Coventry 1 Wolves 1 - 26/04/2008
Coventry 1 Wolves 1 - 26/04/2008
Coventry City: Kasper Schmeichel, Scott Dann, Daniel Fox, Elliott Ward, Stephen Hughes, Jay Tabb, Isaac Osbourne, Michael Doyle, Michael Hughes (Zavon Hines 90), Michael Mifsud, Leon Best
Subs not used: Andy Marshall, Robbie Simpson, Marcus Hall, Julian Gray
Booked: Stephen Hughes 74, Scott Dann 52, Michael Doyle 61
Goals: Elliot Ward 18
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Wayne Hennessey, Jody Craddock, George Elokobi, Kevin Foley, Gary Breen, Darron Gibson (Stephen Elliott 88), Seyi George Olofinjana, Michael Kightly (Michael Gray 78), Matthew Jarvis (Stephen Ward 89), Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Andy Keogh
Subs not used: Graham Stack, Neill Collins
Booked: Darron Gibson 9, Seyi George Olofinjana 16
Goals: Sylvan Ebanks-Blake 53(pen)
Attendance: 27992
Referee: P Armstrong
Teamtalk
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake's penalty ensured Wolves and Coventry's fates would be decided on the final day of the season as the two sides drew 1-1.
Elliott Ward rose highest to put the Sky Blues ahead after 18 minutes in their Championship clash at the Ricoh Arena but Ebanks-Blake netted his 25th goal of the season from the penalty spot.
It was a missed opportunity for Wolves, who could have climbed into the play-offs with a victory after Crystal Palace lost at Hull.
As for the Sky Blues, they will have to wait until next weekend to secure their status in the second tier.
They remain three points clear of the drop zone going into next Sunday's final game at Charlton.
Less than two minutes had passed when Ebanks-Blake fired narrowly past the post as Chris Coleman's side were almost caught cold.
City were slow to get going and had striker Leon Best to thank in the 14th minute when he blocked a volley from Gary Breen following Michael Kightly's corner.
Darron Gibson and Best had efforts blocked at either end before the home side grabbed the lead.
It was a goal any striker would have been proud of as Ward headed Michael Hughes' cross back across goal and into the bottom left corner.
Wolves, 3-0 winners over FA Cup finalists Cardiff in midweek, threatened when Matt Jarvis fired narrowly wide from 12 yards.
But it was City who were dominating the possession.
Gibson failed to test Coventry's on-loan goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel with a 25-yard drive.
Ward showed his worth in his own penalty area as he demonstrated perfect positioning to cut out Kightly's cross.
Jarvis proved a constant menace for the Sky Blues defence down the flank but Andy Keogh failed to convert his pinpoint cross, the Irishman's header bouncing down and over the crossbar.
However, Wolves levelled the scores eight minutes after the break and again they had Ebanks-Blake to thank.
Scott Dann brought down Kightly inside the area and former Plymouth forward Ebanks-Blake struck his penalty straight down the middle for his 10th goal in the last 12 games.
The visitors grew in confidence and it took a smart save from Schmeichel to tip Keogh's powerful shot over the bar.
Jody Craddock and Kightly both had opportunities as Mick McCarthy's side cranked up the pressure but the Sky Blues defence continued to stand firm.
They could even have taken the lead courtesy of Michael Doyle in the 72nd minute but the midfielder skewed his shot over the bar.
Wayne Hennessey twice came to Wolves' rescue to deny City's Maltese forward Michael Mifsud.
Substitute Michael Gray almost stole it for Wolves before Schmeichel parried brilliantly at the death to deny Ebanks-Blake a dramatic late winner.
CCFC
A glorious day at the Ricoh saw a near capacity crowd turn out for the final home game of the 2007/08 campaign between the Sky Blues and Wolves, both battling for points for differing reasons, and they were not let down by a cracking derby.
Elliott Ward's early goal was cancelled out by a Sylvan Ebanks-Blake penalty at the start of a topsy-turvy second period where both sides could have snatched victory.
The visitors required all three points to stay in touch with the play-off chase while a win for City would almost certainly secure their Championship status.
With an electric atmosphere spurring on both sides, the match started at a frenetic pace with some tasty challenges going in from both sets of players in true local derby style.
Two Wolves players were booked inside the opening 16 minutes - Gibson then Olofinjana - and it was from the latter's reckless challenge that City took the lead.
The Nigerian felled Elliott Ward around 40 yards from goal and from the resultant free-kick, Danny Fox floated in a delightful delivery and Ward ghosted into space to head the opener in the 18th minute.
The goal knocked the stuffing out of Wolves who had looked lively before going behind but they created a great opportunity to level the scores in the 37th minute, although Andy Keogh's downward header bounced over the crossbar. Gibson shot wide from distance as the first half drew to a close, leaving City just 45 minutes away from staying in the division.
But for the second home game in succession City conceded a needless penalty early in the second half when Scott Dann clattered Kightly on the right-hand edge of the penalty area to leave the referee in no doubt. Wolves top scorer Sylvan Ebanks-Blake made no mistake, sending Schmeichel the wrong way to level things up on 53.
The goal boosted the visitors and it took a fantastic save from Schmeichel to keep the scoreline at 1-1, as he tipped a close range shot from Keogh onto the crossbar.
Mifsud had a glorious opportunity to regain the lead for City 20 minutes from time, but as he was played through on goal, Hennessey rushed off his line and blocked the Maltese international's shot.
Moments later it was Doyle's turn to waste a gilt-edged chance, volleying narrowly over after Tabb had put him into a one-on-one position with a cleverly played ball.
City were bossing it and Hennessey spilled a drilled cross from Best but fortunately for him, defenders were on hand to clear up. Mifsud produced a top notch save from the Welsh international as the Sky Blues threw everything they could at their opponents.
Wolves proved they were still a threat when Michael Gray forced Schmeichel into another good block with a fiercely struck effort from 25 yards with only four minutes left on the clock.
Despite a few nervy moments at both ends - particularly when Schmeichel denied Ebanks-Blake with a great low save - a draw was probably a fair result from a thrillinng game, especially in the second half.
4thegame
Wolves kept their Championship play-off hopes alive after rescuing a point at Coventry City.
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake's penalty in the 52nd minute gave the visitors the point they needed to stay in touch with sixth-placed Crystal Palace.
Wolves had trailed early on after Coventry defender Elliott Ward scored his fourth goal in three games after he headed in Dan Fox's free-kick after 16 minutes.
It was a game both sides desperately wanted to win, three points would have almost guaranteed Championship football for the struggling Sky Blues, while Wolves could have overtaken Palace.
Both sides were nervous in the early exchanges, with neither settling well.
The breakthrough came by chance, after Seyi Olofinjana brought down Ward 30 yards from goal. Fox's precise ball into the box was met well by Ward, whose glancing effort went past Wayne Hennessey into the bottom corner of the net.
The rest of the first half remained cagey, with Wolves creating the only real chance when Andy Keogh's header bounced down and over the bar.
The second period saw both sides step-up a gear, but it was the visiting side who were to take advantage.
Keogh's neat backpass sent Michael Kightly clear on the right of the box until he was needlessly brought down by defender Scott Dann.
The skilful Ebanks-Blake, who caused the Sky Blues' defence problems all afternoon, stepped up to send the penalty into the back of the net.
Ebanks-Blake could have snatched a win, but Kasper Schmeichel made a double save in the fifth minute of injury time.
Coventry City: Kasper Schmeichel, Scott Dann, Daniel Fox, Elliott Ward, Stephen Hughes, Jay Tabb, Isaac Osbourne, Michael Doyle, Michael Hughes (Zavon Hines 90), Michael Mifsud, Leon Best
Subs not used: Andy Marshall, Robbie Simpson, Marcus Hall, Julian Gray
Booked: Stephen Hughes 74, Scott Dann 52, Michael Doyle 61
Goals: Elliot Ward 18
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Wayne Hennessey, Jody Craddock, George Elokobi, Kevin Foley, Gary Breen, Darron Gibson (Stephen Elliott 88), Seyi George Olofinjana, Michael Kightly (Michael Gray 78), Matthew Jarvis (Stephen Ward 89), Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Andy Keogh
Subs not used: Graham Stack, Neill Collins
Booked: Darron Gibson 9, Seyi George Olofinjana 16
Goals: Sylvan Ebanks-Blake 53(pen)
Attendance: 27992
Referee: P Armstrong
Teamtalk
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake's penalty ensured Wolves and Coventry's fates would be decided on the final day of the season as the two sides drew 1-1.
Elliott Ward rose highest to put the Sky Blues ahead after 18 minutes in their Championship clash at the Ricoh Arena but Ebanks-Blake netted his 25th goal of the season from the penalty spot.
It was a missed opportunity for Wolves, who could have climbed into the play-offs with a victory after Crystal Palace lost at Hull.
As for the Sky Blues, they will have to wait until next weekend to secure their status in the second tier.
They remain three points clear of the drop zone going into next Sunday's final game at Charlton.
Less than two minutes had passed when Ebanks-Blake fired narrowly past the post as Chris Coleman's side were almost caught cold.
City were slow to get going and had striker Leon Best to thank in the 14th minute when he blocked a volley from Gary Breen following Michael Kightly's corner.
Darron Gibson and Best had efforts blocked at either end before the home side grabbed the lead.
It was a goal any striker would have been proud of as Ward headed Michael Hughes' cross back across goal and into the bottom left corner.
Wolves, 3-0 winners over FA Cup finalists Cardiff in midweek, threatened when Matt Jarvis fired narrowly wide from 12 yards.
But it was City who were dominating the possession.
Gibson failed to test Coventry's on-loan goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel with a 25-yard drive.
Ward showed his worth in his own penalty area as he demonstrated perfect positioning to cut out Kightly's cross.
Jarvis proved a constant menace for the Sky Blues defence down the flank but Andy Keogh failed to convert his pinpoint cross, the Irishman's header bouncing down and over the crossbar.
However, Wolves levelled the scores eight minutes after the break and again they had Ebanks-Blake to thank.
Scott Dann brought down Kightly inside the area and former Plymouth forward Ebanks-Blake struck his penalty straight down the middle for his 10th goal in the last 12 games.
The visitors grew in confidence and it took a smart save from Schmeichel to tip Keogh's powerful shot over the bar.
Jody Craddock and Kightly both had opportunities as Mick McCarthy's side cranked up the pressure but the Sky Blues defence continued to stand firm.
They could even have taken the lead courtesy of Michael Doyle in the 72nd minute but the midfielder skewed his shot over the bar.
Wayne Hennessey twice came to Wolves' rescue to deny City's Maltese forward Michael Mifsud.
Substitute Michael Gray almost stole it for Wolves before Schmeichel parried brilliantly at the death to deny Ebanks-Blake a dramatic late winner.
CCFC
A glorious day at the Ricoh saw a near capacity crowd turn out for the final home game of the 2007/08 campaign between the Sky Blues and Wolves, both battling for points for differing reasons, and they were not let down by a cracking derby.
Elliott Ward's early goal was cancelled out by a Sylvan Ebanks-Blake penalty at the start of a topsy-turvy second period where both sides could have snatched victory.
The visitors required all three points to stay in touch with the play-off chase while a win for City would almost certainly secure their Championship status.
With an electric atmosphere spurring on both sides, the match started at a frenetic pace with some tasty challenges going in from both sets of players in true local derby style.
Two Wolves players were booked inside the opening 16 minutes - Gibson then Olofinjana - and it was from the latter's reckless challenge that City took the lead.
The Nigerian felled Elliott Ward around 40 yards from goal and from the resultant free-kick, Danny Fox floated in a delightful delivery and Ward ghosted into space to head the opener in the 18th minute.
The goal knocked the stuffing out of Wolves who had looked lively before going behind but they created a great opportunity to level the scores in the 37th minute, although Andy Keogh's downward header bounced over the crossbar. Gibson shot wide from distance as the first half drew to a close, leaving City just 45 minutes away from staying in the division.
But for the second home game in succession City conceded a needless penalty early in the second half when Scott Dann clattered Kightly on the right-hand edge of the penalty area to leave the referee in no doubt. Wolves top scorer Sylvan Ebanks-Blake made no mistake, sending Schmeichel the wrong way to level things up on 53.
The goal boosted the visitors and it took a fantastic save from Schmeichel to keep the scoreline at 1-1, as he tipped a close range shot from Keogh onto the crossbar.
Mifsud had a glorious opportunity to regain the lead for City 20 minutes from time, but as he was played through on goal, Hennessey rushed off his line and blocked the Maltese international's shot.
Moments later it was Doyle's turn to waste a gilt-edged chance, volleying narrowly over after Tabb had put him into a one-on-one position with a cleverly played ball.
City were bossing it and Hennessey spilled a drilled cross from Best but fortunately for him, defenders were on hand to clear up. Mifsud produced a top notch save from the Welsh international as the Sky Blues threw everything they could at their opponents.
Wolves proved they were still a threat when Michael Gray forced Schmeichel into another good block with a fiercely struck effort from 25 yards with only four minutes left on the clock.
Despite a few nervy moments at both ends - particularly when Schmeichel denied Ebanks-Blake with a great low save - a draw was probably a fair result from a thrillinng game, especially in the second half.
4thegame
Wolves kept their Championship play-off hopes alive after rescuing a point at Coventry City.
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake's penalty in the 52nd minute gave the visitors the point they needed to stay in touch with sixth-placed Crystal Palace.
Wolves had trailed early on after Coventry defender Elliott Ward scored his fourth goal in three games after he headed in Dan Fox's free-kick after 16 minutes.
It was a game both sides desperately wanted to win, three points would have almost guaranteed Championship football for the struggling Sky Blues, while Wolves could have overtaken Palace.
Both sides were nervous in the early exchanges, with neither settling well.
The breakthrough came by chance, after Seyi Olofinjana brought down Ward 30 yards from goal. Fox's precise ball into the box was met well by Ward, whose glancing effort went past Wayne Hennessey into the bottom corner of the net.
The rest of the first half remained cagey, with Wolves creating the only real chance when Andy Keogh's header bounced down and over the bar.
The second period saw both sides step-up a gear, but it was the visiting side who were to take advantage.
Keogh's neat backpass sent Michael Kightly clear on the right of the box until he was needlessly brought down by defender Scott Dann.
The skilful Ebanks-Blake, who caused the Sky Blues' defence problems all afternoon, stepped up to send the penalty into the back of the net.
Ebanks-Blake could have snatched a win, but Kasper Schmeichel made a double save in the fifth minute of injury time.
posted by SkyBlueSnowy at 10:45 pm
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