Hull 0 Coventry 1 - 27/08/2006

Hull 0 Coventry 1 - 27/08/2006

Hull City: Boaz Myhill, Sam Ricketts, Andy Dawson, Michael Turner, Sam Collins, David Livermore, Ryan France, Dean Marney, Craig Fagan, Darryl Duffy (Nick Barmby 66), Jonathan Parkin (Ben Burgess 66)
Subs not used: Alton Thelwell, John Welsh, Matt Duke

Coventry City: Andy Marshall, Marcus Hall, Matt Heath, Elliott Ward, Robert Page, Christopher Birchall, Colin Cameron (Dele Adebola 60), Michael Doyle (Don Hutchison 90), Stephen Hughes, Stern John (Kevin Thornton 60), Kevin Kyle
Subs not used: Andrew Whing, Isaac Osbourne
Booked: Kevin Kyle 83, Kevin Thornton 77
Goals :Thornton 85

Attendance: 16145
Referee: N Swarbrick

Teamtalk
Substitute Kevin Thornton was Coventry's hero as they stunned Hull with an undeserved late 1-0 victory at the KC Stadium.

The winger found a way past Boaz Myhill in the closing minutes to snatch the points for Micky Adams' side, who had rarely threatened and were grateful for a number of saves by keeper Andy Marshall.

The former Norwich and Millwall man made his most impressive save to deny Jon Parkin from point-blank range shortly before half-time on what was a frustrating day for the Championship's leading scorer.

Home full-back Andy Dawson, though, was first to threaten with a fine strike from 25 yards which took a deflection off Robert Page and drifted just wide for a corner.

And Dawson was the provider for the next chance as his cross set up leading scorer Parkin, whose volley was saved by Marshall.

Marshall again denied the giant Parkin from his tame right-footed effort two minutes later and Dawson's 39th-minute corner then caused havoc in the Coventry box.

After winger Ryan France's initial effort was blocked by Page, the ball broke to Parkin just two yards out.

Somehow, though, Marshall got his right boot to the ball and diverted it around the post.

Dean Marney drilled an injury-time effort over the bar, while Tigers keeper Myhill was finally tested by Stern John's right-footed drive.

Chris Birchall blocked Dawson's long-range drive early in the second half, before Coventry midfielder Colin Cameron curled a free-kick harmlessly over the bar.

Adams threw Thornton and Dele Adebola into the match in place of Cameron and John in an effort to boost his lacklustre attacking options.

And his Hull counterpart Phil Parkinson responded by changing his front two, introducing Nick Barmby and Ben Burgess for Parkin and Darryl Duffy.

Myhill was seriously extended for the first time from debutant Kevin Kyle's long-range shot on the turn with 20 minutes remaining, the former Aston Villa trainee diving to turn the ball around the post before claiming the resulting Stephen Hughes corner.

The Hull substitutes then linked up well as Burgess had a good opportunity from Barmby's cross, but the target man failed to produce a repeat of his midweek Carling Cup goal against Tranmere and headed wide from a good position.

Thornton picked up the first booking of the game as he hacked down Fagan, and was quickly followed by Kyle after a rash challenge on the same player.

Marshall was forced into another sharp save from Marney's long-range strike, but Thornton snatched the winner against the run of play five minutes from time when he ran on to fellow substitute Adebola's lay-off and finished clinically across the body of Myhill.

A number of the 16,145 crowd headed immediately for the exit doors in disgust as the Tigers again failed to register their first league win of the season.

CCFC
A last-ditch strike from Kevin Thornton was enough to steal the points at the KC Stadium as Coventry City beat Hull 1-0.

In a game where both sides struggled to break the deadlock, the Irish midfielder - on as a substitute - netted in the 85th to hand the Sky Blues their first away win of the campaign.

Coventry made three changes to the side which lost 3-1 to Hereford in midweek, with Kevin Kyle making his debut for Micky Adams' men after signing for the Sky Blues on Friday.

The big target man started alongside Stern John up front at the KC Stadium against Hull City, as Coventry went looking for their second win of the season.

Robert Page also started his first game of the campaign after recovering from a back problem and was one of three centre-backs in the team, along with Matt Heath and Elliott Ward, with Adams fielding a 3-5-2 formation.

It meant that Chris Birchall started the game at right-wing-back, with Marcus Hall on the left-hand-side. Michael Doyle returned in the middle of the park alongside Colin Cameron and Stephen Hughes.

Dele Adebola and Andy Whing had to be content with a place on the bench, while Frankie El-Idrissi dropped out of the 16.

Hull created the first opportunity when on three minutes, Andy Dawson's shot deflected off Birchall and flew inches wide of the left upright.

It was a game where both sides struggled to create any clear goalscoring chances, with the next arriving on 39 minutes, when Ryan France forced a good save from Marshall at the near post, only for Parkin to hit the follow up off the keeper and wide.

But in Coventry City's first chance of the game, John hit his shot at the keeper before at the other end, Dean Marney saw his rising shot fly over the crossbar.

The second half started with as few chances as the previous 45 minutes, though Cameron fired a shot over the free kick over the crossbar on 57 minutes.

It was to be the last action of the game for the Scot, who was replaced by Adebola on the hour. Kevin Thornton also came on as a replacement for John.

Hull also made a double substitution six minutes later when Nick Barmby and Ben Burgess replaced Parkin and Duffy.

New signing Kyle had his first chance of the game in the 69th minute, when he chested it down and smacked it towards goal from 25 yards, forcing Boaz Myhill to turn the effort around the post.

Marney also tried his luck from distance, but Marshall was equal to the shot and parried it away.

But it was Thornton who had the last laugh - the youngster beating Sam Collins and producing an excellent finish across the keeper and into the bottom corner in the 85th minute.

4thegame
Kevin Thornton came off the bench to fire home a late winner and leave Phil Parkinson still looking for his first victory as Hull manager.

Thornton replaced the ineffective Stern John up front for Coventry after 61 minutes and snatched all three points after combining with fellow substitute Dele Adebola to score a terrific low left-foot shot.

Hull dominated possession and territory for most of the match but struggled to carve out clear-cut openings.

However, the hosts nearly grabbed the lead within the opening two minutes as Andy Dawson's deflected left-foot drive from 25 yards rolled just wide.

Jon Parkin forced Sky Blues goalkeeper Andy Marshall into two comfortable saves as Hull continued to press, but the giant striker fluffed a golden chance just before half-time.

Marshall could only parry a shot from Ryan France, but Parkin's attempt from the rebound was somehow kept out by the floored goalkeeper.

At the other end, John wasted his only opening of the match when he scuffed a shot straight at Boaz Myhill.

Hull's most positive player, Dean Marney, surged past two players before firing a right-foot shot over the crossbar from 25 yards, but despite his efforts the score remained goalless at the break.

The second half was a largely terrible affair with both Coventry manager Micky Adams and Hull boss Parkinson looking to freshen up their attacks.

Adams brought on Thornton and Adebola for John and Colin Cameron respectively, while Parkinson introduced Ben Burgess and Nick Barmby halfway through the second period.

The changes did little for the hosts and Coventry gained confidence as the match wore on.

Kevin Kyle, making his debut for the Sky Blues after signing from Sunderland on Friday, produced a stunning 30-yard shot on the turn that Myhill did well to tip round the post.

Five minutes from time Thornton grabbed the winner with a superb strike.

Adebola released his team-mate with a clever pass down the left channel, and Thornton ran on before drilling an angled strike across Myhill and into the bottom right corner from 12 yards.

Hull never really looked like grabbing an equaliser with their final ball into the penalty area persistently letting them down.

Parkinson said: "I thought we were flat at the start of the second half, and although in defence and midfield we were okay we did not create enough chances when we were in possession.

"I didn't think Coventry did enough to win it, but there was one moment of quality." He added: "I know three home defeats out of three isn't good enough, but it is down to me to get it right.

"I am confident that in the long term we will do well but in the short term we are going to have to turn things around quickly.

"We have a bid on the table for a striker and hopefully we can do something before Thursday." Coventry manager Adams said: "It was an ugly away win and both teams struggled.

"We changed our system to try and get a clean sheet today but it was a piece of magic that won it for us.

"We might have to stifle teams this season but if we keep winning 1-0 I will be happy."

Hereford 3 Coventry 1 (CC) - 23/08/2006

Hereford 3 Coventry 1 (Carling Cup) - 23/08/2006

Hereford United: Scott Tynan, Simon Travis, Dean Beckwith, Trent McClenahan, Tamika Mkandawire, Richard Rose, Martyn Giles, Andrew Ferrell, Rob Purdie, Tim Sills, Stuart Fleetwood (Andy Williams 73)
Subs not used: John Wallis, Karl Lewis, Phillip Gulliver, Alan Connell
Goals: Fleetwood 1, Fleetwood 57, Fleetwood 64

Coventry City: Andy Marshall, Marcus Hall, Andrew Whing (Kevin Thornton 60), Matt Heath, Elliott Ward, Faysal El-Idrissi, Christopher Birchall, Colin Cameron, Stephen Hughes, Stern John, Dele Adebola
Subs not used: Claus Jorgensen, Don Hutchison, Michael Doyle, Isaac Osbourne
Goals: Adebola 59
Booked: Andrew Whing 39, Stephen Hughes 45

Attendance: 3404
Referee: L Probert

Teamtalk
Hereford sank Coventry 3-1 in the Carling Cup first round thanks to a magnificent first-half hat-trick from Stuart Fleetwood.

Striker Fleetwood opened the scoring at Edgar Street in the first minute after turning his man and showing great pace before finishing.

The 20-year-old former Cardiff man gave Elliott Ward, a player with Premiership experience, a torrid time.

The Hereford defence dealt well with the threat posed by the Sky Blues' front pair of Dele Adebola and Stern John.

Fleetwood put Hereford two up after the break, slotting home as the offside flag stayed down. Coventry were revived briefly when Adebola gave them hope, out-muscling two defenders to goal.

Fleetwood completed the scoring in the 67th minute when he beat Ward once again and rolled the ball home.

The Bulls were in cruise control after that and, despite losing Fleetwood with a knock, they made it safely through to the next round.

CCFC
Coventry City suffered League Cup heartbreak at Edgar Street this evening as Stuart Fleetwood bagged a hat-trick for the Bulls to consign the Sky Blues to elimination at the very first hurdle.

Micky Adams named a strong side for tonight's Carling Cup First Round clash at Hereford with the most notable name on the team sheet being midfielder Faysal El-Idrissi who came in for his first start.

It was a journey into the unknown for the Sky Blues having never faced Hereford in a competitive game and City were certainly caught cold.

Simon Travis turned a hopeful ball forward from inside his own half and with Elliott Ward looking to head to safety the ball bounced over the former West Ham man's head and into the path of Stuart Fleetwood.

The Hereford striker drove into the box and despite the attentions of Matt Heath the tricky striker finished well into the bottom corner on 48 seconds to make it a disaster start for Micky Adams' men.

City were struggling to get to grips with the game with the Bulls looking to make life mightily uncomfortable for their Championship opponents and Richard Rose had Andy Marshall scrambling across his goal with an effort from outside the area.

On 16 City came within a coat of paint from leveling the scores as captain Stephen Hughes hit a well struck shot from the edge of the area through a crowded box, only for the ball to rebound off the upright.

Five minutes later El-Idrissi looked to have a good shout of a penalty when he went down in the box under pressure from Simon Travis, but referee Probert waved away the City man's appeals.

The Moroccan was back at the centre of the action two minutes later as he picked up the ball 25 yards out before hitting a rasping shot goal wards, narrowly missing the target.

On the half hour Hughes found himself in the space 20 yards out, but the former Arsenal man could only smash his half-volley well over the bar.

With 35 on the clock the lively Fleetwood showed a fantastic turn of pace to burst through the City defence before planting his shot wide and then three minutes later the same player out ran Ward before again shooting wide to hand City a big let off.

The Sky Blues started the second period by far the brighter side and after Chris Birchall had seen his bobbling shot bounce wide, Andy Whing caused havoc in the box with a low centre which the Hereford defence did well to clear.

But the Bulls weren't sitting back and 'keeper Andy Marshall reacted brilliantly to block a Martyn Giles shot from close range after turning neatly in the box on 50.

With 55 minutes gone the home side almost doubled their advantage with Rob Purdie hitting a rasping shot from all of 35 yards before Fleetwood grabbed his second of the game.

The striker who had been causing problems all night long pounced on indecision between Andy Whing and Andy Marshall before prodding the ball home.

But City hit back immediately on 59 when powerhouse forward Dele Adebola held off attention from Tamika Mkandawire before striking the ball home in front of the visiting fans.

The hope was short lived for the Sky Blue Army as five minutes later man-of-the-match Fleetwood completed his hat-trick, nipping in ahead of Ward before rounding Marshall and slotting home.

Despite the game looking beyond them City were continuing to plug away to reduce the deficit and Thornton hit a fierce rising strike which was well tipped over by Tynan on 82.

4thgame
Striker Stuart Fleetwood was Hereford United's hero as the Bulls dumped Coventry City out of the Carling Cup at Edgar Street.

The 20-year-old notched a memorable hat-trick and could have had more, as United added the Sky Blues to their considerable list of higher-graded scalps.

Some of the fans had barely had time to settle into their places when Hereford opened the scoring after just 48 seconds.

Simon Travis' long ball forward was misjudged by Elliott Ward and Fleetwood raced on to slip the ball past Andy Marshall.

Although Coventry forced six corners in the first period, it was Hereford - and principally Fleetwood - who had the best chances to score again.

On 35 minutes, the young striker raced on to a pass from Rob Purdie and into the area but slipped his shot wide of the far post.

And then, two minutes later, Tim Sills and Purdie created another opening for Fleetwood, but he again dragged his shot past an upright.

Dean Beckwith also went close for Hereford, seizing on to a Sills knockdown from Purdie's free-kick, but his shot on the turn flashed inches past the near post.

Rather than sit on their lead after the break, Hereford continued to press forward and extended their lead on 57 minutes.

A Richard Rose through ball caused confusion on the edge of the area and, with goalkeeper Marshall racing out, Fleetwood slipped the ball past him and into the net.

Coventry, however, gave notice of a potential comeback when the powerful Dele Adebola held off two Hereford defenders and lobbed the ball over Scott Tynan from the edge of the area.

But if the Championship side expected Hereford to fold at this set-back then they were to be sorely mistaken.

Just five minutes later, Sills, who worked tirelessly all night, slipped a pass through to Fleetwood who used his pace to round Marshall and slide the ball into an empty net.

After this, it was Hereford who looked the more likely scorers as the Bulls more than deserved their latest upset.

Coventry boss Micky Adams was downcast after seeing his Championship side dumped out of the Carling Cup by lower-graded Hereford.

"It was not good enough and I am not going to come out and defend the indefensible," said the Sky Blues boss.

"It was a shocking performance from start to finish and good luck to Hereford who I thought played particularly well.

"The way we defended tonight was shambolic. Everybody was aware of Stuart Fleetwood and his qualities but we didn't deal with him." Hereford boss Graham Turner was delighted that his side had put Saturday's dreadful defeat at Barnet behind them.

"We were woeful on Saturday but tonight I thought we played extremely well," said the former Wolves boss.

"We had a terrific second half and some of the play was very encouraging for the rest of the season.

"What we have to do is take that level of performance into our league matches, but it has been a good and enjoyable night.

"Stuart Fleetwood is forming a good partnership with Tim Sills and as well as his hat-trick, he could have had a couple more goals.

"He is always a danger with his pace and his composure in front of goal."

Coventry 0 Leicester 0 - 18/08/2006

Coventry 0 Leicester 0 - 18/08/2006

Coventry: Marshall, Whing, Heath, Ward, Hall,Birchall (El Idrissi 54), Hughes, Cameron, Doyle (Thornton 68),John, Hutchison (Adebola 64).
Subs Not Used: Page, Osbourne.
Booked: Doyle, Whing.

Leicester: Henderson, Kenton (Stearman 74), McCarthy, Kisnorbo,Johansson, Low, Hughes, Johnson, Porter (Wesolowski 70),Fryatt, Hammond (Hume 57).
Subs Not Used: Logan, Maybury.
Booked: Porter, McCarthy.

Att: 20,261
Ref: A Hall (W Midlands).

Teamtalk
Micky Adams found out just how difficult life could be without Gary McSheffrey as Coventry struggled to a goalless draw against Leicester.

Following the winger's £4million move to Birmingham this week, the visitors dominated for the majority of the game and the Sky Blues were booed from the pitch at the end of a game high in effort but woefully short on quality and genuine chances.

The opening exchanges between the midlands rivals were typically frenetic as the ball skidded around on a pitch lubricated by torrential downpours an hour before kick-off.

Matt Fryatt and Elvis Hammond had early long-range efforts for the Foxes, but midfielder Josh Low had the game's first genuine chance in the 15th minute when Fryatt's blocked shot rebounded fortuitously into his path.

However, his finish from eight yards lacked any composure as the ball screwed wide of Marshall's right-hand post.

The home side finally created a half-chance of their own two minutes later when veteran Don Hutchison sent through right-back Andrew Whing, whose floated cross-cum-shot was punched nervously away by Leicester keeper Paul Henderson.

Henderson could only watch in the 34th minute, however, as a Hutchison set piece from 30 yards cracked against the foot of his left-hand post and away to safety.

Five minutes from half-time a rare moment of interplay saw Low played in to the right byline.

His first time cross was met at the near post by a charging Fryatt, but his goal-bound shot from six yards was deflected for a corner by a superb Matt Heath challenge.

The visitors' dominance continued after the break and Fryatt should have done better after five minutes when he was played in by lively full debutant Levi Porter, but his curling shot was blocked by Michael Doyle.

Adams introduced midfielder Faysal el Idrissi in a desperate attempt to add some creativity to his misfiring engine room, and his dipping shot from 25 yards flashed just wide on the hour.

The further introductions of Kevin Thornton and Dele Adebola changed Coventry and they looked the most likely to break the deadlock as the game moved into the final quarter.

But they were nearly stung by a Leicester break in the 79th minute, which ended with Marshall saving smartly from a powerful Iain Hume shot.

The Sky Blues almost took the lead themselves two minutes afterwards when Colin Cameron, making his full debut, got to the byline and his low cross was deflected just wide off a series of shins as the game finally opened up at the death.

Both sides are left with four points from four games as a result of the stalemate.

CCFC
A scrappy local derby between the Sky Blues and Leicester ends goalless.

Micky Adams shuffled his pack for the tie as Colin Cameron made his first competitive start for the Club since joining from Wolves during the summer.

With David McNamee and Adam Virgo both suffering injuries against Cardiff at Ninian Park last Saturday Andy Whing reclaimed his place at right back, while Don Hutchison was named alongside Stern John upfront in place of Dele Adebola.

Robert Page was fit enough to make the bench having recovered from a back injury and joining the Welsh international among the substitutes was Adebola, Isaac Osbourne, Kevin Thornton and the Moroccan Faysal El-Idrissi.

The opening exchanges were scrappy, with neither team able to take a stranglehold on proceedings as the ball went from one end to the other with nobody really putting their foot on it.

Leicester were making it very tricky for their hosts to maintain possession, harrying a Coventry player every time he received possession, and it was the Foxes who had the first shot on target in the 12th minute, although Andy Marshall was able to make a routine save from Matty Fryatt's low drive.

A far better opportunity came Josh Low's way just three minutes later after Fryatt's effort was blocked, but thankfully the Foxes winger pulled his shot well wide of the target.

Sky Blues fans had to wait until the 26th minute for their side's first shot on goal, as Don Hutchison's low free-kick forced Foxes keeper Paul Henderson into action.

City were coming back into the match as the first half progressed and Hutchison's second free-kick had far more zip on it, but this time flew inches wide of the post.

Great work from Cameron - who chased a lost cause to block a Henderson clearance - led to Birchall trying his luck from 25 yards but his on-target effort was blocked by a Leicester defender.

But it was the visitors who ended the first interval more positively, pinning the Sky Blues into their own penalty area as they peppered the goal with shots, but all credit to City for some stout defending.

The Foxes picked up where they had left off at the start of the second period as the Sky Blues again failed to stamp their authority on the tie, and but for some woeful finishing, Coventry could well have found themselves behind.

Matt Heath then had City's best chance of the game so far as he found space in the area to connect with Stephen Hughes' corner with a crisp header, which went just high and wide.

Just ten minutes after the interval Micky Adams made his first switch, introducing Faysal El-Idrissi for his Sky Blues debut in place of Birchall, after which Rob Kelly brought on striker Iain Hume for Elvis Hammond.

With no noticeable shift in play, Adams acted again by swapping Hutchison for Adebola as it became increasingly clear that this was a tie likely to be settled by a solitary goal. City had not shown a great deal of invention during the match and with just over 20 to play, Kev Thornton replaced the out of sorts Doyle in Adams' final throw of the dice.

The lively youngster certainly added an extra dimension to City's game, causing havoc in the Leicester defence at times, as did El-Idrissi who looked to have excellent touch and a burst of pace. However, he did show naivety by playing a needless crossfield ball which led to Iain Hume forcing a good save from Marshall.

The Sky Blues were getting closer to taking the lead and with ten left on the clock Whing released Cameron with an excellent ball down the right wing. The former Scottish international pulled the ball back into the six-yard box but no City man could connect as Leicester scrambled the ball clear.

After a poor first half performance, City improved considerably after the break but will need to show more as an attacking unit throughout the 90 minutes as the season progresses.

4thegame
Coventry City battled their way to a home point at the end of a turbulent week.

Two successive defeats and the sale of home-town hero Gary McSheffrey to Birmingham City had made this a big game for so early in the season.

But although the game failed to live up to expectations, Micky Adams' side did enough to silence the unhappy supporters.

It could, however, have been very different as the early running was done by Leicester while Coventry's new post-McSheffrey formation struggled to make any impact.

Patrick Kisnorbo made the first foray on goal in only the sixth minute when he moved on to a free-kick from Stephen Hughes, but directed the ball wide of goal.

Matty Fryatt was causing problems to the heart of the Coventry defence. The former Walsall striker set up a chance for Elvis Hammond in the 12th minute and, three minutes later, when his shot was blocked by Matt Heath, Josh Low fired the loose ball wide.

Coventry full-back Andrew Whing, in for the injured David McNamee, got forward to good effect after 17 minutes when he played a pass to Don Hutchison and continued forward to collect the return ball.

He managed to get into the visitors' area and forced Paul Henderson into his first save of the game.

Hutchison was working hard alongside Stern John, but his best two attempts came from set-pieces from outside the area. He hit the first wide and the second was kept out by Henderson.

Colin Cameron, making his first appearance at the Ricoh Arena since his close season move from Wolves, was also working effectively in an advanced midfield role. He created a half chance for John and then ran 25 yards to charge down an attempted clearance from Henderson, only for Chris Birchall's shot to be blocked.

Leicester recovered their rhythm and ended the half the stronger, Nils Eric Johansson should have done better in the second minute of added time, but his right-foot shot was pushed clear by Andy Marshall.

Heath, who joined Coventry from Leicester a year ago, had the perfect chance to bury his former team-mates right at the start of the second half.

Coventry strung together their best move of the game when Elliott Ward and Cameron combined to put Marcus Hall free down the left flank. The full-back delivered the perfect cross but Heath, unmarked ten yards out, managed to head wide.

Both sides made their full allocation of subs in a bid to steal the points but they lacked the quality to make a decisive breakthrough.

Moroccan midfielder Faysal El-Idrissi, signed on a short term deal in the summer, could have made an instant impact when, just short of hour, he tried his luck from 25 yards and sent a shot just wide of goal.

Coventry ended the game in the ascendancy. El-Idrissi had clearly made a difference and, from the early indications, looks a real find.

Leicester were lucky to survive a late scare as Cameron again caused them trouble by moving ahead of the strikers to move on to an inch-perfect pass from Whing.

Dele Adebola moved in for the kill, but Patrick McCarthy got there in time to concede a corner.

Coventry manager Micky Adams said afterwards: "We could have been without Gary McSheffrey for all sorts of reasons.

"He could have been suspended or injured. We have played with him and without him before so it was not something that could concern us.

"He has certain qualities that might have helped us but it wasn't something we could worry about.

"I told the players that Gary has been a great player for us, but we need a new hero and that we needed someone else to step up and be that man.

"We are in no rush to sign someone before the transfer window closes because we can get someone in loan and then spend the money in January if we need to. There are funds there but the kitty is far less than the £4million." Foxes boss Rob Kelly added: "We can't go anywhere and set our stall out to get a draw because we can come unstuck doing that.

"I am pleased with our last two performances especially after the first two. I thought we played well in the first half and then had to show the other side of our game in the second period.

"Our players showed they were up for the challenge and didn't shirk a single thing and that is pleasing after the disappointment of the first couple of matches."

Cardiff 1 Coventry 0 - 12/08/2006

Cardiff 1 Coventry 0 - 12/08/2006

Cardiff: Alexander, Gilbert (Flood 45), Purse, Loovens,McNaughton, Parry, McPhail, Scimeca, Ledley,Chopra (Glombard 90), Thompson (Campbell 75).
Subs Not Used: Johnson, Howard.
Booked: Flood, Loovens.
Goals: Chopra 79.

Coventry: Marshall, McNamee (Virgo 6), Heath, Ward, Hall,Doyle, Birchall, Hughes, McSheffrey, Adebola (Hutchison 85),John, Virgo (Tabb 18).
Subs Not Used: Cameron, Thornton.
Booked: Ward.

Att: 13,965
Ref: R Booth (Nottinghamshire).

Teamtalk
Michael Chopra sealed all three points for Cardiff with a clinical finish 11 minutes from time as Coventry were beaten 1-0 at Ninian Park.

Coventry had totally dominated the opening 45 minutes but were unable to make their superiority count and the Bluebirds took advantage as Chopra converted from close range.

High-flying Cardiff continued their unbeaten start to the season against a Coventry side who went down 2-0 to Southampton in midweek.

Despite that defeat the visitors kept faith with the same side, with Cardiff bringing back the influential Darren Purse.

Coventry had the first effort on goal inside the opening minute only for Stern John to steer a right-footed shot from 25 yards wide of the target, and the same player then headed across goal shortly afterwards but Dele Adebola failed to make the most of a close-range opportunity.

Coventry's promising start was disrupted after six minutes when David McNamee was injured and had to be replaced by Adam Virgo.

Nevertheless it was the visitors who continued to enjoy the best of the opening exchanges as John again threatened after nine minutes with a shot just over the crossbar.

The home side, having survived the early onslaught, carved out an opportunity after 17 minutes with Chopra firing the ball over the crossbar before Coventry were forced into another change, replacing injured substitute Virgo with Jay Tabb.

But Micky Adams' side continued to threaten with Elliott Ward getting on the end of a Stephen Hughes cross after 24 minutes only to see his close-range header blocked.

Chances continued to be at a premium for Cardiff as Coventry pushed for the opener and it was only some resolute defending that kept them at bay for the remainder of the first half, with home keeper Neil Alexander doing well to keep out a long-distance piledriver from Gary McSheffrey.

Cardiff made a change at the start of the second half with Willo Flood, who was on loan at Coventry last season, replacing Kerrea Gilbert.

But it was Coventry who continued to enjoy the better of the exchanges with Purse blocking a a shot from the impressive John.

Purse then tried his luck at the other end of the pitch but could not keep his effort on target as Cardiff enjoyed a brief respite from the onslaught.

But the home side went close 10 minutes into the second half when Andy Marshall had to be on his toes to keep out a header from Riccardo Scimeca.

It was Scimeca who threatened again 15 minutes from time as Cardiff staged a late rally but his 20-yard effort cleared the crossbar.

Cardiff then brought on Kevin Campbell for Steve Thompson as they tried to force a goal, and it duly arrived after 79 minutes as Chopra fired home from six yards.

CCFC
The Sky Blues suffer their second defeat on the road in the space of four days as a Michael Chopra strike is enough to separate the sides.

The game at Ninian Park also sees David McNamee and his replacement forced off with injuries on a disappointing afternoon.

Micky Adams named an unchanged side from the team that slipped to a two nil defeat at Southampton on Wednesday night.

City, who were sporting their brand new red away kit for the first time, had the first chance of the clash after just 60 seconds, Stern John latching on to a loose ball before dragging his shot wide.

The Sky Blues suffered an early setback after just seven minutes with Scottish international David McNamee forced off with what looked like a hamstring problem, new signing Adam Vigo taking his place at right back.

Just a minute after McNamee had exited proceedings assistant referee Scarr was following the Scotsman down the tunnel with what appeared to be a matching injury.

With 10 minutes gone City again had a chance to take an early lead with Dele Adebola neatly laying the ball off to strike partner John who fired over from inside the box.

Things were going from bad to worse for City and on 17 substitute Adam Vigo was himself heading off, stretchered from the field of play with Jay Tabb coming on his place and Chris Birchall filling in at right back.

At the same time Elliott Ward was shown yellow for a mistimed challenge on Steve Thompson on the edge of the City box but Joe Ledley could only curl the resulting free-kick over the bar.

Despite their terrible bad luck the Sky Blues were displaying great character and a combination of Kerrea Gilbert and the woodwork were all that denied Elliott Ward a vital goal, the former West Ham man meeting a great Stephen Hughes corner on 25.

With 36 minutes played Gary McSheffrey forced a tidy save from Neil Alexander before Andy Marshall tipped a Michael Chopra effort over the bar in spectacular fashion.

Just four minutes before the interval Michael Doyle made a crucial interception at the near post to play the ball behind for a corner and deny the home side a certain goal.

The home side returned from the break with a familiar face among their 11 as Willo Flood - who spent a spell on-loan at the Ricoh last term was a half time replacement for Kerrea Gilbert.

The Sky Blues started the second period the brighter side and after Stern John saw his shot blocked in the box captain Stephen Hughes hit his effort high and wide.

The action was switching from end to another and Marcus Hall had to be on hand to clear the ball from close range as the Welsh side pushed forward.

With 10 minutes gone of the second half the Bluebirds went close through Michael Chopra before at the other end Adebola was almost set free on goal, but the ball from Stern John just didn't carry enough weight.

On 58 the Sky Blues had first Marcus Hall and then Andy Marshall to thank for keeping the scores level as Steven Thompson and former City man Flood caused havoc in the area.

City were forced to play the waiting game as Cardiff began to keep the ball, but on 68 McSheffrey broke away down the left only to be brought down by Flood, a challenge that earned the Irishman a yellow card.

With 15 minutes to go Trinidad and Tobago international showed a clean pair of heels to his marker down the right before sending in a whipping cross, which just failed to reach the head of Adebola.

Jay Tabb and Stern John then combined well before the forward had his shot blocked by a lunging defender.

Andy Marshall was again called into action on 78 as he saved well from Michael Chopra before disaster struck just seconds later.

With the ball not cleared properly from Marshall's acrobatics Joe Ledley was given space to play the ball in from the left and Chopra was again on hand and this time the former Newcastle man made no mistake, poking the ball home from just five yards out.

The Bluebirds' forward was causing all sorts of problems for the City backline and Marshall did well to save as the number eight ran through on goal.

With time running out Micky Adams made his third and final change with Don Hutchison coming on in the place of Dele Adebola as City went looking for an equalizer.

With three minutes remaining Hutchison found John with a great pass, but the former Birmingham and Forest man pulled his shot agonizingly wide of the far post.

The Sky Blues were certainly giving it a good go and former Port Vale midfielder Chris Birchall looked destined to grab the glory after a surging run, but his rising strike cleared the crossbar.

4thegame
Michael Chopra scored his first Championship goal for Cardiff City since his summer move from Newcastle United to secure all three points for the hosts.

It came in the 79th minute after Joe Ledley fired a wicked cross from the left wing in to the danger area. Coventry goalkeeper Andy Marshall was rooted to the spot and Chopra slid in to slot the ball into the bottom corner.

The Geordie striker went close to doubling the lead a few minutes later, but his attempted lob was finger-tipped to safety by Marshall.

Marshall had been the first keeper called in to action in the sixth minute as he rose to gather a Paul Parry cross. Coventry's David McNamee was injured trying to stop Parry and had to leave the field to be replaced by Adam Virgo.

Steven Thompson was brought down on the edge of the area by Elliott Ward in the 16th minute, after a passage of slick passing play from the hosts.

Before the free-kick could be taken Virgo, who had only been on the field for 12 minutes, was carried off on a stretcher.

A corner by Sky Blues' skipper Stephen Hughes was met by Ward midway through the half, but his header was cleared off the line by Kerrea Gilbert.

Cardiff made a swift break just before the interval. Glenn Loovens raced out of defence and slipped the ball out wide to Ledley. He laid it back to Stephen McPhail and his dipping shot was acrobatically turned over by Marshall.

The hosts upped the tempo after the break and Marcus Hall had to head over his own crossbar twice in the opening five minutes.

Twice the rampant Bluebirds were denied as Chopra and Riccardo Scimeca saw goalbound efforts cleared off the line.

After finally breaking the deadlock Cardiff had several chances to make the game safe, with both Kevin Campbell and Luigi Glombard going close.

Delighted Cardiff boss Dave Jones said: "The three points were a just reward for a hard game.

"We had to shuffle the pack a bit when Kerrea Gilbert was replaced through injury but the players know each others strengths and weaknesses.

"It is good that both strikers have already found the net and we are a point ahead of our schedule after these first three games.

"But we cannot get carried away with ourselves so early in the season. This is a young side and if they can turn on these sorts of displays now, I know they will be even better in a few years time.

"I feel there are exciting times ahead at this football club, both on and off the field." Coventry boss Micky Adams said: "We created some good chances and our general play was good, but they caught us out on the break a few times.

"It was made more difficult for us by losing two right-backs in the opening quarter of an hour, but we need to put those chances away and perhaps I will have to go into the transfer market.

"This is not a crisis for Coventry, after all it is only three games into the season and we are pleased with all the new players we have brought in and know we can only get better."

Southampton 2 Coventry 0 - 09/08/2006

Southampton 2 Coventry 0 - 09/08/2006

Southampton: Davis; Ostlund; Baird; Pele; Bale (Cranie 90); Belmadi; Viafara; Wright; Skacel (Surman 88); Rasiak; Wright-Phillips (Jones 82).
Subs (not used): Poke; Dyer
Goals: Bale 61, Rasiak(P) 86

Coventry: Marshall; McNamee; Heath; Ward; Hall; Birchall (Cameron 72); Hughes; Doyle; McSheffrey (Hutchison 72); Adebola (Virgo 68); John. Subs (not used): Tabb; Thornton
Booked: Hall (23); Hutchison (85)

Referee: G Hegley
Attendance: 21,088

Teamtalk
Gareth Bale produced a stunning strike to set Southampton on their way to a 2-0 victory over Coventry at St Mary's in the Championship.

The 17-year-old Welshman, on target in the 2-2 draw at Derby on Sunday, unleashed an excellent shot from 35 yards in the 61st minute which Coventry goalkeeper Andy Marshall got a hand to but could not keep out.

Coventry boss Micky Adams, whose side began the season with a 2-1 home win over relegated Sunderland, threw on all three substitutes in a bid to salvage an equaliser.

But Southampton wrapped up the points with four minutes remaining, Grzegorz Rasiak slotting home from the penalty spot after he was fouled by Elliott Ward.

The Sky Blues made a bright start and forced Saints goalkeeper Kelvin Davis into action inside three minutes.

Stephen Hughes swung over a corner which was met by Michael Doyle, but Davis punched away his effort.

Southampton, denied a winning start by a last-gasp Derby equaliser, responded and Rasiak directed Jermaine Wright's cross on target only for Marshall to make a comfortable save.

Stern John scored an excellent goal in the win over Sunderland and came close to getting another in the ninth minute but his drive was kept out by Davis.

Summer signing Bradley Wright-Phillips, in the starting line-up at the expense of Ricardo Fuller (hamstring), had a good chance to add to his marker at Pride Park two minutes later only to see his shot flash wide from 18 yards.

But only the frame of the goal denied Coventry the lead, striker Dele Adebola seeing his header bounce back off a post before Hughes was denied by Davis after the home side partially cleared a corner.

Adebola then had three opportunities in the space of 10 minutes, first failing to get his shot on target being twice being thwarted by Davis.

Coventry continued to press for the opening goal and John fired wide 10 minutes before half-time.

But it was Southampton who nearly went into the break in front, John Viafara heading just wide from Rudi Skacel's corner while Alexander Ostlund fired a shot from the edge of the box which went the wrong side of the post.

Southampton engineered the first chance of the second half in the 52nd minute, Wright-Phillips drilling a shot wide from 25 yards.

The home side went even closer moments later. Skacel's outswinging corner was met by Pedro Pele, whose header was well saved by Marshall.

But George Burley's troops broke the deadlock in the 61st minute with a belter from Bale, although Gary McSheffrey almost produced an instant response only for his shot to go wide.

Bale nearly repeated the trick nine minutes later but this time Marshall got down to parry his long-range strike after Matt Heath was penalised for a foul on Rasiak.

As Coventry pressed forward for an equaliser, Skacel nearly put the game to bed only to see his 18-yard shot go straight at Marshall.

Rasiak then put the result beyond doubt in the 86th minute and substitute Kenwyne Jones hit a post.

Only a fantastic finger-tip save from Davis prevented John from grabbing a consolation in the last minute and there was still time for Ward to put a header wide.

CCFC
Two second half goals condemn the Sky Blues to defeat against Southampton.

City created a number of good opportunities and hit the woodwork before the interval but a long range free-kick from Michael Bale and a dubious Grzegorz Rasiak penalty gave the Saints all three points.

Micky Adams named an unchanged side for the match, opting for the same starting eleven as the one which beat Sunderland 2-1 on the opening day of the campaign.

The St Mary's was buzzing for Saints' first home game of the campaign and with a new board at the helm, the supporters were clearly looking for a positive start after seeing two points snatched away from them at the death when Derby equalized in the last minute at the weekend.

City did their utmost to silence them by forcing two corners in the opening three minutes, the second of which found Matt Heath unmarked in the middle, but his header was blocked. Andy Marshall was soon put into action for the first time, making a fairly routine save from Grzegorz Rasiak's far post header.

Micky Adams had clearly given his players clear instructions to go for the kill and in the eighth minute, Stern John produced a good stop from Saints keeper Kelvin Davis, having pulled neatly away from his marker.

But Bradley Wright Phillips showed how alert the City rearguard would have to be when he produced a scintillating run which was only let down by his weak shot.

Coventry were having the better of it though, pinning the home side back for lengthy spells, and Dele Adebola was desperately unlucky not to open the scoring with a quarter of an hour played when his crisp shot from a Stephen Hughes free-kick rebounded off the inside off the post with Davis well beaten.

Elliott Ward's thundering clearance presented the powerful striker with a half chance not long afterwards but this time he cleared the goal by some distance with his attempted chip.

City's strike partnership of Adebola and John were giving the Southampton defence all sorts of trouble and clever interplay between the duo saw Davis make yet another smart stop from Dele. And Stern was not far from scoring a stunner, when he swiveled to volley a Hughes corner narrowly over.

Towards the end of the half, Southampton suddenly came to life and it took some solid defending to keep them out, with McNamee in particular making an excellent last ditch challenge on the explosive Wright-Phillips.

The Saints continued to exert their authority at the start of the second half and it took a brilliant goalline clearance from McNamee to prevent Wright-Phillips' close range header from giving Southampton the lead.

But it was not long until they were ahead and the goal came in some style in the 62nd minute as Gareth Bale's 30-yard free-kick beat Andy Marshall and found the back of the net to put Southampton 1-0 ahead.

With 68 minutes on the clock Micky Adams made his first switch, bringing new loan signing Adam Virgo on for Adebola in a straight swap that saw the utility man partner John up front. Colin Cameron was soon introduced for his Sky Blues debut, replacing Birchall while Hutchison came on for McSheffrey.

Stern John did well to create space for a shot as City went in search of an equalizer, but Southampton looked far more organised at the back than they had in the opening period and chances were coming far less frequently for the Sky Blues.

With eight minutes to go Coventry's defenders must have thanked their lucky stars when the impressive Wright Phillips went off, only to see the equally rapid Kenwyne Jones replace him.

Moments later and the referee sealed City's fate by awarding a penalty when Rasiak went down in a somewhat acrobatic manner with little or no contact from Elliott Ward. The Polish striker made no mistake, sending Marshall the wrong way from the spot to rub salt in the wound.

Right at the end, John went clean through but Davis made a good save to deny City a goal they deserved.

The scoreline may make it look like a comfortable victory for Southampton but over the course of the 90 minutes it was by no means one-way traffic. However, the Sky Blues will have to learn to take their chances, especially away from home, if they are to improve on their consistency.

4thegame
Gareth Bale scored his second goal of the season with another stunning long-range free-kick as Southampton swept aside Coventry's muscular challenge.

Bale, Wales' youngest international at 16, scored something similar at Derby on the opening day.

This time after 61 minutes, the powerfully-built full-back stepped up to bang his 30-yard free-kick beyond the dive of Andy Marshall for the opening goal.

The precocious teenager almost added another 10 minutes later from the same position but this time Marshall got across to his right to make a diving save.

Southampton's second with just four minutes remaining had an element of good fortune when Poland striker Grzegorz Rasiak earned a penalty after falling over the foot of Elliott Ward when there was no obvious danger.

Coventry were furious with the decision of referee Grant Hegley and substitute Don Hutchison was booked for dissent.

But Rasiak kept his nerve and beat Marshall with his spot-kick to earn Southampton their first win of the season.

They could have even grabbed a third when substitute Kenwyne Jones struck a post in the last minute with a low shot.

All this was in contrast to the first half when Coventry looked the better side but the nearest they came to scoring was on 15 minutes when Dele Adebola headed against a post from a centre by Stephen Hughes.

Southampton's new keeper Kelvin Davis made two important early saves from Stern John and from Adebola, while Ward wasted a clear opening by heading against a group of players when unmarked at a corner by Gary McSheffrey.

But as the first half improved so did Southampton and John Viafara went close with a 25-yard shot and then with a header from a corner.

The second half belonged to George Burley's team and they should have gone ahead on 58 minutes only for Bradley Wright-Phillips to have a header cleared off the line by David McNamee.

Once Saints had gone ahead Coventry fell away but they should have pulled one back in injury time when John ran clear on to a Pele back pass but Davis rushed from his goal to force the shot wide.

Southampton manager George Burley praised teenage free-kick specialist Gareth Bale.

Burley said: "As a full-back Gareth is the best young player I have ever seen.

"Big clubs will be following his progress but the chairman will make sure he stays with us and they won't be getting him.

"When we had to sell Theo Walcott our hands were tied, but Gareth signed a new contract in the summer and both he and his parents want him to stay and develop with us.

"As for the free-kick, I spent 15 minutes with him practising those in training today and it paid off. He has tremendous ability and whips in a great ball.

"We have some injury problems and both centre-half and left-back are positions we may need to strengthen but tonight was great and certainly it was the best atmosphere at the stadium since I have been here." Coventry manager Micky Adams said: "I'm disappointed to lose but there are different ways to lose and this time it was with our boots on and our sleeves rolled up. At least we gave everything.

"I took great heart from our performance because I thought we dominated the first half and most of the best players were wearing the blue of Coventry.

"For that reason I don't think we deserved to lose but we must forget the result and move on because it was a good display.

"As for the penalty against us, if Rasiak was a boxer and went down like that, the promoter would withhold his purse.

"From what I could see there was minimal contact between my player and Rasiak but the referee has given a penalty and we have to accept it."

Coventry 2 Sunderland 1 - 06/08/2006

Coventry 2 Sunderland 1 - 06/08/2006

Coventry: Marshall, McNamee, Heath, Ward, Hall,Birchall (Thornton 74), Hughes, Doyle, McSheffrey (Whing 86),Adebola (Hutchison 67), John.
Subs Not Used: Steele, Tabb.
Booked: Hughes.
Goals: John 71, McSheffrey 78.

Sunderland: Alnwick, Delap, Cunningham, Caldwell,Danny Collins, Miller, Leadbitter (Kyle 80), Whitehead,Lawrence, Stephen Elliott, Murphy (Stead 76).
Subs Not Used: Ward, Wright, Robbie Elliott.
Booked: Lawrence.
Goals: Murphy 52.

Att: 22,366
Ref: C Foy (Merseyside).

Football 365
Coventry striker Gary McSheffrey underlined his growing reputation as he denied Niall Quinn a winning start as Sunderland manager.

McSheffrey rattled in 17 goals last season and has been the subject of transfer speculation all summer with Coca-Cola Championship rivals Birmingham having made a fourth bid for the 23-year-old.

McSheffrey took his place in the line-up after the Sky Blues successfully appealed against the red card he received in the pre-season friendly against Boavista.

He grabbed the winner with 12 minutes left. Coventry caught Sunderland napping in defence and McSheffrey took advantage to rifle the ball into the net with the help of a deflection.

Trinidad and Tobago international Stern John had hauled Coventry level seven minutes earlier, the striker curling home an excellent 18-yard effort via the underside of the crossbar.

It secured a fine come-from-behind victory after Daryl Murphy had opened the scoring for the Black Cats, under the guidance of Quinn for the first time, in the 52nd minute.

Grant Leadbitter had already fired a shot over the crossbar for the visitors when Murphy was guilty of squandering an excellent chance in the fourth minute.

Sunderland caught Coventry out with a quick throw-in and Tommy Miller's cross was headed over the bar from close range by Murphy.

Coventry created their first opening in the 12th minute and it nearly resulted in a goal. A long free-kick from David McNamee found its way to John in the penalty box, the striker poking the ball just wide.

That seemed to spark the Sky Blues into life and they came close again six minutes later. McSheffrey delivered a dangerous ball across the face of the Sunderland goal which just eluded John.

McSheffrey was a constant menace to Sunderland and just after the half-hour he hit the outside of the upright from an acute angle after creating some space in the box.

Only a super stop from goalkeeper Ben Alnwick prevented John from giving Coventry a half-time lead, the youngster keeping out the Trinidadian's effort from eight yards.

Murphy broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute after Coventry failed to clear a corner. When Stephen Elliott hooked the ball back across goal, Murphy - who this week signed a new five-year deal at the Stadium of Light - slid in to poke the ball home.

But John produced an exquisite finish with 19 minutes left and McSheffrey settled matters to the delight of the Ricoh Arena crowd.

CCFC
The Sky Blues kicked-off the 2006/2007 season off in perfect style with a hard-fought two one win over Niall Quinn's Sunderland.

City had to do it the hard way, coming from one nil down against the Black Cats but fine goals from Stern John and Gary McSheffrey ensured that it was a winning start for Micky Adams' men.

Micky Adams awarded starts to four new faces this afternoon. Former Ipswich and Millwall stopper Andy Marshall took his place between the sticks with fellow new boy Elliott Ward playing alongside Matt Heath in the centre of defence.

David McNamee began in the right back berth while Chris Birchall, who only signed late on Friday afternoon also made his first appearance for City on the right hand side of a midfield that also contained Stephen Hughes, Michael Doyle and Gary McSheffrey.

Birchall's international team mate Stern John partnered Dele Adebola in attack but it was at the back where there were question marks for the Sky Blues as Daryl Murphy missed a gilt edged chance to give the visitors the lead in the fourth minute. Tommy Miller stole a yard on Marcus Hall and whipped in a dangerous cross but Murphy could not keep his header down and it sailed harmlessly over the bar.

In the twelfth minute Stern John went close with a header as a McNamee free-kick found the striker in the six yard box but he placed it wide.

The opening to the match had been quite frantic as both sides looked to get the season off to the best possible start but it was the Sky Blues who were becoming the stronger as the first half elapsed and another chance presented itself to John as McSheffrey did brilliantly on the right to flash in a low ball that John just failed to connect with.

Around the half our mark McSheffrey and the very lively looking Birchall swapped flanks and it nearly brought instant rewards as McSheffrey rattled the upright with a deflected shot from a tight angle.

With 52 on the clock disaster struck with the visitors grabbing the lead. With the ball sent into the box, Daryl Murphy found himself in enough space to stab the ball past Marshall, the 'keeper wrong footed as Murphy placed it into the far side of the goal.

The goal sparked three or four minutes of frenzied football which culminated in a 22-man brawl in the centre circle after new signing Chris Birchall found himself pole-axed.

Incensed that the visitors failed to put the ball out of play to allow the midfielder to receive treatment City captain was booked as referee Foy was finding it increasingly difficult to keep a lid on proceedings.

City were continuing to push for a way back into the game and on 63 Stern John looked to have weaved his way through the whole of Sunderland's backline before a last ditch tackle by Steven Caldwell denied him a shot at goal.

Micky Adams made his first change of the game with 22 left, the ex-Sunderland man Don Hutchison coming on against his former side in place of the hard-working Dele Adebola.

With 20 minutes remaining City hauled themselves back on level terms in the most spectacular of fashions.

World Cup star Stern John found himself in space on the edge of the Sunderland box before looking up and curling an inch-perfect effort in off the underside of the bar to sent the Ricoh crazy!

City's second change came on73 when highly rated youngster Kevin Thornton was sent on in place of debutant Chris Birchall, who received a standing ovation after an impressive first run-out for the Sky Blues.

Micky Adams' men had been pushing hard for a second and they duly delivered on 78 when Don Hutchison played a quick short free kick to Gary McSheffrey who surged into the box before firing into the goal to give City the lead.

Niall Quinn showed his intention to try and salvage a point from the afternoon's proceedings, throwing on the tall pairing of Jon Stead and Kevin Kyle upfront.

City made their third and final change with defender Andy Whing replacing Gary McSheffrey as the Sky Blues stood firm to hold onto all three points.

4thegame
Gary McSheffrey underlined why Birmingham are still trying to lure him away from the Ricoh Arena.

The Coventry City striker - subject of at least three bids from Birmingham boss Steve Bruce - struck with 12 minutes remaining to send Niall Quinn to defeat in his first game as Sunderland manager.

Coventry had already come from behind through a goal from Stern John after Daryl Murphy had given Sunderland the lead in the 52nd minute, and probably would have settled for a point.

But McSheffrey had other ideas. He collected a quickly taken free-kick from Don Hutchison, cut into the area and unleashed a shot which took a deflection on the way into the net.

It had looked as if Republic of Ireland international Murphy would make it a victorious start for the relegated Black Cats.

The 23-year-old striker capitalised on some poor home defending to slide in a goal which might have brought his reluctant manager three welcome points.

Quinn, who headed a consortium which bought Sunderland in the summer, kept a typically low profile in the dugout as his side took the lead.

The goal may not have been eye-catching but it was in keeping with the quality of the game.

Grant Leadbitter's 52nd-minute corner bobbled about inside the Coventry area before it was hooked back across the box allowing Murphy to get in front of his marker and beat Andy Marshall in the Coventry goal.

City were left appealing for handball but they had failed to deal with the flag-kick and could not have any complaints.

The Sky Blues' equalising goal underlined the class of John.

The Trinidad & Tobago international was expected to move on from the Ricoh after his exploits at the World Cup but no offer was forthcoming.

And how glad, on this evidence, City manager Micky Adams will be about that.

There was little on when John collected the ball on the edge of the area, but he turned and curled a sublime shot in past Ben Alnwick.

John could have added to his tally, but failed to convert two good chances, but at the other end Coventry coped comfortably and held on to take the points following McSheffrey's strike.

The subject of Birmingham's interest in McSheffrey dominated Adams' press conference.

"I only know what I read in the papers that a fourth bid is being prepared but Birmingham must get the gist," said Adams.

"When we say that he is not for sale they may realise that they will not get him.

"We have not received another bid since the one last week. He gets up and down, he gets shots and crosses in - we can't replace that and I am not thinking about it." About the result, the City boss added: "This was a great start for us. Sunderland began by knocking the ball around but after the first five minutes they didn't really hurt us." Quinn was disappointed to have begun his managerial career with a defeat, but was pleased with Sunderland's performance.

He said: "There is a fine bunch of players here who looked a class apart from Coventry at times. We looked like the home team in the first 70 minutes.

"There was nothing we could do about a world-class goal from Stern John and I thought there winner was a giveaway goal.

"I want to get a couple more players here in time for the Birmingham game on Wednesday and before the end of the transfer window I would like two top players fighting for every position."