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.
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.
posted by SkyBlueSnowy at 11:57 pm
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home