Cardiff 2 Coventry 1 - 30/09/2008

Cardiff 2 Coventry 1 - 30/09/2008

Cardiff: Tom Heaton, Kevin McNaughton, Darren Purse, Roger Johnson, Stephen McPhail, Joe Ledley, Gavin Rae, Mark Kennedy, Peter Whittingham, Ross McCormack, Jay Bothroyd
Subs not used: Peter Enckelman, Gabor Gyepes, Paul Parry, Eddie Johnson, Miguel Comminges
Goals:: Jay Bothroyd 31, Ross McCormack 85(pen)

Coventry City: Keiren Westwood, Elliott Ward (Marcus Hall 45), Scott Dann, Daniel Fox, Isaac Osbourne, Michael Doyle, Jay Tabb (Michael Mifsud 70), Aron Gunnarsson, Freddy Eastwood, Clinton Morrison (Leon Best 73), Leon McKenzie
Subs not used: Guillaume Beuzelin, Andy Marshall
Booked: Leon McKenzie 90, Aron Gunnarsson 58
Goals: Scott Dann 89

Attendance: 16312
Referee: R East

Teamtalk
Jay Bothroyd's first goal for Cardiff and Ross McCormack's penalty sealed a controversial 2-1 home win over Coventry in the Championship.

Bothroyd, who joined the Welsh club from Wolves in the summer, struck just after the half-hour mark at Ninian Park and McCormack scored his seventh goal of the season late on as the Bluebirds made an instant return to winning ways following Saturday's 2-1 defeat at the hands of Birmingham.

Scott Dann pulled a goal back in the final minute of normal time, but the main talking point of the game came just before the hour when Wales international Freddy Eastwood appeared to have hauled the sides level only for referee Roger East to disallow it for a handball at the start of the move.

As it was, Coventry boss Chris Coleman was left fuming by the decision to deny Eastwood what would have been his second goal in as many games, but will be pleased by goalkeeper Keiren Westwood's stunning performance throughout.

Westwood produced a string of fine saves to deny McCormack on several occasions and Darren Purse and Roger Johnson on a night of high drama.

Mark Kennedy and Stephen McPhail returned to the Cardiff side following injury and suspension respectively, while Coleman named the same starting XI for the fourth successive game.

Tom Heaton was tested as early as the seventh minute as Michael Doyle darted into the penalty area before drilling straight at the Cardiff goalkeeper.

Five minutes later, Johnson rose well to meet Peter Whittingham's corner but his near-post header was kept out by Westwood, and the Coventry goalkeeper needed to be alert to gather McCormack's 20-yard shot at the second attempt shortly afterwards having fumbled the initial effort.

A poor backpass from McPhail after 16 minutes handed Clinton Morrison a clear sight at goal as the game flowed from end to end, but the Republic of Ireland international fired wide with only Heaton to beat.

McCormack fired just over with a 25-yard effort shortly before the half-hour mark but the home side were not to be denied as Bothroyd broke the deadlock after 31 minutes.

Whittingham cut in from the right wing before finding Bothroyd, and the former Arsenal trainee did the rest, firing past Westwood with a low, 12-yard angled drive.

Gavin Rae shot wide from distance shortly before the interval as Cardiff went in search of a second and Westwood parried Purse's rasping volley as the hosts picked up where they left off after the restart.

Westwood continued to keep Coventry in the game with a fine display as he denied McCormack with 49 minutes gone after the former Rangers striker shrugged off his marker 18 yards out.

Coventry then appeared to have scored a goal out of nothing just before the hour as Eastwood found a way past Heaton to momentarily silence the majority of the Ninian Park crowd.

But the celebrations were cut short when East bizarrely disallowed the effort and instead awarded a free-kick to the home side near the half-way line for a handball by Marcus Hall some 10 seconds prior to Eastwood netting.

East's decision infuriated Coleman and Aron Gunnarsson was booked for leading the Coventry protests.

Bothroyd had a towering header saved by Westwood as the game continued to ebb and flow at a frantic pace, while Jay Tabb blazed wide from close range at the other end.

The lively McCormack went close on two further occasions and Leon Best headed Daniel Fox's free-kick wide before the game was effectively ended as a contest five minutes from time when Isaac Osbourne hacked down McCormack and East awarded a penalty.

McCormack dusted himself down and dispatched the spot-kick low past Westwood.

There was still time for Dann to stoop to head home Hall's left-wing cross after 89 minutes to set up a grandstand finish but that was as good as it got for Coventry.

CCFC
The Sky Blues lost by two goals to one against Cardiff at Ninian Park.

Jay Bothroyd opened the scoring in the first half and after Freddy Eastwood had a goal controversially disallowed, Cardiff doubled their advantage late on through a Ross McCormack penalty.

Scott Dann pulled one back for the Sky Blues in the last minute but it served only as a consolation as the hosts held on for all three points.

Chris Coleman kept faith with the personnel who had drawn at Blackpool at the weekend, naming the exact same 16 players in his squad.

The opening stages of the game were somewhat uneventful but it was City who got into their stride the quickest and in the eighth minute a long punt downfield from Keiren Westwood reached Clinton Morrison, who pulled the ball back from the byline to Michael Doyle who shot straight at Cardiff keeper Tom Heaton.

The best chance so far came in the 16th minute for the Sky Blues when Jay Tabb headed a deep Clinton Morrison cross back across goal to Freddy Eastwood whose header was also straight down the throat of Heaton.

The game had become stretched and Cardiff broke straight downfield, where McCormack forced Westwood into a fine block before Morrison got a sight of goal at the other end, only to pull his 18-yard effort wide of the upright.

The Sky Blues were made to pay for their earlier missed opportunities in the 31st minute when Cardiff took the lead through former City striker Jay Bothroyd. The pacy forward sprinted past Danny Fox, cut in from the right and fired a clinical low shot past Westwood into the far corner to fire the Bluebirds ahead.

City were very fortunate not to go two goals behind in the 36th minute when Joe Ledley headed over from six yards with the goal at his mercy.

Coleman made one change at the interval, introducing Marcus Hall for Elliott Ward and City had to endure some shaky moments at the start of the second period. First, Westwood made a superb block, tipping over a fierce half volley from Darren Purse before he was on hand to make a relatively routine save from the lively Ross McCormack.

These were worrying times for Sky Blues as their hosts looked intent on extending their lead but, having weathered the storm, they looked to have got back on level terms through Freddy Eastwood.

The City striker finished with aplomb after being played through on goal but the referee brought play back approximately 70 yards for a lengthy discussion with his assistant, who informed him of a previous handball by Clinton Morrison and a free-kick was awarded to Cardiff.

The Sky Blues were on the rocks once more and Westwood showed great agility to save a powerful downward header by Bothroyd to prevent the Bluebirds doubling their advantage.

With 20 minutes left on the clock, Michael Mifsud replaced Jay Tabb and shortly afterwards Coleman made his last switch, introducing Leon Best for Morrison.

Best got a glimpse of goal with seven minutes left on the clock but his header went wide of the target and when the Bluebirds broke, they were awarded an 85th minute penalty for a foul on Joe Ledley.

McCormack stepped up and smashed his penalty low and hard past Westwood to seemingly seal the points for the home team with his seventh goal of the campaign.

But in the 90th minute Scott Dann pulled one back for the Sky Blues, heading home a Marcus Hall cross from six yards out and with five minutes stoppage time signalled by the fourth official, City most definitely had hope of salvaging something from the tie.

But Cardiff stood firm to the City onslaught to take all three points.

4thegame
Cardiff City edged out Coventry City 2-1 at Ninian Park despite a late rally by the visitors.

The Bluebirds showed two changes, with Mark Kennedy and Stephen McPhail coming into the side beaten by Birmingham.

After a frantic start in the wet conditions, it was Michael Doyle who went closest for the visitors in the seventh minute with a low shot that Tom Heaton dived to gather.

Freddy Eastwood almost opened the scoring in the 15th minute when he flashed in a point-blank header, but Heaton was well placed to save.

Two minutes later Clinton Morrison went through only to drag his shot wide of target.

Cardiff went ahead in spectacular fashion in the 31st minute. Roger Johnson won a defensive header to put Peter Whittingham in possession. He drilled a pass to Jay Bothroyd, who raced on before sliding his shot beyond Keiren Westwood in the visitors goal for his first goals in Bluebirds' colours.

Joe Ledley should have doubled the lead four minutes later, but he headed a Whittingham cross high over the crossbar from close in.

Marcus Hall replaced Elliott Ward at the interval and his misplaced header in the 47th minute went straight to Darren Purse, but his goalbound strike was pushed over by Westwood.

Coventry thought they had equalised in the 56th minute when Eastwood had the ball in the net, but referee Roger East disallowed the goal after talking to his assistant, who had earlier flagged for a Coventry infringement.

Bothroyd had a header saved by Westwood's legs as the Bluebirds pressed hard for a clinching second goal and when he slipped Ledley through in the 85th minute, the Cardiff midfielder was brought down in the area by Isaac Osbourne.

Ross McCormack stepped up to rifle home his fourth spot-kick of the season.

Scott Dann reduced the deficit in the 89th minute to leave the Bluebirds hanging on in the five minutes of added-on time.

Blackpool 1 Coventry 1 - 27/09/2008

Blackpool 1 Coventry 1 - 27/09/2008

Blackpool: Paul Rachubka, Mo Camara, Ian Evatt, Shaun Barker, Rob Edwards, Keith Southern (Adam Hammill 77), Claus Jorgensen, Dave Vaughan, Ben Burgess, Gary Taylor-Fletcher, Steve Kabba
Subs not used: David Fox, Alan Gow, Zesh Rehman, Danny Coid
Goals: Ben Burgess 58

Coventry City: Keiren Westwood, Elliott Ward, Scott Dann, Daniel Fox, Isaac Osbourne, Michael Doyle, Jay Tabb, Aron Gunnarsson, Freddy Eastwood, Clinton Morrison (Leon Best 87), Leon McKenzie (Michael Mifsud 86)
Subs not used: Guillaume Beuzelin, Andy Marshall, Marcus Hall
Booked: Jay Tabb 53, Daniel Fox 75
Goals: Freddy Eastwood 69

Attendance: 8462
Referee: M Oliver

Teamtalk
Freddy Eastwood's fine strike earned Coventry a deserved point following a 1-1 Championship draw against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road.

Coventry made a bright start to the game and created their first chance inside the opening minute, although Aron Gunnarsson's speculative 30-yard shot did not threaten Paul Rachubka in the Blackpool goal.

Eastwood then headed wide from Daniel Fox's corner after seven minutes, before David Vaughan fired wide for the hosts.

Coventry continued to look the more threatening side and Gunnarsson saw another long-range effort well blocked by Ian Evatt after 22 minutes.

Clinton Morrison fired over the bar two minutes later, before Elliott Ward latched onto another Fox corner to force a fine save from Rachubka.

Keith Southern saw his shot go wide for Blackpool shortly after the half-hour mark, and Burgess also missed the target with a header as Blackpool finally started to exert some pressure on the visitors' defence.

Burgess then shot over from 25 yards after 38 minutes, while Evatt saw his long-range volley blocked by Gunnarsson.

Kieren Westwood remained untroubled however, and Coleman's side went into the break on level terms.

Blackpool finally registered their first meaningful shot on target eight minutes into the second half, but Westwood was equal to Steve Kabba's volley from the edge of the area.

However, the Coventry keeper was well beaten five minutes later, as Burgess put the hosts ahead.

Gary Taylor-Fletcher played a one-two with Kabba down the Blackpool right, before crossing to the edge of the area for Burgess to stroke the ball home.

Rob Edwards and Claus Jorgensen wasted chances to extend Blackpool's lead, before the latter made a fine block at the other end of the field to deny Eastwood.

Rachubka then had to be alert to block Morrison's close-range shot, before Eastwood grabbed an equaliser for Coventry after 69 minutes.

The former Southend man received the ball from Leon McKenzie and evaded his marker with a fine turn before firing an angled shot inside the near post.

Burgess and Kabba brought further saves from Westwood as the hosts looked to restore their lead, while McKenzie missed a chance to snatch all three points for Coventry when he missed the target from 12 yards.

Substitute Michael Mifsud then went even closer for the Sky Blues deep into injury time when he volleyed goalwards from six yards, but Rachubka pulled off a comfortable save to keep the scores level.

CCFC
Coventry City took away a share of the spoils from Bloomfield Road after a 1-1 draw with Blackpool.

The Sky Blues bossed much of the first half but could not turn their advantage into clear-cut opportunities, leaving Tangerines striker Ben Burgess to open the scoring 13 minutes into the second half.

Freddy Eastwood was on hand to grab an equaliser and his second goal of the season after 68 minutes to help City extend their unbeaten run to four games.

Coventry have not won at Bloomfield Road for 85 years but they looked the most likely to break the deadlock in the first half and could have had an opener after just 20 seconds, Aron Gunnarsson's 30-yard half-volley clipping the bar of Seasiders 'keeper Paul Rachubka.

Chris Coleman's side looked lively throughout the first half in attack, Leon McKenzie heading over the bar from a Danny Fox corner after six minutes and Clinton Morrison flashing a half-volley just over the bar in the 23rd minute despite having his back to goal.

McKenzie also had a half chance nicked away from his feet just two minutes previous, Freddy Eastwood working his way across the box and playing the ball into the path of McKenzie only for Shaun Barker to clear away for the hosts.

McKenzie also returned the favour to Eastwood after 26 minutes, connecting with a through ball from Morrison and crossing for Eastwood although the delivery ended up just too high.

Blackpool right winger Gary Taylor-Fletcher provided most of the home side's threatening moves, teasing Fox with a series of twisting runs and producing a pair of dangerous crosses.

But despite the enthusiastic approach from both sides, neither could really trouble the opposition's shotstoppers who experienced a relatively quiet opening period.

It was a relatively similar situation in the second half with both penalty areas busy but little getting through to the goalkeepers.

Keiren Westwood was beaten by Burgess after 58 minutes though, Taylor-Fletcher working his way down the left and across the Coventry box before sliding to Burgess on the edge of the area for him to place the ball past the outstretched Westwood.

Burgess could have had a second five minutes later, his header from Mo Camara's cross hitting the crossbar.

But Eastwood brought the Sky Blues level five minutes after that, McKenzie cutting into the box from the left and leaving the ball for Eastwood coming the other way, allowing the Welsh international to knock the ball into the net past Rachubka.

Steve Kabba had a chance to reinstate the hosts' lead 15 minutes before the end, the ball fortunately falling into his path in the six-yard box although his poked shot only cannoned off the spread-eagled Westwood.

And substitute Michael Mifsud also almost made the best of a difficult late chance, using the outside of his boot to flick a long cross straight at Rachubka just seconds before the full-time whistle.

4thegame
A Freddy Eastwood strike salvaged a point for Coventry City at Bloomfield Road, ending the dreams of a fourth win from five for Blackpool.

The visitors got off to an impressive start after midfielder Aron Gunnarsson looked to make his mark on the game within 30 seconds of the kick-off.

He picked up a loose ball midway into the Blackpool half and let fly with an impressive strike, only to be denied by the woodwork.

After an exiting start the game out petered out somewhat as both sides struggled to create clear chances.

After the break both managers had a lot to say as their sides looked to play tighter, more driven football.

Blackpool finally broke the Coventry ranks as frontmen Steve Kabba and Gary Taylor-Fletcher burst clear on a counter attack. Taylor-Fletcher pulled inside a helpless Isaac Osbourne to tee up Ben Burgess, his side-footed effort swept coolly into the bottom corner.

Coventry responded with good attacking pressure and came close just a minute later. Defender Keith Southern finally cleared the goalmouth scramble much to the relief of the home crowd.

Blackpool should have doubled their lead as Burgess again caused trouble in the goalmouth, a strong header from Mo Camara's cross had everyone on their feet, his efforts thwarted only by the crossbar.

Blackpool will rue their missed opportunity as Coventry forced their way back into the game when summer signing Eastwood crashed home from an impossible angle.

The Seasiders' impressive win at Birmingham can be banished to the archives for supporters who nonetheless will feel content with a share of the points.

Coventry 1 QPR 0 - 20/09/2008

Coventry 1 QPR 0 - 20/09/2008

Coventry City: Keiren Westwood, Scott Dann, Daniel Fox, Elliott Ward, Isaac Osbourne, Aron Gunnarsson, Jay Tabb (Guillaume Beuzelin 85), Michael Doyle, Clinton Morrison, Freddy Eastwood (Leon Best 76), Leon McKenzie (Michael Mifsud 80)
Subs not used: Andy Marshall, Marcus Hall
Booked: Isaac Osbourne 78, Elliott Ward 57, Jay Tabb 7, Michael Doyle 42
Goals: Elliot Ward (15 pen)

QPR: Radek Cerny, Kaspars Gorkss, Damion Stewart, Peter Ramage (Daniel Parejo 56), Damien Delaney, Emmanuel Jorge Ledesma (Akos Buzsaky 53), Mikele Leigertwood, Gavin Mahon, Lee Cook, Martin Rowlands, Dexter Blackstock (Patrick Agyemang 77)
Subs not used: Fitz Hall, Lee Camp
Booked: Gavin Mahon 64

Attendance: 16718
Referee: D Whitestone

Teamtalk
A first-half penalty from Elliott Ward gave Coventry their first Championship win in four games - a 1-0 victory over QPR at the Ricoh Arena.

The hosts had the first chance of the game after three minutes when Aron Gunnarsson's shot was scrambled away from Kaspars Gorkss as the game started at a frantic pace.

Freddy Eastwood then went close for the Sky Blues, Clinton Morrison crossed deep from the right-hand side and Eastwood's goalbound header was deflected wide by Gorkss.

The home crowd thought their side had taken the lead from the resulting corner but Ward's near-post header went the wrong side of the upright.

The Sky Blues were awarded a penalty after 13 minutes when Damien Delaney chopped down Jay Tabb on the corner of the penalty area and referee Dean Whitestone did not hesitate in giving the spot-kick.

Ward, signed by Rangers manager Iain Dowie during his time at the Ricoh Arena, stepped up and buried the ball past Radek Cerny in the visitors' goal.

Chris Coleman's side almost doubled their advantage after 24 minutes, but Daniel Fox's curling free-kick took a deflection and drifted over the bar.

Dowie looked to change the shape of his side as the half progressed with Lee Cook and Emmanuel Ledesma pushing forward to help the lone striker, Dexter Blackstock.

And it was Ledesma who had the chance to draw the sides level as he raced clear with three minutes remaining of the half but his shot was well saved by Keiren Westwood.

Rangers started the second half much brighter with Cook and Ledesma seeing much of the ball in wide positions as they looked to draw level.

Dowie's side came close to equalising as first Martin Rowlands shot at goal and then Damion Stewart shot over the bar from the edge of the area.

Cook then made a fine run taking jinking past two defenders before his shot was deflected wide of the post at Rangers looked to stamp their authority on the match.

Dexter Blackstock should have put Rangers on level terms but after controlling Delaney's cross he slid the ball agonisingly wide of the post as Coventry held on to the lead with 17 minutes to play.

The Sky Blues' crowd began to get anxious as Chris Coleman's side looked content to hold onto their one-goal lead rather than push for more goals but they were almost rewarded after Isaac Osbourne fired the ball over after good work from Eastwood.

As time ran out Coleman brought on Leon Best and Michael Mifsud in a surprise attacking move but his side held firm at the back to secure their first three points since the second game of the season.

CCFC
The Sky Blues beat QPR by a single goal to nil with Elliott Ward's first half penalty enough to earn City a thoroughly deserved three points.

Iain Dowie received an indifferent reaction from the Sky Blues fans on his first return to Coventry, the City faithful more concerned with seeing their side collect three points after two positive displays against Preston and Sheffield United.

Chris Coleman named an unchanged starting line-up and the Sky Blues started brightly. They could have taken an early lead when a Leon McKenzie cross led to a goalmouth melee but QPR cleared the danger. Jay Tabb was shown a yellow card in the seventh minute for a cynical challenge on Lee Cook before Elliott Ward headed into the side netting from a Danny Fox corner in a lively opening to the game.

Ward soon had a chance to make amends for his penalty miss on Tuesday when a push on Tabb led to a spot-kick being awarded to the Sky Blues and the centre-back duly converted to give City a 14th minute lead, despite keeper Radek Cerny getting a strong hand to his effort.

The Sky Blues continued to control the game, having successfully stifled the visitors' main attacking threats. They were also looking well capable of extending their lead - Freddy Eastwood whipping in a delightful cross on the half hour mark, which Clinton Morrison was just inches away from converting.

With just two minutes left in the half, the R's had a great opportunity to equalize when Emmanuel Ledesma broke the offside trap and raced through on goal but thankfully Keiren Westwood raced off his line to narrow the angles and saved well.

The Sky Blues maintained the upper hand at the beginning of the second period, pinning the visitors back and on 52 minutes Gunnarsson sent a low volley inches wide of the upright from 20 yards.

QPR made their first substitution on 53, Hungarian playmaker Akos Buzsaky replacing Ledesma and soon afterwards Dowie made an attacking switch, introducing midfielder Daniel Parejo for injured defender Peter Ramage.

As the game reached its climax, the Hoops really began to pressurise City and on 74 minutes, Dexter Blackstock came close to converting a low cross from Cook. But the Sky Blues were defending admirably, getting bodies behind the ball to frustrate their opponents.

Coleman introduced Leon Best for Eastwood with just over ten minutes remaining while Dowie made his final switch, bringing on Patrick Agyemang for Blackstock. Michael Mifsud then entered the fray for the Sky Blues, replacing Leon McKenzie.

With five left on the clock Guillaume Beuzelin came on for Jay Tabb to play a hold-up role in the middle of the park and City saw out time without any major worries to earn a thoroughly deserved free-kick and bring a tough week of fixtures to a very pleasing end.

4thegame
Iain Dowie endured a miserable return to Coventry City, after his Queens Park Rangers side were narrowly defeated 1-0 at the Ricoh Arena.

A first-half Elliott Ward penalty was enough to give the Sky Blues their first win in four league games and deny QPR the chance to move closer to the top two.

The match marked Iain Dowie's first visit to Coventry since his sacking in February and the emotion of the clash gave both sides urgency from kick-off.

Coventry looked stronger in the opening exchanges, with Leon McKenzie and Ward having early chances.

QPR started to push but were dealt a blow when referee Dean Whitestone awarded a 13th minute penalty.

Freddy Eastwood had brought down a long ball on the right of the area and fed in Jay Tabb, who was caught by Mikele Leigertwood as he moved towards goal. Whitestone pointed to the spot.

Ward stepped up - fresh from missing a crucial penalty at Sheffield United in midweek - and converted, despite Radek Cerny getting a hand to the ball.

The visitors offered little response for the rest of the half, but as Coventry took slowed, Emmanuel Ledesma had a golden opportunity to level.

The City defence tried to play the Argentine offside but he timed his run well and raced through, only for his sidefooted effort to be blocked by Keiren Westwood's feet.

The momentum was carried into the second half and QPR tested Coventry's resolve.

Ward was in the right place to block a goalbound deflection in the 54th minute, before Damion Stewart blasted a decent chance over the bar a minute later.

Lee Cook also came close after his shot following a mazy run was pushed wide.

Dexter Blackstock had another good chance for QPR in the 74th, but the Sky Blues held strong and bagged their second home win of the season.

Sheffiled United 1 Coventry 1 - 16/09/2008

Sheffiled United 1 Coventry 1 - 16/09/2008

Sheffield United: Paddy Kenny, Gary Naysmith, Sun Jihai, Matthew Kilgallon, Chris Morgan, Stephen Quinn, Gary Speed, Nick Montgomery, David Cotterill (Greg Halford 63), Billy Sharp (Danny Webber 71), James Beattie (Keith Gillespie 89)
Subs not used: Ugo Ehiogu, Lee Hendrie
Booked: Stephen Quinn 90
Sent off: Sun Jihai 51
Goals: Billy Sharp 56

Coventry City: Keiren Westwood, Scott Dann, Daniel Fox, Elliott Ward, Aron Gunnarsson, Isaac Osbourne, Michael Doyle, Jay Tabb, Freddy Eastwood, Clinton Morrison (Leon Best 74), Leon McKenzie (Michael Mifsud 45)
Subs not used: Andy Marshall, Marcus Hall, Robbie Simpson
Booked: Scott Dann 45, Isaac Osbourne 42, Michael Mifsud 81
Goals: Jay Tabb 30

Attendance: 24130
Referee: D Deadman

Teamtalk
Billy Sharp spared the blushes of Sun Jihai as 10-man Sheffield United battled to a 1-1 draw against Coventry at Bramall Lane.

Jay Tabb gave the Sky Blues a richly-deserved half-time advantage with a clinical right-foot finish after the Blades defence had failed to deal with Aron Gunnarsson's long throw.

And the visitors should have doubled their lead a minute after the break when Sun up-ended Michael Mifsud in the penalty area, but Elliott Ward put the resulting spot-kick wide.

When Sun was sent off soon after for a lunge on the diminutive Mifsud it looked as though the visitors were destined to return south with all three points, but in a rare United attack Sharp slotted home his fourth goal of the season to salvage a point.

Blades boss Kevin Blackwell responded to his side's defeat at Derby on Saturday by handing record signing James Beattie his first start of the season.

The former Everton striker was promoted from the bench after convincing Blackwell he had fully recovered from a knee injury.

Sky Blues manager Chris Coleman warned his side to be prepared for a "war" in South Yorkshire and they were clearly up for the battle in the opening stages.

Freddy Eastwood wriggled free of his marker six minutes in and forced a sharp reflex save from Blades goalkeeper Paddy Kenny.

Kenny was called into action again nine minutes later when Iceland midfielder Gunnarsson sped through the Blades midfield far too easily and produced a right-foot drive that Kenny could only palm into the path of Clinton Morrison, who forced the United goalkeeper into another fine save from close range.

The home side finally fashioned an opening at the other end when David Cotterill's cross reached Stephen Quinn at the far post, but the flame-haired midfielder was denied by a brave block from Isaac Osbourne.

But it was Coventry who deservedly took the lead 29 minutes in courtesy of Tabb.

Gunnarsson produced a mammoth long throw from the left and the ball was flicked into the path of the onrushing Tabb, who rifled home a clinical right-foot finish to give Kenny no chance.

The home supporters urged their side forward at the start of the second half, but they should have been two goals down just a minute after the restart.

Sun got the wrong side of Mifsud, who replaced Leon McKenzie at the break, and as the Malta forward prepared to shoot he was pulled back by the former Manchester City man and referee Darren Deadman pointed to the spot.

Ward stepped up casually before placing his spot-kick wide of Kenny's left-hand post.

That brought the Blades fans to life, but they were silenced once again after 50 minutes when Sun was shown a straight red card for a lunge on Mifsud.

The Chinese defender reacted to his dismissal with a show of petulance and took an eternity to leave the field.

But his team-mates showed a more positive reaction and were level five minutes later.

Cotterill was the architect, crossing for Sharp, who created a yard of space before firing a left-foot shot past Keiren Westwood.

Ward almost atoned for his penalty miss when his left-foot strike flashed wide of the post.

And Leon Best missed a golden opportunity to win it for the visitors with the last kick of the game, but fired wide with only Kenny to beat.

CCFC
Coventry City take a point away from Bramall Lane after finishing up 1-1 with Kevin Blackwell's Blades.

The Sky Blues went into the half-time break a goal up but Billy Sharp popped up with an equaliser for ten-man United ten minutes after the break.

Chris Coleman's side were by far the better side of the first half but Sharp's second-half equaliser, along with a penalty miss by Elliott Ward, ensured United stayed above the Sky Blues in the Championship table.

City took a one-goal lead into the half-time break after a strike from returning midfielder Jay Tabb, his first goal of the season.

Tabb, on his return to the first team starting line-up, benefited from a long throw from Aron Gunnarsson to grab City's first league goal for three games.

Good work on the right from Michael Doyle earned the Sky Blues a throw midway through Sheffield United's half, allowing Gunnarsson to launch his trademark long throw.

The throw got a flick on in the United penalty area before finding it's way to Tabb who fired low across United 'keeper Paddy Kenny and into the bottom corner after 29 minutes.

The goal was a long time coming for the Sky Blues who started off extremely brightly and could have gone ahead earlier but for good saves from Paddy Kenny from two mid-range efforts from Freddy Eastwood and Aron Gunnarsson both from long runs.

Stephen Quinn almost gave the Blades the lead seven minutes before City's opener, a cross from Cotterill finding him at the back post although his apprehension cost him, giving Ward enough time to throw in a crucial block.

The second half threw up an exciting chain of events though, Sun Jihai being given his marching orders after hacking down Michael Mifsud, the referee brandishing a straight red card.

Mifsud also won a penalty for City just five minutes earlier, again after a challenge from Jihai, but Ward put his spot kick wide of the post despite sending Kenny the wrong way.

The Sky Blues were then left to rue the miss on 55 minutes when a low cross from David Cotterill found Sharp with his back to goal, the youngster turning and lashing a low shot past Keiren Westwood.

Gary Speed, who got on the scoresheet the last time the two sides met at Bramall Lane, also had a long-range chip tipped over the bar by Eastwood.

But the Sky Blues almost had a chance to steal all the points in the last minute of injury time, Leon Best benefitting from a defensive mistake by Quinn but sending his shot wide of Kenny's goal.

4thegame
Billy Sharp notched his fourth goal of the season for ten-man Sheffield United after Coventry City had broken the deadlock.

The Bramall Lane promotion favourites survived an early battering against a Coventry side who had made a stuttering start to their campaign.

Midfielder Jay Tabb broke the deadlock midway through the opening half, before Sharp struck with a clinical finish after China international Sun Jihai had been red carded.

Coventry started brightly and Freddy Eastwood, who was snapped up for £1.2million in the summer, cut inside to blast a low left-foot shot which was smothered on the line by the diving Paddy Kenny.

United were saved by Kenny in the 15th minute after the impressive Aron Gunnarsson raced from midfield before delivering a stinging drive from 20 yards.

Kenny, diving to his left, could only scoop the ball away to the waiting Clinton Morrison, whose close range strike was blocked by the United keeper with the Bramall Lane defence in tatters.

Gary Speed tried his luck with a long range strike high over the target, before Coventry went ahead in the 30th minute.

Gunnarsson's long throw from the left reached Tabb 15 yards out and he finished clinically with a low angled drive beyond Kenny's reach.

United escaped three minutes after the restart when Sun tripped substitute Michael Mifsud, who was on for the ineffective Leon McKenzie.

Centre-back Elliott Ward stepped forward and blasted his spot-kick wide of Kenny's left-hand post.

There was more misery for the Sheffield side when Sun was handed a straight red card for a lunging tackle on Mifsud in the 52nd minute.

However, Sharp equalised on 56 minutes after turning quickly to stab in David Cotterill's cross.

Speed almost grabbed a sensational winner deep into time added on but his chipped shot was tipped over the bar by Keiren Westwood.

Coventry 0 Preston 0 - 13/09/2008

Coventry 0 Preston 0 - 13/09/2008

Coventry City: Keiren Westwood, Daniel Fox, Elliott Ward, Scott Dann, Isaac Osbourne, Guillaume Beuzelin (Jay Tabb 86), Michael Doyle, Clinton Morrison, Freddy Eastwood, Leon Best (Robbie Simpson 83), Leon McKenzie (Michael Mifsud 73)
Subs not used: Andy Marshall, Marcus Hall

Preston North End: Andy Lonergan, Michael Hart, Sean St. Ledger, Youl Mawene, Chris Sedgwick (Ross Wallace 83), Billy Jones, Barry Nicholson, Paul McKenna (Darren Carter 73), Richard Chaplow (Callum Davidson 88), Neil Mellor, Jonathan Parkin
Subs not used: Chris Neal, Stephen Elliott

Attendance: 16544
Referee: G Hegley

Teamtalk
There were chances aplenty in the game at the Ricoh Arena between Coventry and Preston but neither side could break the deadlock in a 0-0 draw.

Sean St Ledger's header - which cannoned against the bar - was the closest either side came to breaking the deadlock.

The defender rattled the Coventry woodwork on the half-hour when he met Barry Nicholson's outswinging corner 12 yards out.

The hosts enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges but were unable to take their chances.

Clinton Morrison headed tamely at Andy Lonergan in the fifth minute, before Leon Best dragged a shot wide.

Michael Doyle and Morrison saw goalbound efforts blocked by Youl Mawene inside the opening 15 minutes, and Lonergan produced a fine save to keep out Freddy Eastwood's 25-yard shot.

Preston came into the game midway through the first half.

Neil Mellor forced Keiren Westwood into a superb save with a shot from the left-hand side of the area.

Soon afterwards, Chris Sedgwick flashed an angled shot narrowly wide before St Ledger's header struck the bar.

Lonergan parried a long-range shot from Dan Fox in the final notable action of the first half.

Preston started the second half brightly, but much like Coventry before the break they were unable to capitalise when they were on top.

Westwood produced a fine save to tip Mellor's shot over the bar on 47 minutes, and St Ledger headed over from the resulting corner.

Chris Sedgwick dragged a shot wide from the right-hand side of the box, and Jon Parkin's shot was blocked by Scott Dann in the 55th minute.

Eastwood flashed a shot narrowly wide as Coventry threatened for the first time since the break.

Lonergan then saved bravely at the feet of Morrison to keep the scores blank just after the hour.

Both managers introduced all three of their allotted substitutes in a bid to create the match-winning chance - but it was to no avail.

Morrison could have won the match for Coventry in the closing stages but shot tamely at Lonergan from 12 yards.

CCFC
Coventry City picked up a point at the Ricoh Arena after a goalless encounter with in-form Preston North End.

Both sides failed to unlock each others rearguard although the point will be a welcome one for the Sky Blues who put an end to a run of three straight defeats in all competitions.

City enjoyed the lions share of possession in the first half and, with a front four of Leon Best, Freddy Eastwood, Clinton Morrison and Leon McKenzie, appeared to be the more willing of the two sides to attack.

But despite a handful of half chances, City could not capitalise.

Clinton Morrison had two good chances to open the scoring on 17 minutes with two close-range half volleys, both blocked by some desperate Preston defending.

And Eastwood also tested his range with a 25-yard effort four minutes later, a powerfully struck half volley which Preston 'keeper Andy Lonergan struggled to keep hold of.

Coventry counterpart Keiren Westwood was also called upon to make a routine save from Neil Mellor's effort at his near post on 22 minutes.

But that and Sean St Ledger's header from a corner just before the half-hour mark which clipped Westwood's crossbar remained as Preston's two best chances to take the lead.

That spell of action proved to be the most frantic of a relatively tame first half but Coleman will be encouraged by the Sky Blues' attacking options which have almost, but not quite yet, had the desired effect.

The second half was a much more subdued affair though, with chances few and far between for both sides.

Morrison had a half chance to nick a winner for the Sky Blues five minutes from time when Freddy Eastwood lifted a ball over all in the penalty area for Mifsud who brought it down into the path of Morrison.

But the Republic of Ireland international could not get the ball down from an awkward bounce and failed to make a clean connection.

St Ledger had a rare opportunity at the other end for Preston midway through the second period, his header from a corner again going close, almost mirroring his first-half opportunity.

And Eastwood and Best also produced a good link up for the Sky Blues five minutes after the interval, Eastwood releasing Best down the right who cut across in return for Eastwood although Lonergan just managed to scoop up the ball and stop the threat.

But despite a game that lacked goals, Chris Coleman's men will take heart from producing the better display on the day to restore some confidence ahead of their Tuesday night clash with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

4thegame
Preston North End continued their good start to the season after holding on to take a point at Coventry City.

The home side controlled most of the game, with the visitors struggling to reproduce the form they had shown in their last outing against Charlton.

But neither side managed to make the breakthrough - and Preston hung on to remain unbeaten in the league.

Coventry went into the match looking to end a run of three defeats and boss Chris Coleman fielded an attacking side with four strikers on the pitch.

The Sky Blues' passing was slick but they failed to turn their possession into chances, with several attacks fizzling out at the key moment.

Freddy Eastwood did make Andy Lonergan work in the 22nd minute, when his fierce 30-yard drive forced the stopper into a low save.

Two minutes later, Lonergan was a spectator when Clinton Morrison rose to meet Danny Fox's cross, but his free header flew past the post.

The visitors started to push forward and were denied a fortuitous lead in the 35th minute. Billy Jones' corner was met well by centre-half Sean St Ledger only to rattle off the Coventry crossbar.

Coventry pushed forward as they aimed to take a lead into half-time, and were unlucky not to score when Fox's stinging effort from 35 yards was tipped around the post by Lonergan.

Preston improved early in the second period and Neil Mellor's half-volley was only just saved by Keiren Westwood. The resulting corner gave St Ledger his second opportunity - but Westwood was able to collect well.

But Coventry continued to press and had their best chance in the 63rd minute when Eastwood poked a ball through to Morrison ten yards from goal. The former Palace man shot towards the bottom corner, only for Lonergan to palm the ball wide.

Both sides attacked but failed to create clear-cut chances, with the match ending in a stalemate.