Saturday, April 28, 2007

Coventry 0 West Brom 1 - 28-04-2007

Coventry 0 West Brom 1 - 28-04-2007
Coventry City: Andy Marshall, Ben Turner, Elliott Ward, Marcus Hall (Christopher Birchall 75), Isaac Osbourne, Kevin Thornton (Jay Tabb 79), Michael Doyle, Dele Adebola, Stephen Hughes (Liam Davis 45), Michael Mifsud, David McNamee
Subs not used: Luke Steele, Kevin Kyle
Booked: David McNamee 88
Sent off: Ben Turner 45

West Bromwich Albion: Dean Kiely, Paul McShane, Sam Sodje (Martin Albrechtsen 45), Diomansy Kamara, Jonathan Greening, Kevin Phillips (Sherjill MacDonald 81), Chris Perry, Paul Robinson, Jason Koumas, Richard Chaplow (Robert Koren 88), Zoltan Gera,
Subs not used: Nathan Ellington, Luke Daniels
Booked: Diomansy Kamara 80
Sent off: Diomansy Kamara 90
Goals: Robinson 37

Attendance: 26343
Referee: C Foy

Teamtalk
Promotion-chasing West Brom staged a return to winning ways at the Ricoh Arena as Coventry were beaten 1-0 and both sides finished with 10 men.

Baggies left-back Paul Robinson netted the only goal of an all-Midlands clash in the first half, which also saw Sky Blues defender Ben Turner sent off shortly before the interval and Albion striker Diomansy Kamara also dismissed in second-half injury time.

Albion had gone into the game lying fifth in the Championship table but were is desperate need of victory to calm jangling nerves after having suffered defeats in their previous two outings.

And it had been the visitors who launched the first attack of note, in the ninth minute, when Kevin Phillips and Kamara worked a neat one-two to set the latter in on the City goal.

Next the ball was spread to the left wing from where Jason Koumas cross was header away for a corner, taken by the Welshman and nodded narrowly wide by Zoltan Gera.

At the other end, Dele Adebola played in Michael Mifsud but the striker's control let him down inside the penalty area where he was dispossessed by Robinson.

And Robinson was to have a more significant influence after Koumas had unlocked the Sky Blues defence along the Albion left and then centred for Phillips to head onto the crossbar before Robinson nodded the rebound home.

It was Robinson's second goal of the season with his first having come in the 5-0 victory over the Sky Blues at The Hawthorns in December.

But there was to be more drama before half-time with City centre-half Turner shown a straight red card by referee Chris Foy after a lunging challenge had felled Phillips in the 45th minute.

Both sides made changes in time for the start of the second half with Coventry boss Iain Dowie introducing Liam Davis for central midfielder Stephen Hughes and Albion counterpart replacing on-loan Reading defender Sam Sodje, who went into the game carrying an ankle knock, with Martin Albrechtsen.

The visitors were soon on offensive after the restart and Coventry goalkeeper Andy Marshall was forced to block Kamara's close-range effort with an outstretched left boot.

But the Sky Blues responded through Dele Adebola who unleashed a powerful 18-yard shot which was finger-tipped onto the junction of crossbar and post by Albion goalkeeper Dean Kiely.

Next, Phillips saw a 58th-minute shot deflect off Elliott Ward for a fruitless corner before the same player headed Albrechtsen's cross over.

With little more than 15 minutes remaining Phillips was denied by diving Marshall's outstretched left hand.

In the 86th minute, Merseyside official Foy sent Dowie to the stand after the pair had argued on the touchline and then, in injury time, dismissed Kamara for a trip on David McNamee which was deemed worthy of a the striker's second yellow card in 10 minutes.

CCFC
The Sky Blues lost narrowly to West Brom in their final home match of the season, with Paul Robinson's first half header separating the sides.

City were reduced to ten men in the opening 45 when youngster Ben Turner - making his first league start for the club - saw red for a late challenge on Kevin Phillips.

City boss Iain Dowie made three changes for the match. Turner was given his first league start for the club in the absence of the injured Robert Page, while midfielder Kevin Thornton also started.

Michael Doyle returned from suspension with winger Liam Davis, who made his first Sky Blues start in last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday, on the substitute's bench.

After an even opening 10, West Brom nearly created a clearcut opportunity in the 12th minute when 22-goal man Diomansy Kamara was played onside by Turner and bore down on goal. He reached the byline and pulled a ball back to the edge of the six-yard box but thankfully failed to find one of three onrushing Baggies men and Thornton cleared classily to ease the pressure.

Albion - backed by a large, vociferous support - were seeing a lot of the ball but not really hurting the Sky Blues and as the game passed the half hour mark, neither side had forced a genuine shot on goal.

But in the 37th minute the visitors made the pressure tell when skipper Paul Robinson headed past Andy Marshall after the Kevin Phillips' header had rebounded back off the crossbar.

On the stroke of half-time, Turner's afternoon came to a premature end when he was shown the red card by referee Chris Foy. It seemed a harsh decision on the youngster as the challenge on Phillips in the middle third of the pitch was mis-timed rather than malicious, and a yellow card would have perhaps sufficed.

Iain Dowie was forced into a tactical reshuffle at the interval, bringing Liam Davis on for Stephen Hughes as City looked to get something from the tie. With the half five minutes old Marshall made a good block with his legs from a Kamara effort and when the Sky Blues broke, Baggies keeper Dean Kiely made a stunning full stretch save to tip a Dele Adebola thunderbolt onto the angle of post and crossbar.

City were really having a go at their opponents and did not seem to be suffering too much from being a man down. On a number of occasions Michael Mifsud looked to have sprung the Baggies offside trap only to be flagged late by the assistant referee, much to the dislike of the home support.

With 15 minutes remaining Chris Birchall was thrown on in place of Marcus Hall as the Sky Blues threw caution to the wind and switched to a three-man defence. Shortly afterwards Thornton, who had shown his skill and ability in glimpses, came off for Jay Tabb.

In the dying minutes, referee Foy sent Iain Dowie to the stands after the City boss expressed his opinions once to often to the match official and in stoppage time Kamara was red carded after collecting his second booking in the space of ten minutes.

The Sky Blues failed to find the elusive equaliser but could take credit for a passionate second half performance when they really took the game to their play-off chasing rivals.

4thegame
West Bromwich Albion took a giant stride towards the play-offs after a narrow victory at ten-man Coventry City.

Albion, who went into the match having only won two of their last ten matches, looked sharper in every department in the first half and were clearly fired up for this Midlands derby.

Jason Koumas ran the show and his tenth minute cross teed up Zoltan Gera but the Hungarian headed wide.

Coventry striker Michael Mifsud latched on to Dele Adebola's pass and twisted past Chris Perry only for Paul Robinson to clear the danger.

Neither keeper was really tested until Albion went in front in the 36th minute. Koumas' cross from the left found Kevin Phillips and when his close-range header rebounded off the bar, Robinson reacted the quickest to head the ball home from three yards.

Coventry's task became even harder when 18-year-old centre-half Ben Turner was shown a red card for a hard tackle on behind from Phillips with a minute remaining of the first half.

But the Sky Blues showed their fighting spirit and could have equalised seven minutes after the break.

Mifsud knocked Andy Marshall's long clearance back to strike partner Adebola and his shot from the edge of the box was superbly tipped on to the bar by former Coventry keeper Dean Kiely.

Albion could have doubled their lead when Jonathan Greening's corner from the right found Robinson and his angled shot was kicked off the line by David McNamee.

And Phillips should have done better when he headed Martin Albrechtsen's cross high over the bar as Albion searched for a second goal.

Referee Foy found himself the centre of attention again when he dismissed Coventry manager Iain Dowie with only five minutes remaining and Kamara was then shown a second yellow card for tripping McNamee in injury time.

Saturday, April 21, 2007

Sheffield Weds 2 Coventry 1 - 21/04/2007

Sheffield Weds 2 Coventry 1 - 21/04/2007

Sheffield Wednesday: Iain Turner, Tommy Spur, Marcus Tudgay (Jermaine Johnson 29), Steve Watson, Glenn Whelan, Richard Wood, Leon Clarke (Steven MacLean 45), Deon Burton (Peter Gilbert 64), Lee Bullen, Chris Brunt, Frankie Simek
Subs not used: Kenny Lunt, Chris Adamson
Booked: Richard Wood 50, Leon Clarke 31, Steven MacLean 67
Goals: Tudgay 17, MacLean 70

Coventry City: Andy Marshall, David McNamee, Marcus Hall, Robert Page, Elliott Ward, Stephen Hughes, Jay Tabb (Kevin Kyle 80), Isaac Osbourne, Liam Davis (Kevin Thornton 72), Michael Mifsud, Dele Adebola
Subs Not Used: Ben Turner, Christopher Birchall, Luke Steele
Booked: Isaac Osbourne 73, David McNamee 45, Kevin Thornton 90

Attendance: 23632
Referee: P Crossley

Teamtalk
Coventry hit the post twice late on but Sheffield Wednesday held on to a 2-1 win that extends their winning run to five in a row.

Substitute Steven MacLean scored the winner at Hillsborough, just keeping alive their slim play-off hopes, but the visitors were only denied a point by the woodwork.

Marcus Tudgay opened the scoring for Wednesday before Michael Mifsud, one of those unlucky enough to hit the post late on, equalised with a fine solo effort.

Kenny Lunt and Steven MacLean were left out for the home side, replaced by Steve Watson and Leon Clarke, while Coventry were without a host of first-teamers, including Leon McKenzie, Colin Cameron and defender Adam Virgo.

Watson, who missed his side's impressive win over former employers West Brom due to an agreement between the clubs, soon found his feet, showing some neat footwork in midfield and reeling off his side's first meaningful effort.

Coventry's top scorer Dele Adebola had the ball in the net in the ninth minute but referee Phil Crossley ruled that he had fouled goalkeeper Iain Turner.

The target man's physical presence continued to unnerve the Owls but it was a touch of finesse from the home side that broke the deadlock after 16 minutes.

Tudgay was the scorer, releasing the ball down the right to Deon Burton whose neat touch wrong-footed the defence and left the former Derby man with a straightforward finish. It was the forward's last chance to affect the game and he hobbled off in some discomfort 12 minutes later.

Wednesday retained the lead when Adebola, causing problems from a long throw in the 25th minute, volleyed across goal only to be denied by an alert Frank Simek on the line.

Tudgay's replacement, the fit-again Jermaine Johnson, nearly put the Sky Blues two behind in the 33rd minute but instead it was Coventry who struck just seconds later.

Mifsud hunted down a long ball - poorly dealt with by Tommy Spurr - before weaving his way into the area, turning the hapless full-back inside out in the process and drilling the ball beyond Turner.

Chris Brunt, having one of his uninspired days at the office, could only get into the game from dead-ball situations but he nearly restored the advantage with a curling free-kick that Andy Marshall did well to parry.

Owls boss Brian Laws introduced MacLean for Clarke at half-time but it was Mifsud who was posing the game's greatest threat. Five minutes after the restart the Malta striker was again surging at the Wednesday defence, only coming to a halt when clattered by Richard Wood, who earned a booking.

Things were beginning to look promising for Iain Dowie's side and Adebola will regret not converting Jay Tabb's hanging cross while they were in the ascendance.

The tall striker headed wide when scoring seemed easier and then, with 21 minutes left, the hosts regained the lead.

Substitute Peter Gilbert's clever slide-rule pass put Brunt in space and although the Northern Ireland winger was again foiled by Marshall, MacLean was on hand to lash home from 12 yards.

Mifsud almost had the last say when he held off several tackles before striking Turner's near post and Kevin Thornton was also unfortunate when his reaction strike also hit the woodwork.

CCFC
The Sky Blues could not get back to winning ways as they went down 2-1 at Hillsborough to Sheffield Wednesday.

Marcus Tudgay opened the scoring on 17 minutes before a piece of magic from Michael Mifsud 10 minutes before the break brought Iain Dowie's side level. 20 minutes from the end, substitute Steven MacLean pounced on a loose ball to fire the Owls to victory.

Dowie made three changes to the side which lost 4-0 against Preston North End at the Ricoh Arena last weekend.

Most notably, Liam Davis made his first start for the Sky Blues wide on the left hand side of midfield, while David McNamee returned at right-back following a lengthy spell out with a hamstring injury.

Davis has appeared as a substitute for City twice previously, although today marked the first start for the 20-year-old.

Jay Tabb played on the other flank, with Isaac Osbourne moving to a central midfield position alongside Stephen Hughes.

The other change came up front, with Dele Adebola replacing Kevin Kyle.

Kevin Thornton returned to the squad and was on the bench.

The Sky Blues started the game brightly and with 10 minutes on the clock Davis delivered a pin point cross into the area which found Tabb, who could only guide his shot over the bar.

The deadlock was broken on 17 minutes when Deon Burton escaped Marcus Hall and crossed the ball to Tudgay who fired the ball past the hapless Marshall from 10 yards out.

The goal triggered City into life and Stephen Hughes went close with a free-kick which had Owls keeper Iain Turner scrambling back to tip over the bar. From the resulting corner Elliott Ward nearly drew the Sky Blues level when he headed just inches over the bar.

On 26 minutes Dele Adebola should have made the score 1-1 when the powerful striker fired a shot from the edge of the area which went narrowly wide.

Brian Laws was forced into making an early change on 29 minutes with Jermaine Johnson replacing the injured Tudgay.

Wednesday nearly made the score 2-0 when substitute Johnson's shot took a deflection off Ward which went inches past the post before Mifsud levelled the score for City.

The Maltese international skipped past four players on his way into the penalty area and fired the ball into the roof of the net on 37 minutes.

Just before the half-time break, Marshall was called into action when Chris Brunt hit a long-range effort but the former Norwich man smartly punched the ball away.

Sheffield Wednesday made their second change of the afternoon with MacLean replacing Leon Clarke at half-time.

The Sky Blues began the second period strong with Mifsud using his pace to beat Richard Wood, the pint-sized striker found Tabb on the edge of the area, who could only fire his shot over the crossbar.

Just before the hour mark Tabb's cross found Adebola unmarked at the near post but the striker could only direct his header wide.

The Owls regained the lead on 70 minutes when Brunt got the better of Robert Page and the Northern Ireland international fired at Marshall who could only parry the ball into the path of substitute MacLean who fired into the empty net from 10 yards.

Moments later Dowie brought on Thornton for Davis and the change had an immediate impact with the youngster picking out Tabb on the edge of the box who could only direct his shot straight at Turner.

With only four minutes remaining, Thornton cleverly found Kevin Kyle and the Scotsman struck a fierce shot which was bravely blocked by Tommy Spur to deny City a late equaliser.

Moments later the Sky Blues were cruelly denied by the post twice, Mifsud's low shot beat Turner but agonisingly hit the woodwork, the ball bounced back off the post to Thornton who's shot hit the post.

4thegame
Substitute Steve MacLean struck in the 70th minute to keep alive Wednesday's slim hopes of a play-off spot and improve his chances of earning a new contract.

The 24-year-old striker, whose present deal runs out in the summer, extended the Hillsborough side's unbeaten run to 11 games after Coventry had cancelled out Marcus Tudgay's early strike.

Tudgay linked cleverly with Leon Clarke early in the game but the big striker finished tamely before the Owls snatched the lead in the 17th minute, Deon Burton squaring the ball to Tudgay who stroked it beyond Andy Marshall's reach from 14 yards.

On-loan keeper Iain Turner, playing his last game before returning to Goodison Park, misjudged a Stephen Hughes free-kick and was at fault again when he was beaten to a Hughes corner by the alert Elliott Ward whose downward header flashed over the woodwork.

Wednesday escaped again on 23 minutes as Coventry, chasing their first win in five games, stepped up the pace. Full-back Frank Simek cleared Dele Adebola's close-range strike off the line as Iain Dowie's side pressed again.

Substitute Jermaine Johnson, on for the injured Tudgay, made an instant impact cutting inside from the right flank before lashing in a fierce cross. The ball deflected off Ward and flashed a fraction wide of the far post.

Coventry were back on level terms in the 37th minute from a move started and finished in spectacular fashion by Malta international Michael Mifsud. The little striker turned past defenders Tommy Spurr and Richard Wood before slamming the ball into the top right-hand corner from ten yards out.

Chris Brunt almost blasted Wednesday into the lead minutes before the interval, Marshall producing a spectacular one-handed stop to push away his stinging 25-yard free-kick.

Adebola blundered on the hour as he climbed unmarked to meet a cross from midfielder Jay Tabb and casually headed the ball wide from five yards.

MacLean had the last word lashing the ball past the stranded Marshall with 20 minutes left after the Coventry keeper had pushed away a Brunt shot, although the lively Mifsud was denied by the woodwork in the dying minutes, his low strike crashing against the foot of the post.

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Coventry 0 Preston 4 - 14/04/2007

Coventry 0 Preston 4 - 14/04/2007

Coventry City: Andy Marshall, Adam Virgo, Robert Page, Elliott Ward, Marcus Hall, Isaac Osbourne, Stephen Hughes, Jay Tabb (Leon McKenzie 45), Michael Mifsud (Dele Adebola 45), Colin Cameron, Leon McKenzie (Khalilou Fadiga 69), Kevin Kyle
Subs not used: Ben Turner, Luke Steele
Booked: Stephen Hughes 20, Isaac Osbourne 26, Leon McKenzie 59, Kevin Kyle 65

Preston North End: Wayne Henderson, Brett Ormerod, Chris Sedgwick, Graham Alexander, Callum Davidson, David Nugent (Patrick Agyemang 60), Liam Chilvers (Kelvin Wilson 45), Sean St. Ledger, Danny Pugh, Matthew Hill, Seyfo Soley (Simon Whaley 79)
Subs not used: Michael Ricketts, Andy Lonergan
Booked: Chris Sedgwick 40, Callum Davidson 39, Danny Pugh 44
Goals: Sedgwick 8, Nugent 17, Ormerod 49, Ormerod 56

Attendance: 21117
Referee: P Walton

Teamtalk
Play-off chasing Preston got their season back on track with the perfect away performance at Coventry as they earned a comprehensive 4-0 win.

Having lost four in a row - their worst run of the season - North End looked on the verge of blowing their chances of the play-offs but they looked every inch a top-six side as they strolled to victory at the Ricoh Arena.

Paul Simpson's got off to an ideal start when Chris Sedgwick scored his first of the season in the eighth minute.

Sedgwick then crossed for David Nugent to score his 17th of the campaign - and first in five matches since he scored on his England debut in the 3-0 win over Andorra last month.

Three minutes after the restart Brett Ormerod widened the gap further and he then added another with 10 minutes of the second half gone.

That saw the home fans heading for the exits and they even called for striker Kevin Kyle to be sent off when he handled deliberately midway through the second period.

Coventry had the better of an open start to the game but the visitors, who had lost the previous five on their travels, took the lead with the first real shot of the afternoon.

Nugent clipped the ball wide to full-back Graham Alexander on the right flank near halfway and the North End skipper passed to Sedgwick, who ran unchallenged before firing past Andy Marshall from the edge of the area.

Despite shading possession, the hosts rarely looked like creating anything and Kyle's sliced shot was their first effort on goal.

Sedgwick has played the majority of the season in central midfield but was relishing his return to the right flank.

And with 16 minutes gone, his outrageous dummy fooled Jay Tabb before his cross found Nugent six yards out for the striker to head home relatively easily.

Matt Hill also shot well over for the visitors, while Adam Virgo should have done better at the other end after being picked out at the far post by Stephen Hughes' free-kick.

Preston's Callum Davidson drove just over and Hughes had a free-kick turned around the post by North End debutant goalkeeper Wayne Henderson.

Sky Blues boss Iain Dowie threw on Dele Adebola and Leon McKenzie at the break and two minutes after the restart, Kyle glanced a Colin Cameron corner wide of goal.

However, North End went straight down the other end and scored to kill the game.

Davidson's clipped cross was met by Ormerod and the Preston striker produced a simple finish.

Coventry seemed unable to keep hold of the ball and a mix-up between Robert Page and Marshall gave Ormerod the most straightforward goal of his career from six yards to register his ninth of the season.

North End never had to get out of second gear and stroked the ball around effortlessly.

Coventry did not manage an effort on goal in response and Preston were content to conserve energy for what are sure to be some important games to come.

CCFC
City slipped to a heavy defeat at the Ricoh Arena after a lacklustre display against play-off chasing Preston North End.

Early goals from Chris Sedgwick and David Nugent and a second-half brace from Brett Ormerod inflicted a third defeat in four outings on the Sky Blues, who struggled to recover from their early blows.

Boss Iain Dowie was forced into two changes to his side with Colin Cameron replacing the suspended Michael Doyle in midfield and Michael Mifsud stepping-in for the injured Leon McKenzie, who was still named among the substitutes.

The visitors took full advantage of City's sluggish opening as they looked to end an unprecedented run of four straight defeats and drew first blood inside eight minutes.

Winger Sedgwick was allowed to cut infield from the right before sending a low shot beyond a hapless Andy Marshall from just inside the area.

And Sedgwick was again heavily involved when Preston doubled their tally in the 17th minute. The former Rotherham man twisted his way past Jay Tabb and sent over a teasing cross for England international Nugent to send a firm header into the bottom corner.

City fought back, but Adam Virgo diverted Marcus Hall's left-wing cross wide before Stephen Hughes saw a fierce free-kick saved by 'keeper Wayne Henderson.

However, their task was made almost impossible after the break when Ormerod swept home a third goal at the back post from a Callum Davidson cross despite City appeals for offside before poaching his second on the hour.

The striker was on hand to tap into an unguarded net after a calamitous mix-up involving 'keeper Marshall and Robert Page allowed the ball to fall into his path six yards from goal.

The introduction of Khalilou Fadiga midway through the half injected an impetus into the Sky Blues' attack with Kevin Kyle and another substitute, Dele Adebola, coming within inches of connecting with two pin-point crosses from the Senegalese international.

Adebola went close again with six minutes remaining when he beat the onrushing Henderson to Hughes' lob into the box, but the ball trickled wide of the target.

To make matters worse, Fagida, who had replaced substitute Leon McKenzie after the striker lasted just 23 minutes, was also stretchered from the pitch in the dying seconds.

4thegame
Preston North End took another step towards the play-off lottery by blitzing Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena thanks to two goals in each half.

The visitors - who had lost their last four matches - restored their fragile confidence by taking the lead in the eighth minute.

David Nugent played a cross-field ball to Graham Alexander and the skipper beat Michael Mifsud to the ball as he played in Chris Sedgwick. The former Rotherham midfielder raced half the length of the pitch to slot a fine angled shot beyond Andy Marshall.

And Coventry were rocked when their visitors doubled their lead in the 17th minute.

Nugent's misplaced shot was collected by Sedgwick and he dummied Jay Tabb to deliver a cross into the six-yard box for Nugent to beat Robert Page in the air as he headed home his 17th goal of the campaign.

Coventry were struggling to reach the form their fans have become accustomed to seeing since Iain Dowie took over. They showed their frustration as Stephen Hughes and Isaac Osbourne picked up yellow cards.

Callum Davidson tried his luck with a 30-yard shot as Preston continued to dominate the opening 45 minutes.

Dowie made a double substitution at the start of the second half with Leon McKenzie and Dele Adebola replacing Mifsud and Tabb and Preston also made a change with Liam Chilvers coming on for Kelvin Wilson.

But the change failed to make the desired impact as the visitors added a third goal in the 49th minute.

Davidson's ball into the box reached Brett Ormerod at the far post and the striker had plenty of time to rifle home a close-range shot.

Coventry's misery deepened when Marshall's attempted clearance bounced off Page and Ormerod reacted quickly to slam the loose ball into an empty net.

Monday, April 09, 2007

Derby 1 Coventry 1 - 09/04/2007

Derby 1 Coventry 1 - 09/04/2007

Derby County: Stephen Bywater, Tyrone Mears, Craig Fagan (Morten Bisgaard 71), Giles Barnes, Marc Edworthy, Matt Oakley (Seth Johnson 90), Steven Howard, James McEveley, David Jones, Arturo Lupoli (Darren Currie 77), Darren Moore
Subs not used: Mo Camara, Lee Grant
Goals: Matt Oakley 79

Coventry City: Andy Marshall, Adam Virgo, Robert Page, Elliott Ward, Marcus Hall, Isaac Osbourne, Stephen Hughes, Jay Tabb, Michael Doyle, Leon McKenzie (Michael Mifsud 77), Kevin Kyle (Dele Adebola 81)
Subs not used: Colin Cameron, Luke Steele, Ben Turner
Booked: Adam Virgo 10
Goals: Leon McKenzie 73

Attendance: 29940
Referee: E Ilderton

Teamtalk
Derby were in danger of surrendering top spot in the Championship despite coming from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw against Coventry.
After a goalless first half, Leon McKenzie pounced on an under-hit back pass by Tyrone Mears to give the visitors the lead 17 minutes from time, but Rams skipper Matt Oakley levelled six minutes later.

Despite late pressure, the home side were unable to find a winner, meaning Sunderland would leapfrog them with victory at Southampton in the late kick-off.

With that in mind prior to kick-off, Derby unsurprisingly recalled top scorer Steve Howard after his two-match ban, while also handing a start to veteran defender Marc Edworthy against his former side.

Coventry boss Iain Dowie responded to his side's second straight defeat by changing half his outfield line-up. In came Robert Page, Jay Tabb, Isaac Osbourne, McKenzie and Kevin Kyle - the troubled striker's first start since February.

The opening exchanges were cagey and, at times, physical.

Edworthy was down for around two minutes after taking a blow to the nose in an aerial challenge, which also required some touchline treatment.

Craig Fagan was also sent sprawling by Marcus Hall, as was Arturo Lupoli after a rash tackle from Adam Virgo.

Almost 15 minutes elapsed before either goalkeeper was tested, Michael Doyle's swivel and shot from the edge of the box held easily by Stephen Bywater.

It took until the final five minutes of the first half for the first genuine chance to be created, Tabb ghosting in completely unmarked on to a right-wing cross.

With more time and space than he thought, he shot from too tight an angle, allowing Bywater to get a toe on the ball.

Moments later, and it was Derby's turn to be denied, Jones' corner headed towards the bottom corner by Darren Moore, with Andy Marshall springing to his left superbly to somehow keep it out.

The second half began as the first, with neither side able to gain the upper hand.

The most dramatic moment happened off the field, with Coventry assistant boss Tim Flowers banished from the touchline for throwing the ball away in protest at a decision.

Derby were becoming increasingly dependent on set pieces to try to break the deadlock, a David Jones free-kick headed over by Howard.

Boss Billy Davies then made his first substitution, withdrawing Fagan for Morten Bisgaard.

But the move backfired almost immediately, Mears underhitting a backpass to Bywater, allowing McKenzie to round the keeper and tap in his ninth goal of the season.

Davies' next change did pay off, however, as shortly after Darren Currie's introduction for Lupoli, Derby levelled.

A deep left-wing cross was headed back across goal by Howard, with Oakley's mishit volley looping up and over a stranded Marshall.

It was suddenly all Derby and, although Coventry continued to defend well, they were relieved to see Mears' angled drive creep wide.

The visitors then refused to put the ball out of play with Oakley lying injured in the area, allowing Tabb a free strike straight at Bywater.

As Derby piled forward in stoppage-time, Sky Blues substitute Michael Mifsud almost snatched a winner on the break but his finish was too close to Bywater.

CCFC
City halted a run of two straight defeats by grabbing a profitable point against league leaders Derby at Pride Park.

Leon McKenzie's 73rd minute strike had look set to earn all three points, but Rams skipper Matt Oakley popped up six minutes later to level the scores.

The Sky Blues turned in a much improved display and were well worth their point as Derby's promotion challenge took a stumble.

Striker McKenzie was one of five City changes to the side beaten on home soil for the first time since January against QPR just 48-hours earlier.

Robert Page stepped-in for the injured Robert Page at the back, Tabb and Isaac Osbourne returned to the midfield, while Kevin Kyle and Leon McKenzie were preferred in attack to Dele Adebola and Michael Mifsud.

The home side, boasting a commendable record of 13 victories from their last 18 outings at Pride Park, began brightly with their top scorer, Steve Howard, denied by an excellent block by City skipper Elliott Ward before David Jones' 20-yard free-kick was charged down.

A quick breakaway then saw Michael Doyle rifle City's first effort on goal in the 12th minute, which Stephen Bywater gathered comfortably, before Osbourne's low drive from the edge of the box forced the 'keeper into action again midway through the half.

The Sky Blues continued to hit the Rams on the counter attack and could have gone in at the break ahead when Adam Virgo's deep cross found Tabb in acres of space in the area.

But, as the midfielder bore down on goal, Bywater raced from his line to block with his legs.

However, Dowie's men could have also ended the half on the back foot, but a brilliant save from Marshall kept out a close range header from Darren Moore deep into stoppage time.

The City backline stood firm after the break as Derby piled men forward in search of the elusive opener, with strong blocks from Page and Ward thwarting Howard and Arturo Lupoli.

That elusive goal arrived in the 73rd minute, but it didn't go the way of the home side as the Sky Blues snatched the initiative.

McKenzie nipped the ball from the toes of Tyrone Mears inside the area and coolly rounded Bywater before slotting home.

However, the Rams' response was swift as Giles Barnes' teasing cross found Matt Oakley unmarked in the area and the home skipper lifted the ball acrobatically over Marshall and into the net from six-yards.

That signalled a flurry of chances as Derby looked to maintain their position at the Championship's summit with Barnes sending their best effort, a low drive from a tight angle, flashing wide of goal.

But City continued to engineer attacks of their own and Derby had Bywater to thank again as he denied Tabb and then substitute Mifsud in the dying seconds.

4thegame
Derby's advance towards the Premiership hit another stumbling block when they were frustrated by a determined Coventry side that deservedly took a point from an entertaining encounter at Pride Park.

The Championship leaders had to come from a goal down and both teams could reflect on what might have been as there were chances to win the game at both ends.

Leon McKenzie punished an error by Tyrone Mears to put Coventry in front, but Matt Oakley conjured an athletic volley to earn his side what could prove to be a priceless point.

Coventry had lost at home to QPR on Saturday but they responded to manager Iain Dowie's demand for an improved performance with a display of character and commitment.

Derby were never allowed to build up any momentum as Coventry closed down quickly in midfield while the defence was solid after an uncertain start.

Adam Virgo was booked in the tenth minute for a reckless lunge on Arturo Lupoli, but after that Coventry played with composure at the back and the home side were limited to half-chances.

Andy Marshall had to push a David Jones corner behind in the 36th minute, but it was Coventry that almost went in front when McKenzie dispossessed Jay McEveley and crossed to the back post where Jay Tabb was denied by Stephen Bywater.

Marshall then produced an even better save to keep out a Darren Moore header but Coventry continued to give as good as they got after the break.

The Rams were becoming increasingly frustrated and, in the 73rd minute, McKenzie robbed Mears and side-stepped Bywater before rolling the ball inside the left-hand post as Marc Edworthy slid in.

McKenzie was injured in the process of scoring and played no further part in the game which took another turn when Oakley gave Derby parity.

Giles Barnes swung the ball to the back post where Steve Howard headed across the face of Coventry's goal and Oakley beat Marshall with an acrobatic back heel.

But if Derby thought that would give them the impetus to go on and win the game, they were mistaken as Coventry re-grouped.

Although Barnes flashed a shot narrowly wide, it was the visitors that almost won it in the second minute of stoppage time when Michael Mifsud broke away down the Derby right but his shot was just too close to Bywater who held on at full stretch to his left.

Saturday, April 07, 2007

Coventry 0 QPR 1 - 07/04/2007

Coventry 0 QPR 1 - 07/04/2007

Coventry City: Andy Marshall, Marcus Hall, Adam Virgo, Elliott Ward, Colin Hawkins (Robert Page 63), Stephen Hughes, Michael Doyle, Andrew Whing (Leon McKenzie 54), Michael Mifsud (Kevin Kyle 69), Khalilou Fadiga, Dele Adebola
Subs not used: Colin Cameron, Luke Steele
Booked: Michael Doyle 68, Adam Virgo 84

Queens Park Rangers: Lee Camp, Dexter Blackstock, Sampsa Timoska (Marcus Bignot 56), Jimmy Smith, Damion Stewart, Patrick Kanyuka, Stefan Moore, Gareth Ainsworth, Paul Furlong (Mark Nygaard 63), Danny Cullip, Adam Bolder (Steve Lomas 72)
Subs not used: Jake Cole, Rohan Ricketts
Booked: Damion Stewart 42, Patrick Kanyuka 79, Stefan Moore 75
Goals: Jimmy Smith 53

Attendance: 22850
Referee: P Miller

Teamtalk
On-loan midfielder Jimmy Smith scored the only goal of the game as QPR overcame Coventry 1-0 in their Championship clash at the Ricoh Arena.

Smith, 20, struck early in the second half to register his sixth Championship goal of the season since joining from Chelsea in September.

But prior to half-time, it had been another Hoops loanee, goalkeeper Lee Camp, who had kept the Sky Blues at bay with a sequence of fine saves.

Their victory was the Loftus Road side's fourth on the bounce while Iain Dowie was left to reflect on back-to-back defeats for the first time since being installed as Coventry boss in February.

With less than 10 minutes on the clock Camp, in his second spell with Rangers from promotion-chasing Derby, produced a one-handed save to deny Khalilou Fadiga at close range.

Then, in the 23rd minute, half-hearted penalty appeals were waved away following Marcus Hall's tangle with Smith.

Five minutes later the hosts' Andy Whing set free Michael Mifsud but Camp was quickly off his line to smother the danger and then bounce up again to tackle Adam Virgo outside the penalty area.

In the 33rd minute unmarked City captain Elliott Ward headed down and wide from Virgo's left-wing corner and 10 minutes later Camp saved the same player's curling shot.

Camp was in action again moments before half-time as he flung himself low to his left to save at the foot of his post after Mifsud's half-volley on the turn.

Both sides ran out unchanged for the start of the second half which opened quietly and was soon interrupted for treatment to Sky Blues midfielder Stephen Hughes.

But Rangers were on the attack shortly afterwards and came close to opening the scoring in the 50th minute when Smith floated over a free-kick taken from the left wing.

And after Pat Kanyuka had headed down from the back post into the six-yard box, Paul Furlong mistimed his volley.

But the deadlock was broken in the 53rd minute after Adam Bolder burst into the Coventry box to set up Furlong, whose close-range effort was saved by Andy Marshall.

Marshall then denied Stefan Moore from the rebound but could do nothing about the next follow-up which was thundered home by Smith.

The goal triggered a series of substitutions as Whing, operating in midfield, was replaced by Leon McKenzie and Rangers' Sampsa Timoska was swapped for Marcus Bignot.

In the 63rd minute, Robert Page replaced Colin Hawkins in the Coventry defence and before play restarted, Marc Nygaard was on for Furlong.

Kevin Kyle, who replaced Mifsud in the 70th minute, completed the Coventry substitutions and two minutes later Steve Lomas replaced Bolder. But despite their re-arrangements, there would be no way back into the game for Coventry, who saw Dele Adebola head a close-range chance wide with five minutes remaining.

CCFC
Jimmy Smith's second-half strike earned relegation battling QPR a much needed three points and sentenced the Sky Blues to their first defeat at the Ricoh Arena in seven matches.

The on-loan Chelsea midfielder slammed home in the 52nd minute and City failed to respond.

However, they dominated an entertaining opening period but struggled to turn their possession into goals.

Boss Iain Dowie made two changes to the side beaten at Birmingham last weekend with recent recruit Khalilou Fadiga and Andy Whing replacing Jay Tabb and Isaac Osbourne in midfield.

Fadiga, making his first start for the club, had arguably the best chance of the half after just seven minutes when Dele Adebola's blocked shot fell fortuitously in his path.

The Senegalese international steadied himself and drilled a low shot at goal, but Rangers 'keeper Lee Camp spread himself well to claw the ball away for a corner.

Skipper Elliott Ward then saw two downward headers from dangerous Adam Virgo corners miss the target, while Camp came to the visitors' rescue on the half-hour when he raced from his line to deny Michael Mifsud and then Virgo.

Dele Adebola is sent tumbling in the box.

Ward's curling drive was then held well by the England under-21 international stopper before he was again on hand to parry Mifsud's drive from the edge of the box on the stroke of half-time.

And City paid the price for failing to capitalise on their opportunities when, after sluggish start to the second period, they fell behind.

Smith's low shot found its way into the net at the third attempt after two brilliant saves from Andy Marshall had kept out Paul Furlong from point-blank range and then Dexter Blackstock from the rebound.

The goal knocked the stuffing out of the Sky Blues and despite the introduction of substitutes Leon McKenzie and Kevin Kyle, they struggled to hit back.

QPR stood firm as several balls flew into the box, with City's best chance arriving in the 82nd minute when McKenzie crossed for Adebola, who headed wide with the goal at his mercy.

4thegame
Queens Park Rangers grabbed an invaluable win at Coventry City to move further away from the Championship relegation zone.

Jimmy Smith's sixth goal of the season helped Rangers to their second win in a row in an open game at the Ricoh Arena.

Smith's scrambled second-half winner was one of the only highlights of the game in which both sides failed to create many chances.

Both teams had struggled to get shots on target in a drab first half.

Rangers had their only chance of the half after five minutes when Adam Bolder blasted wide from 20 yards.

The Sky Blues had their first attempt a minute later after a blocked shot from Dele Adebola fell to Khalilou Fadiga who had time and space eight yards from goal. But the former Senegal international saw his tame shot tipped away by Lee Camp for a corner.

Coventry's best chance of the game came on 28 minutes when a through ball from Andy Whing put Michael Mifsud clear. Camp produced a great double block first to stop the Malta striker and then Adam Virgo as he tried to cross the loose ball into the box.

The breakthrough came seven minutes after the restart when Coventry's poor defending gave Rangers multiple chances to take the lead.

Bolder's cross into the box led to a goalmouth scramble. Paul Furlong's strike from ten yards was blocked by Coventry goalkeeper Andy Marshall only for the ball to fall into the path of Stefan Moore.

His follow-up shot produced another superb save from Marshall who knocked the ball on to the post, but it was third time lucky for Rangers and Smith hammered the ball home to make it 1-0.

Iain Dowie brought on Leon McKenzie and Kevin Kyle to try and get back into the game, but Rangers were happy to defend for the majority of the second half to secure their fifth away victory of the season.

Sunday, April 01, 2007

Birmingham 3 Coventry 0 - 01/04/2007

Birmingham 3 Coventry 0 - 01/04/2007

Birmingham City: Colin Doyle, Stephen Kelly, Martin Taylor, Radhi Jaidi, Mathew Sadler, Sebastian Larsson, Rowan Vine, Nicklas Bendtner (Fabrice Muamba 82), Damien Johnson, Stephen Clemence (Medhi Nafti 73), Cameron Jerome (DJ Campbell 62)
Subs not used: Neil Danns, Maik Taylor
Goals: Jaidi 13, Campbell 65, Campbell 78

Coventry City: Andy Marshall, Adam Virgo, Colin Hawkins, Marcus Hall, Elliott Ward, Stephen Hughes, Michael Mifsud, Isaac Osbourne (Khalilou Fadiga 64), Dele Adebola, Michael Doyle, Jay Tabb (Kevin Kyle 64),
Subs not used: Robert Page, Leon McKenzie, Luke Steele
Booked: Stephen Hughes 56, Michael Doyle 63

Attendance: 25424
Referee: T Kettle

Teamtalk
A first-half header from Radhi Jaidi and DJ Campbell's brace moved Birmingham back into second place with a 3-0 home win over Coventry.

The brushing aside of a limp Coventry side puts Blues firmly on track for promotion, with a game in hand on leaders Derby.

Iain Dowie has transformed Coventry's fortunes since his arrival two months ago, but this insipid display, bereft of creativity and imagination, was a far cry from the side who had gone unbeaten in their previous six games.

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce suffered a blow just before kick-off with the news that Andy Cole, who signed last week on loan from Portsmouth, had been prevented from making his debut by a hamstring injury.

The former Manchester United man's absence meant there was a recall for Cameron Jerome, who partnered Nicklas Bendtner in attack, while there was no place in the 16 for fit-again striker Mikael Forssell.

Birmingham started in confident mood and Sky Blues skipper Elliott Ward did well to block Jerome's fierce strike after the former Cardiff forward had been teed up by the industrious Rowan Vine inside the opening five minutes.

Blues were very nearly rewarded for their pulsating start as Bendtner's stinging 25-yard drive was brilliantly tipped round the post by the athletic Andy Marshall.

But there was nothing the Coventry stopper could do to prevent Birmingham taking the lead from the resulting corner as Jaidi netted his third goal of the campaign.

Sebastian Larsson's outswinging corner was met by the unmarked Tunisian 12 yards out and his accurate header flew into the top corner to ensure Blues were duly rewarded for their enterprising approach.

There was no sign of Birmingham's impetus fading and Jerome wasted two golden opportunities to extend their advantage soon after.

First, his skewed header from eight yards posed more trouble to the corner flag than Marshall's goal, and then he was unable to steer a shot past the Coventry goalkeeper after capitalising on Ward's indecision over a long ball from Stephen Clemence.

Bruce's side were rampant and Damien Johnson, who scored his first goal in four years against West Brom last time out, sliced a half-volley horribly wide with only Marshall to beat.

Bendtner was orchestrating all of Birmingham's frequent attacks and after another mazy run his searching cross just eluded the unmarked Jerome, and the on-loan Arsenal ace stung the palms of Marshall with a crisp long-range drive just before the break.

There was a clear injection of enthusiasm into the Sky Blues' play in the second period and lively winger Jay Tabb was a matter of inches away from connecting with Michael Mifsud's inviting cross.

Mifsud, who had been on Euro 2008 qualifying duty with Malta this week, showed no signs of fatigue as he stole a march on Jaidi, but he was only able to flash his first-time volley over Colin Doyle's crossbar.

Coventry were made to pay the ultimate price for their profligacy though, as substitute Campbell doubled Birmingham's advantage after 65 minutes.

Campbell, who had only been on the pitch for three minutes, latched on to Stephen Kelly's hopeful punt from defence and after outpacing Ward, the former Brentford striker showed fantastic composure to clip the ball past the onrushing Marshall.

Birmingham were threatening to run riot and Vine and Larsson both went agonisingly close to adding another.

Campbell teed up Vine with an incisive pass but his powerful strike from eight yards crashed off the post, and Larsson's thumping first-time strike from 30 yards flew just wide.

The St Andrews faithful did not have to wait long to see a third though, as Campbell got in front of Ward to steer home Mehdi Nafti's left-wing cross 12 minutes from time to wrap up a comprehensive victory for Blues.

CCFC
The Sky Blues suffered their first defeat under Iain Dowie with a 3-0 defeat to Birmingham City at St. Andrews.

Goals from Radhi Jaidi in the first-half and a second half brace from substitute DJ Campbell condemned City to their first loss in seven matches.

Dowie named an unchanged side for the trip to St Andrew's.

The Sky Blues boss opted to field the same team which beat Barnsley 4-1 just over a fortnight ago.

It was a crunch local derby, with Blues aiming to return to the top two of the Championship after Sunderland rose above them yesterday, while Dowie was aiming to maintain his unbeaten run since taking charge in February.

There was no Gary McSheffrey for Birmingham City, with the forward missing out through suspension. Julian Gray was not eligible for the same reason.

It was a tense opening ten minutes with neither side creating any clear cut opportunities but it was Nicklas Bendtner who had had the first shot on goal of the afternoon after 12 minutes. The Danish striker hit a sweet shot from 25-yards out and Andy Marshall reacted well to push it round the post.

From the resulting corner, Jaidi found himself unmarked and connected well with Larsson's corner powerfully headed the ball into the bottom corner to make the score 1-0.

The goal seemed to spur on the St. Andrews outfit and Cameron Jerome nearly made the score 2-0 when the forward lost his marker when Larsson crossed the ball but the England Under 21 forward could only direct his header wide.

The Sky Blues back-line was being given a stern test and with 28 minutes on the clock Damian Johnson was gifted a glorious opportunity when Colin Hawkins headed the ball straight to former Blackburn man but he blasted it wide of Marshall's goal.

City's first opportunity of the game came on 31 minutes when Dele Adebola tried to his luck with an overhead kick but the former Blues man could only guide the ball over the crossbar.

Marshall was called into action moments later when Bendtner produced a rasping drive and the shot stopper did well to push the ball round the post.

On the stroke of half-time, Isaac Osbourne went close for the Sky Blues with an attempt from range but could only watch on as the ball went wide.

City started the second half more positively and nearly levelled the score when Adam Virgo slipped his marker from a Stephen Hughes corner and the right-back scooped his shot over the bar.

On 57 minutes Michael Mifsud latched onto an Adebola through ball and the Maltese international found Jay Tabb running into the penalty area but the former Brentford man missed the ball as he can darting in.

Dowie made a double substitution on 64 minutes with Khalilou Fadiga replacing Osbourne and Kevin Kyle coming on for Tabb.

Disaster struck a minute later when a long ball was misjudged by Elliott Ward and Campbell capitalised and chipped the ball over the oncoming Marshall into the back of the net to make the score 2-0.

The Sky Blues were beginning to claw their way back into the game and three minutes later Virgo found had an opportunity to pull a goal back when again he lost his marker from a Hughes corner but he could only lift his shot wide.

The match took a turn for the worse for the Sky Blues when Campbell scored his second goal of the afternoon when he side footed the ball past Marshall from a Medhi Nafti cross.

City tried in vain to salvage some pride in the last ten minutes but it was Birmingham who stole the local bragging rights.

4thegame
Birmingham City finally discovered some goalscoring form to confirm their position as promotion favourites.

A goal from Radhi Jaidi and two from substitute DJ Campbell enabled them to score more than once in a game for the first time this year.

It was their 13th attempt and it could not have come at a better time as it enabled them to move back into second place just two points behind leaders Derby County with a game in hand.

This was Coventry's first defeat in seven games under the control of Iain Dowie and on this occasion they were often playing second fiddle to a Blues side who could have scored a more conclusive win.

Birmingham suffered a big blow before the game when new on-loan signing Andy Cole was forced to pull out with a hamstring injury. But they made their intentions known by going into the game with a three-prong striking force of Nicklas Bendtner, Rowan Vine and Cameron Jerome.

But it was plainly obvious, even in the early stages, that they badly missed the finishing prowess of Cole.

Jerome, a raw youngster, carelessly wasted several good chances to have put the game out of Coventry's reach in the opening 20 minutes and it was only the eventual introduction of Campbell which put the game out of Coventry's reach It was left to their veteran defender Jaidi to rescue Birmingham's fortunes with an impressive opening goal in the 13th minute.

Bendtner demonstrated his promise with a confident long-range shot which Andy Marshall turned away for a corner. Seb Larsson's corner from the right was met by Jaidi who powerfully directed his header low into the near corner of the net.

It was then that Jerome, in particular, failed to capitalise upon the lead and this enabled Coventry to mount several promising attacks which were usually inspired by Michael Doyle.

Coventry, however, were able to survive due to Birmingham's weak finishing which was emphasised when a mis-directed header went straight to Damien Johnson, who conspired to blast his shot wide from ten yards.

The Sky Blues were much the sharper at the start of the second period when Birmingham were lethargic in all departments.

As a result Dele Adebola suddenly became more of a threat as Birmingham grimly held onto their slender advantage. It was in this spell that Michael Mifsud missed a golden opportunity to equalise.

A disappointing Jerome eventually made way for Campbell and, three minutes after going on, the little striker latched on to a long through ball from Stephen Kelly to score his 11th goal of the season.

Campbell was on fire as he demonstrated with his second goal in the 78th minute when he turned home a Mehdi Nafti cross.