Coventry 1 Charlton 1 - 29/09/2007

Coventry 1 Charlton 1 - 29/09/2007

Coventry City: Andy Marshall, Ben Turner, Elliott Ward, Gary Borrowdale, David McNamee, Stephen Hughes, Michael Doyle, Jay Tabb, Michael Mifsud, Robbie Simpson, Leon Best (Dele Adebola 63),
Subs not used: Kevin Thornton, Arjan De Zeeuw, Kevin Kyle, Dimitrios Konstantopoulos
Booked: Stephen Hughes 71, Robbie Simpson 23
Goals: Michael Mifsud 84

Charlton Athletic: Nicky Weaver, Chris Powell, Jose Vitor Moreira Semedo, Madjid Bougherra, Zheng Zhi, Danny Mills, Jonathan Fortune, Lloyd Sam (Matthew Holland 81), Andrew Reid, Chris Iwelumo, Luke Varney (Izale McLeod 66),
Subs not used: Sam Sodje, Darren Randolph, Svetoslav Todorov
Booked: Jose Vitor Moreira Semedo 49, Danny Mills 81
Goals: Lloyd Sam 15

Attendance: 19021
Referee: Neil Swarbrick

Teamtalk
Coventry's Carling Cup hero Michael Mifsud netted again as Coventry came from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw against Charlton at the Ricoh Arena.

Malta international Mifsud, who scored both goals as the Sky Blues humbled Premier League champions Manchester United at Old Trafford in midweek, scored his sixth goal of the campaign with a low angled shot in the 84th minute.

Substitute Dele Adebola held the play up on the edge of the Charlton area before a series of ricochets saw the ball break to Mifsud, who beat Nicky Weaver from 12 yards out.

It was the very least Iain Dowie's team deserved after being the better side for much of the game, but it had looked like Charlton would return to the capital with a smash-and-grab victory courtesy of Lloyd Sam's 16th-minute opener.

Sam controlled a high clearance midway inside the Coventry half on the right-hand side before running goalwards and beating Andy Marshall with a low angled drive from 15 yards.

Dowie made one change to the side that beat Manchester United.

David McNamee started a competitive match for the first time this season following a calf problem. He replaced Isaac Osbourne who sustained an injury at Old Trafford.

Goalkeeper Marshall and striker Robbie Simpson were handed their first league starts of the campaign.

Alan Pardew made 10 changes to the Charlton side that lost to Luton in the Carling Cup.

The only survivor from the 3-1 defeat at Kenilworth Road was Madjid Bougherra as Pardew reverted back to the side that started against Leicester.

The hosts dominated and played the better football throughout a game that distinctly lacked goalmouth action. The problem was they lacked the guile to carve Charlton open in the final third of the pitch.

Mifsud was a constant menace and he almost brought the Sky Blues level with a thunderous half-volley just after the half-hour mark following confusion in the Charlton defence but his shot crashed against the far post.

Charlton felt that they should have been awarded a penalty when Luke Varney was wrestled to the ground by Ben Turner but referee Neil Swarbrick waved away the appeals.

Weaver blocked with his legs to prevent Mifsud equalising in the 55th minute.

Charlton could have stretched their lead moments before the equaliser after Zheng Zhi's break but Sam hit the side netting with his shot from the edge of the box.

Chris Iwelumo missed a golden opportunity to win the game in the closing stages but he somehow missed the target with his diving header.

CCFC
Man-of-the-moment Michael Mifsud was the Sky Blues' hero once again as he struck late on to deny Charlton all three points at the Ricoh Arena.

The visitors took a first-half lead when Lloyd Sam found the net with a low drive on 15 minutes.

Mifsud was City's main attacking outlet throughout the match and hit the post and saw a shot saved by Nicky Weaver before firing into the bottom corner with just five minutes remaining for his third goal in four days.

Right-back David McNamee's return to the starting line-up in place of the injured Isaac Osbourne was the only change to the home side as boss Iain Dowie kept faith in the side which sent Manchester United crashing out of the Carling Cup in midweek.

After a quiet opening ten minutes, the game sprung into life on the quarter-hour mark when tricky winger Sam latched onto a Danny Mills throughball and fired under Andy Marshall from eight-yards.

Charlton had a good case for a penalty waved away by referee Neil Swarbrick five minutes later when Luke Varney appeared to fall under the challenge of Elliott Ward in the area.

Varney then tested Marshall while a 20-yard Michael Doyle effort was comfortably gathered by Weaver at the other end.

A hesitation in the Charlton defence allowed Mifsud in for the home side's best chance of the half, but pint-sized star steered his shot against the post with Weaver beaten.

A poor punch from Weaver from a Robbie Simpson header then presented Jay Tabb with a good opportunity in the area. However, the City midfielder miscued his first effort before seeing his second blocked by Jose Semedo.

But the Sky Blues continued to press in search of an equaliser after the break and Mifsud forced Weaver to save with his legs from a tight angle after snatching the ball from Madjid Bougherra.

Weaver then got down well to deny Simpson's shot on the turn before Leon Best couldn't find Doyle in area after Tabb's cross had caused havoc in the Charlton box.

But a mistake from the Charlton goalkeeper almost presented City with a chance to score in the 76th minute.

Weaver spilled Simpson's teasing low cross from the right and Tabb nicked the ball from his grasp but couldn't pick out Mifsud or substitute Dele Adebola in the area.

However, Mifsud's determination was finally rewarded with a deserved goal five minutes from time.

The Maltese international latched onto Adebola's knockdown and raced away from his marker before planting a low shot into the bottom corner.

But their was still time for Charlton to go within a whisker of grabbing a winner when striker Chris Iwelumo headed Andy Reid's left-wing cross wide when it was easier to score.

4thegame
Mighty Maltese Michael Mifsud grabbed another memorable goal to round off a good week, as Coventry City picked up a home point.

Iain Dowie - sacked by Charlton last season after just 12 league games - made only one change from the side which saw of Manchester United in midweek, with David McNamee coming in at right-back in place of the injured Isaac Osbourne.

But while it might have been largely the same team it was not the same performance.

Coventry were heading for defeat until Mifsud struck with just six minutes remaining.

Neither side managed a decent attempt on goal in the opening 15 minutes until the visitors burst into life and took the lead through Lloyd Sam.

He combined well with the on-loan Danny Mills down the right flank and then fired in a low right-foot shot which seemed to go through Andy Marshall and roll into the net.

Coventry were still not firing on all cylinders and were lucky not to conceded a quick second. Chris Iwelumo tried a flamboyant volley right-foot volley when he met an Andy Reid cross four minutes later, but sliced the ball embarrassingly wide.

Charlton also had very strong claims for a penalty waved away in the 24th minute when Luke Varney appeared to be hauled down Ben Foster inside the area but the referee waved away their protests.

The former Crewe striker was looking impressive and turned Elliott Ward before firing in a shot which Marshall saved.

Mifsud had been very quiet, but then his industry earned him a chance just after the half-hour mark when he robbed Chris Powell and let fly with his right foot, sending the ball crashing against the post.

Coventry started the second half on the attack and could have troubled Nicky Weaver in the 49th minute when Stephen Hughes tried his luck with a 20-yard free-kick after Jay Tabb had been fouled.

Weaver did have to pull off a fine save six minutes later when Mifsud again capitalised on some sloppy defending.

It looked as if he would miss out until he again pounced on a loose ball and rifled in a low shot which gave Weaver no chance.

Manchester United 0 Coventry 2 - (Carling Cup 3rd Round) - 26/09/2007

Manchester United 0 Coventry 2 - Carling Cup 3rd Round - 26/09/2007

Manchester United: Tomasz Kuszczak, Phil Bardsley (Wes Brown 45), Jonny Evans (Michael Carrick 56), Gerard Pique, Danny Simpson, Nani, Lee Martin (Fraizer Campbell 45), John O'Shea, Chris Eagles, Dong Fangzhuo, Anderson.
Subs Not Used: Tom Heaton, Adam Eckersley.
Booked: Gerard Pique.

Coventry: Andy Marshall, Isaac Osbourne (David McNamee 88), Elliot Ward, Ben Turner, Gary Borrowdale, Robbie Simpson, Stephen Hughes, Michael Doyle, Jay Tabb, Michael Mifsud, Leon Best (Dele Adebola 90).
Subs Not Used: Dimi Konstantopoulos, Arjan De Zeeuw, Kevin Thornton.
Goals: Michael Mifsud 27, 70.

Attendance: 74,055
Ref: Mark Halsey

Teamtalk
Coventry's Michael 'mosquito' Mifsud gave Sir Alex Ferguson a bite he will not forget in a hurry at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

The Malta striker scored both goals as the Sky Blues stunned Manchester United with a 2-0 Carling Cup success to become the first lower-league team to win at the Theatre of Dreams since York humbled the Red Devils 12 years ago.

While Coventry's win was not a shock of the same seismic proportions, it still left Ferguson bewildered - with Mifsud, given his nickname by Sky Blues assistant boss Tim Flowers, almost emulating the great Brazilian Ronaldo by netting a hat-trick late on.

"Michael got his nickname because he can be a real pest at times. He is just so quick," said Coventry boss Iain Dowie.

"Sometimes his pace is a huge benefit; at other times it can be a problem, because he goes at that speed all the time.

"But he is getting calmer with his finishing and is learning all the time."

Mifsud certainly likes this competition, having also scored twice in the previous round against Carlisle.

This latest effort was on an altogether different level, though.

First, Mifsud slid in to convert Michael Doyle's low cross; then, 19 minutes from time, the 26-year-old - signed from Lillestrom by Dowie's predecessor Mickey Adams - belted home, after Jay Tabb had mis-controlled the striker's pass.

His efforts sent an 11,000-strong travelling support into orbit, his feat even more remarkable given Mifsud is yet to make a start in the Coca-Cola Championship this season.

"Michael has had a rib injury, so he has not been at his sharpest. But I felt the system we played really suited him," said Dowie.

"He is a threat as an out-and-out striker, but playing a bit deeper brought the best out of him.

"He got in the box on a couple of occasions and struck two great shots. People will say he missed the one at the end - but he deserves an enormous amount of credit for getting two goals at Old Trafford."

Although Ferguson changed his entire starting line-up from Sunday's Barclays Premier League win over Chelsea, it still contained six full internationals - including £34million duo Nani and Anderson.

Neither new arrival did his reputation any good, and they were not alone either as Ferguson confirmed the depth of his disappointment.

"I am absolutely flabbergasted," he said.

"I did not expect that. I am not interested in giving reasons or mitigating circumstances. It was just a big shock, and very disappointing.

"We have trumpeted these young lads in a loud way over the last year or so. I didn't let them go on loan this year, because I looked at the league cup as an avenue for them to progress.

"But we were out-fought in most things, and Coventry won every second ball.

"We were poor. But if the young lads have anything in them, they will learn from this experience."

CCFC
The Sky Blues pulled off a major shock by dumping Premiership champions Manchester United out of the Carling Cup at Old Trafford.

Michael Mifsud was the City hero, grabbing a goal either side of half-time to send more than 11,000 travelling supporters into raptures.

The diminutive Maltese international opened the scoring when he converted Michael Doyle's cross just before the half-hour mark before blasting home a second in the 70th minute.

Iain Dowie's men battled gallantly throughout and were also indebted to goalkeeper Andy Marshall, who pulled off a remarkable save to deny Dong Fangzhuo in the second-half, just moments before Mifsud struck.

Dowie made five changes to the side beaten 4-1 at Ipswich in the Championship on Saturday, handing surprise starts to youngsters Ben Turner and Robbie Simpson and restoring Andy Marshall, Elliott Ward and Mifsud to the starting line-up.

Sir Alex Ferguson, as expected, handed a number of fringe and youth players a chance to shine under the spotlight against the Sky Blues, but still found places in his side for Nani and Anderson, signed for a combined fee of £30 million in the summer.

Stephen Hughes, fresh from nothing his first goal of the season from a free-kick against Ipswich, tried his luck again from a set-piece early on but fired straight into the wall.

Leon Best then fired high and wide after turning his marker on the edge of the area before United went close when winger Lee Martin's snap-shot deflected off Turner before sailing narrowly wide of the target.

Some last ditch defending from Turner then denied Dong, but it was the Sky Blues who were beginning to look the more adventurous attacking force.

And their reward arrived in the 28th minute when Best found skipper Doyle on the left and the Irishman crossed for Mifsud to slide past a helpless Tomasz Kuszczak at the back-post.

The City fans were on their feet again moments later as Mifsud's audacious back-heel from Simpson's right-wing cross bounced back off the post with Kuszczak beaten.

Simpson almost doubled City's advantage four minutes before the break, but his powerful shot from just inside the penalty area dipped just over the crossbar.

The home side threw on Wes Brown at the break and Michael Carrick soon after in hope of a swift turnaround and Marshall was on hand to save Nani's 25-yarder while another substitute, youngster Fraizer Campbell, flashed an effort over on the hour.

But City continued to catch United on the counter attack and Mifsud saw a glancing header saved by Kuszczak.

Then, in the 70th minute, arrived the turning point of the game.

A teasing cross from Nani found Dong in the area and the Chinese international directed a powerful header at goal which seemed destined for the top corner. However, Marshall flew across to his left to magnificently claw the ball around the post.

And with United still deflated from that, City raced forward with Mifsud, who cut inside Danny Simpson and exchanged passes with Jay Tabb before rifling an unstoppable drive into the roof of the net from 12-yards.

Mifsud should have even grabbed a hat-trick with nine minutes remaining when he side-footed the ball agonizingly wide after Hughes' powerful free-kick was only parried by Kuszczak.

BBC Sport
Championship side Coventry sprung a major surprise by sending a re-shuffled Manchester United crashing out of the Carling Cup at Old Trafford.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson changed his entire team from Sunday's win against Chelsea and paid the price.

Coventry, backed by 11,000 fans, went ahead after 27 minutes when Michael Mifsud turned in Michael Doyle's cross.

And Mifsud killed off United with 20 minutes left, firing high into the net after Jay Tabb fashioned an opening.

Interview: Coventry boss Iain Dowie

United may have rung the changes, but their side still contained six full internationals and the result is a major embarrassment for Ferguson.

Nani, United's £17m summer buy from Sporting Lisbon, was a serious disappointment with his final ball and shot almost always poor.

Mifsud's opener was no more than Coventry deserved as Old Trafford voiced its disapproval at United's struggles, taking advantage of good work by Doyle to score.

Ferguson delivered his own damning verdict on his side's performance by introducing Wes Brown and young striker Fraizer Campbell at the break.

A third - and final - change followed 10 minutes after the restart as Michael Carrick was introduced for Jonny Evans, but it was all to no avail.

The second period was halfway through before United carved out anything like an opportunity as David Marshall parried Dong Fangzhou's shot into the path of Carrick, whose follow-up effort was blocked at close range.

Coventry keeper Andy Marshall then produced an outstanding fingertip save to deny Dong after 69 minutes, whose header was floating into the top corner.

The value of that stop was proved within a minute as Mifsud doubled his tally.

He picked up possession on the left, then when Tabb overhit his first touch as he tried to collect the winger's pass, Mifsud raced on and rocketed the ball home.

Mifsud will probably never know how he failed to walk off with the match ball as keeper Tomasz Kuszczak pushed into his path, but he somehow failed to find the target.

Ipswich 4 Coventry 1 - 22/09/2007

Ipswich 4 Coventry 1 - 22/09/2007

Ipswich Town: Neil Alexander, Alex Bruce (Chris Casement 78), Daniel Harding, Jason De Vos, David Wright, Tommy Miller, Owen Garvan, Gary Roberts (Jaime Peters 74), Pablo Gonzalez Counago (Billy Clarke 88), Jonathan Walters, Alan Lee,
Subs not used: Sylvain Legwinski, Shane Supple
Booked: Owen Garvan 34
Goals: Jason De Vos 10, Pablo Gonzalez Counago 24,57, Jonathan Walters 40

Coventry City: Dimitrios Konstantopoulos, Marcus Hall, Arjan De Zeeuw, Gary Borrowdale, Stephen Hughes, Jay Tabb (Kevin Thornton 78), Isaac Osbourne, Michael Doyle, Ellery Cairo (Robbie Simpson 83), Leon Best, Dele Adebola (Michael Mifsud 56),
Subs not used: Andy Marshall, Elliott Ward
Booked: Ellery Cairo 72, Leon Best 48
Goals: Stephen Hughes 69

Attendance: 18840
Referee: T Kettle

Teamtalk
Jim Magilton earned the bragging rights over his close friend Iain Dowie as Ipswich ran riot at Portman Road in beating Coventry 4-1.

Magilton and Dowie have remained good friends after their playing days together for Northern Ireland but goals from Jonathan Walters, Jason De Vos and a double from Pablo Counago made this a one-sided affair.

The deadlock was broken after nine minutes when Town defender De Vos rose to head in an Owen Garvan free-kick.

The big centre-half climbed above Sky Blues captain Arjan De Zeeuw at the far post to head in from three yards out.

However, the goal came somewhat against the run of play with Coventry, and Dele Adebola in particular, showing the early impetus.

Leon Best should have done better in the 14th minute with a header that failed to trouble Ipswich goalkeeper Neil Alexander.

In-form striker Alan Lee almost doubled the home side's lead in the 18th minute but his volley was comfortably saved by Dimitrios Konstantopoulos.

Town fans did not have to wait long for a second though, in fact there was just 24 minutes on the clock when Counago put the home side 2-0 up.

The Spaniard showed excellent composure to beat two City defenders before sliding past Konstantopoulos.

Coventry seemed to be riding their luck going into half-time when Stephen Hughes blocked a goalbound Dan Harding shot on the line.

The miss only spurred Town on and they did make it three a minute later, Walters finding himself unmarked inside the box to head in Gary Roberts' cross.

Dowie decided against making any changes at half-time as his side attempted to reduce the home sides commanding lead.

And they seemed intent on paying back their manager's confidence as they came out after the break revitalised.

A minute after the restart they could have been right back into the match if referee Trevor Kettle had deemed Alex Bruce's challenge on Adebola a penalty.

The City striker appeared to be tripped as Bruce scrambled back to try to atone for an error, but Kettle was unmoved.

The home side then rubbed salt into the wound 10 minutes later by scoring a fourth and putting the match out of Coventry's reach.

The Sky Blues defence again looked at sea as a cross from Garvan caused panic and Counago headed into an empty net after Konstantopoulos had saved from Lee.

This was the 28-year-old's fifth goal in four games against Coventry and his third of the season.

Stephen Hughes scored a consolation for the city with a superb free-kick in the 69th minute, but it wasn't enough as City were condemned to their first away defeat of the season.

CCFC
The Sky Blues suffered their first away of the season in heavy fashion against a clinical Ipswich side at Portman Road.

Stephen Hughes' first goal in nearly a year was scant consolation for Iain Dowie's men as first-half goals from Jason De Vos, Pablo Counago and Jonathan Walters put the Tractor Boys firmly in control before Counago put the result beyond doubt after the break.

Ipswich skipper Jason De Vos smashed open the deadlock in the 10th minute when he planted a downward header beyond Dimi Konstantopoulos after giving Arjan De Zeeuw the slip at the back-post.

Leon Best, one of two changes to the side which drew 1-1 at Crystal Palace in midweek along with right-back Isaac Osbourne, offered City's response as he headed over from a Gary Borrowdale cross.

But the home side could have extended their advantage in the 18th minute when Konstantopoulos beat away a powerful volley from striker Alan Lee.

Best then fired wide from 25-yards before winger Ellery Cairo followed suit after cutting inside from the right.

Pablo Counago fires home Ipswich's second goal

However, poor defending allowed Counago the time and space to fire home a second goal in the 24th minute - the Spaniard latching onto Walters' knockdown and twisting away from Hughes before slotting the ball into the net with his right-foot.

City were then indebted to Hughes as he hacked a 30-yard Daniel Harding pile-driver off the line, but Walters ensured a frosty reception from boss Dowie for City at half-time when he thumped Gary Roberts' left-wing cross into bottom corner with a header via the desperate hand of Konstantopoulos.

Gary Borrowdale and Jonathan Walters battle for the ball in the air

The lively Best almost pulled a goal back when his shot deflected just wide in first-half stoppage time.

And luck deserted the visitors again shortly after the break when referee Trevor Kettle waved play-on after Dele Adebola appeared to be pulled down by Alex Bruce after racing onto a weak back-pass from the defender.

Jay Tabb then sent a fierce long-range shot narrowly wide of the target before more disappointing defending put the game beyond City in the 57th minute.

A teasing cross from Owen Garvan was headed goalwards by Lee at the back-post and forced Konstantopoulos into a superb save but Counago was left unmarked to head home from the rebound.

But the Sky Blues continued to press forward in hope of unlikely fight-back and a moment of magic from Stephen Hughes offered them a glimmer of hope twelve minutes later.

The midfielder left Ipswich 'keeper Neil Alexander with no chance as he slammed a magnificent free-kick from 30-yards into the top corner for his first goal in more than eleven months.

Konstantopoulos then produced a good stop to deny a header from Lee, while at the other end, substitute Michael Mifsud dragged an effort wide.

Best almost pulled another goal back at the death, but headed a Robbie Simpson cross over.

4thegame
Ipswich proved to be Coventry's bogey team once again as they made it 15 games unbeaten against the Sky Blues, dating back to 1994, in handing the visitors their first away defeat of the season.

Town ended their own two-game losing streak and made it seven straight wins at home stretching back to last season in a dazzling display of attacking football.

Spanish striker Pablo Counago, back for a second spell at Portman Road, netted twice while skipper Jason De Vos and Jon Walters were also on target while Coventry at least had the consolation of scoring the goal of the game through Stephen Hughes' screamer.

Coventry actually had the better of the opening exchanges, but it was Ipswich who went ahead on ten minutes when Owen Garvan floated a free-kick to the far post and De Vos beat Dimi Konstantopoulos with a downward header.

The lively Leon Best had an effort blocked by both Alex Bruce and Dan Harding before heading over when well-placed to meet a Jay Tabb cross.

Konstantopoulos parried away an Alan Lee volley before Ipswich doubled their lead on 24 minutes when Walters headed back Harding's deep cross and Counago squirmed away from two defenders before prodding beyond the Greek keeper.

Tommy Miller drew a decent save from Konstantopoulos with a firm low drive before Town netted again on 40 minutes, moments after Harding's fierce 25-yarder was hacked off the line by Hughes.

Coventry couldn't clear their lines though from the ensuing Garvan corner, and when Gary Roberts whipped the ball back in, Walters beat Konstantopoulos with a firm downward header.

Town could have scored a fourth before the break, Lee playing in Walters at the end of a sweeping move which began on the edge of their own box, but Konstantopoulos made a fine save with his outstretched right leg.

There was controversy seconds after the break when Bruce and Neil Alexander were involved in a mix-up and Dele Adebola nipped in only to shoot wide, with replays showing Bruce grabbed at his legs and could easily have conceded a penalty and been sent off.

That could have put a different complexion on the match, but Ipswich sealed the points on 57 minutes when another dangerous Garvan cross was glanced on by Walters to Lee whose firm header was well saved by Konstantopoulos but dropped perfectly for Counago to net from close range with his head.

Counago was denied a hat-trick by a good save from Konstantopoulos, and the visiting keeper also saved well from a firm Lee header after Walters crossed from the right.

Coventry netted a consolation with a fierce 30-yard free-kick from Hughes and with Ipswich 4-0 up the home fans were even able to appreciate it and applauded warmly.

The game petered out after that with Ipswich soaring up the table from 19th at start of play to 10th, with a game in hand on many of those above them, including Coventry, who could have gone second but are now eighth after a second three-goal defeat in a week.

Crystal Palace 1 Coventry 1 - 18/09/2007

Crystal Palace 1 Coventry 1 - 18/09/2007

Crystal Palace: Julian Speroni, Tony Craig, Leon Cort, Mark Hudson, Danny Butterfield, Stuart Green, Ben Watson, Tom Soares, Carl Fletcher, James Scowcroft, Dougie Freedman,
Subs not used: Scott Flinders, Dave Martin, Paul Dickov, Matthew Lawrence, Besian Idrizaj
Booked: Tony Craig 75
Goals: Stuart Green 26

Coventry City: Dimitrios Konstantopoulos, Marcus Hall, Arjan De Zeeuw, Gary Borrowdale, Elliott Ward, Stephen Hughes, Jay Tabb, Michael Doyle, Ellery Cairo (Kevin Thornton 70), Dele Adebola (Leon Best 62), Leon McKenzie (Robbie Simpson 72),
Subs not used: Andy Marshall, Colin Hawkins
Booked: Marcus Hall 73, Michael Doyle 45, Arjan De Zeeuw 30, Ellery Cairo 60, Elliott Ward 40
Goals: Leon Best 87

Attendance: 14455
Referee: A Woolmer

Teamtalk
Substitute Leon Best grabbed a late equaliser as Coventry drew 1-1 at Crystal Palace to give former Eagles boss Iain Dowie the last laugh.

Sky Blues manager Dowie was making his first return to Selhurst Park and saw his side earn a point to put them in fourth place in the Championship, while Palace are 21st.

Peter Taylor's Eagles had dominated the majority of the clash and looked set to ruin Dowie's night through Stuart Green's classy first-half strike before Best's 87th-minute intervention.

The former Southampton striker darted to the near post to cleverly flick Jay Tabb's low left-wing cross beyond Julian Speroni and into the back of the net to deny Palace a first home win of the season.

All eyes were on Dowie as he ran a gauntlet of abuse from the home crowd before kick-off after his acrimonious departure to Charlton in May 2006 and Palace's players matched their fans' passion to dominate high-flying Coventry for most of the game.

Stalwart striker Dougie Freedman was involved in everything for the home side and after a moment of hesitation led to him missing a great chance to open the scoring he made amends by teeing up Green for his 26th-minute strike.

The Eagles appeared buoyed by the fervent atmosphere inside Selhurst Park and James Scowcroft had the first chance of the game when he collected Freedman's flick-on to fire against the soles of Dimitrios Konstantopoulos' boots from just inside the penalty area.

Green then floated a free-kick over the wall but into the goalkeeper's midriff before Scowcroft headed straight at the giant Greek when he should really have scored.

Freedman then inexplicably found himself clear of the Sky Blues' defence after a regulation punt forward from Danny Butterfield was missed by everyone but he waited too long and screwed his shot wide under pressure from Konstantopoulos.

But two minutes later Freedman again broke clear down the left and after weighing up his options delayed his pass beautifully to roll the ball into the path of Green who was breaking into the penalty area.

The former Hull man took a touch before rolling the ball into far corner from around the penalty spot.

Chances were few and far between in the remainder of the half though Tabb did have the first meaningful strike on goal for the visitors in the 40th minute but fired his shot from the edge of the area wide.

Dowie's current side started the second half on top but struggled to break down a resolute defence superbly marshalled throughout by Mark Hudson.

Dele Adebola sent a free header wide before he was replaced by the lively Best in the 62nd minute.

Hudson then wasted a similar chance for the hosts from a corner before the outstanding Green brought a sprawling save from Konstantopoulos.

But Best then popped up to slide in an equaliser and Dowie was mobbed by his jubilant players as the Sky Blues remain in fourth place in the table.

CCFC
A last-gasp goal from Leon Best salvaged a point for the Sky Blues to make it 1-1 against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Stuart Green's goal looked to have given the home side the win, only for the substitute to net from 12 yards in the 87th minute to give Coventry a share of the spoils.

The goal was well-struck by Best and well-celebrated by the team, who sprinted over to manager Iain Dowie and his coaching staff.

Dowie kept with the same side which lost 3-0 to Bristol City on Saturday.

That meant Marcus Hall continued at right-back, with Arjan de Zeeuw in the heart of the defence alongside Elliott Ward. Gary Borrowdale - who joined the Sky Blues from his boyhood club Palace in the summer - started at left-back. Borrowdale's fee will be set by a tribunal in the near future.

Ellery Cairo started on the right hand side of midfield, with Jay Tabb on the left and Michael Doyle partnering Stephen Hughes in the engine room.

Leon McKenzie - who is on 99 career goals - was up front alongside Dele Adebola. Dimi Konstantopoulos kept his place in goal.

Dowie, who returned to the club he took to the Premiership in 2004, named four former Palace players in his starting line-up. He enjoyed a mixed reception on his return to Selhurst Park, although a number of fans rightly recognised his achievements at the South London club.

Colin Hawkins, Leon Best and Kevin Thornton all returned to the squad of 16 after injury.

For the home side, former City forward James Scowcroft started up front for Peter Taylor's men alongside Dougie Freedman.

Palace had the best early opportunity when Konstantopoulos saved at the feet of Scowcroft after five minutes, before Hughes saw his shot deflected wide for a corner moments later.

With 12 minutes on the clock, Coventry had a better opportunity to score. Cairo's header evaded the Palace offside trap and found McKenzie, who saw his header turned around the post by Speroni, although the resulting corner came to nothing.

The Sky Blues threatened again with 20 minutes on the clock - this time as McKenzie pulled his shot wide from Doyle's cross.

At the other end, the home side were themselves threatening and when Freedman found himself one-on-one with the big Greek he looked certain to score, only to pull his shot wide.

But the home side did make the breakthrough on 27 minutes when Freedman's centre across the face of goal found Stuart Green - the former Hull City man finishing into the bottom corner.

There was further misery on the half hour when de Zeeuw went into the book for the second game in succession for a foul on Freedman.

Speroni got his fingers to McKenzie's shot with 35 gone, before Ward went into the book - contentiously - six minutes before the break for an alleged foul when he appeared to cleanly win the ball.

Doyle became the third player to go into the book on 44 minutes.

Dowie's men started the second half brightly and moments after the restart, Adebola found McKenzie, who hooked his shot wide of the target, albeit from an awkward angle.

Adebola headed wide from Tabb's cross on 57 minutes, before Cairo became the fourth player to go into the book for the Sky Blues on the hour.

Dowie made his first substitution two minutes later, with Best, who has been out for three weeks with a hamstring strain, coming on for Adebola.

Hudson headed wide on 65 minutes from a Green corner, before Hughes blocked a rasping shot from the midfielder moments later.

Thornton replaced Cairo after 70 minutes, while Simpson came on for McKenzie two minutes later.

As he visitors' woes deepened, Hall became the fifth player to go into the book on 73 minutes.

But Coventry had the last laugh when Leon Best finished into the back of the net with 87 on the clock to give the Sky Blues the draw.

4thegame
Iain Dowie returned to Selhurst Park and was grateful with a point as his Coventry City side forced a 1-1 draw against his old club Crystal Palace.

Stuart Green fired Palace in front on 26 minutes, but substitute Leon Best levelled the scores with just three minutes left.

The former Palace manager was given an unfriendly reception from the home fans as he made his way to the dugout at the start of the match.

Dowie left Palace 15 months ago and was later sued by chairman Simon Jordan for 'fraudulent misrepresentation'.

The match was played at a high tempo with six bookings, five from Coventry.

Palace missed two easy chances in the first 15 minutes with James Scowcroft and Dougie Freedman the guilty players.

At the other end, Dele Adebola and Leon McKenzie could so easily have scored for Coventry before Green opened the scoring for Palace.

A long clearance was headed on by Scowcroft into the left channel for Freedman to cross perfectly for Green to finish off with a low shot from eight yards out.

The second half saw Coventry having more possession and Adebola again had useful chances to level for Coventry.

Palace's best player Carl Fletcher just failed to finish off a smart move following a cross from Tom Soares, before Coventry capitalised on a mix-up between Mark Hudson and Leon Cort.

It presented Best with a chance in front of goal and he took it well with a rising shot past Julian Speroni to rescue a point for Coventry.

Coventry 0 Bristol City 3 - 15/09/2007

Coventry 0 Bristol City 3 - 15/09/2007

Coventry City: Dimitrios Konstantopoulos, Elliott Ward, Gary Borrowdale, Arjan De Zeeuw, Marcus Hall (Wayne Andrews 86), Stephen Hughes, Michael Doyle, Jay Tabb (Robbie Simpson 68), Ellery Cairo, Leon McKenzie, Dele Adebola,
Subs not used: Liam Davis, Andy Marshall, Ben Turner
Booked: Elliott Ward 90, Dele Adebola 90, Arjan De Zeeuw 90, Michael Doyle 40, Jay Tabb 25

Bristol City: Adriano Basso, Louis Carey, Liam Fontaine, Jamie McAllister, Brian Wilson, Bradley Orr, Michael McIndoe, Marvin Elliott, Lee Johnson (Cole Skuse 83), Ivan Sproule (Darren Byfield 66), Lee Trundle (Scott Murray 75),
Subs not used: Jamie McCombe, Chris Weale
Booked: Marvin Elliott 90
Goals: Michael McIndoe 15, Dimitrios Konstantopoulos(O) 74, Darren Byfield 90

Attendance: 21538
Referee: P Joslin

Teamtalk
Michael McIndoe scored his first Bristol City goal as the Robins leapfrogged Coventry to go top of the Championship with a 3-0 away victory.

The two sides went into the match trying to protect the division's only remaining undefeated records but it is Gary Johnson's newly-promoted team who ended with it still intact.

Midfielder McIndoe, a free summer signing from Wolves, opened his account for the Robins with a close-range strike in the 15th minute.

Brian Wilson crossed from the right wing and McIndoe finished neatly with his left foot from six yards.

McIndoe was involved again when the Robins doubled their lead. His cross was turned into his own net by Sky Blues goalkeeper Dimitrios Konstantopoulos in the 74th minute.

Substitute Darren Byfield added the third on his debut deep into injury time with a right-foot shot from 12 yards after good work by Jamie McAllister.

Prior to the international break the Robins resolutely defended a one-goal lead to hang against Sheffield Wednesday and Johnson's side were equally well-rehearsed during this game.

Coventry were unable to fashion a breakthrough despite creating a catalogue of chances and, just like at Hillsborough two weeks before, Johnson's side had Adriano Basso to thank for keeping their opponents at bay.

Brazilian Basso produced a virtuoso performance against the Owls and he was at it again as he kept out Michael Doyle's fiercely-struck shot from the edge of the area and a similar strike by Hughes.

Jay Tabb stung Basso's palms with a 12-yard volley before a 25th-minute effort from Stephen Hughes whistled narrowly wide from long-range.

Soon after Leon McKenzie looked certain to bring the Sky Blues level but he mis-hit his shot from inside the six-yard box and the visitors escaped to lead at the break.

Coventry continued to press forward and immediately after the restart Elliott Ward saw his goalbound header blocked by Liam Fontaine before Tabb unleashed another long-range effort that narrowly cleared the crossbar.

Tabb made way for Robbie Simpson in the 68th-minute as Dowie looked to beef-up his attack in search of the equaliser but it was the Robins who struck the next, decisive blow when Konstantopoulos was credited with an own goal.

The giant Greek redeemed himself a minute later when he brilliantly blocked a shot by substitute Scott Murray.

Opposite number Basso thwarted Cairo with three minutes remaining before Byfield, making his first appearance for the Robins since his switch from Millwall last month, added gloss to the scoreline in the sixth minute of injury time.

CCFC
High-flying City were given a reality check as two defensive errors allowed Bristol City to snatch victory at the Ricoh Arena.

A first-half strike from Michael McIndoe, a second-half own goal from goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos and a late effort from substitute Darren Byfield condemned the Sky Blues to their first defeat of the season in disappointing fashion.

Both goals came from defensive mistakes and despite going close through debutant Arjan De Zeeuw, injury-hit City struggled to break through a stubborn Robins rearguard.

Boss Iain Dowie was forced into two changes before the game, with new club captain De Zeeuw replacing the injured Isaac Osbourne with Marcus Hall switching to right-back.

Summer signing Ellery Cairo also made his first start for the club on the right-wing and Jay Tabb shifting out to the left in the absence of Julian Gray.

Cairo was at the heart of a bright start for the Sky Blues, the Dutchman's teasing cross almost reaching a prowling Dele Adebola in the danger area.

Tireless work from Leon McKenzie created almost resulted in a goal moments later as the striker dispossessed Jamie McAllister but shot straight at Adriano Basso from an acute angle before the Bristol City 'keeper reacted quickly to smother at the feet of Adebola from the rebound.

City looked in control of the game and an opening goal looked likely. It arrived in the 15th minute, but not at the expected end.

Elliott Ward dallied on the ball in the six-yard box and McIndoe nicked the ball from the defender's feet and drilled a low shot under a helpless Dimi Konstantopoulos to give the visitors an underserved lead.

And with the Sky Blues still reeling from that, Bristol City almost doubled their lead moments later but Ivan Sproule dragged a low effort wide after finding space to shoot in the area.

But that sparked City into life and a long-range drive from Stephen Hughes which drifted narrowly wide of the target began a barrage of attacks.

The best chance of the half arrived on the half-hour mark when De Zeeuw leaped above Basso to a ball into the box but his header was hacked off the line by Bradley Orr.

Michael Doyle's fierce 25-yarder then stung the goalkeeper's fingers before a looping header from Adebola dipped just over the crossbar.

Play continued to ebb and flow in the second-half with Jay Tabb sending a volley over the bar and Cairo forcing Basso to race off his and block after the lively winger nipped past two defenders.

Substitute Robbie Simpson injected some energy into a tiring front-line and he almost found the net when a deflected cross was pushed away by Basso in the 72nd minute.

Bristol City had rarely threatened up to that point, but Gary Johnson's men found themselves further ahead two minutes later.

An corner from McIndoe bounced in the six-yard box amidst a melee of players and somehow found the back of the net via Konstantopoulos.

It was a huge sucker-punch for City, who had looked good for an equaliser, and it could have been much worse soon after when Murray evaded the offside trap and rounded Konstantopoulos, only for the 'keeper to spread himself well and turn the ball around for a corner.

Simpson fired straight at Basso from a tight angle as the home side set off in hope of a late revival, but the visitors stood firm tand snatch a third goal in the dying seconds when Byfield raced clear and fired into the roof of the net.

4thegame
Bristol City leap-frogged Coventry City in the Championship table and maintained their unbeaten start to the season with victory at the Ricoh Arena.

There was a high-speed tempo to the start of the match as Arjan De Zeeuw and Ellery Cairo made their first league starts for Coventry.

In-form Dele Adebola gained possession after the ball had got caught under the studs of former Sky Blues defender Louis Carey, and when the ball fall to Cairo, the Dutchman's right-wing cross was fired wide by Adebola.

Leon McKenzie chased down Lee Johnson on the byline near the goal but his shot from an acute angle was blocked and Robins keeper Adriano Basso bravely dived to deny Adebola.

The unbeaten visitors responded by grabbing the lead in the 15th minute. Elliott Ward failed to clear Brian Wilson's right-wing centre and Michael McIndoe turned the defender before firing the ball home from six yards.

Bristol City could have extended their lead when McIndoe swung a free-kick into the box and Stephen Hughes cleared before defender Liam Fontaine could pounce.

Marcus Hall then played a free-kick into the area and De Zeeuw's header was heading towards an empty net until Bradley Orr recovered to hack the ball away.

Bristol City's Wilson cut inside to fire a 20-yard strike straight at the keeper and Hughes did likewise for Coventry but from just inside the area.

The visitors made the game safe by grabbing a second goal in the 74th minute. A corner from McIndoe on the right caused havoc in the box and the under-pressure Dimitrios Konstantopoulos punched the ball into the net.

The Greek keeper then produced a fine one-handed save to deny Robins substitute Scott Murray.

However, fellow substitute Darren Byfield did find the back of the net with a close-range strike in the third minute of stoppage time.

Coventry 2 Preston 1 - 01/09/2007

Coventry 2 Preston 1 - 01/09/2007
Coventry City: Dimitrios Konstantopoulos, Isaac Osbourne, Marcus Hall, Elliott Ward, Gary Borrowdale, Jay Tabb (Ellery Cairo 72), Stephen Hughes, Michael Doyle, Julian Gray, Dele Adebola, Leon McKenzie (Michael Mifsud 66),
Subs not used: Andy Marshall, Robbie Simpson, Arjan De Zeeuw
Booked: Leon McKenzie 45
Goals: Adebola 80, Doyle 85

Preston North End: Andy Lonergan, Billy Jones, Liam Chilvers, Youl Mawene, Callum Davidson, Chris Sedgwick, Kevin Nicholls, Darren Carter, Danny Pugh (Whaley 84), Patrick Agyemang (Brett Ormerod 76), Andrew Carroll (Paul Gallagher 69).
Subs Not Used: Chris Neal, Matthew Hill.
Booked: Youl Mawene 55
Goals: Agyemang 16

Attendance: 17551
Referee: A Taylor

Teamtalk
Coventry came from a behind to beat Preston 2-1 at the Ricoh Arena and reclaim their place at the top of the Championship table.

Booed off the field by their supporters at half-time, City had trailed to Patrick Agyemang's 16th-minute opener.

But Dele Adebola scored an equaliser in the 82nd minute before captain Michael Doyle's 86th-minute strike earned the Sky Blues victory.

Meanwhile, defeat left North End with just one point to show from four league fixtures and manager Paul Simpson under increasing pressure having missed out on last-season's play-offs.

Preston had found themselves on the back foot early on as Julian Gray crossed from the left wing although neither Adebola, rising first at the near post, or Jay Tabb, following up near the penalty spot, could apply a headed finish.

In the 10th minute Adebola fired wide before North End took the lead against the run of play after a right-footed clearance by left-footed goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos was headed back into the danger area by midfielder Kevin Nicholls.

Agyemang was fastest to react by bearing down on goal and slotting coolly past the exposed keeper to register North End's first Championship goal of the season.

Coventry's response was swift but captain Micky Doyle directed his flashing header wide a few moments later, while Gray's aerial effort was on target but kept out of the visitors' net by Darren Carter's goal-line clearance.

More heavy pressure from the hosts followed but stout defending meant the Sky Blues were largely restricted to crosses into the penalty area.

And late in the half Konstantopoulos was required to race from his line and clear the ball ahead of the on-rushing Carroll.

Both sides emerged unchanged for the start of the second half which opened with Leon McKenzie booked by referee Anthony Taylor following a foul on Preston left-back Callum Davidson.

And the visitors found themselves pressed back once more as Coventry won a left-wing corner which was taken by Doyle and met by a Marcus Hall header which rebounded from the crossbar.

McKenzie threatened in the 53rd minute when goalkeeper Andy Lonergan failed to deal with Liam Chilvers' sliced clearance but the North End shotstopper redeemed himself with an athletic save to deny the City striker as he shot on the turn.

In the 65th minute Michael Mifsud replaced McKenzie and the diminutive striker was soon putting centre-half Youl Mawene under pressure, although it was Chilvers who headed clear for Preston as the 26-year-old closed in on Gray's cross from the left.

But Adebola was quick to pounce on Elliott Ward's long ball forward to register a classic route-one equaliser after shooting in the turn.

And the Lilywhites conceded again when Stephen Hughes found Doyle, who sent a left-channel effort into the North End net.

CCFC
A late show from the Sky Blues earned them a dramatic victory over struggling Preston at the Ricoh Arena.

Two goals in the final ten minutes earned City all three points and kept them top of the table, as a Dele Adebola strike, followed by a goal of the season contender from Michael Doyle, cancelled out Patrick Agyemang's first half opener.

The Sky Blues, unchanged from last Saturday's 1-0 win at Cardiff, did most of the early running and the visitors needed brave blocks from Callum Davidson and Youl Mawene to cut out dangerous crosses from Julian Gray and Leon McKenzie.

But a defensive error saw Preston take a 16th minute lead when Kevin Nicholls latched onto a poor clearance from City 'keeper Konstantopoulos and threaded the ball through to Agyemang, who raced away from Marcus Hall and slotted low into the net.

Michael Doyle headed wide from a Jay Tab cross as the Sky Blues looked for an immediate route back into the game.

Their best chance of the opening period arrived on the half-hour mark when Gray's looping header was cleared off the line by Mawene after good skill from Leon McKenzie created an opening in the area.

McKenzie was at the heart of City's most promising attacking play and the former Norwich man headed straight at goalkeeper Andy Lonergan at the back-post under heavy pressure from Mawene two minutes before the break.

The Sky Blues re-emerged invigorated for the second half and were only denied an equaliser by the woodwork five minutes after the interval when a Hall header from Doyle's free-kick rebounded off the top of the crossbar.

City had the opposition rattled and Lonergan was lucky to scramble a McKenzie effort behind for a corner on 54.

With 25 minutes remaining Michael Mifsud was introduced much to the delight of the Sky Blue Army - the Maltese international replacing Leon McKenzie up front.

Coventry continued to pressurise and Mifsud created an opportunity for himself with a jinking run 18 yards from goal before shooting over. City's two-goal hero from Tuesday night had injected fresh impetus into the attack and nearly netted with a header from substitute Ellery Cairo's driven cross with 15 left on the clock.

City had been threatening to score the entire second half and got their just desserts in the 80th minute when Adebola found the back of the net. The powerful striker controlled a long ball from Hughes perfectly and hit a crisp low shot into the bottom corner from 12 yards out to make it 1-1.

Five minutes later, the Sky Blues fans' delight turned to utter jubilation when they took the lead through an absolute firecracker from Michael Doyle. The Irishman collected a pass from Hughes 35 yards from goal, took one touch and unleashed a ferocious left-footed shot into the top corner, leaving the North End keeper no chance whatsoever.

With the Ricoh rocking, City held out comfortably for their first home league win of the campaign and could even have scored more againist a totally deflated Preston side, who will no doubt head back to Lancashire somewhat shellshocked.

4thegame
A wonder-goal from Coventry captain Michael Doyle kept City top of the Championship after fighting back from a goal down to beat Preston North End 2-1.

Doyle fired a 30-yard belter into the top-corner of goalkeeper Andy Lonergan's goal in the 85th minute, just five minutes after Dele Adebola had pulled the Sky Blues level.

The Lilywhites had gone into the game second from bottom and searching for a first league goal of the season.

Paul Simpson kept faith in Patrick Agyemang and the former Gillingham man put his side in front after 16th minute. Elliott Ward's back-pass to Coventry goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos was cleared sluggishly and fell to Preston captain Kevin Nicholls.

His through-ball fed in Agyemang, who shrugged off Marcus Hall to coolly slot home from 16 yards.

But Coventry were not ready to give up their unbeaten run without a fight and could have drawn level after 29 minutes.

Leon McKenzie turned in the box and fed in Jay Tabb who scuffed his shot from eight yards. The ball was cleared, but only to Julian Gray who powered a looping header towards goal. The Sky Blues fans jumped to their feet, only for Darren Carter to clear the ball off the line.

Coventry continued their fight in the second half, while the Lilywhites sat back and sat on their lead.

City had chances early on with Hall heading a Michael Doyle free-kick onto the bar and McKenzie being denied by Lonergan after the goalkeeper flapped at a high-ball.

The Sky Blues came close once more when substitutes Ellery Cairo and Michael Mifsud linked up after 77 minutes. Cairo's deft cross found Mifsud six yards out, but the Malta international could only head wide.

But the breakthrough came minutes later when Ward's free-kick fell to Adebola in a crowded area. The Nigerian shrugged off his marker and turned smartly to fire a low-shot past Lonergan.

Preston were stunned and before they had chance to catch their breath, the ball fell to Doyle on the left. The Irishman fired in the effort into the goal to win the game and secure the three points.