Doncaster 1 Coventry 0 - 30/08/2008

Doncaster 1 Coventry 0 - 30/08/2008

Doncaster Rovers: Neil Sullivan, Sam Hird, James O'Connor, James Chambers, Matthew Mills, Richard Wellens (Darren Byfield 88), Brian Stock, James Coppinger, Lewis Guy (Martin Woods 65), James Hayter, Gareth Taylor (Adam Lockwood 81)
Subs not used: Mark Wilson, Paul Heffernan
Goals: Richard Wellens 31

Coventry City: Keiren Westwood, Daniel Fox, Scott Dann, Marcus Hall (Michael Doyle 72), Elliott Ward, Aron Gunnarsson, Guillaume Beuzelin, Jay Tabb, Freddy Eastwood (Leon Best 65), Michael Mifsud, Clinton Morrison (Leon McKenzie 69)
Subs not used: Andy Marshall, Ben Turner

Attendance: 11806
Referee: R Shoebridge

Teamtalk
Richie Wellens produced a moment of magic as Doncaster beat Coventry 1-0 for a first Championship victory at the Keepmoat Stadium this season.

Wellens stunned Coventry after 31 minutes with a superb 25-yard drive which gave goalkeeper Keiren Westwood no chance.

Moments earlier, Freddy Eastwood missed from close range with the goal at his mercy at the opposite end to compound matters for the Sky Blues, who suffered a third defeat in seven days.

Michael Mifsud, substitute Leon Best and Scott Dann also went agonisingly close for the visitors, with the latter denied by a goal-line clearance from Rovers captain Brian Stock late in the first half.

Chris Coleman's Coventry side appeared content to soak up the early pressure as James Coppinger lashed over from 25 yards after six minutes.

There was plenty of industry from both sets of players but nothing in the way of clear-cut chances before the game sprang into life just after the half-hour mark.

Stock first tried his luck with an ambitious volley from the edge of the penalty area but failed to test Westwood.

Eastwood then spurned a gilt-edged opportunity to break the deadlock. Jay Tabb's cross from the right flank caused the Rovers defence problems and Clinton Morrison's near-post flick eventually ran into the path of Eastwood nine yards out, but the Wales international hit the side-netting with a clear sight of goal.

Coventry were left to instantly rue Eastwood's miss as Wellens opened the scoring in style.

The ball broke to the former Oldham and Blackpool midfielder 25 yards out and Wellens unleashed an unstoppable shot which nestled in Westwood's top right-hand corner.

Coppinger could have doubled Doncaster's lead six minutes before the interval but scooped over from 20 yards after jinking in from the right wing.

A series of corners late in the half almost saw Coventry haul themselves back into the game. Dann first powered a firm header just over after meeting Dan Fox's corner on the stroke of half-time and the same combination linked-up minutes later, with Stock this time on hand to hack the ball off the goal-line from directly underneath the crossbar.

The lively Mifsud fired another warning shot to the home side five minutes after the restart with a soaring 20-yard effort which failed to test veteran goalkeeper Neil Sullivan.

Sullivan had to be alert to smother Morrison's scuffed close-range shot from Dann's cushioned header after 57 minutes as Coventry continued to surge forward.

Lewis Guy twice spurned opportunities to ad a second for Rovers either side of a fine finger-tip save from Sullivan to deny Mifsud from 15 yards just after the hour.

The game was rapidly turning into a frenetic end-to-end encounter and Coleman hauled off Morrison and Eastwood and sent on Best and Leon McKenzie in a desperate attempt to muster an equaliser.

With 13 minutes remaining, Dann's header from Aron Gunnarsson's long throw-in was saved by Sullivan and Best could only watch on moments later as his nine-yard shot from Fox's corner rolled wide.

Goal-hero Wellens was given a standing ovation from the home faithful as he was withdrawn late on as Rovers clung on to record a first win since the opening day success at Derby.

CCFC
The Sky Blues are beaten by a goal to nil following a poor display against Doncaster at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Richie Wellens' stunning first half strike was all that separated the sides but in truth the home side had a number of good chances to extend their lead and the Sky Blues now have to face a fortnight with no action on the back of a disappointing defeat.

Freddy Eastwood and Keiren Westwood both returned for the Sky Blues having recovered from injury and manager Chris Coleman was clearly on the offensive as City lined up in a 4-3-3 formation - Michael Mifsud joining Clinton Morrison and Freddy Eastwood up front.

But it was Doncaster who did the early pressing - Richie Wellens coming close to converting a deep cross from the right before he turned provider for the in-form Lewis Guy, whose shot was blocked by Marcus Hall.

City were showing very little as an attacking outlet, doing no more than forcing three corners in the opening stages, which came to nothing,

Doncaster, on the other hand, were playing crisp, lively football and continued to peg City back - Gareth Taylor going close on 26.

Three minutes later and Mifsud had the ball in the back of the net but he had long since been flagged offside.

City were pressing for the first time in the match and on 30 minutes, Freddy Eastwood was guilty of missing a gilt-edged chance, blasting into the side netting from no more than 10 yards after Morrison laid a Jay Tabb cross back to him.

And the Sky Blues were instantly made to regret that missed opportunity when Wellens gave the home side the lead on 31 minutes in spectacular style. Picking the ball up some 30 yards from goal, no City man closed him down and he unleashed a ferocious drive into the top corner, leaving Westwood with no chance.

Slack play from City allowed James Coppinger to break from midfield but he blasted over from the edge of the box before Mifsud showed no composure, blazing well over after he had broken the offside trap.

Right at the end of the first half, Scott Dann came close to replicating his last ditch heroics against Newcastle, heading a Danny Fox corner towards the goal only for Doncaster skipper Brian Stock to clear off the line.

Coleman made no changes at the break, giving his players a chance to redeem themselves after a below par first 45 and on 50 minutes Mifsud fired narrowly over from the edge of the box.

Morrison was next to go close for City, but strong defending from Matt Mills prevented the forward getting a clean strike after he collected from a Mifsud cross.

Elliott Ward breathed a huge sigh of relief with half an hour left on the clock when his poor clearance allowed Lewis Guy a clear run on goal but the Doncaster man fired wide.

City broke and Mifsud brought a good save from Neil Sullivan but the game had become extremely stretched with Doncaster going close to scoring a second on the counter attack through Gareth Taylor.

Coleman made his first chance on 65 minutes, introducing fit-again Leon Best for a frustrated Eastwood who had failed to produce on his return from injury.

The Sky Blues boss didn't wait long to make his final two changes, bringing on Leon McKenzie for Clinton Morrison before Michael Doyle replaced Marcus Hall, with Aron Gunnarsson switching to right-back.

Amidst all the changes, Doncaster threatened to double their lead as substitute Martin Woods hit a low drive inches wide from 18 yards.

On 77 minutes, Gunnarsson unleashed his first long throw-in of the afternoon, finding McKenzie whose glancing header forced a fairly routine save from Sullivan.

With eight minutes remaining, Adam Lockwood replaced Gareth Taylor for Doncaster and he nearly scored with his first touch, heading over from close range.

There was to be no late drama in this match, City applying little pressure in the dying stages as Doncaster picked up a win they thoroughly deserved.

4thegame
A stunning first-half strike from man-of-the-match Richie Wellens earned Doncaster their first Championship home win.

Wellens unleashed a spectacular 25-yarder in the 31st minute and Keiren Westwood had no chance of saving as the ball rocketed into the top corner.

It was another important scalp for the newly-promoted surprise package from League One after winning at Derby on the opening day.

There had been little to choose between the sides up to the goal as both teams produced some excellent football although there had been little penetration into the penalty box.

But the goal brought the game to life and James Coppinger had a chance to add a second in the 39th minute but chipped over the crossbar after James Hayter had robbed Guillaume Beuzelin of possession.

Coventry stepped up the pressure just before the interval to earn a series of corners that caused the home fans some anxious moments.

Visiting skipper Scott Dann had a header cleared off the line by Brian Stock and then Neil Sullivan did well to claw another effort from Elliott Ward from under the crossbar.

Both sides continued to attack in the second half but Clinton Morrison miscued when well-placed to equalise in the 57th minute after Jay Tabb had created the chance.

Lewis Guy squandered a good opportunity when he fired wildly wide after Gareth Taylor had sent him clean through in the 62nd minute and missed another chance following good work by Coppinger a couple of minutes later.

Rovers should have won by a wider margin but James Hayter missed by inches in the 72nd minute and then Taylor headed wide following good work by James Chambers.

The home side finished on top with Adam Lockwood wasting another opportunity when he headed wide with the goal at his mercy seven minutes from time.

Coventry 2 Newcastle 3 (aet) - LC2 - 26/08/2008

Coventry 2 Newcastle 3 (aet) - 26/08/2008

Coventry City: Andy Marshall, Marcus Hall, Daniel Fox, Scott Dan, Elliot Ward, Michael Mifsud, Jay Tabb (Donovan Simpson 88), Aron Gunnarsson, Guillaume Beuzelin (Michael Doyle 62), Clinton Morrison, Leon McKenzie (Julian Gray 73)
Subs not used: Daniel Ireland, Ben Turner, Kevin Thornton, Jordan Clarke
Booked: Marcus Hall, Daniel Fox
Goals: Clinton Morrison 45, Scott Dann 90

Newcastle Uniteds: Shay Given, Fabricio Coloccini, Sanchez Diaz, Danny Guthrie, Sebastien Bassong, Charles N'Zogbia, James Milner, Jonas Guttierez, Geremi (Michael Owen 74), Habib Beye, Nicky Butt
Subs not used: Steve Harper, Steven Taylor, David Edgar, Ben Tozer, Ryan Donaldson, Nile Ranger
Goals: Scott Dann 21 (og), James Milner 38, Michael Owen 97

Attendance: 19249
Referee: A Bates

Teamtalk
Michael Owen slotted home an extra-time winner as Newcastle finally disposed of Coventry 3-2 in their Carling Cup second-round encounter.

Other than Owen, no-one of a Newcastle persuasion, player, coach, owner or fan, would have taken even a perverse pleasure from Scott Dann's stoppage-time leveller to send the game into extra-time.

But for Owen, introduced as a substitute near the end, it represented another 30 minutes fitness and, more importantly, another opportunity to score.

And the England forward duly obliged, speeding past a static Coventry defence and chipping Andy Marshall to give the Magpies a victory early efforts from Charles N'Zogbia and James Milner should have given them without the extra effort.

Given his key talks with owner Mike Ashley on Wednesday that should plot a way forward for the Tyneside giants, Keegan might have seen positives and negatives in the way his team performed for the vast majority of the contest.

The two goals they did score could easily have been doubled without much effort. And this from a team without a recognised striker.

Yet pleased as Keegan must have been with the performance of his side, it overshadowed some basic home truths.

Against Coventry, a limited side for all their hustle and bustle, the Magpies looked good.

Against teams from the top half of the Premier League they will struggle.

The carnage at the end of each half merely exposed such shortcomings and the damage could really have been bad if extra-time had brought more Sky Blues joy rather than a string of agonising near misses.

Keegan has made no secret of the fact he is looking for at least one more defender, a midfielder and a striker before the transfer window closes next Monday.

Yet for all the talk of signings, there is as much speculation about those who may leave.

James Milner figures high on that list, with Aston Villa keen to tie up a deal for the England Under-21 international.

On this form though, Newcastle could do with him.

A constant thorn in Coventry's side it was hardly a surprise Milner should play a major role in both Newcastle's goals.

The first came as a result of Milner's burst of pace down the left, which caught Coventry napping, allowing the former Leeds man to send a low cross towards the near post which Charles N'Zogbia, without a goal since last September, to squeeze home.

Milner scored the second himself, although it was hardly one of his finest as Marshall's hesitation allowed the cross-shot to skip through the Coventry defence and into the far corner.

Badly outclassed, Coventry looked ripe for a hammering.

But a couple of outstanding interventions from Dann, the second of which left Milner with his head in his hands, kept Newcastle in reach.

And when Jay Tabb failed to collect Clinton Morrison's square pass, the ball bounced back to the Republic of Ireland hit-man, whose well-struck shot hit the net just as the stadium announcer was confirming one additional minute to be added on.

If Marshall was at fault for the visitors second, he redeemed himself immediately after the restart with a fine block to deny Milner before Danny Guthrie fired wildly over.

The former Bolton man thought his next effort was going in before it cannoned wide off Marcus Hall midway through the second period, Newcastle again dominant even though their lead was precarious.

Owen's introduction for Geremi eventually came 15 minutes from time in a bid to quell the head of steam Coventry were starting to build up.

The move appeared to have worked.

But Newcastle could not survive one more bomb from Aron Gunnarsson, whose long throws had been a problem all night.

And with the contest deep in injury time, Dann leapt highest to power the tie into an extra half hour. Little did the defender know it but he was playing right into Owen's hands.

Coventry came desperately close at the end through Robbie Simpson before Elliott Ward's header crashed back off the bar, kept trying until the end.

But Owen was the matchwinner, in an instant proving his worth to England, even if problems for club and country go far deeper.

CCFC
COVENTRY City's Carling Cup campaign came to an end with a 3-2 extra-time defeat to Kevin Keegan's Newcastle United.

Berating his players though will be the last thing on City boss Chris Coleman's mind though after they constructed a valiant fightback from two goals down before an extra-time strike from substitute Michael Owen reinstated Toon's lead.

Clinton Morrison kept Coventry City's hopes of a Carling Cup third round berth alive with a first half injury-time goal to leave the Sky Blues trailing 2-1 at half time.

It appeared the Sky Blues would have it all to do in the second half after scrappy goals from Charles N'Zogbia and James Milner left Coventry trailing.

City did most of the early running with Michael Mifsud's pace proving enough to ensure two Magpies defenders constantly gave him attention.

And Jay Tabb also had a half penalty shout turned down by referee Anthony Bates after a challenge by Sebastian Bassong.

But the Sky Blues eventually fell victim to a foiled offside trap on 20 minutes which allowed James Milner to work his way into the penalty area across the goal line and cut back for N'Zogbia who just managed to squeeze the ball past Andy Marshall.

Milner then turned from provider into inadvertent scorer when his cross after 37 minutes evaded all in the box including Marshall, the ball creeping just inside Marshall's far post.

Morrison managed to raise City heads with his late strike though, Tabb's half effort falling to him just inside the box and allowing him to lift an effort over Shay Given and into the top corner.

A comparitively eventless second half then left the Sky Blues staring defeat in the face until City skipper Scott Dann popped up with a header off Aron Gunnarsson's mammoth throw-in in the last of two added second-half minutes to complete a superb comeback with his first competitive goal for the club.

But despite Newcastle being on the back foot for the start of extra time, Owen broke City fans' hearts with a third Magpies goal six minutes into the first half. his effort stabbed past an oncoming Marshall.

Robbie Simpson almost levelled again for Coventry three minutes before the break, Morrison's deft chested touch into his path allowing him to unleash a low shot to Given's right which the Irishman had to be at full stretch to save.

And Elliott Ward also had an opportunity to make it 3-3 with the last action of the half, Danny Fox's deep corner headed back across goal for an unmarked Ward to power a header at goal only to see his effort crash against Given's upright.

Unfortunately for Coleman and his brave side though, they never came any closer to scoring in the second half of extra time as Newcastle were forced to slow the pace with their throw-ins, free-kicks and goal kicks to see out the remainder of the game.

But despite the defeat, the Sky Blues' excellent efforts did not go unnoticed by 16,000 home supporters who gave them a standing ovation at the full-time whistle.

Telegraph
A Michael Owen goal booked Newcastle's place in the Carling Cup third round in a hard-fought win over Coventry.

The Magpies went in front when James Milner's square ball was put into his own net by defender Scott Dann.

Milner's inswinging cross sneaked inside the far post for their second before Clinton Morrison pulled one back for Coventry with a 20-yard curler.

Dann headed a powerful equaliser in stoppage time, but Owen's neat finish secured the win early in extra-time.

Newcastle were deserved winners but Sky Blues boss Chris Coleman will be delighted with the way his side pushed the Premier League side all the way.

Morrison's goal came shortly before the half-time whistle and Dann's equaliser arrived three minutes into added time.

After substitute Owen put Newcastle back in front with a side-footed finish from inside the area, Coventry should have pegged them back again right at the end of the first period of extra-time when Elliott Ward's free header rattled the crossbar.

Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan told BBC Radio Newcastle:

"It was a heck of a cup tie in the end. I think we played some great football but we were guilty near the end of the first-half of almost showboating.

"I just thought we got a bit, not cocky, but over-confident and of course they knocked a goal in and at 2-1 the tie was right back on."

Coventry 0 Bristol City 3 - 23/08/2008

Coventry 0 Bristol City 3 - 23/08/2008

Coventry City: Keiren Westwood (Andy Marshall 21), Elliott Ward, Scott Dann, Daniel Fox, Guillaume Beuzelin, Julian Gray, Jay Tabb, Aron Gunnarsson, Michael Mifsud (Robbie Simpson 73), Freddy Eastwood (Leon McKenzie 45), Clinton Morrison
Subs not used: Ben Turner, Michael Doyle
Booked: Guillaume Beuzelin 86, Clinton Morrison 76, Daniel Fox 78

Bristol City: Adriano Basso, Jamie McAllister, Louis Carey (Andrew Webster 64), Brian Wilson, Bradley Orr, Liam Fontaine, Michael McIndoe, Cole Skuse, Lee Johnson, Nicky Maynard (Ivan Sproule 81), Dele Adebola (Stephen Brooker 76)
Subs not used: Lee Trundle, Chris Weale
Booked: Lee Johnson 14
Goals: Dele Adebola 17, Michael McIndoe 54, Stephen Brooker 90

Attendance: 17994
Referee: P Dowd

Teamtalk
Dele Adebola scored one and made another against his former club as Bristol City defeated Championship leaders Coventry 3-0 at the Ricoh Arena.

Adebola, a Sky Blues player for four-and-a-half years before his move to Bristol City in January, gave the Robins the lead in controversial circumstances in a fiery first half before setting up Michael McIndoe after the break.

Substitute Steve Brooker added a third goal in injury-time at the end of the game.

The opening goal game after Adebola clashed with Coventry goalkeeper Keiren Westwood as the pair challenged for McIndoe's left-wing cross.

The coming-together on the penalty spot left Westwood motionless on the ground, and as Coventry players appealed for referee Phil Dowd to award a free-kick in their favour, Adebola manoeuvred himself from his position on the floor to poke the ball over the line.

The restart was held up by several minutes as Westwood, visibly shaken, tried to regain his composure. However, he had to be replaced by Andy Marshall.

Adebola's goal in the 17th minute was against the run of play after Coventry had enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges.

Sky Blues striker Michael Mifsud perhaps had a point to prove against the club that almost signed him last month.

Mifsud's protracted £1.5million move to Bristol City collapsed after Robins boss Gary Johnson pulled the plug on the deal, questioning if Mifsud had the 'right personality' to play for the Ashton Gate club.

But the Malta international looked lively and dangerous playing on the right-hand side of midfield.

Coventry thought they should have been awarded a penalty in the 36th minute when Liam Fontaine appeared to pull Clinton Morrison's shirt and send the striker crashing to the ground as he advanced towards goal.

Sky Blues manager Chris Coleman was so incensed by Dowd's decision not to point to the spot that he was sent from the touchline for his protests.

Morrison missed two glorious chances to equalise in injury-time at the end of the first half.

A defensive mistake allowed him through on goal but with just Adriano Basso to beat he lifted the bouncing ball over the Brazilian and wide.

Another chance fell the Republic of Ireland international's way soon after, but Basso produced an instinctive one-handed save from point-blank range to keep out his header.

Coventry were made to pay when McIndoe struck nine minutes after the restart.

Adebola played the ball into the winger's path on the left-hand side of the penalty area and McIndoe found the far corner with a splendid shot that went in off the post.

The hosts could have halved their deficit immediately when Basso rushed from his goal to make a clearance and presented the ball to Leon McKenzie on the left-hand touchline.

But McKenzie, a half-time substitute for Freddy Eastwood, sent his effort over the unguarded net from midway inside the Bristol City half.

It was Marshall's turn to have an aberration in the 63rd minute. His heavy touch from a routine back-pass was pounced upon by Nicky Maynard, but Elliott Ward came to Marshall's rescue by heading the Bristol City striker's shot off the line.

The Robins could have sealed the game with six minutes remaining when substitute Ivan Sproule raced clear, but Marshall saved with his legs when one-on-one.

Immediately afterwards at the other end, Basso produced a superb save to tip Morrison's header from inside the six-yard box on to the post.

Bristol City did score a third goal when Brooker, a 76th-minute replacement for Adebola, controlled Sproule's mishit shot and turned to fire a low shot past the helpless Marshall from 10 yards out.

CCFC
COVENTRY City fell to their first defeat of the season at the Ricoh Arena after strikes from Bristol City's Dele Adebola, Michael McIndoe and substitute Steve Brooker replicated the result of the same fixture last season.

The Sky Blues went into half-time trailing to an opportunistic strike by former Sky Blue Adebola.

And McIndoe gave Coventry a mountain to climb eight minutes after the break with a low shot across the six-yard box which beat substitute 'keeper Andy Marshall at his far post.

Brooker then secured the three points for the visitors with an unstoppable close range shot in injury time.

Coventry started off by far the better of the two sides but Adebola, who challenged Sky Blues 'keeper Keiren Westwood for a cross from Jamie McAllister on 16 minutes, benefitted when Westwood crashed to the ground from the challenge and swung a spare leg to scoop the ball into the net.

Westwood was also substituted as a result of the clash after suffering a mild concussion, Andy Marshall taking his place to get his first taste of league action this season.

In an event-filled first half, Sky Blues manager Chris Coleman was also sent into the stands by referee Phil Dowd after voicing his frustration at a penalty claim denied by Dowd after Clinton Morrison appeared to be pulled back in the penalty box while chasing a through ball from Freddy Eastwood.

Adebola's effort was infact Bristol's only real effort on target for the whole of the first half while the Sky Blues created numerous chances, most foiled by Robins 'keeper Adriano Basso.

Michael Mifsud cut inside defender McAllister at the goal line on the right hand side midway through the half, only to have the loose ball scooped up by Basso.

Eastwood also had an early effort turned away for a corner by the shot stopper.

He was most needed in the final moments of the first half though, Mifsud's low shot beaten away, Morrison's attempted lob cleared away from the goalmouth and a bobbling ball in the box having to be cleared off the line just before the break to deny the Sky Blues a deserved equaliser.

Leon McKenzie replaced Freddy Eastwood at half time for the Sky Blues and added his own dimension down the right wing but, bar a late header from Morrison which hit the far post and bounced away from goal, the Sky Blues's second half chances were limited in comparison to the opening period.

Bristol on the other hand could have had a third goal earlier than they did when Ivan Sproule beat Jay Tabb for pace six minutes from time, only to be denied in a one-on-one with Marshall.

The Robins got their third in the first minute of injury time though, a right-sided cross avoiding all in the box except Steve Brooker who smashed his shot home to leave the Sky Blues with no way back.

4thegame
Former Coventry City striker Dele Adebola returned to haunt his old club as Bristol City maintained their unbeaten start to the season.

The Robins took the lead in the 17th minute despite Coventry fans feeling their goalkeeper Keiren Westwood had been fouled in the lead up to the goal.

Michael McIndoe swung a high cross into the box from the left and Westwood was left on the ground as he challenged Adebola for the ball. Despite the best efforts of the Coventry defence, the big striker knocked the ball into the net.

After receiving treatment for three minutes, the Sky Blues' keeper was replaced by Andy Marshall.

Referee Phil Dowd then further enraged the home supporters when he refused to give Coventry a penalty after Bristol City defender Liam Fontaine pulled back Clinton Morrison inside the box.

The Staffordshire official then sent Coventry manager Chris Coleman to the stand after he made his feelings known about the decision.

Coventry had three chances to equalise in first-half stoppage time when keeper Adriano Basso saved efforts from Michael Mifsud and Morrison and the former Crystal Palace forward also hit the sidenetting.

The visitors doubled their advantage in the 54th minute when Adebola turned defender Scott Dann after receiving Bradley Orr's throw-in. The striker hit a pass to McIndoe and he cut in from the left to drill a low shot into the far corner.

Substitute Leon McKenzie wasted two great chances for Coventry and Morrison then saw Basso make a point-blank save from his close-range header.

Bristol City added a third goal in the 90th minute when substitutes Ivan Sproule and Steve Brooker combined for the latter to knock the ball home from ten yards.

Barnsley 1 Coventry 2 - 16/08/2008

Barnsley 1 Coventry 2 - 16/08/2008

Barnsley: Luke Steele, Darren Moore, Bobby Hassell (Kayode Odejayi 86), Steven Foster, Dennis Souza, Ayarza Diego Leon, Martin Devaney, Brian Howard, Gary Teale (Maceo Rigters 74), Iain Hume, Jon Macken,
Subs not used: Robert Atkinson, Miguel Angel Mostto, Jacob Butterfield
Booked: Brian Howard 82, Iain Hume 59, Steven Foster 82, Jon Macken 80
Sent off: Iain Hume 80
Goals: Brian Howard 44

Coventry City: Keiren Westwood, Elliott Ward, Scott Dann, Daniel Fox, Julian Gray (Leon McKenzie 79), Jay Tabb, Guillaume Beuzelin, Aron Gunnarsson, Michael Mifsud (Michael Doyle 87), Clinton Morrison (Robbie Simpson 85), Freddy Eastwood
Subs not used: Ben Turner, Danny Ireland
Booked: Clinton Morrison 42, Leon McKenzie 84, Freddy Eastwood 34
Goals: Freddy Eastwood 12, Julian Gray 68

Attendance: 12987
Referee: S Bratt

Teamtalk
Julian Gray proved to be Barnsley's nemesis once again as his second-half winner handed Coventry a 2-1 win over the 10-man Tykes at Oakwell.

The winger scored in both victories over the Tykes last season, and was once again the match winner in an entertaining encounter at Oakwell.

The Sky Blues, who kept up their 100% record to this season with three victories, found themselves in front against the run of play in the 11th minute - when Freddy Eastwood fired a cross in from the right which evaded everyone and nestled into the bottom corner.

It was Eastwood's first goal for almost a year, the last coming against Blackpool on August 25, and it gave his side a surprise lead in South Yorkshire.

Brian Howard's clinical finish on the stroke of half-time earned the hosts a deserved equaliser. But Gray's 68th-minute strike and Iain Hume's red card made for a miserable second half for the Reds, who have now lost three games on the spin.

New signing Teale went straight into the Barnsley starting line-up, with manager Simon Davey missing eight first-team players because of injury and suspensions.

Coventry manager Chris Coleman made one change to the side which beat Norwich 2-0 last Saturday - Michael Mifsud, who impressed against Aldershot in midweek, replacing injured right-back Stephen Wright. That meant Aron Gunnarsson moved into defence, with Mifsud on the right of midfield.

The hosts created a few early half-chances, Diego Leon the main architect in some adventurous play.

It was from an inswinging Leon corner that Barnsley almost took the lead.

Darren Moore showed real strength to meet the cross on the edge of the six-yard box, but his powerful header was brilliantly saved by Kieren Westwood.

Just as the Tykes looked like pressing home their advantage, the visitors went in front through Eastwood's cross-shot.

The goal deflated the hosts, forced back by City for large periods of the opening half, and they almost found themselves further behind with Elliott Ward struck the post with a header.

But with only a minute left before half-time, Howard pounced to send the Tykes in at the break on level terms.

The second half began like the first,

Barnsley doing most of the pressing without really testing Westwood - and their lacklustre finishing proved costly when Gray picked up a pass from Eastwood before curling a left-footed shot into the bottom corner.

Despite throwing strikers Kayode Odejayi and Maceo Rigters into action late in the second half, Barnsley continued to struggle in front of goal - and their task became even harder when summer signing Hume was shown a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Mifsud 10 minutes from time.

CCFC
COVENTRY City secured their second league win on the bounce over ten-man Barnsley at Oakwell thanks to strikes from Freddy Eastwood and Julian Gray.

City took the lead through Eastwood after 11 minutes despite enduring a difficult first 45 minutes which saw Brian Howard net an equaliser just before the break.

But Gray linked up with Eastwood seven minutes after the hour mark to reinstate the Sky Blues' lead and hand them the three points.

Eastwood bagged his first competitive strike for the club early on, the Welsh international's cross-cum shot finding its way through a packed penalty box to creep past Barnsley 'keeper Luke Steele.

But Brian Howard grabbed a just equaliser for the hosts two minutes before the interval, connecting on the half volley with a cross from Gary Teale.

Barnsley controlled proceedings for much of the first half, Sky Blues 'keeper Keiren Westwood called upon three times early on to palm a way a dangerous cross from Iain Hume after three minutes and a point-blank headed effort from Darren Moore and a dangerous near-post free-kick effort from Diego Leon in quick succession two minutes later.

Eastwood gave City the lead against the run of play though, picking the ball up on the right wing and swinging in a low cross which evaded everyone including the ensuing Clinton Morrison to trickle into the net.

Elliott Ward nearly made it 2-0 soon after, Danny Fox's free-kick floating to the waiting centre-half at the far post only for Ward's cross-goalmouth effort to rebound off the post.

Barnsley deserved their equaliser though after a confident opening 45 minutes seemingly out of character to their so-far disappointing start to the season.

Teale latched on to a through ball on the right and hit a first-time cross at the right height for Howard to smash home, leaving the impressive Westwood with no chance.

Coventry turned the tide in the second half after being hampered by a strong wind for the opening 45 minutes.

And they got the second period off to a good start, Michael Mifsud cutting inside the penalty box and playing across to Eastwood whose powerful shot was turned away by Steele.

Gray and Eastwood showed signs of good link up play after 50 minutes, the pair exchanging one-touch passes before Gray whipped in a cross which fell to Eastwood whose shot was deflected away for a corner.

But they linked up more successfully six minutes after the hour mark when Eastwood called for the ball from his 'keeper who duly delivered, allowing Eastwood to take the ball away from Bobby Hassell on the left and then Darren Moore before sliding in Gray on the overlap, the winger then curling a shot around Steele and just inside the far post.

Barnsley's task was made even more difficult when Iain Hume was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence, bringing down Eastwood near the corner flag 11 minutes from time.

But despite being a man down, the Tykes had a late half-chance to level through Diego Leon, the ball falling to the South American at the far post although his low effort was equalled by the impressive Westwood who got his body behind the effort.

4thegame
Wolves may not have wanted him, but Wales international striker Freddie Eastwood is certainly proving a big hit at Midlands rivals Coventry.

Eastwood, 24, left Molineux in the summer in a £1.5million move to the Ricoh Arena and it is already looking like money well spent.

Eastwood scored one and made the other as the Sky Blues continued their fine run at Oakwell.

They had walloped Barnsley 4-1 on the opening day of last season - and they again spoiled the party by winning the Tykes' first home game of the new campaign.

Eastwood's performance brought a glowing tribute from his manager Chris Coleman, who said: "Freddie has that little bit extra special something that we haven't got in the rest of the squad.

"He can create something out of nothing and also score a goal out of nothing.'' Eastwood did just that in the 12th minute to put Coventry ahead in their first real attack.

He drilled in a left-foot shot that eluded strike partner Clinton Morrison and went straight in unaided.

Barnsley had started brightly with Spaniard Diego Leon catching the eye, but for the second Championship game in a row, the Tykes struggled to convert their chances.

Coventry almost went two-up when big defender Elliott Ward struck the post with a firm far-post header.

Barnsley did manage to draw level a minute before the break when skipper Brian Howard slammed in a terrific left-foot shot from Gary Teale's cross from the right.

Coventry regained the advantage in the 68th minute when good work by keeper Kieron Westwood and the impressive Eastwood enabled Julian Gray to curl a delightful right-foot shot in off the far post.

Barnsley were denied a penalty by referee Steven Bratt following a handball appeal and the official then sent off the home side's livewire striker Iain Hume ten minutes from time for a second bookable offence.

Coventry 3 Aldershot 1 - LC1 - 13/08/2008

Coventry 3 Aldershot 1 - LC1 - 13/08/2008

Coventry City: Daniel Ireland, Stephen Wright, Scott Dann, Ben Turner, Daniel Fox, Donovan Simpson (Leon McKenzie 69), Aron Gunnarsson (Michael Doyle 90), Guillaume Beuzelin, Michael Mifsud, Freddy Eastwood, Clinton Morrison.
Subs Not Used: Andy Marshall, Elliot Ward, Chris Birchall, Gary Borrowdale, Adam Walker.
Booked: Aron Gunnarsson, Stephen Wright
Goals: Clinton Morrison 31, Donovan Simpson 58, 65

Aldershot: Nikki Bull, Ben Starosta, Chris Blackburn, Anthony Charles, Dean Howell, Louie Soares (Junior Mendes 85), Scott Donnelly (Lewis Chalmers 69), Kirk Hudson, Ben Harding, John Grant, Marvin Morgan (Danny Hylton 69).
Subs Not Used: Mikgael Jaimez-Ruiz, Rhys Day, Rob Elvins, Ricky Newman.
Booked: Danny Hylton.
Goals: Marvin Morgan 37

Attendance: 9,293
Referee: J Singh

Teamtalk
Coventry cruised into the Carling Cup second round with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Aldershot at the Ricoh Arena on Wednesday night.

Clinton Morrison's first goal for the Sky Blues opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark, only for Marvin Morgan's 25-yard deflected free-kick to draw the League Two side level shortly after.

Chris Coleman's outfit turned on the style after the break and Robbie Simpson converted Daniel Fox's outswinging corner before grabbing his second seven minutes later with a neat finish from 18 yards.

It was Aldershot striker Morgan who had the first shot of the match after just four minutes but his effort was cleared away by defender Scott Dann.

However, the home side soon imposed their authority and both Guillaume Beuzelin and Freddy Eastwood went close.

Shots keeper Nikki Bull was on hand to produce a great stop to keep out Simpson's header midway through the first half, but he could do nothing about Morrison's opener after 31 minutes.

Eastwood found himself in space on the left side of the penalty area and he delivered a perfect cross for the Republic of Ireland striker to tap home from six yards.

But Shots were level just six minutes later when Morgan's 25-yard free-kick took a wicked deflection to wrongfoot keeper Daniel Ireland.

Bull again denied Coventry striker Michael Mifsud with a stunning save before the break to ensure the score remained level at half time.

But the hosts upped the tempo after the restart and Simpson converted from 12 yards to give them the lead they deserved.

The forward was again on target seven minutes later, firing home from 18 yards after good work by the impressive Eastwood.

And Bull had to be on top of his game to again deny Mifsud as the hosts closed the game out for a well-deserved victory.

CCFC
A second half Robbie Simpson double and a first strike for Clinton Morrison handed the Sky Blues a Carling Cup Second Round berth following their 3-1 first round win over Aldershot Town on Wednesday night.

The sides went in level at 1-1 at half-time but a double from Simpson in the second half put paid to any fears of a long night at the Ricoh.

Coventry endured a less than ideal first half despite rarely being threatened in the first half, Morrison bagging his first goal ina City shirt after half an hour, only for Scott Donnelly's cruelly deflected free kick effort for Shot six minutes later to creep past Coventry's debutant 'keeper Danny Ireland.

The visitors looked lively throughout the first half but apart from a third-minute opportunity when striker John Grant beat the offside trap to unsuccessfully lob Ireland, the away side rarely threatened.

The Sky Blues looked equally lively and looked far more dangerous from distance, Freddy Eastwood twice having efforts turned around the post by Shots 'keeper Nikki Bull.

But it was his cross for Robbie Simpson which almost opened the scoring after 25 minutes, Simpson rising at the far post to head at goal, but Bull equal to it.

Coventry finally got on the scoresheet after half an hour though, Eastwood ghosting in from a flick on by Morrison before cutting back at the goal line for his attacking partner who applied an easy finish.

Morrison got his first goal for the Sky Blues

But Shot were on level terms six minutes later, Donnelly's set-piece effort clipping the top of the City wall and sending Ireland the wrong way.

The Sky Blues came out a much improved side for the second half though, reinstating their lead three minutes before the hour mark when Simpson picked up a bobbled ball in the area from a Danny Fox corner to blast inside Bull's near post.

And it got better for Simpson seven minutes later, Eastwood's crossfield ball finding him just inside the area to fire through traffic and into the far corner, completing a double on the same stage where he scored his first goal for Coventry last season.

Eastwood was desperately unlucky not to be on the scoresheet himself, twice being denied his first Coventry goal by the width of a far post.

But he more than played his part, supplying the passes for two of City's three goals which sees them into the next round of the Carling Cup.

Telegraph

Coventry 3-1 Aldershot

Coventry cruised into the Carling Cup second round with a comfortable victory over Aldershot.

Clinton Morrison's tap-in, his first goal for the Sky Blues, opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark.

Marvin Morgan's 25-yard deflected free-kick drew the League Two side level shortly after.

But Robbie Simpson converted Daniel Fox's outswinging corner before grabbing his second seven minutes later with a neat finish from 18 yards.

Coventry 2 Norwich 0 - 09/08/2008

Coventry 2 Norwich 0 - 09/08/2008

Coventry City: Keiren Westwood, Stephen Wright, Daniel Fox, Elliott Ward, Scott Dann, Guillaume Beuzelin, Aron Gunnarsson, Jay Tabb (Robbie Simpson 45), Julian Gray (Leon McKenzie 70), Freddy Eastwood (Kevin Thornton 83), Clinton Morrison,
Subs not used: Ben Turner, Danny Ireland
Booked: Leon McKenzie 85
Goals: Elliot Ward (48 pen), Leon McKenzie (86)

Norwich City: David Marshall, Dejan Stefanovic, Elliot Omozusi, John Kennedy, Jason Shackell, Wes Hoolahan, Sammy Clingan (Darel Russell 80), Mark Fotheringham, Lee Croft, Jamie Cureton, Arturo Lupoli (Koroma 63),
Subs not used: Adam Drury, Matty Pattison, Stuart Nelson
Booked: Dejan Stefanovic 39, Mark Fotheringham 77

Attendance: 22607
Referee: C. Webster

Teamtalk
Former Norwich striker Leon McKenzie came back to haunt his old club as he scored the final goal in Coventry's 2-0 victory over the Canaries.
Centre-back Elliott Ward gave the Sky Blues the lead as he converted from the spot moments after the second half had kicked off following a seemingly innocuous challenge by midfielder Sammy Clingan on Stephen Wright.

McKenzie's late strike earned Chris Coleman's men all three points as a total of 12 debutants took to the field at the Ricoh Arena.

Canaries boss Glenn Roeder gave debuts to six of his summer signings including on-loan Fiorentina striker Arturo Lupoli and former Portsmouth defender Dejan Stefanovic but it was the lesser-known John Kennedy who made the biggest early impact for the visitors.

The on-loan Celtic defender was on hand to make a vital block in the 16th minute when Coventry winger Julian Gray's cross-cum-shot drifted goalbound.

And five minutes later the Scot proved his attacking pedigree with a spectacular overhead kick which would have given his team the lead had team-mate Lee Croft not got in the way and inadvertently deflected the ball wide.

Coleman opted to field a completely new-look strike force as Freddy Eastwood and Clinton Morrison lined up alongside each other in the Sky Blues attack for the first time since their summer moves from Wolves and Crystal Palace respectively but neither player was afforded any space by a stoic Canaries defence.

It was the visitors who continued to press for the opener and the home defence were almost breached in the 27th minute as Jason Shackell leapt above static Coventry centre-back Ward but could not generate enough power from his header to test goalkeeper Keiren Westwood.

Former Arsenal striker Lupoli began to threaten towards the end of the first half but his optimistic effort from 20 yards out did not have the power to trouble Westwood.

But the home side came out of the tunnel a rejuvenated side and immediately took the lead at the start of the second half.

Jay Tabb was replaced by Robbie Simpson at the break but it was fellow midfielder Guillaume Beuzelin, a free signing from Hibernian this summer, who proved the inspiration for the Sky Blues' first goal of the 2008-09 campaign.

Beuzelin picked up the ball in the 46th minute and darted forward before feeding former Sunderland full-back Wright who took one touch before being felled by Norwich midfielder Clingan in the area.

Clingan's challenge appeared innocuous but referee Colin Webster had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and centre-back Ward stepped up to lash home the resulting spot-kick into the top right corner to give his side the lead.

The visitors were visibly riled by the decision and seemed determined to restore parity as soon as possible but Sky Blues goalkeeper Westwood was equal to Jamie Cureton's turn and shot after Croft's cross in the 52nd minute.

Roeder withdrew the diminutive Lupoli in the 62nd minute in favour of on-loan Portsmouth striker Omar Koroma in a bid to add a more physical presence to his attack.

And his decision almost paid off six minutes later as the Gambian striker found himself one on one but his effort was bravely smothered by Westwood.

The former Carlisle goalkeeper was in inspired form all day and had to call on all his agility to tip Croft's clipped effort over the crossbar in the 76th minute.

But it was McKenzie who put the result beyond doubt as the 69th-minute substitute followed up Morrison's effort which rebounded back off the bar and comfortably into his path to tap home and give his side all three points.

CCFC
Coventry City made a superb start to the new season with two-second half goals to down the Canaries at the Ricoh Arena.

Elliott Ward was on target with a penalty just after the start of the second half.

But the story of the day was Leon McKenzie who came on as a second half substitute to net his 100th career league goal after an eight month injury lay-off.

The Sky Blues made a steady start in a reasonably eventless first half with limited opportunities from both sides.

Glenn Roeder's side enjoyed the lion's share of opportunities in the first period but it was City who went closest to opening the scoring when Julian Gray's cross-cum-shot just after quarter or an hour looped just over Norwich 'keeper David Marshall and his crossbar.

Norwich had more half chances to go ahead though, Lee Croft just failing to get a foot on a low cross from Arturo Lupoli, a flick from Jamie Cureton just putting the ball out of reach on seven minutes.

John Kennedy also had a chance to get on the scoresheet after 20 minutes with an athletic overhead kick from a corner delivery, only for his strike to go straight to Gunnarsson who made the clearance .

But it was Lupoli who provided most of the worries for the Sky Blues on the left flank, twice being denied in the six yard box by two solid blocks from Elliott Ward which both resulted in fruitless corners.

Coventry showed plenty of promise with their new look side though, Gunnarsson providing a number of probing balls and Freddy Eastwood and Clinton Morrison both looking lively.

Debutant 'keeper Keiren Westwood was also rarely troubled despite Norwich's dominance of possession in the first half with the back four of Ward, Scott Dann, Stephen Wright and Danny Fox remaining reasonably comfortable.

It was a complete reversal of fortunes after the break though, Coventry doing most of the running and finding themselves ahead just a minute into the second half.

Guillaume Beuzelin picked up a stray ball in the Norwich box only to be brought down by Sammy Clingan, leaving Ward to step up and blast the ball into the centre of the goal.

Coventry City 2 Norwich City 0

Norwich's best opportunity to level in the second half came in the 68th minute when a high ball bounced over Ward's head and to the feet of Canaries sub Omar Koroma, leaving him one-on-one with Keiren Westwood.

But Koroma's half-hit effort only found Westwood's hand which allowed the Sky Blues to clear away.

McKenzie was then introduced just after for Julian Gray and made his mark six minutes from time.

Beuzelin's through pass allowed Morrison to tap the ball past the Norwich 'keeper and knock it back across goal, his delivery clipping the bar with the ensuing McKenzie tapping home at the far post.

4thegame
Coventry City were nowhere near their best but they still managed an opening day victory over Norwich City.

After the visitors had the best of the opening half, Coventry scored at either end of the second period - Elliott Ward firing home a spot kick after 47 minutes and Leon McKenzie finishing off from close range after coming on as a substitute.

Chances were few and far between in a tense first half in which Norwich City offered the biggest attacking threat.

Both managers had given six players their debuts and some settled quicker than others as both teams looked to get off to the best possible start to the season.

Arturo Lupoli had several sights of goal early on but on several occasions he was denied by the impeccable Ward, who made two or three key blocks.

Sammy Clingan fired a long-range shot wide as Norwich edged the territorial advantage over the home team.

Coventry's new strike partnership of Freddy Eastwood and Clinton Morrison struggled to get on the ball in the first half as the home team failed to muster an effort on target.

Norwich defender Dejan Stefanovic was lucky to avoid a red card on his debut for the Canaries as he caught Jay Tabb's ankles on the edge of the area, but referee Colin Webster only booked the centre-back.

Coventry took the lead at the start of the second half from the penalty spot.

Guillaume Beuzelin was brought down by Clingan on the right-hand side of the box and Ward made no mistake with penalty on 47 minutes.

The visitors had plenty of chances to draw level. Lee Croft lost his footing at the key moment after 50 minutes when he could have crossed to the back post.

Lupoli headed over seconds later when the goal was gaping and his replacement Omar Koroma was denied an equaliser by an outstanding save from Keiren Westwood after 69 minutes.

Norwich had a great case for a penalty of their own when Dan Fox dragged down Wes Hoolahan in the box but, as the referee waved away their claims, Croft struck a fierce shot which produced another outstanding save from Westwood.

Despite the visitors' best efforts, Coventry doubled their lead at the death as Morrison's deft chip came back off the bar and McKenzie was on hand to tap in.