skill and we may have unearthed a wingback that can cross, as he put two good crosses in the first half. On the 35th minute mark a great ball by Sheaf sent Palmer in on goal, but he seemed to delay his shot and didn’t see Norton-Cuffy free and he was blocked. Allen set up Gyökeres for a blocked shot as City were looking the more likely to score. The home side got more into the game with a couple of off target efforts. As the half approached the end I tuned into Radio Lancashire and their analysts were hoping that Burnley could get to half time level!

Second half got underway with City attacking the away end. We had drama in our end as a younger fan was pushing an older one shouting “Who are you, who are you!”, he wasn’t doing a Who tribute, but it looked like a fight was about to happen, but other fans got them apart and everything calmed down. City kept pressing and worrying their defenders, then a big chance as they gave the ball away to Gyökeres he had a free run in on goal, but could have shot earlier, the time he went passed the keeper another player got the block in. Then after being on top a worrying attack saw the ball fall to Burnley’s Benson, with only Wilson to beat, but pressure forced him to shoot over when it looked like a goal. Burnley made their second change, taking off Benson, who looked good at our ground and was replaced by the talented Tella and Barnes replaced Rodriguez. This changed the tie on its head, suddenly the home side had all the ball. City needed to make a sub but had a very inexperienced bench. One of the subs Barnes had a great chance with a cross his header was well saved by Wilson, but it was now nearly all Burnley. Wilson saved another shot. City were hanging on and looking for a point. Burnley had another shot on target saved comfortably by Wilson. Then Dabo picked up a yellow card for time wasting, which was poor because another City player picked the ball up and threw it to Dabo and the crowd bayed for a booking and Dabo went into the book. With 9 to go they won a corner, Tella grappled with Wilson, for no reason I could see, the ref showed them both a yellow card. The corner came in and Beyer got a free header, with blocking of City players and scored. It was difficult for a tiring City to get forward, as Burnley were wasting time but the ref was letting them get away with it. Burroughs replaced Norton-Cuffy, but we couldn’t score late to earn a point which we deserved.

Leaving the ground , we had some trouble, Burnley youths were taunting the City away fans and a few bottles were thrown, the police were keeping the away fans from responding meanwhile Lisa and I had to go through the mob to get to the car, so we went around and blended in with the crowd, before making it back with no trouble to the car, got back just after 8 to Coventry.

Man of the match
1st Ben Sheaf Great in midfield
2nd Brooke Norton-Cuffy Promising debut
3rd Callum Doyle Played well at the back

Coventry City vs Bristol City

Happy New Year! Still no takeover news as we took on struggling Bristol City at home. MR shook things up as he went two up front as Waghorn partnered Gyökeres. Kane came in at right wingback, with Bidwell on the other, the central three pick themselves, as we have no other option, Panzo, Doyle and Rose, Wilson in goal, Hamer and Allen in midfield with former Bristol City player Palmer playing further forward. Before the game we had a minute’s applause for Brazil legend Pele.

The Sky Blues started the stronger and after three minutes a delightful ball from Palmer found Waghorn in the box, he shot but the keeper got down to save. Hamer then had a shot go too high as City started off well. The away fans were booing Palmer, whilst City fans sang the reason he left Aston Gate, because in their opinion Bristol City, is not a very good team, but the put it a bit more colourfully. After twelve minutes Waghorn raced on to his own flick-on and went wide, he passed to Hamer, he flicked it one-touch to Gyökeres, who with one touch sent Hamer away in the area, Gus got to the by-line and pulled the ball back, Bidwell slid in and sent his shot goalward, their keeper pulled off a world class save to keep it out, but as luck would have it he knocked it up and Bidwell headed it home for his first goal for us. At last, an early goal, now could City build on it? Minutes later the ref either played a great advantage or missed a blatant foul, but Palmer got the ball wide and curled one in, but an easy save for their keeper. Instead of taking control, The Sky Blues let Bristol run the game, they won a corner and went mighty close to levelling up the game. Then a shot from distance was close. The home fans seemed nervous and were not singing as much as normal. City still countered and it took a good block to deny Gyökeres a shot on target. It was now nearly all Bristol as City were struggling to get on the ball. The Robins were winning a series of corners, thankfully City were defending them well. Then after 28 minutes another attack as the ball went into the box, Panzo tried to clear but his header hit Semenyo who fired them level. Now City were looking very nervous and the passing at the back started to break down, Wilson was also guilty of not getting the ball back in play quickly enough. Vyner went into the book for bringing down Gyökeres, before the Robins won two more corners the second one resulted in a shot that Gyökeres did well to clear off the line, City badly needed half time. Panzo went into the book for pulling down a player, before we survived a couple more corners. Half time City looking tired.

The second half, no doubt MR had a few words and City were better, then in the 52nd minute Palmer played in Waghorn with a free shot on target but dragged it wide. It was better stuff in the second half as Palmer played in Gyökeres, whose shot was blocked. The game could go either way as MR made three changes, off went Kane, Waghorn and Palmer and on came Dabo, Tavares and Sheaf who was making his first sub appearance since 2021. One of Dabo’s first actions was to win the ball in a great tackle, but then he dived in to try to win it again, thankfully he was nowhere near the player, otherwise his yellow could have been a red. Allen, now playing in the attacking midfield role was getting back into the game and he sent Tavares wide, and the forward forced a save from their keeper. Gyökeres then set up Sheaf for a blocked shot, The Robins hit us on a break and a ball into the six-yard box caused problems and the ball ended up in the net, but it was a clear handball, thankfully the ref saw it and booked the player. City improved as the game went on and Bristol started to sit back for the point. Then a wayward pass went to Tavares in midfield he raced on and had a shot from distance, but an easy save for the keeper. Another good move saw Sheaf blast over. Hamer won and took a freekick on the edge of the box, but it hit the wall and was cleared. Allen then set up Gyökeres, whose shot was blocked. Deep into injury time Allen, took one for the team by bringing down a player about to enter the box, he was booked, and City survived.

Man of the Match
1st Gustavo Hamer Some great passing
2nd Jake Bidwell at last a goal
3rd Kasey Palmer look dangerous until he ran out of energy.

Sheffield United vs Coventry City


A Boxing Day trip to Sheffield wasn’t a hardship. It was my 18th visit to Bramall Lane as we faced the 2nd placed team. Before the game we went into a local café, I was amazed that three Yorkshire folk ordered tomato sauce with their food and not brown sauce, I thought red sauce was more a southern thing. One Blades’ fan, we overheard said, “We have to beat these they’re bottom”, another United fan pointed out where we were in the table. The team wasn’t changed as Robins hasn’t much choice. In goal was Wilson, with Burroughs, Panzo, Doyle, Rose, Bidwell, Hamer, Sheaf, O’Hare, Allen and Gyökeres.

We were playing in the purple kit and attacked the far end in the first half, after three minutes, it looked bad as O’Hare went down, he got back to his feet but went down again, the stretcher came on and O’Hare went off. It looks bad, our results are a lot better with O’Hare, so has our play off places gone with him, the last time I thought these thoughts was when Jodie Jones was injured in League Two. Palmer came on to replace him. Despite the blow City were playing well, as The Sky Blues were buzzing around the box looking for a way in. Palmer set up Gyökeres for a shot on target. Then Sheaf was booked for a tackle, only trouble it was a tackle on a Sheffield United’s player’s ankle and couldn’t complain about the yellow card. From the resulting free kick, veteran Billy Sharp headed against the underside of the crossbar before we scrambled it clear. Then Palmer put in a great back flick, to Gyökeres, with a free shot, but a brilliant block, prevented what looked like a shot on target. City won a corner, suddenly United broke, and a great ball by Ndiaye put through McAtee, Allen missed a challenge and McAtee raced through to score. Later in the half Egan was booked for fouling Gyökeres. Panzo then went close before halftime. Half time a goal down.

Second half City attacked the away end. Early on Bidwell got into the box and was brought down, penalty. Gyökeres stepped up, but the penalty was poor and was saved. United had a couple of chances to extend the lead but didn’t, then United swung in a free kick taken from, former City player Oliver Norwood and Clark headed unchallenged from close in to make it two. City made a triple change with Kelly, Waghorn and Dabo coming on for Burroughs, Sheaf and Allen. Bidwell then went into the referee’s book who ran the game well. City won a series of corners, but The Blades defended them well. After Rose went close Palmer was booked. At the other end, Sheffield wacked in a cross, it went out, played back in and a player that just came on, Doyle, scored to make it 3. Three shots on target three goals. With 15 to go we won a free kick, it was taken by Hamer, and it found Gyökeres, who headed home off the hand of the keeper. Now back in the game, could we do a ”Swansea?” A couple of minutes later Egan obstructed Gyökeres, and the ref gave him a 2nd yellow card and he was off. City hit back as Hamer tried from a very long way out from a free kick which almost caught the keeper off the line. Tavares replaced Dabo as City switched to four at the back. Into injury time a chance for Waghorn, but he hit it straight at the keeper. Hamer then had a shot blocked, Hamer then scored but Palmer was well offside and the goal was ruled out.

So, we lost to a team going for automatic promotion, but the injury to O’Hare is the worrying factor.

Man the match
1st Michael Rose: Good at the back
2nd Gustavo Hamer: A few missed placed passes, but some good ones as well
3rd Jake Bidwell Won the penalty

Coventry City vs Swansea City

This is the first in a run of games at home, most of them, bizarrely against teams from Wales. If there was ever a bogy side for City then Swansea are the ones, we haven’t beaten them since 1981 and we have played then 12 times since, all other wins against them came when they were called Town. Injury news as Eccles joined the list of injured players that could play in defence the line up for the last game before Christmas was, in goal Wilson, Burroughs, Rose, Doyle, Panzo and former Swans’ player Bidwell at the back. Hamer, Sheaf, Allen and O’Hare in midfield with another former Swansea, but only on a short loan was Gyökeres up front.

Swansea are a team that like to play possession football and are a team that plays the game in the right manner. The game kicked off with the boring and predictable England/Wales name calling from both sets of fans. After seven minutes the first real chance, O’Hare threaded the ball between two defenders setting Gyökeres off in a run, on goal he drew the keeper but shot low allowing Benda in the goal to save. Hamer then had a shot blocked, before Swansea headed over from a corner. The away side had most of the ball but City were pressing well, rushing them into their passing. Allen then volleyed one very wide, before Wood went into the book for pulling back Gyökeres, the referee Mr Jones, despite the Welshness of his name, had an excellent game throughout. Despite having most the ball it was The Sky Blues that looked the more likely as O’Hare put one just wide. Sheaf then set up Gyökeres, but it was an easy catch for the Swansea keeper. A couple more blocked shots at the other end as City were looking solid at the back. O’Hare player Gyökeres through again but forced out wide the keeper saved. Bidwell then set up Doyle to force a save, City were getting closer. From the resulting corner, Hamer floated one in and Panzo rose up to head the ball, it looked like slow motion, into the back of the net, for his first goal for the club. Minutes later on another counterattack, Gyökeres set up Burroughs who forced the keeper to save from a narrow angle. Seconds later Gyökeres set up Allen for a volley this time it was straight at the keeper, but he was improving. At the other end a long-range shot was collected by Wilson in the goal. Late in the half, after a close call at our end Gyökeres was set up by Allen and the big Swede hit the post. The last action of the half saw Coventry born Paterson go close after being set up by the grandson of former City player Ashley Grimes. Half time City one up and looking good.

Early in the second half, City were pressing again, Panzo forced a quick pass, that went in the air, Hamer, collected, passed to Allen, one touch to Gyökeres, one touch back to Allen and from the edge of the area he curled in a great goal, his third of the season. Minutes later Wilson under pressure, clears a ball, O’Hare, near the centre circle, heads it back to Hamer, one touch to Allen, one touch back to O’Hare, he advanced, threaded a ball to Gyökeres, he went sideways in the area, kept his cool and hit the ball in off both posts to make it 3-0. This goal was a thing of beauty. Viktor became the first Championship player into double figures for league goals and incredibly the first City player to score in double figures, in back-to-back seasons since Clinton Morrison. “Were gonna win 4-3“, sang the Swansea fans. Swansea made their 4th change to prevent an embarrassing score line and changed formation to match ours. I kept staring at the bench, waiting for a change to see the game out. Burroughs fired just wide. For some reason City now started to stand back and not press as much as Swansea had even more of the ball. Harry Darling (that’s his surname, I am not being familiar), forced a save, as Swansea were taking over. A couple of close calls before Piroe stabbed in from close range, now the crowd started to go quiet as we could see what was coming. Darling forced a save before Oko-Flex also had a shot saved but the ball was deflected to the left and Fulton picked himself off the ground and volleyed the loose ball home for 3-2. Now everyone was nervous, City had stopped playing. Finally, we had changes on came Kelly, for his first game in ages to replace O’Hare, before Kane replaced Burroughs. Then with six to go it happen Cullen scored with a header. City have only conceded six all season at home, before this game. City rallied in injury time with a Hamer free kick that hit the wall. The game ended and fans were in shock. It is the first time we have lost a three-goal lead in the league and not won since 1980 with a 3-3 draw at home to Brighton, let’s hope it was a freak result.

Man of the match
1st Viktor Gyökeres: A danger throughout
2nd Callum O’Hare: Set up several chances
3rd Jamie Allen: Always involved in the build ups and a great goal.

Reading vs Coventry City


It was weird to return to league football with the World Cup still on and England playing later. Thankfully they pulled the game back one hour to give us a chance to get home. It was a cold and occasionally foggy journey down to Reading. We made it to the ground with no problem and made our way to our seats. Before the World Cup break, we were the form side of the Championship, not conceding, with Robins the manager of the month and Gyökeres the player of the month. Since then, the takeover has dragged on (Dough King was in the directors’ box), Ashley has his feet under the desk at The CBS, and, oh yes, we have been evicted. Meanwhile a massive blow as McFadzean had picked up a bad injury. The line-up was Wilson in goal, Eccles, Rose, Doyle, Panzo, Bidwell, Hamer, Sheaf, Allen, O’Hare and Gyökeres.

City attacked the far end in the first half, not much was happening apart from a head injury to a Reading player, I thought “I will never make it back for England now”. The player went off and the game got going again. From early on City were looking the better side, after 25 minutes the first real piece of excitement as Sheaf found O’Hare and he forced a save. The performance of the ref was coming in for scrutiny and even more so when Doyle was booked. It was a dull game as both sides were trying to get back to normal after the break. It all warmed up in injury time when Tom Ince swung in a cross and Meite headered the ball forcing a good save by Wilson. Then in the last-minute City broke and Gyökeres crossed for O’Hare, he was brought down, according to Radio Berkshire they said, “he was fouled, a massive dive and there was contact”. Despite that the ref booked the Reading player and City fired over.

Radio Berkshire said “Coventry are the better team I be happy if we (Reading) get a point”

Second half City attacked the away end. City started off well and won a corner, Hamer swung it in, and Rose flicked the ball and somehow it stayed out hitting the far post. Three minutes later O’Hare forced another save from their keeper. City were now dominating, but not looked like scoring. Then the sucker punch, a corner, was flicked on and Mbengue headed home. It was our first goal conceded in seven hours and the first from a set piece. City had a massive shout for a penalty, when from a corner a home player headed the ball away and it hit the hand of a Reading player, but it would have been harsh to give it. O’Hare went close and we had a couple of shots blocked. Sheaf had a shot saved as City seemed to lack some sharpness. Allen then went into the book, no complaints, but Reading seemed to be allowed to do anything without being booked. The subs then came as Palmer, Burroughs, Kane and Waghorn all came on, but this time the subs couldn’t influence the game. City tried but Reading were resolute and City couldn’t break them down.

Good performance, bad result. After the game the big race was on to get back in time for the England game. Reading is always a nightmare to get out off, but when I did, it was a smooth journey back, after dropping Kev off I made it to the HMV Empire, four minutes before the kick off. A disappointing day and I’m pretty sure the ref was the same in the England game as well. Hopefully the ground will be sorted out for Saturday.

Man of the Match
1st Michael Rose: Unlucky not to score
2nd Callum Doyle Defended well
3rd The Fans For going to the game with the England game on later

Coventry City vs Queens Park Rangers


It was Remembrance Day up and down the land as we had the Last Post played at The CBS. It was also the last game before the World Cup. Can they be any other team in the top two tiers that lined-up with 9 Englishmen in the side? Adding our very own Brazilian-Dutchman and of cause our Big Swede, The line-up was Wilson, Bidwell, Panzo, McFadzean, Doyle, Eccles, Hamer, Sheaf, O’Hare, Allen and Gyökeres. Play-off chasing QPR were in town backed by 4,000 of their fans, we had to go back to 2009-2010 for our last home win against them, in front of fans. The away following swelled the crowd to 23,201. Players to look out for from the visitors are in midfield Chair and at the back former on loan Clarke-Salter.

Rangers are a good side that like to pass, and they were on the front foot early on winning an early corner, but soon City were getting into their rhythm. City had the first chance as we broke out of our half Gyökeres, laid it back to Hamer, he swung a ball over wide to O’Hare, he raced on and picked out Hamer to head back to Gyökeres, whose shot was just about held by their keeper. It was a great move as we opened QPR up with some one-touch football. Now Rangers had to break down City to get a point. They passed it well in their own half, but they were made to hurry as Allen and O’Hare were chasing everything. They got a shot in minutes later but well wide. Then after 11 the breakthrough, O’Hare escaped down the left, their defender Laird, tried to let it run out for a goal kick but Callum was harrying him, O’Hare got to the ball and backheeled it looking for a corner, but Laird prevented that, the defender then tried a clearance, but O’Hare got a block in, the ball went square across the goal, Allen had an air shot and the ball fell to Gyökeres, he had Clarke-Salter blocking him in front of the goal, Gyökeres, dummied a shot C-R dived to block it, Gyökeres moved the ball to the right before banging it past their keeper for 1-0, it was a really well taken goal. The Sky Blues were playing some great stuff as QPR were struggling to get past the well ran defence with McFadzean, as normal running things at the back, aided by the kids either side. QPR’s best hope seemed to be in the set piece delivery of Chair, but time and again a Sky Blues’ head got to the ball first. Doyle was first into the book as he miss-timed his challenge and no complaints about the booking. Once when QPR got to a Chair delivery Dickie headed over. It was a familiar pattern, QPR with a slow build-up City with a quick break-away. On the half hour mark another swift counter, involving the same players, Hamer, found O’Hare, Callum slipped in Gyökeres down the channels, he raced into the area got the ball on his right and tried to surprise the keeper with a shot through the legs of the defender, but it was an easy gather for the keeper. O’Hare then set up Panzo for a long-range shot on target. The home fans were in fine voice the 4,000 from West London were quiet. Heading into the last five minutes of the half QPR were having more joy coming forward and for the first time City looked under pressure. Chair had two attempts both being blocked before his corner was headed wide by Dickie in injury time. Some people were saying “best first half of the season”. It was only 1-0 and QPR would be better in the 2nd.

QPR started well in the 2nd half and had a lot of possession, now it was a time for the defence to shine, as Sheaf was winning his battle in front of the defence, Fadz was dominating at the back. It was nearly all QPR but Wilson had nothing really to do. After about 15 minutes of pressure, City started to get the ball up field more as QPR were starting to leave gaps. Then we almost had a brilliant goal. McFadzean brought the ball out of defence and continued up the park, he passed to Gyökeres, Vik, played his captain back in, now the defender was in the area, he turned past his marker and fired a shot and if it wasn’t for a block, it would have been 2-0. City were looking comfortable, then a rare moment for QPR, Dickie had the ball and knocked it forward in space, he had time to blast a shot toward the top corner of the net from outside the box, Wilson leapt up and turned it over for a corner. City players were still working hard on the “press”, giving QPR no time to build up momentum. QPR then had a dangerous break in midfield, Hamer, couldn’t stop the attack, the ball went wide, and a cross swung in, Hamer had continued the run and was on hand to head away for a corner. Chair was then booked for a foul, or maybe for throwing the ball away in frustration. Then the icing on the cake, and again it was the same three, Hamer, found O’Hare, surrounded by players he raced onto the edge of the box and played in Gyökeres, who had found room and was unmarked, he beat the keeper without any trouble, I looked over to the linesman expecting to see the flag go up, on the replay Clarke-Salter was too deep and played Gyökeres on side, goal stood. That was the last action for Clarke-Salter who was injured, we were not happy to see him go to QPR on loan, but we have far better now. QPR made changes including taking Chair off the pitch. Meanwhile MR wasn’t bothering making any changes. Then with five to go Eccles got down the right swung in an inch perfect cross, Gyökeres, headered it but their keeper tipped it over the bar to prevent his hat trick. McFadzean then was booked which means he will be suspended and wont play again until a week before Christmas! In the dying minutes QPR threw on JPT Wembley scorer George Thomas. Before the game came to an end. We have hit form just as the World Cup comes along, now we have conceded fewer goals than anyone in the Championship and Gyökeres is joint top scorer, ok with seven others.

Man of the match
1st Kyle McFadzean Outstanding in defence
2nd Viktor Gyökeres Two goals
3rd Callum O’Hare Two assists

Coventry City vs Wigan Athletic


It was the banana skin of a side, Wigan to visit us on a Tuesday night. The last time we played them at home was when debutant Adam Armstrong scored twice on the opening day of the 15-16 season. Normally when we play Wigan they seem to be the higher side but not tonight. Wigan are in the bottom three after promotion the previous season, but they do have a surprisingly good away record, but that was earlier in the season, they have gone six without a win. The team was Wilson in goal, Eccles, Panzo, McFadzean, Rose and Bidwell at the back, Sheaf, Hamer, O’Hare and Palmer in midfield, with Gyökeres up front. Wigan had former loan keeper Jamie Jones, four games in 2014, playing for them.

The game got underway. First action was a foul by a player that sounds like a superhero, Max Power, sending an elbow in aimed at Hamer, the ref ignored this, but on the whole the official had a good game. Tonight’s villain was James McLean a player, for political reasons refused to wear a poppy, was booed throughout and had the first shot of the night. It was a very quiet start to the game as both teams were well organised at the back. It took over a quarter of an hour before anything happened, when Palmer and O’Hare exchanged passes in the box the ball was cleared, and Eccles had a blast from outside the box that was close. It was pretty dull stuff, Wigan were happy to sit back, soak up pressure and hit on the break, a bit like us away from home. After 21 minutes Whatmough was booked for tripping Gyökeres. The Sky Blues continued to press but were guilty of building up too slowly and Wigan were proving to be hard to break down. Hamer then had a shot that was also too high. Ben Sheaf was second into the book, many said he now reached the penalty points and would be suspended until mid-December. Into injury time of a really dull game and the first bit of real excitement, O’Hare rolled in Palmer in the box the midfielder got ahead of his defender, it looked a goal, but he placed it wide, Palmer was convinced it took a touch and demanded a corner. Half time, no goals, not much excitement and no shots on target for either side.

We hoped the second half would be better. City moved the ball quicker in the 2nd half, making sure passes found the players, now this opened up Wigan a bit more as Sheaf shot over from a corner, before Hamer had a shot blocked. Another corner followed and the ball dropped to Rose on the edge of the area, he had time but lent back and blasted high over. Then City started to bombard the area with blocks on shots from O’Hare, Bidwell and Gyökeres, but during that spell City fans appealed twice for handballs. It was nearly all City, but Wigan was standing firm, then gasps as Hamer played a pass back to Wilson, who wasn’t in front of his goal, the ball was rolling into the net, but thankfully the pass wasn’t hit too hard, and the keeper got back to clear. Panzo went into the book and McLean fired over from the resulting freekick. Sheaf set up Palmer who fired wide. Then on the 73rd minute five subs, three for City off went O’Hare and Palmer for tactical reasons and Rose because of an injury and on came Allen, Walker and Doyle. City kept plugging away, but this had all the hallmarks of a classic smash and grab raid by Athletic. Then in the 77th minute Sheaf passed to Hamer, he advanced near the box and fired a shot that looked an easy save for Jones, but then it hit a defender changed direction and went in. It was a sense of massive relief for City. Now Wigan were forced to come out and attack. City, now could sit back and defend as Wigan had to break us down. City had a great chance to wrap the game up with three minutes to go as the ball fell to Walker in the box, he found room, turned, but fired over. Back to soaking up pressure, but then a long clearance was chased by Gyökeres, Jones was a long way off his line, and it was a raced between those two, the keeper, just got his head to the ball first and Wigan got back to snuff out the danger. Wigan won a couple of free kicks and corners, but City stood firm and seemed to be on their way to another 1-0. Then deep in stoppage “Robins” time, Eccles cleared the ball down the wing, straight to Gyökeres, he killed it with his head, the ball dropped in our half, with Viktor’s back to goal, his next touch, he controlled his own knockdown, turn and raced off, two defenders were caught out and another one raced over as Gyökeres showed them his pace, he charged into the area before firing passed Jones for a brilliant goal and 2-0.

A hard-won victory and into the top half of the table, shame the World Cup is coming up, now we have momentum.

1st Gustavo Hamer A few mistakes but kept battling and always willing to have a shot
2nd Ben Sheaf The reason we had so much possession
3rd Viktor Gyökeres What a goal.

Watford vs Coventry City


A very wet journey down to Watford for my 13th game here. My first was way back in the 1999-2000 season, the season we failed to win an away game. Last game here, was in the League Cup, we were a League One team, Watford were a Premier League side, they put out their reserves and strolled to a 3-0 win. From that game and playing today was Wilson, Rose and Eccles. O’Hare, who made his first start in that match, was rested and was on the bench, Dabo, Kelly and Godden also played but they are injured. Watford had two survivors from that game, one was an unused sub, the other, Saar scored in the cup game. The rest of the side was McFadzean and Panzo at the back, the big surprise Jak Burroughs making his first league start at left wingback, maybe brought in to match the basketball players the Hornets have. The midfielders were Hamer, Sheaf, Allen and Palmer and Gyökeres up front. It was a sell-out in the away end and the stewards were trying to make sure fans sat in their correct seats, which caused resentment. Just before kick-off two guys pushed into my space I was standing, I was joking there is now three of us in my seat.

The game got underway with City attacking the away end, City fans in good voice, hardly a peep out of the Watford fans, but every time I have been here Watford fans have always been quiet. They tried to raise the atmosphere by the plastic Premier League method of giving a section of their fans’ flags, they also had a drum. Watford are a team that likes to keep possession and move the ball quickly, for the first two and a half minutes I don’t think we touched the ball as they tried to pull players out of position, but City were too well organised for that. The ref saw two pulls on Gyökeres early on and he refed the game really well throughout. After soaking up the pressure for seven minutes City sprung forward with a counterattack, Palmer got forward and he played in Gyökeres, he went wide of a centre back and had the beating of him, he advanced into the box and fired in a shot that should have been on target but went wide. At the other end Saar went close with a shot. Watford were still on top and most attacks came down the side Eccles was on, Brereton Diaz, midweek, Saar today, tough for a midfielder. City players were buzzing around and looking for a misplaced pass, when we did intercept the ball we got forward, the one doing most of the interceptions was Sheaf, he got one ball, the played in Burroughs, he passed back to Sheaf who blasted over. Another swift counter saw Gyökeres being a handful again, breaking past their defenders and forcing a good save out of their keeper. City won a rare corner which Panzo fired over from a Hamer corner. Gustavo was struggling to pass to a teammate but was still putting in a shift. A minute later it was Watford on a swift attack, a cross came in and the ball went into the back of the net, but the linesman’s flag was up to rule it out, either for offside or a foul in the build-up, we didn’t care. “Football in a library” we were singing in the packed-out seating. Hamer then brought down a player outside the box, free kick to The Hornets (Their real nickname and not the Golden Boys, they insist on calling themselves). Sema took the kick and expertly bent it around the right of the wall and on target, but Wilson saw it, dived to tip it around the post for a corner. The game kept the same pattern as City won the ball in midfield again and charged forward, Palmer played a great ball to Gyökeres out wide he charged in and seemed to only have the keeper to beat, he fired in a shot but from seemingly nowhere a Watford player threw himself in for a brilliant block. Watford had a shot blocked at our end, before Sheaf, won the ball again and launched a counter, he passed to Gyökeres, he went wide and fired in a cross for Palmer, but the ball was cleared for a corner. City saw out the rest of the half with no problem.

Second half City would be attacking the away end. City were quick out of the blocks with a blast that went over for Hamer and Watford had a similar blast at the other end. Five minutes into the half another swift move saw Palmer, play a pass to Allen, who suddenly had acres of space down their right, he advanced to the side of the area and picked out Gyökeres, the Big Swede made contact and shot the ball into the back of the net. Massive celebrations in the end as I celebrated with the two others in my seat. Now were rocking the away end and it almost got better as Gyökeres forced the keeper to save again. Then we held our breaths as a shot across our area and a flick header evaded a touch from their player at the far post, which would have been a goal. Eccles was first into the book in a game that was being played in the right spirit by both sides. Watford made the first changes on the hour, and it nearly paid dividends when one of the subs crossed for Saar, he threw himself at the ball at point blank but somehow fired it over the bar. City then made our first change as the fans sung “We’ve got O’Hare”, he came on to replace a tiring Palmer, going off after a good contribution during the game, Bidwell replaced Eccles, Burroughs switched to right wingback. Watford had their first booking as they were getting increasingly frustrated at not breaking City down. The good refereeing from Mr Dougherty, City attacked Gyökeres got the ball and was pulled back, but he tried to send O’Hare, Callum couldn’t reach the ball, so the ref pulled it back for a free kick and a booking for The Hornets’ player. A double change then as Walker came on for Allen and Kane replaced Burroughs. With eight minutes to go Walker was taken out with the only bad foul of the game and his assailant was booked. Heading toward 90 minutes Watford came the closest yet, Hungbo got passed O’Hare and fired in a shot, to Wilson’s right, low down, the keeper threw himself and got a touch to concede a corner a great save. In injury time Watford seemed to get corner after corner, each one we hoped a City head would win the ball first and it did, their keeper even went up for a couple of corners. “We’re on our way, we’re on our way, to the Premier League, we’re on our way”, we sang as we defended a never-ending series of corners. Wilson was booked for time wasting before Gyökeres set up O’Hare for a shot on target late on. The ref finally blew his whistle for the end of the game and we could celebrate a great win. This was our 5th away clean sheet in a row another club record.

On the way back to the car we could overhear Watford fans’ and they were impressed with Gyökeres, and they would rather beat Luton 4-0 and lose to Coventry and not the other way around.

Man of the match
1st Viktor Gyökeres Too much of a handful for them
2nd Jak Burroughs A great full debut
3rd Ben Sheaf Still winning more tackles than anyone in this division.

Coventry City vs Blackburn Rovers

Common sense won on Monday meaning City were at home in Coventry and not Walsall or Wolverhampton. I cycled up to the ground a lot quicker than walking it. Tonight, we welcomed Blackburn Rovers, four wins in a row, 2nd and a win would take them top. Meanwhile Rovers had lost on their six previous away league games on a Tuesday night. With the sickness bug almost gone, apart from captain McFadzean, City were at full strength minus the walking wounded, Allen was given the captain’s armband in midfield with O’Hare alongside him, Hamer and Sheaf were the holding midfielders, with, under fire from some, Wilson in goal and the back four were Bidwell, Panzo, Doyle, Rose and Eccles was preferred over Kane. Gyökeres was the front man. Rovers had big danger man up front Ben Brereton Diaz, whilst at the back them had Hyam returning to his old club.

City started off brightly when Gyökeres had a shot blocked it was fed to Eccles who had cut in deep on the right, but his shot lacked any power and was easily stopped by Kaminski in the Rovers’ goal. It was noticeable early on that Brereton Diaz, was playing very wide, looking to attack into the space Eccles was playing in, this looked worrying as it was doubtful Eccles could keep the Chilean under wraps. Meanwhile the attention was at the other end of the pitch as Allen played in Hamer, he blasted a shot in which Kaminski could only push away and not very good as O’Hare nearly got on the end of it. After nine minutes the first sign of danger Brereton Diaz, escaped and advanced on goal, he tried a curler, that had the Rovers’ fans out of their seats, but it bent wide. Despite that it was mostly City, who had started really well, with Hamer having a shot blocked. City kept up the pressure with another long ranger from Hamer, again their keeper failed to hold onto the ball and looked very dodgy. Rovers do like to knock the ball around their back five, but were consistently harried by City players, allowing steals and interceptions, Sheaf seemed to be in the right place several times to pick up a loose ball, well he is everywhere. At the back Doyle was looking more solid whilst Panzo was controlling everything and showed skill to go forward and launch several attacks from the back. Rovers’ fans, despite with a chance of going top were very quiet, not a patch on the Blackpool fans on Saturday. City kept knocking on the door and Gyökeres, forced their keeper into an awkward looking save after being set up by Sheaf. City won a corner and it was played in by Hamer, Doyle headed it and it was cleared off the line, in the melee Gyökeres was pulled off his feet by a defender, the ref was unsighted and missed it, the ball was blasted back in and Doyle headed on straight to the keeper. We couldn’t believe how well City were playing, just missing one thing a goal. We came close again when O’Hare was sent on a run, but his shot was blocked by Hyam. O’Hare had another shot blocked, then almost the sucker punch, for once the defenders missed a pass and it fell to Brittain unmarked on the edge of the area, his shot cannoned into the side netting when he should have done better. Every time City won a corner O’Hare stayed up field and Kaminski advanced to the halfway line to warn his team mates to pull someone back to mark him. Rovers were getting slightly better, and Wilson had to be quick in coming off his line to beat Brereton Diaz to the ball. City were still the better side as Allen was about to go past Hyam, but for the former Sky Blue, brought his former team mate down and was booked. Then approaching half time another good move, O’Hare got the ball on the edge of the area and played in Eccles down the wing, he got to the by-line and pulled the ball back into seemingly empty space, but no, Allen had gambled and made the run, getting to the ball first he shot past Kaminski to give City a well-deserved lead. O’Hare then put a shot wide before halftime came.

City led against Blackpool at half time as well, but this is different, also, surprisingly, Blackburn have yet to score an equalizing goal in the league this season. Rovers had to be better in the 2nd half and they were. They were still knocking the ball around well, but their build-up was ponderous, allowing City to sit deep, harry and defend, the only weapon they seemed to have was to knock it out to Brereton Diaz. Eleven minutes into the half, he got the ball and went past Eccles, the Chilean went down and despite protests they won a free kick and Eccles was booked. Brereton Diaz, is good at free kicks, this one was on the edge of the box, he curled it in, but Wilson saw it and got a strong fist on the ball to clear. It was now almost all Rovers, but they couldn’t break us down. They came close as Wilson had to be quick off his line to block the lad from Chile, the keeper reacted quickly also to clear the ball when another Rovers’ player was nearby. Then a classic counterattack, Gyökeres, read a loose pass, pinched the ball and raced up field, O’Hare and Allen were with him, Viktor played in Allen, but his first touch was a little too heavy, so his shot lack sting, still Kaminski still couldn’t hold the shot. Worryingly Hamer went down with an injury, he had treatment for an injury in the first half, but this time he couldn’t continue, he walked off and down the tunnel, Palmer came on to continuing the harrying. Scott Wharton then was booked for a foul on Palmer, before Rovers made three changes, including Bradley Dack, who was a sub in the corresponding fixture last season and scored within a minute. Meanwhile, much to the relief of Rovers O’Hare went off to be replaced by Walker. Into the last ten minutes we still looked comfortable at the back. Then with five to go a few tackles and fans at the right end of the ground were incensed and wanted a red card, did one of the players on yellow put in a bad challenge, no it was a sub who went in two footed and Garrett went off, I couldn’t see much wrong in the tackle myself, mainly because Doyle avoided the lunge. Into stoppage time City went forward again, Gyökeres, found Walker and as he turned to enter the area he was brought down, Gyökeres took the free kick but blasted it well over. City successfully saw out the game, for a great win and finally to move out of the drop zone.

Man of the match
1st Johnathan Panzo Controlled things at the back
2nd Ben Sheaf Chief breaker up of attacks
3rd Josh Eccles Helped to subdue Diaz