Coventry 0 Plymouth 1 - 30/09/2006

Coventry 0 Plymouth 1 - 30/09/2006

Coventry City: Andy Marshall, Marcus Hall, Elliott Ward, Andrew Whing, Robert Page, Christopher Birchall (Dele Adebola 65), Jay Tabb (Don Hutchison 73), Colin Cameron, Stephen Hughes, Stern John, Kevin Kyle
Subs not used: Kevin Thornton, Matt Heath, Michael Doyle
Booked: Robert Page 90, Colin Cameron 30

Plymouth Argyle: Luke McCormick, Marcel Seip, Mathias Doumbe, Paul Connolly, David Norris, Tony Capaldi, Lilian Nalis, Akos Buzsaky (Hasney Aljofree 78), Paul Wotton, Reuben Reid (Cherno Samba 74), Nick Chadwick (Luke Summerfield 85)
Subs not used: Gary Sawyer, Romain Larrieu
Booked: David Norris 90
Goals:Samba 82

Attendance: 19545
Referee: M Halsey

Teamtalk
Plymouth debutant Cherno Samba marked his bow for the club by scoring the only goal in a 1-0 Championship victory at Coventry.

The 20-year-old, who was tipped as a future superstar when on Millwall's books before losing his way, only recently joined the Pilgrims after a spell in Spain and gave the first impression that he could prove an inspired signing by Ian Holloway.

The striker, on as a substitute, headed the only goal to secure a smash-and-grab victory for Plymouth, who were equally indebted to their goalkeeper Luke McCormick as he produced a fine display to keep a clean sheet.

The 22-year-old, who is keeping Romain Larrieu out of the team, was called upon twice in the opening two minutes as Coventry made a bright start which they sustained for most of the opening period.

McCormick had to be alert from the outset to hold a Stephen Hughes shot and then deny Kevin Kyle, who should have done better when he got his head to Jay Tabb's cross.

After 10 minutes McCormick did really well to prevent a Chris Birchall cross from finding its way into the net and five minutes before the interval he brilliantly tipped a 20-yard Stern John effort over the crossbar.

Coventry, who this week rejected an approach from West Brom for their manager Micky Adams, did the vast majority of attacking and their best chances fell to Kyle, but the former Sunderland striker headed over from a Hughes corner and an Andrew Whing cross.

The visitors had their moments too and youngster Reuben Reid sent the ball wide from close range in the 14th minute, while Nick Chadwick gave Sky Blues goalkeeper Andy Marshall a chance to impress when tipping over his fierce left-foot strike just after the half-hour mark.

McCormick continued his heroics after the break as he made another terrific acrobatic save from a Colin Cameron free-kick in the 58th minute, and also looked adept in dealing with crosses which Coventry sent over at every opportunity.

Compared to the glut of chances in the early stages it was disappointing stuff in the second half until Samba made the breakthrough eight minutes after his introduction as replacement for Reid.

His fellow substitute Hasney Aljofree, who had been out of action since being knocked out in the 1-0 defeat against Southampton a fortnight ago, set up the goal. Aljofree crossed from the left and Samba headed the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

There was time for McCormick to make one more good stop from Dele Adebola, while David Norris nearly doubled the margin of victory only to fire just wide.


4thegame
Cherno Samba was dancing with delight after netting his first goal for Plymouth to earn them a long awaited win at Coventry.

The striker, a free agent who joined the West Country side from Spanish outft Cadiz, had only been on the field for seven minutes when he rose to head home a left-wing cross.

The late strike ended Plymouth's 50-year wait for a league win at Coventry.

City could have taken the lead in the second minute when they strung together a good early move. Kevin Kyle won the first of many headers and, when Jay Tabb played the ball in to Stephen Hughes, the home skipper forced a save out of Luke McCormick.

It was a deceptively lively start and the action didn't pick up again until the 13th minute when Tony Capaldi came close to netting - at the wrong end. The left-back had little choice other than to react when the ball was flicked on inside the Plymouth area and had to watch as his attempted clearance dipped just over the bar with McCormick stranded.

The visitors spurned a chance to open the scoring in the 14th minute when Reuben Reid wasted a superb opening with some very poor finishing.

David Norris ran 60 metres when a Coventry corner move broke down but, having put Reid in, the striker struck the side-netting.

But the chance seemed to spur the visitors into action and, with the impressive Akos Buzsaky running midfield, they looked dangerous.

Norris went on another charge in the 21st minute and unsurprisingly chose not to pass to Reid but went for goal only for Elliott Ward to block the effort well.

Andy Marshall was then called into action when Marcel Seip beat the Coventry defence with an excellent pass which took out Robert Page and fell to Nick Chadwick who forced the keeper into a fine save.

The visitors were on top and Buzsaky's whipped cross just eluded the outstretched boot of Chadwick at the back post.

Plymouth started the second period on top and both Buzsaky and Lilian Nalis went close for the away team as Plymouth continued to press in a bid to break the deadlock.

Coventry's chances were few and far between but Stern John should have done better in the 54th minute when he turned in the box but hit a tame effort into the hands of McCormick.

Micky Adams sent on Don Hutchison and Dele Adebola to try to pep up his attack but it was Plymouth who looked most likely.

Reid spurned another opportunity to score on his debut when he was set free in the 71st minute but shot wide from a tight angle.

Then, with nine minutes left, Plymouth got their just rewards for all of their pressure.

Hasney Aljofree planted a perfect cross onto the head of Samba who rose above everyone and powered his header past Andy Marshall.

Pilgrims boss Ian Holloway said: "It's nice for Samba. He's had to be patient since he joined as we found him from nowhere really.

"He was at Millwall and Liverpool tried to sign him when he was 15. For whatever reason it didn't work out and he's been in Spain for three or four years.

"I was told of his potential and we managed to beat off a few clubs to sign him." Adams said: "I felt we looked nervous from the very beginning. We never got going as a group and never got to grips with the game.

"It has been a disappointing day but it's not the end of the road. I tried to freshen things up but as a group we were not good enough.

"We had chances but not as many as I'd have liked in open play. Sometimes it's easy to say we were poor but sometimes you have to say it was a good away performance. As good as I've seen."

CCFC
The Sky Blues lose at home for the first time this season after a below par performance, with Plymouth substitute Cherno Samba grabbing a late goal.

Micky Adams made three changes, bringing Stern John back in for the injured Leon Mckenzie, Andrew Whing for the suspended David McNamee and Colin Cameron for Michael Doyle.

The Irishman dropped to the bench, indicating that the City boss either felt he needed a rest or that he required more experience in the engine room.

In a lively start to the game City skipper Stephen Hughes got the first shot on goal in the second minute after good work from Jay Tabb, but his 20-yard drive was straight at Plymouth keeper Luke McCormick.

The Sky Blues continued to exert all the pressure and Stern John was inches away from connecting with a fine Chris Birchall cross before Tony Capaldi nearly turned the ball into his own net.

From that Plymouth launched a rapid counter attack but Reuben Reid could only find the side netting with the goal at his mercy after he was played through on goal by David Norris.

Argyle then enjoyed a prolonged spell of pressure, demonstrating some excellent passing moves and showing why they have only been beaten once on their travels this season.

Andy Marshall had to be alert to a Nick Chadwick shot after the Plymouth striker had forced an uncharacteristic error from Robert Page.

After a period where they had not really been at the races, City finished the half strongly and McCormick produced a fine save from a stinging Stern John effort to keep the scoreline goalless at the break.

Plymouth once again showed their attacking intent from the restart with Akos Buzsaky posing their main threat going forward. The Hungarian left midfielder - who was once signed by Jose Mourinho at Porto - was a constant menace and he shot just over from 25 yards with 49 minutes on the clock.

In the 65th minute, City made their first switch with Dele Adebola replacing Chris Birchall as the Sky Blues switched to a 4-3-3 formation, looking to put the Plymouth defence under more pressure.

Soon after, Don Hutchison replaced Jay Tabb, while Ian Holloway introduced Cherno Samba for Reuben Reid and the substitute grabbed the winning goal for the Pilgrims in the 82nd minute, planting a firm downward header into the back of the net from a left wing cross, leaving Andy Marshall with little chance.

City could have few complaints, having created no chances in the second half, whereas Plymouth looked bright throughout the 90 minutes and regularly had the home side on the back foot.

Crystal Palace 1 Coventry 0 - 23/09/2006

Crystal Palace 1 Coventry 0 23/09/06

Crystal Palace: Gabor Kiraly, Darren Ward, Gary Borrowdale, Leon Cort, Matthew Lawrence, Danny Butterfield (Ben Watson 18), Michael Hughes (Shefki Kuqi 71), Jobi McAnuff, Mark Kennedy, James Scowcroft, Clinton Morrison (Dougie Freedman 88)
Subs not used: Stuart Green, Julian Speroni
Booked: Matthew Lawrence 25, Jobi McAnuff 64, Shefki Kuqi 80
Goals: Morrison 55

Coventry City: Andy Marshall, Marcus Hall, Elliott Ward, Robert Page, David McNamee, Christopher Birchall, Michael Doyle (Dele Adebola 68), Jay Tabb, Stephen Hughes, Kevin Kyle (Colin Cameron 68), Leon McKenzie (Stern John 68)
Subs not used: Matt Heath, Don Hutchison
Booked: David McNamee 42, Jay Tabb 90
Sent off: David McNamee 73

Attendance: 16093
Referee: K Wolmer

Teamtalk
Clinton Morrison's second-half goal lit up a drab game and took Crystal Palace into the Championship's top six with a 1-0 win over Coventry.

The Republic of Ireland striker's superb volley 10 minutes after half-time was enough to sink 10-man Coventry, whose misery was compounded when David McNamee was sent off 18 minutes from full-time.

Coventry began well, but faded after the break and Leon Cort, Michael Hughes and substitute Shefki Kuqi all missed chances to make the game safe for Palace, who won at home for the first time since August 13.

For the second time in their careers, brothers Darren and Elliott Ward, of Palace and Coventry respectively, opposed each other in a senior game.

Coventry also handed a full debut to striker Leon McKenzie, their recent £1million signing from Norwich.

Morrison almost gave the home team the lead in the eighth minute with a first-time shot at the near post following Gary Borrowdale's left-wing cross, which forced a smart save from Andy Marshall.

But Coventry should have gone in front in the 26th minute when Elliott Ward, picked out by Stephen Hughes' curling free-kick from the right, somehow headed wide at the far post from three yards.

In the 39th minute, Morrison fired Scowcroft's low cross too high from 10 yards, and a minute later Marshall made an excellent stop to keep out Cort's point-blank header from Mark Kennedy's free-kick.

Palace had gone close through substitute Ben Watson early in the second half before Morrison made his mark in the 55th minute.

With his back to goal, Morrison controlled Gary Borrowdale's left-wing cross with his first touch before hooking a right-footed volley into Marshall's top-left corner with his second.

Seven minutes later, Cort came desperately close to doubling the lead with another powerful header from Kennedy's corner that flew just wide.

In the 69th minute, Coventry boss Micky Adams made a triple substitution, with Dele Adebola, Stern John and Colin Cameron replacing McKenzie, Kevin Kyle and Stephen Hughes.

But it was Palace who continued to press, and Michael Hughes nodded Scowcroft's left-wing cross just over after making superb ground to reach the penalty area.

Life for the Sky Blues became even harder in the 72nd minute when David McNamee was shown the red card after collecting his second booking for a foul on Jobi McAnuff.

Shortly afterwards, Watson set up fellow substitute Kuqi seven yards from goal, but the Finn was denied by Elliott Ward's well-timed sliding tackle.

Palace were almost punished for their profligacy when Marcus Hall shot into the side netting in the 88th minute.

CCFC
Coventry City suffered their third 1-0 defeat away from home this season as they lost to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Clinton Morrison scored a belter in the 55th minute to give the home side all three points and send the Sky Blues away empty-handed.

Micky Adams made one change to the side that was victorious over Leeds United last weekend.

Stern John made way for Leon McKenzie, who replaced him as a substitute at the Ricoh Arena.

The rest of the side was unchanged, with Micky Adams keeping faith with the majority of the side which beat Kevin Blackwell's men.

For Palace, James Scowcroft started against his former side and partnered Morrison up front, with last week's match-winner Shefki Kuqi on the bench.

McKenzie looked lively in the seventh minute and went close to opening the scoring when he pulled his shot inches wide of the post.

Moments later, it was Palace who had a fantastic opportunity, when Borrowdale's cross found Morrison at the near post, who forced Andy Marshall to turn his shot onto the upright.

Kevin Kyle headed into the arms of Kiraly on 11 minutes, before a minute later, Tabb pulled his shot just wide of the left upright.

Palace were forced into making an early substitution on 19 minutes, when Ben Watson came on the injured Danny Butterfield.

Matt Lawrence was booked for a cynical foul on Tabb on 25 minutes, but Palace gave away another free-kick from the set-piece and from Hughes' in-swinging free-kick, Elliott Ward headed the opportunity just wide of the goal and against the backboard.

Marshall made a fantastic save just before the break when a Palace free-kick found Cort, who saved at point-blank save.

McNamee went into the book on the 42nd minute after a needless foul.

City started the second half brightly, with Hungarian goalkeeper Kiraly making an excellent save from a Stephen Hughes free-kick.

The action soon switched to the other end, with Ben Watson forcing Marshall down to protect his goal.

Crystal Palace took the lead in the 55th minute with the most well-taken of goals. The ball came to Morrison on the edge of the 18-yard box, who flicked it on the turn before smashing it on the volley in off the post, leaving Marshall no chance as it flew past him.

The Sky Blues made a triple substitution on 69 minutes, when Stern John, Dele Adebola and Colin Cameron replaced McKenzie, Kyle and Doyle.

Michael Hughes fired over from point black range on 71 minutes, which was to be his last action of the game, with the Irishman being replaced by Shefki Kuqi moments later.

The day went from bad to worse on 73 minutes, when McNamee received his second yellow card for a foul on Kennedy and was subsequently given his marching orders.

Scowcroft tested Marshall with a long-range effort on 74 minutes, before Kuqi tried his luck, only to be foiled by a challenge from Ward.

Coventry advanced to try and get something from the game and Hall came close in the 88th minute, when his shot hit the outside of the post.

4thegame
Peter Taylor's Eagles are on the up after Clinton Morrison's second-half strike lifted Palace towards the leaders.

The Republic of Ireland international volleyed home ten minutes after the break to give Palace their second consecutive win and ensured Coventry's misery continued on the road.

And the Sky Blues were not helped by the sending off of defender David McNamee for a second bookable offence following a foul on Jobi McAnuff.

The first half was not particularly good with both sides struggling for passes despite perfect conditions on a warm afternoon.

The nearest Palace came to scoring came on the half-hour when Leon Cort rose high to head across the goal-line with Morrison just failing to finish off as Coventry scrambled clear.

Other than that, McAnuff had a couple of half-chances while Morrison volleyed over from James Scowcroft's pass.

Coventry had one excellent chance when Elliott Ward headed wide from Stephen Hughes' inswinging free-kick.

After the break, Palace looked a bit brighter and got their reward within ten minutes. Captain Michael Hughes on the right touchline drifted inside and passed to Mark Kennedy who in turn kept the move ticking with Gary Borrowdale overlapping.

The England Under-21 full-back swept over an awkward cross but Morrison brilliantly chested it down onto his left foot and from 15 yards out by-passed Andy Marshall as the ball flew into the top corner.

Darren Ward and Cort were giving nothing away as Coventry tried to get back. But their hopes disappeared after McNamee made a rash challenge on McAnuff and referee Mr Woolmer, who had a fussy afternoon anyway, flashed his yellow card at him for the second time.

Palace should have added a second near the end when substitute Shefki Kuqi won the ball from keeper Andy Marshall wide on the left touchline.

The Finland striker then unselfishly passed across the pitch to Morrison who, from 40 yards out and with an open goal in front of him, placed his shot over the crossbar.

Palace boss Peter Taylor said: "The goal was a long time coming but it was a very tight game.

"Before the Norwich game we were conceding goals too easily but Leon Cort was showing good understanding and looked very solid for us.

"It was a great goal from Clinton Morrison, a great touch and a fantastic goal for us.

"We now have four very good strikers, all different and all able to contribute. Jobi McAnuff upped his game in the second half and this helped us to get on top.

Coventry boss Micky Adams said: "It was one of those games and we never really got going. But we were not rolled over today by any means and perhaps Palace did surprise us a bit with their goal.

"We were hoping to get just that one chance but the sending-off made it difficult for us. I have no complaints about the sending-off, as it was a silly challenge from our full-back.

"Our away form is frozen and if I could find the answer we could be a decent side.

"While our home record is good we cannot completely rely on it as we will experience times when we will drop points. Until our away form improves we will continue to be up and down the table.''

Coventry 1 Leeds 0 - 16/09/2006

Coventry 1 Leeds 0 - 16/09/2006

Coventry City: Andy Marshall, Marcus Hall, Elliott Ward, Robert Page, David McNamee, Christopher Birchall, Jay Tabb (Colin Cameron 74), Stephen Hughes, Michael Doyle, Stern John (Leon McKenzie 69), Kevin Kyle (Don Hutchison 88)
Subs not used: Kevin Thornton, Dele Adebola
Booked: Jay Tabb 24, Kevin Kyle 19
Goals: John 26

Leeds United: Tony Warner, Matthew Kilgallon, Gary Kelly, Stephen Crainey, Paul Butler, Ian Westlake ( 85), Sean Gregan ( 45), Kevin Nicholls, Sebastien Carole ( 69), David Healy, Geoff Horsfield
Subs not used: Ian Moore, Eddie Lewis
Booked: Matthew Kilgallon 45, Stephen Crainey 73, Paul Butler 36

Attendance: 22146
Referee: I Williamson

Teamtalk
Stern John's first-half strike gave Coventry a 1-0 win over hapless Leeds to pile more misery on manager Kevin Blackwell at the Ricoh Arena.

Good link-up play down the left from Jay Tabb and Marcus Hall presented the Trinidad & Tobago international with his third league goal of the season.

Hall found Tabb with his back to goal 25 yards out and he returned the bouncing ball to the defender.

Hall headed the ball back into the path of Tabb and his low cutback from the byline fell beautifully into the path of John who did not have to break his stride to roll the ball past Tony Warner and into the bottom corner from 12 yards.

Leeds left-back Stephen Crainey, the subject of much criticism from Leeds fans this week following his performances in the home defeats to Wolves and Sunderland, was caught in possession by Chris Birchall in the fourth minute after overrunning the ball out of defence.

Birchall robbed Crainey on the wing before getting to the byline and crossing for Kevin Kyle but he headed over the bar from close range.

Two minutes later, another Birchall cross had to be headed away to safety while under pressure from Kyle from inside his own six-yard box by Leeds captain Paul Butler.

A long punt upfield from City goalkeeper Andy Marshall was sliced out of play by Butler in the eighth minute. Stephen Hughes' resulting corner was met by Kyle but his downward header was easily fielded by Warner.

Straight from Warner's clearance, Leeds almost took the lead against the run of play when the ball broke to Ian Westlake on the left. His deep cross to the back post was met by David Healy at full stretch whose header looped over Marshall and onto the crossbar.

Coventry took a deserved lead in the 26th minute through John and could have doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time but Birchall hit the wall with a free kick.

In the second half, Westlake forced Marshall into action for the first time when the summer signing from Millwall had to dive to his right to parry a curling left-foot shot from the midfielder.

Geoff Horsfield spurned a glorious opportunity to equalise in the 55th minute after Healy's ball put him clear through on goal. But the on loan Sheffield United striker took a heavy touch that allowed Marshall to gather the ball at his feet.

But, just as the visitors looked like getting back into the game, the Sky Blues almost put the match beyond them with a second goal.

Tabb broke from midfield and fed Kyle on the right, the big striker crossed first time, low into the box, but Warner rushed from his line to produce a sprawling point-blank save to deny the arriving Michael Doyle from six yards.

Home debutant Leon McKenzie, 69th minute replacement for John, tried to open his City account with an angled shot from just inside the box with 10 minutes remaining but Warner once again parried the ball to safety.

CCFC
The Sky Blues maintain their unbeaten home record with a positive performance earning them a 1-0 win over Leeds thanks to Stern John's first half goal.

Micky Adams made two changes to the side which lost at Ipswich in midweek with David McNamee and Jay Tabb both returning to the side following injuries.

McNamee came in at right back for Andrew Whing who picked up a calf injury this week while Tabb replaced Kevin Thornton on the left side of midfield after recovering from a hernia operation for his full debut.

City started brightly with last week's opening scorer Chris Birchall making a darting run down the right but his shot was blocked by Matthew Kilgallon.

More excellent work by Birchall - who took on two Leeds defenders down the right flank before putting an excellent ball into the box - led to Kevin Kyle getting a header but he could not direct it on target and his effort flew harmlessly over.

On eight minutes the big target man got another header, this time from a Hughes header, which he directed downwards but straight at Leeds keeper Tony Warner.

The visitors then broke straight up field and David Healy's header beat Andy Marshall but thankfully came back off the crossbar, giving the Sky Blues a stark warning that they could not take their opponents lightly. Leeds may have come into the game on the back of only one win in their last five outings but they were backed by a sizeable and vociferous travelling support, and their side had its fair share of talented players.

In the 19th minute Kevin Kyle was shown a yellow card - his fourth of the season - for dissent following a bad challenge on Michael Doyle which led to the referee giving Leeds a free-kick.

With 22 on the clock a weaving run from Stern John - not too dissimilar to the one which saw him score against Norwich last week - presented Tabb with a half chance but his shot from 10 yards was gathered by Warner. Moments later Tabb received a yellow card for a dangerous challenge on Sebastien Carole.

More excellent interplay from the same duo gave the Sky Blues the opening goal in the 25th minute. Tabb was played through by Doyle and while he had a chance to shoot on his preferred left foot he unselfishly centred for Stern John who sidefooted the ball past Warner for his third of the season.

City continued to control the first half until the interval without creating any real opportunities but it was Leeds who were in need of a pick-me-up and at half time Kevin Blackwell made one substitution, bringing on Jonathon Douglas for Sean Gregan.

Apart from Healy's first half header off the woodwork, Leeds had offered very little as an attacking outfit but Ian Westlake did force Andy Marshall into his first real save in the 55th minute with a decent curling effort that the City shot stopper fisted clear.

Leeds were coming into the game more and by the hour mark, Geoff Horsfield had gone close three times. He was inches away from connecting with a Westlake cross before his touch let him down as he was one-on-one with Marshall and finally he sent a header narrowly wide of the upright.

With 20 minutes left, Stern John was brought off to rapturous applause form the Sky Blue Army. City's goalscorer had once again been a star performer and he was replaced by Leon McKenzie who got half a chance soon after coming on as he just failed to connect with a Kyle centre.

Five minutes later Tabb - who had too been in excellent form in his home debut - was replaced by Cameron. City had done the hard work and now needed to remain tight at the back and on 77 Healy volleyed over as Leeds looked to turn up the pressure.

McKenzie then had a shot saved by Warner as City started to play effectively on the counter-attack with Leeds pushing more and more men forward.

With five minutes left Robbie Blake came on in Leeds' last throw of the dice but he placed the visitor's last chance wide of goal as City stayed firm.

Don Hutchison replaced the superb Kevin Kyle in the dying stages and City were well worth their third win in four home matches this season.

4thegame
Coventry City piled the pressure on Leeds United manager Kevin Blackwell with a hard-fought victory at the Ricoh Arena.

Stern John's first-half strike was the difference between the two sides as the West Yorkshire outfit slipped to their third defeat in a row.

Leeds fans chanted "time to go" at Blackwell as Coventry secured their first league victory over their Elland Road rivals since Boxing Day 1996.

Despite finishing the game with four men up front, Leeds remain the league's joint lowest scoring team and looked short on ideas.

The Sky Blues created the first-half chance of the match in the fourth minute after good work by Chris Birchall.

The Trinidad and Tobago international beat Stephen Crainey to get to the by-line and his cross was headed just over by Kevin Kyle.

But Leeds almost took the lead five minutes later after excellent work on the right by Ian Westlake.

The former Ipswich man's cross was met by David Healy but the Northern Ireland international's header came back off the face of the crossbar.

With the midfield tussle between Coventry's Michael Doyle and Kevin Nicholls of Leeds a match in itself, both teams struggled to take control of the game.

But Coventry looked the more inventive in the first half and took the lead thanks to a wonderful flowing move clinically finished by John in the 26th minute.

Kyle found Marcus Hall with a pass which the left-back headed on to Jay Tabb. He ran into the area before cutting the ball back to John to score his third of the season with the inside of his right foot.

Blackwell sent his Leeds team out five minutes early for the second half indicating that his half-time pep talk had been short and sweet with on-loan Blackburn midfielder Jonathon Douglas replacing Sean Gregan.

A mazy run by Gary Kelly, which resulted in a 25-yard shot which had Coventry goalkeeper Andy Marshall scrambling, was the only highlight to a dour opening to the second half.

But, urged on by their vociferous support, Leeds started to step up their game with Westlake playing a delightful one-two with Healy before curling a shot which Marshall did well to parry.

The move gave the Yorkshire side confidence with both Healy and Geoff Horsfield going close.

But Coventry almost doubled their lead in the 68th minute after Tabb played in Kyle down the right. His cross was met by the on-rushing Doyle but his shot was excellently saved by Tony Warner.

Leeds desperately searched for an equaliser with Nicholls firing a 30-yard shot just wide of the post before Healy fired over the bar after a slip by Elliott Ward.

City's Leon McKenzie was denied by Warner before substitute Robbie Blake almost salvaged a point for Leeds at the death.

Ipswich 2 Coventry 1 - 12/09/2006

Ipswich 2 Coventry 1 - 12/09/2006

Ipswich Town: Lewis Price, Jason De Vos, Daniel Harding, Alex Bruce, Fabian Wilnis (Richard Naylor 66), Simon Walton, Mark Noble (Darren Currie 84), Gavin Williams, Sylvain Legwinski, Jon Macken (Billy Clarke 80), Alan Lee
Subs not used: Luis Castro Sito, Shane Supple
Booked: Daniel Harding 90, Alex Bruce 38, Mark Noble 65
Goals: Noble 52, Clarke 85

Coventry City: Andy Marshall, Marcus Hall, Andrew Whing (Leon McKenzie 61), Elliott Ward, Robert Page, Christopher Birchall, Michael Doyle (Colin Cameron 72), Kevin Thornton (Don Hutchison 83), Stephen Hughes, Kevin Kyle, Stern John
Subs not used: Matt Heath, Dele Adebola
Booked: Elliott Ward 45, Kevin Kyle 69, Leon McKenzie 90
Goal: Ward 72

Attendance: 19465
Referee: P Taylor

Teamtalk
Billy Clarke's 85th-minute goal gave Ipswich a dramatic late 2-1 victory over Coventry in an entertaining game at Portman Road.

The substitute cut in from the left side of the penalty area before smashing an 18-yard drive into the bottom left of the Sky Blues' goal to give his side all three points.

With the scores level at 0-0, it was not until the second half that the fireworks really began but fans of both sides were in for a treat.

On-loan midfielder Mark Noble opened his Town account in the 52nd minute when he unleashed a right-footed strike from just inside the six-yard box after good work by fellow loanee Jon Macken.

Elliott Ward levelled for Coventry when he crashed home substitute Leon McKenzie's 72nd minute cross into the top corner, leaving Tractor Boys goalkeeper Lewis Price with no chance.

The first half was a much quieter affair with the home side making the better start. Macken's right-footed drive from 12 yards was blocked by the Sky Blues defence after three minutes.

Micky Adams' side began to find their feet following their impressive 3-0 defeat of high-flying Norwich over the weekend.

Both Stern John and Kevin Kyle were unfortunate to find themselves offside after being threaded through as the away side went in search of an opener.

But neither side could make a breakthrough with former Fulham midfielder Sylvain Legwinski's right-footed strike just missing the target on the half-hour mark.

Jim Magilton's side, who picked up a 2-1 victory over Southampton at the weekend, continued to pile on the pressure with Noble's inswinging corners giving Marshall all sorts of problems.

Noble, on loan from West Ham, was at the centre of things again, floating in a free-kick from the right for Jason de Vos' towering header to be cleared away.

Next it was the turn of Legwinski to turn provider, crossing for Republic of Ireland international Alan Lee, whose header forced a smart save from the Sky Blues goalkeeper.

CCFC
A late strike from Billy Clarke denies City a share of the spoils here at Portman Road tonight despite the Sky Blues doing enough to earn at least a point.

Defender Elliott Ward looked to have made himself the unlikely hero with a well-taken goal to cancel out Mark Noble's opener but Clarke's goal five minutes from time handed the home side all three points.

With the lads putting in their best display of the season so far in Saturday's fantastic three nil win over Norwich at the Ricoh it was no surprise that Micky Adams opted not to make any changes to personnel.

That decision meant that the deadly strike partnership of Kevin Kyle - who scored on his home debut against the Canaries - and Stern John both kept their places upfront, while new signing Leon McKenzie had to make do with a place on the bench.

And with the side clearly still full of confidence it was Micky Adams' men who started the brighter of the two teams, Kevin Kyle going close after just eight minutes.

The Scottish international, who was proving to be a real handful for the Town defence in the opening exchanges, rose highest in the box to meet a great Marcus Hall cross but the former Sunderland man nodded wide of the far post.

Kyle's near-miss seemed to sting the home side into action and three minutes later Alan Lee broke down the right wing before centering for Gavin Williams who dragged his shot wide of goal to hand City a huge let-off.

The Sky Blues were living dangerously and on 19 Mark Noble was allowed space to advance before hitting a tame-looking shot goalwards, which Lee somehow managed to re-direct inches wide of Marshall's goal.

Both sides were pushing men forward and just a minute later Stephen Hughes sent a free-kick deep into the home side's box towards Robert Page who sent his header across goal only for the lively Kyle to head over the bar.

City were continuing to have knock the ball around with confidence, but on the half hour Town's new signing Sylvain Legwinski showed he wasn't afraid to shoot from distance, however the former Fulham man couldn't find the target.

With 37 on the clock it was Alan Lee who was again causing problems for the City rearguard, but he could only send a weak header into the arms of Marshall.

Just two minutes into the second period City looked to have broken the deadlock with Stern John going agonisingly close to giving the Sky Blues the lead.

Kev Thornton did well down the left wing before whipping a low ball for John who could only sidefoot wide of the upright with only the 'keeper to beat.

Despite City looking the more dangerous at the start of the second half it was the Tractor Boys who took the lead on 52.

Jon Macken did well to create space on the right before sending in a cross which the on-loan West Ham man Mark Noble placed home to give the home side the advantage.

And Noble almost doubled his and Ipswich's tally four minutes later as he raced onto an in-swinging cross only to volley over the bar.

Just after the hour mark Micky Adams decided to make his first change of the evening with new signing Leon McKenzie coming on for his first appearance in a City shirt.

Ironically McKenzie made his debut for former club Norwich on the same ground, scoring a brace in the process and the 28-year-old was immediately giving the Tractor Boys something to think about.

On 71 Kev Thornton almost put the Sky Blues back on level terms in spectacular fashion, rattling the crossbar with a well struck free-kick before the leveler arrived from centre-back Elliott Ward a minute later.

Leon McKenzie - who was enjoying a hot reception from the Town faithful - picked up the ball before crossing for the former West Ham defender to finish well past Lewis Price.

It was Ward's first goal for the Club and with it he became the third player to score their first goals for City in the past two games following the strikes by Chris Birchall and Kevin Kyle against Norwich.

With just five minutes remaining and with City looking on course for a share of the spoils the home side took the lead for the second time through substitute Billy Clarke.

Given far too much space to run into the player surged goalwards and hit a shot which Andy Marshall will have been disappointed to let slip under his hands and into the back of the net to deal Micky Adams' men a cruel blow.

Deep into stoppage time Marshall almost redeemed his earlier error as he went up for City corner.

The shot-stopper got his head to the ball but he couldn't direct it on target with practically the last touch of the game.

4thegame
Ipswich made it three successive Championship wins after super sub Billy Clarke again came on to fire home the winner.

On Saturday, his first League goal downed Southampton 2-1, and he secured a repeat with a thunderous 25-yard left-footer which defeated former Town keeper Andy Marshall.

Marshall almost atoned with a header in the Ipswich box in the sixth minute of added time, but it just floated wide of the far post.

Earlier in the half, Mark Noble, on loan from West Ham, had fired Town in front with his first goal for the Blues, after good work from fellow loanee Jon Macken, before Elliott Ward levelled with his first Coventry strike.

The first half had little to recommend it, although both teams played some neat passing football, but both lacked a killer touch in the final third.

Indeed, it was fully 36 minutes before the first effort on target, and that was a floated Alan Lee header from Sylvain Legwinski's cross which Marshall caught easily.

Kevin Kyle should have put Coventry ahead just seven minutes in when he stole in at the far post onto Marcus Hall's deep cross, but he nodded wide from just six yards.

Otherwise, the only other moments of note in the first period were a Chris Birchall free-kick which Lewis Price claimed comfortably and a fifth caution of the season for Alex Bruce after a foul on Kevin Thornton.

The second half began with Thornton wriggling to the byline and crossing for Stern John to sidefoot narrowly wide, but from a similar move on 52 minutes, Ipswich went in front.

Simon Walton fed Macken on the left wing and his pull back was perfect for Noble, stealing in off the left wing, to sidefoot beyond Marshall from six yards.

Price back-pedalled to claim a clever Kyle lob and Coventry were beginning to force the pace, with Ipswich looking surprisingly edgy for a side with two wins behind them and leading this one.

Marshall comfortably saved a low Macken shot before the livewire Kevin Thornton curled a 25-yard free-kick against the bar after his run had brought a foul on him.

An equaliser was coming and it arrived on 72 minutes. Birchall's chip into the box found debutant Leon McKenzie who scuffed his shot but it fell perfectly for Ward to coolly sidefoot beyond a helpless Price from 10 yards.

Noble had a 20-yarder deflected over as Ipswich looked to hit back straight away, before Clarke entered the fray ten minutes from time, replacing Macken.

It took him just five minutes to score his third of the season with an explosive finish which had the Portman Road faithful in raptures again about the highly talented youngster.

Gavin Williams won the ball in the middle of his own half and fed Clarke who held off Hughes and let fly with a glorious 25-yard strike which beat the diving Marshall, seeming to bounce under his arms.

Town had chances to seal the win on the break as Coventry threw men forward but couldn't take them and were left to sweat throughout six added minutes.

In that period, sub Don Hutchison sliced one effort wide from a good position before his corner in the final seconds found Marshall, up from the back, on the six-yard line but he guided his effort narrowly wide.

Ipswich manager Jim Magilton said: "We've maybe ridden our luck, but again the players showed loads of spirit to win this one. We now have to take it on another step on Saturday when we go to Birmingham." About Alex Bruce's fifth yellow card of the season, Magilton added: "It's unfortunate for Alex as he will miss the next two games (the Birmingham one because of a clause in his contract) but it gives someone else a chance. I want that person to grab the chance and make it hard for Alex to get back in." Coventry boss Micky Adams said: "I felt we deserved something out of the game - we certainly made enough chances.

"Ipswich looked confident going forward. The wins they've had have shot their confidence through the roof. We had our chances but just couldn't finish them off.

"We've just got to pick ourselves up. They say it is better to be a lucky manager than a good one and Jim's a lucky one tonight.

"I'm disappointed with their goals. We should have dealt with the first one comfortably and the goalkeeper should have perhaps dealt with the second one better. He only had one other save to make all match."

Coventry 3 Norwich 0 - 09/09/2006

Coventry 3 Norwich 0 - 09/09/2006

Coventry City: Marshall; Whing; Hall; Page; Ward; Hughes; Doyle; Kyle (Hutchison 70); Birchall; John (Osbourne 82); Thornton (Cameron 70).
Subs not used: Adebola; Heath.
Booked: Page (27), Whing (29)
Goals: Birchall 12, Kyle 63, John 67

Norwich City: Gallacher; Drury; Shackell; Huckerby (McVeigh 49); Croft; Earnshaw; Safri; Etuhu (Henderson 67); Colin; Doherty; Robinson.
Subs not used: Camp; Fleming; Hughes.
Booked: Shackell (3), Robinson (25)

Attendance: 20,006 (2,573)
Referee: J Moss


Teamtalk
Coventry romped to a convincing 3-0 victory over high-flying Norwich at the Ricoh Arena to maintain their 100% home record so far this season.

The Sky Blues took the lead against Nigel Worthington's men after only 12 minutes.

And it was summer signing Chris Birchall who gave them the half-time advantage with a stunning 20-yard strike, his first goal for the club.

Kevin Kyle was next to get in on the act on his home debut, with a great header just after the hour.

Stern John made the points safe for the hosts with a third goal minutes later.

Coventry boss Micky Adams was forced to do without Leon McKenzie, the club's new £1million signing, after a clause in his contract made him ineligible to face his former team-mates.

Norwich, however, were missing injured duo Matthieu-Jean and Peter Thorne for the trip to the Midlands.

The opening two minutes of this clash set the tone for a highly contested encounter, with both teams guilty of making some crude challenges.

Yet once the game had calmed down it seemed to be the home side who found their feet first.

And it was no surprise when the Sky Blues opened the scoring.

Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Birchall latched onto a poor defensive knock-down to fire an unstoppable low drive past the despairing Paul Gallagher.

John had a good chance to double the home side's lead midway through the half, but could only fire his shot wide.

The second half started at a laboured tempo, forcing Worthington into making his first substitution as early as the 47 minute.

And the move seemed to have an immediate impact for the visitors, with Youssef Safri seeing his well struck drive deflect narrowly over the bar from 25-yards.

But it was Coventry who struck again after 63 minutes to deflate Norwich's ambitions, just when it looked as if they might find their way back into the game.

Good work in central midfield found John out on the left-hand byline, and he floated an inch-perfect cross into the path of Kyle, who was on hand to head past Gallagher from six yards out.

Things got even better for the hosts only four minutes later when John picked up the ball just outside the visitor's penalty area.

The former Birmingham man managed to jink his way past some comical Norwich defending and end the contest with a low strike into the far bottom corner from a difficult angle.

CCFC
The Sky Blues turn on the style at the Ricoh to beat high-flying Norwich by three goals to nil, with Chris Birchall, Kevin Kyle and Stern John all getting on the scoresheet.

Micky Adams handed a first home start to Scottish international striker Kevin Kyle for this afternoon's clash as he lined-up alongside Stern John upfront.

The former Sunderland man made his debut in the hard-fought one nil win against Hull at the KC Stadium last time out, but the powerhouse forward was getting his first taste of the Ricoh atmosphere.

In a shake-up to the system the gaffer reverted back to a more conventional four-four-two set-up, which sees Matt Heath and midfielder Colin Cameron drop to the bench with Andy Whing and Kevin Thornton taking their place.

Thornton was the goal scoring hero at Hull and got his reward in a midfield also containing Stephen Hughes, Michael Doyle and Chris Birchall.

After the two-week lay-off it didn't take long for both teams to get stuck-in and after just three minutes Norwich's Jason Shackell put in a horribly mis-timed challenge on Stern John.

The Trinidad and Tobago international showed great speed of thought to knock the ball forward with the defender sliding in to scythe John down and earn himself a booking.

The Sky Blues were setting a good tempo with both Andy Whing and Marcus Hall bombing forward at every opportunity as City went about finding an early breakthrough.

And the Sky Blue Army weren't made to wait much longer for the goal they had been hoping for.

Chris Birchall picking up a bobbling ball 25 yards from goal the lively midfielder only ever had one thing in his mind, smashing the ball into the bottom far corner to leave Gallacher with no chance after 12 minutes.

It was the former Port Vale man's first goal for his new club after his move across the Midlands during the summer.

The game was opening up into a real end-to-end affair with goalscorer Birchall surging into the box before crossing for Thornton, who miscued his effort on goal before former City man Huckerby crossed low at the other end.

On 29 Andy Whing looked to have won the Sky Blues a penalty in the box after he went down under pressure from Adam Drury but the referee waved away City's appeals and instead booked Whing.

With 37 gone some good link-up play between Thornton and John almost saw the striker burst through on goal, but the ball was just under hit allowing the defender to clear the danger.

Having not created any genuine chances in the first half Norwich were in need of stepping it up a little in the second period if they were to peg the Sky Blues back. City fans were probably expecting Huckerby to give their defence a torrid time on his return to his old club but he had been largely ineffective and was substituted in the 49th minute with Paul McVeigh taking his place.

In the 53rd minute the equalizer nearly came from another City old boy as Safri let fly from well over 30 yards and a deflection off Elliott Ward's head very nearly caught Marshall out.

But with 63 on the clock the Sky Blues doubled their lead thanks to some superb interplay between our two strikers. Kyle curled a precise pass out toe John before making a run into the area. The Trinidad and Tobago international then put an inch perfect cross into the area and Kyle leapt between two defenders to send a powerful header past Gallacher.

City were playing with bags of confidence now and moments after the second goal John nearly made it three with a beautifully struck low shot from the edge of the area which flew just wide of the far post.

But he did not have to wait long to register on the scoresheet, making it 3-0 in the 67th minute. He used all of his skill to evade a number of challenges from Norwich men and his shot took a slight deflection to wrong foot Gallacher and nestle in the back of the net.

Micky Adams soon made a double substitution with the effervescent Kevin Thornton being replaced by Colin Cameron and Don Hutchison coming on for Kevin Kyle who had enjoyed an excellent home debut. Stern John soon came off to a standing ovation as Isaac Osbourne was given a run out for the final ten.

With five left on the clock Marshall made a fine point blank range block from McVeigh to preserve the clean sheet in what was pretty much a flawless performance from the Sky Blues.

4TheGame
Coventry City made the most of Norwich City's travel sickness to record a welcome home win at the Ricoh Arena.

Micky Adams' side, who have made an indifferent start to the season, put on their best performance of the season to brush aside Nigel Worthington's men who have yet to score on their travels.

And the Coventry manger will find it hard to bring in new signing Leon McKenzie who was barred from playing in this game after his move from Carrow Road.

The fast and furious opening was down in part to Norwich defender Jason Shackell who was lucky to stay on the field when, with less than two minutes gone, he felled Stern John as the striker ran clear inside the visitors' half.

The centre-half escaped with just a yellow card but it added bite to proceedings at an early stage.

And it was deservedly Coventry who prospered when they took the lead in the 12th minute.

Kevin Kyle, making his first appearance since his £1million move from Sunderland did well to take the ball down and pick out Mark Birchall. The former Port Vale man was given plenty of time but did very well to bring the ball down and then pulled his right foot across the ball and swerved a shot in past Paul Gallacher Coventry had certainly made the better start and Norwich - with three offensive players in their line-up - were struggling to make much of an impression.

Marcus Hall had to twice throw himself into the path of the ball to prevent Norwich capitalising from a corner just a minute after they went behind.

Coventry could have added a second midway through the first half when Birchall pulled a cross back for youngster Kevin Thornton, but his right foot shot went weakly wide.

Nigel Worthington had seen enough and just after the restart he took off Darren Huckerby and brought on Paul McVeigh but it had little effect.

Coventry stretched their lead in the 62 minute when Kyle started a move by feeding the ball out to Stern John and was then on the end of the Trinidadian's right wing cross to leap and head home.

They made certain four minutes later when John got a slice of good fortune after some very clever footwork when his shot struck a defender and bounced in.

That was the game over and Adams was able to make changes to protect Kyle, who is still short of match fitness after being sidelined for so long at the Stadium of Light.

Norwich only managed a single shot on target throughout the 90 minutes when McVeigh's shot was kept out by Andy Marshall.

Coventry boss Micky Adams said: "We had a game plan against Norwich and to a man they stuck at it.

"Norwich are a good side and they have got a system of playing but we adopted a style which suited us.

"We tried to stifle them and they were limited to very few chances but that's three clean sheets on the spin for us in the league.

"Squads today are about making changes. We changed a winning side from the Hull game and it if it is good enough for Rafa Benitez and Jose Mourinho and the like, it is good enough for Micky Adams and Coventry City.

"Players are going to find that they aren't in the team, but we adopted a style that suited us.

"I thought we defended terrifically well individually. I think the key was concentration against their front three, because they are a big threat." Norwich manager Nigel Worthington added: "The standards that we have set in the first six games just were not there. We're not going to make excuses.

"The performance wasn't what it has been. The defending for the three goals was average.

"We have a few players who might need x-rays when we get back to Norwich on their cheekbones which we're disappointed about, but the referee failed to pick it up."