Norwich 1 Coventry 2 - 28/02/2009

Norwich 1 Coventry 2 - 28/02/2009

Norwich City: David Marshall, Jonathan Grounds, Gary Doherty, Jon Otsemobor, Jason Shackell, Wes Hoolahan, Sammy Clingan, Mark Fotheringham (Darel Russell 79), Lee Croft, Carl Cort, Jamie Cureton (Luke Daley 75)
Subs not used: Ryan Bertrand, Alan Gow, Stuart Nelson
Booked: Sammy Clingan 56, Darel Russell 83
Goals: Jonathan Grounds 53

Coventry City: Keiren Westwood, Stephen Wright, Scott Dann, Daniel Fox, Elliott Ward, Guillaume Beuzelin, Aron Gunnarsson, David Bell (Freddy Eastwood 84), Jordan Henderson, Leon Best (Robbie Simpson 86), Clinton Morrison
Subs not used: Andy Marshall, Michael Doyle, Marcus Hall
Booked: Scott Dann 81
Goals: Jordan Henderson 19, Daniel Fox 73

Attendance: 24415
Referee: P Taylor

Teamtalk
Daniel Fox's superb winner delivered a crippling blow to Norwich's hopes of escaping the drop as resurgent Coventry won 2-1 at Carrow Road.

Fox struck with a delightful effort 18 minutes from time to hand the Sky Blues the points, after Jonathan Grounds had given Norwich hope early in the second half.

Jordan Henderson opened the scoring for the visitors, who are now unbeaten in six in all competitions.

Norwich started in the relegation zone with no league win in six, but manager Bryan Gunn opted to remain faithful to the starting XI that earned a 1-1 draw with Burnley last weekend.

Jamie Cureton started his 100th game in a Canaries shirt.

Coventry made three changes to the side which earned a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals by beating Blackburn in midweek.

Ben Turner, Michael Doyle and Freddy Eastwood all dropped to the bench as manager Chris Coleman welcomed back Scott Dann, David Bell and Guillaume Beuzelin.

Norwich began with all the urgency of a team desperately in need of three home points. Lee Croft had their first sight of goal in the fifth minute but fired his ambitious long-range drive high and wide.

The hosts were handed a early reprieve when Bell connected with Henderson's free-kick but somehow headed wide from six yards.

But in the 19th minute, it was that same combination which put the Sky Blues ahead.

Bell this time delivered the lofted ball from the left wing which fell in the six-yard box for Henderson, who lashed his right-foot drive past David Marshall and high into the centre of the goal.

Coventry threatened again just moments after taking the lead.

Fox tried his luck with a rasping drive from the edge of the box, only to see Gary Doherty make a well-timed interception.

Chances for Norwich were few and far between. They came close just before the break when Sammy Clingan's corner found Jason Shackell at the far post, but his header was claimed by Keiren Westwood.

The Canaries started the second half with intent and tested Westwood within moments of the restart. Mark Fotheringham latched on to Croft's cross, and his left-footed effort required a firm hand from the Coventry stopper.

But Westwood was helpless to prevent Norwich's leveller six minutes later.

The ball fell at the feet of Grounds, who had time to compose himself before picking his spot and firing low into the back of the net.

Clinton Morrison almost hit an instant response for Coventry, picking up Aron Gunnarsson's inch-perfect ball before curling a neat effort inches past the left post.

In the 72nd minute, Coventry's persistence paid off.

Fox, a constant threat, capped a moment of individual brilliance with a perfect left-foot strike which flew past Marshall and curled into the top right corner.

Norwich pushed hard until the end and had two penalty appeals turned away in the dying stages as frustration grew - but defeat keeps them deep in the mire.

CCFC
A superb solo effort from Dan Fox at Norwich City helped the Sky Blues to a third successive victory.

Fox's 73rd minute strike restored City's lead after Jonathan Grounds had levelled following Jordan Henderson's first-half opener.

Chris Coleman made three changes to the side that beat Blackburn in midweek, with captain Scott Dann, Guillaume Beuzelin and David Bell replacing Ben Turner, Freddy Eastwood and Michael Doyle.

The early period of the match was uneventful with the ball stuck in midfield for long spells.

The first notable attempt came in the seventh minute when a good turn of pace from Aron Gunnarsson left the Canaries midfield for dead. He raced 15 yards towards goal before unleashing a low drive - but his effort was just wide.

The Sky Blues started to enjoy a spell of pressure and former-Norwich man Bell went close in the 11th minute with a flicked header from a Fox free-kick.

Coventry then turned pressure into a goal after good passing play. Stephen Wright found Leon Best with a throw-in and he sprayed the ball wide to Bell. The winger used good footwork to free up space for a cross and found Henderson who smashed home a shot from eight yards out.

The celebrations could have been short lived. Jamie Cureton was played in with a long ball from the Canaries backline, but Elliott Ward put in a last ditch challenge to stop the chance.

The Sky Blues regained their composure and re-asserted their authority on the game. However, shots were few and far between - despite a series of corners in the 30th minute.

Norwich did come close on the stroke of half-time. Having won a corner, Jason Shackell rose to head the ball towards goal, but Keiren Westwood saved well.

In stoppage time, the Canaries broke again and Mark Fotheringham hit a shot towards goal, but Westwood gathered easily.

Bryan's Gunn half-time talk seemed to fire up his side and they dominated after the restart.

They should have leveled in the 50th minute when Jon Ostemobor broke into the box and played in Cureton four yards from goal - but the striker tried to score with a fancy flick and his effort trickled wide.

A minute later Norwich created another break into Coventry's box. The ball was played to Lee Croft six yards from goal but a last ditch challenge from Ward stopped a shot.

However, the home side made it third time lucky in the 53rd minute. Norwich swung in a dangerous corner and after a goalmouth scramble, Jonathan Grounds pounced on a half-clearance to send the ball past Westwood for the equaliser.

Norwich were in control but Gunnarsson created a chance from nothing to almost restore the lead. The Icelandic international picked up the ball in the centre-circle and dribbled past three Norwich players and into the area. He turned to shoot but laid the ball back to Clinton Morrison, who turned his marker but could not hit the target.

The Sky Blues started to get back into the match and Fox created a near identical chance. He dribbled down the wing and got past three yellow shirts before feeding Morrison in space - but his shot was deflected away from goal for a corner.

Fox decided to take matters into his own hands and scored a superb individual goal in the 73rd minute.

The left-back received the ball just inside Norwich's area and left Carl Cort in knots after three excellent turns. He then curled the ball to the top left-hand corner of the goal, the effort going in off the inside of the post.

Norwich could have hit back immediately through Fotheringham, after he received the ball inside the penalty box - but his shot was blocked by Ward on the line.

The Canaries failed to regain their momentum after the effort and Coventry held out well - and almost made it three with the last kick of the game, when Morrison turned Freddy Eastwood's cross onto the bar.

4thegame
Norwich City slipped deeper into the relegation zone after losing at home to Coventry City, while the teams above them were picking up points.

The Sky Blues, playing all in black, took the lead after 19 minutes when Jordan Henderson's deflected shot beat David Marshall.

Although the Canaries came back strongly and drew level thanks to Jonathan Grounds' snap-shot, they were undone by a bit of magic from Daniel Fox.

Coventry kicked off attacking the River End goal and went close to scoring in the seventh minute when Aron Gunnarsson's low shot was only inches wide.

At the other end Carl Cort's shot was deflected for the first corner of the game.

After doing most of the attacking, Norwich went behind after 19 minutes. Former Canary, David Bell, put in a low cross from the left and Henderson's shot beat Marshall low to his left.

Jason Shackell blocked a goalbound shot from Fox as the visitors took the game to Norwich.

As the game went into stoppage time Keiren Westwood was called into action for his first save of the afternoon when he held on to Shackell's goalbound header.

Before the half-time whistle Mark Fotheringham's low shot was also saved by Westwood.

The second half began with Jamie Cureton's shot being blocked. Jon Otsemobor then set up Cureton with the perfect cross only for Cureton to mis-kick on the six-yard line with the goal at his mercy.

However, the equaliser came after Westwood blocked Shackell's header from Sammy Clingan's left-wing corner and Grounds found the net from ten yards with a low left-foot drive.

Gunnarsson then set up Clinton Morrison, but he fired wide.

The officials missed a hand ball by Stephen Wright which should have earned Norwich a penalty.

The visitors weathered intense Norwich pressure and regained the lead in the 73rd minute, when Fox turned Carl Cort inside out before curling his left-foot shot into the net via Marshall's right-hand post.

Norwich had further penalty appeals turned down when Fotheringham's shot was blocked on the line and before the full-time whistle the home fans were streaming out of the ground, no doubt reconciled to the fact that they might be watching League One football next season.

Coventry 1 Blackburn 0 - FA Cup 5th Rnd replay- 24/02/2009

Coventry 1 Blackburn 0 - FA Cup 5th Rnd replay- 24/02/2009

Coventry City: Kieran Westwood, Daniel Fox, Stepehn Wright, Ben Turner, Elliot Ward, Aron Gunnarsson, Michael Doyle, Jordan Henderson, Freddy Eastwood (Robbie Simpson 86), Clinton Morrison, Leon Best
Subs not used: Andy Marshall, Marcus Hall, Guillaume Beuzelin, Isaac Osbourne, Kevin Thornton, Ashley Cain
Booked: Elliot Ward, Aron Gunnarsson
Goals: Leon Best 59

Blackburn Rovers: Jason Brown, Christopher Samba, Tugay Kerimoglu, Benedict McCarthy, Zurab Khizanishvili (Gael Givet 80), Aaron Mokoena, Carlos Villanueva (Roque Santa Cruz 66), Danny Simpson, Keith Treacy (Stephen Warnock 66), Martin Olsson, Jason Roberts
Subs not used: Paul Robinson, Ryan Nelsen, Morten Gamst Pedersen, Aaron Doran
Booked: Jason Brown

Attendance: 22793
Referee: M Riley

Teamtalk
Leon Best's second-half goal earned Coventry City a deserved 1-0 FA Cup fifth-round replay win over Blackburn Rovers at the Ricoh Arena.

Best - wearing a face mask to protect his fractured cheekbone - headed home a 59th-minute centre from Jordan Henderson to seal the Sky Blues' place in the last eight for the first time in 11 years.

The Sky Blues will face an FA Cup quarter-final home clash with Chelsea.

Chris Coleman's side were worthy winners against a Blackburn line-up which showed 11 changes from the starting XI against Manchester United in the Premier League at the weekend.

Best was a constant menace upfront, Michael Doyle and Aron Gunnarsson pulled the strings in midfield, and Henderson was a threat on the right flank.

With the Sky Blues holding down a mid-tale place in the Championship, Coleman fielded his strongest available side.

And the former Fulham boss will be striving to pull off another cup shock against Chelsea, who were knocked out of the competition by Barnsley last season.

For third from bottom Rovers, surviving in the top flight is now clearly their number one priority given the line-up fielded by Allardyce after the sides had drawn 2-2 at Ewood Park in the first outing.

Traffic congestion outside the Ricoh Arena meant the kick-off was delayed by 15 minutes until 8pm.

Blackburn were the first to threaten and a mix-up between Freddy Eastwood and Ben Turner almost handed them a goal inside the first two minutes.

It needed Sky Blues 'keeper Keiren Westwood to block the eventual shot from a narrow angle by Carlos Villanueva.

But Coventry, unbeaten in their previous four games, looked full of purpose and confidence after defeating the Championship's top two, Wolves and Birmingham, in their previous two home games.

Coventry won their first corner after 20 minutes - and it led to Elliott Ward squandering a golden chance to break the deadlock.

Danny Fox's deep centre picked out the central defender whose downward header contained plenty of power but flew just wide when he would have been expected to at least hit the target.

Gunnarsson became the first player to be yellow carded after 26 minutes for a clumsy touchline challenge on Keith Treacy.

Jason Roberts turned sharply when under pressure from Ward and flashed a low drive just wide with Westwood scrambling across his line after Tugay had played the ball into his feet.

But Clinton Morrison should have given Coventry a 36th-minute lead.

The much travelled striker nipped in ahead of Jason Brown and took the ball away from the keeper but then fired his left-footed shot into the side netting with the goal gaping.

The groans were audible around the Ricoh Arena when the replays were shown of Morrison's miss on the big screen.

Blackburn were now under the cosh and Brown came quickly off his line to save at the feet of Henderson although Westwood did well to block a fierce drive from Treacy just before the interval.

Ward became the second Coventry player to be booked after 48 minutes for bringing down Roberts from behind as he tried to bring the ball away from his own penalty area.

The Sky Blues were looking the more likely to break the deadlock with Gunnarsson pulling the strings in midfield.

Rovers keeper Brown was yellow carded for taking a free-kick from the wrong place near the touch-line - a decision which clearly upset manager Sam Allardyce.

Then after 59 minutes Coventry's pressure paid off when Best put them ahead.

Gunnarsson supplied the cross from the right flank and Best headed past Brown.

Allardyce decided to make a double change after 67 minutes with Roque Santa Cruz and Stephen Warnock replacing Treacy and Villanueva.

It was Coventry who continued to look the more menacing with Morrison's shot blocked by Danny Simpson and a low Best drive testing Brown.

But in injury-time Christopher Samba headed wide from close range for the visitors.

CCFC
Coventry City earned their first FA Cup quarter-final berth in 11 years after a Leon Best header set them up for a mouth-watering last-eight fixture with Premier League Chelsea infront of another record home crowd at the Ricoh Arena.

A season-best 22,793 fans watched Best nod home the winner just before the hour mark from a Jordan Henderson cross.

And Chris Coleman's side also comfortably saw out four minutes of injury time to deny Sam Allardyce's side a second consecutive late comeback.

The sides went into the half-time break on level terms after a goal less first 45 minutes.

Premier League Rovers had opportunities to threaten the City goal with a handful of semi-dangerous shots from Benni McCarthy, Jason Roberts and Keith Treacy.

But the Sky Blues had by far the better chances to break the deadlock through Clinton Morrison, young on-loan winger Jordan Henderson and centre-back Elliott Ward.

Ward had the earliest real effort at goal after 19 minutes, rising to meet Danny Fox's deep corner but steering his downward header wide.

The best chances of the half though were saved for the last ten minutes when Morrison disposed a grounded Jason Brown in the Rovers goal but could only fire a shot into the side netting from an acute angle.

He then laid on a pass for Henderson who tapped the ball over the head of Danny Simpson and giving chase although Brown was too quick off his goal line.

The sky Blues maintainedthe pace after the restart though, Eastwood earning a corner almost straight from the kick-of after his shot was blocked.

After that is was a relatively quiet period in the game as both sides continued to spar.

The Ricoh Arena erupted on 58 minutes though when Henderson floated a cross at the near post for Best to flick a header past Brown.

Best almost had a second 12 minutes from time when Henderson left Danny Simpson for dead in the corner and put in a low cross for the masked striker whose shot on the turn went straight into Brown's chest.

He had another effort with nine minutes to go, Doyle nodding a crossfield ball into his path, Best shooting at Brown's legs.

Blackburn substitute Roque Santa Cruz had a half chance two minutes later, his weak header bouncing infront of Westwood who eventually collected.

But Morrison almost finished off the tie as the game moved into injury time, Doyle again using his head to find Morrison whose own header was saved at close range by Brown.

City fans' hearts skipped a beat in the third of four minutes of injury time, Chris Samba heading across Westwood's goal and narrowly wide.

But it was to be City's night as they restricted Blackburn to punted balls upfield and continually chased down their opponents to record a memorable victory and bring them just a win away from Wembley.

Coventry 1 Birmingham 0 - 21-02-2009

Coventry 1 Birmingham 0 - 21-02-2009

Coventry City: Keiren Westwood, Ben Turner, Stephen Wright, Scott Dann, Daniel Fox, Aron Gunnarsson, David Bell, Michael Doyle, Leon McKenzie (Jordan Henderson 54), Clinton Morrison (Freddy Eastwood 89), Leon Best (Robbie Simpson 88)
Subs not used: Guillaume Beuzelin, Andy Marshall
Booked: Clinton Morrison 41
Goals: Scott Dann 2

Birmingham City: Maik Taylor, David Murphy, Liam Ridgewell, Martin Taylor, Lee Carsley (Hameur Bouazza 32), Sebastian Larsson, Scott Sinclair, Keith Fahey, Lee Bowyer, Cameron Jerome (Carlos Costly 71), Marcus Bent
Subs not used: Lyness, Djimi Traore, Damien Johnson
Booked: Sebastian Larsson 84, Lee Bowyer 34

Attendance: 22637
Referee: C Oliver

Teamtalk
Birmingham failed to close the gap on Championship leaders Wolves as Scott Dann's early goal gave Coventry a 1-0 victory at the Ricoh Arena.

The Sky Blues raced out of the blocks and Clinton Morrison forced Maik Taylor to save with his feet with little more than 30 seconds on the clock after good link-up play with strike partner Leon Best.

From Daniel Fox's resulting corner, Dann was left unmarked inside the six-yard box to smash the ball home.

It was a thoroughly deserved win for the hosts, who are now unbeaten in four matches in all competitions and look to be on track to achieve Chris Coleman's target of a top-half finish in the league this season.

Birmingham were well below-par, particularly in the first half when their passing was sloppy and lacked urgency.

A lack of goals - the Blues have scored just nine in their last 12 Championship outings - must be a cause for concern for boss Alex McLeish and his side never really looked capable of mounting a recovery after falling behind early-on.

The only consolation for Birmingham is that they remain in second place after Reading slipped to a 2-0 home defeat to Bristol City.

Both managers made one change to their starting line-up.

Coleman recalled Leon McKenzie as on-loan Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson dropped down to the bench.

McLeish's switch was an enforced one after top-scorer Kevin Phillips suffered a torn hamstring against Nottingham Forest last weekend, so Cameron Jerome came into the side.

Morrison was making a nuisance of himself against his former club and headed narrowly over the crossbar after three minutes before seeing a goal-bound effort blocked by Liam Ridgewell 10 minutes later.

A neat Birmingham move was not given the finish it deserved by Sebastian Larsson when he shot tamely at Keiren Westwood after 15 minutes.

Jerome dragged a shot wide and Marcus Bent missed the target with a header either side of the half-hour mark in the only other efforts of note in the first half.

The Blues lost midfielder Lee Carsley to injury before the break. He was replaced by Hameur Bouazza.

Eight minutes into the second half it was Coventry's turn to make an enforced change as Henderson came on for the injured McKenzie.

And the Sunderland youngster almost made a telling impact midway through the second half with a superb left-foot shot from 25-yards that was brilliantly saved away by Taylor.

Birmingham improved marginally after the restart and Jerome, Keith Fahey and Lee Bowyer all had efforts on goal, but none of them forced Westwood into a save.

At the other end, Taylor kept his side in the game when he kept out Best's low shot with his feet.

Scott Sinclair thought he had rescued a late point for Birmingham when he smashed the ball home from close range but the on loan Chelsea midfielder's celebrations were cut short by an offside flag.

Best missed a late chance to seal it as Coventry suffered through five minutes of injury time, but they held on for the win.

CCFC
Coventry City saw out another extended bout of injury time to pick up all three points over Birmingham City infront of a season-record crowd at the Ricoh Arena.

Captain Scott Dann handed the Sky Blues a dream start when he headed home Danny Fox's corner in the first minute.

And Chris Coleman's rearguard withstood a late rally from Blues for another five-minute injury time period to secure a second straight win at home.

The game was barely a minute old when the Sky Blues earned a corner after Clinton Morrison had a close range volley well saved by Birmingham 'keeper Maik Taylor.

But Coventry made the most of their first set piece, Fox delivering for Dann who headed home.

The Sky Blues could have been two up a minute later when a shot took a deflection and looped just over Taylor and his bar.

Birmingham though took 14 minutes to get their first shot on target, Sebastien Larsson getting in a low effort from the edge of the Coventry area which was no trouble for Sky Blues 'keeper Keiren Westwood.

Team mate Fox was also involved in another great set piece for Coventry four minutes after the half-hour mark, floating a free-kick wide to David Bell who headed back across goal for Leon McKenzie to head just wide.

But Westwood was required at the other end just three minutes later, needing to be at full stretch to palm away Sebastien Larsson's free-kick which took a deflection and was heading for the far corner.

Coventry finished the half strong though and came within an inch of getting a second goal before the break.

McKenzie broke down the left flank and beat Martin Taylor to the byline before cutting back into the area, Gunnarsson missing the ball and Bell stabbing a shot which crossed right into the path of Morrison before rolling centimetres wide of Taylor's right-hand post.

The Sky Blues also started off the second half in fine fashion, Morrison delivering a crossfield ball to McKenzie although the delivery was just out of reach.

McKenzie was then the target of Aron Gunnarsson's through ball four minutes into the second period, only to get the ball stuck underneath his feet.

It was McKenzie's last real contribution of note after an impressive as he was stretchered off with an injury and replaced by Jordan Henderson.

Henderson was lively on the right flank after his introduction and on 65 minutes played through Best who shot at the legs of Maik Taylor.

Best returned the favour on 78 minutes, breaking away and playing in an unmarked Henderson whose shot was blocked after David Murphy's desperate challenge.

It was a case of déjà vu for Coventry fans on 90 minutes when the fourth official signalled five minutes of added time for the third consecutive time when the Sky Blues were ahead.

But outside of the nailbiting atmosphere of another extended waiting period, Birmingham enjoyed plenty of possession in the final moments but failed to turn them into anything threatening.

Another great win for the Sky Blues against another of the Championship's promotion chasers.

4thegame
Scott Dann's first minute strike proved decisive as Coventry City edged out Midlands rivals Birmingham City at the Ricoh Arena.

The Sky Blues got off to the best possible start when they took the lead after just 59 seconds.

Clinton Morrison forced a good save from Birmingham keeper Maik Taylor and the resulting corner was hit low by Dan Fox to Coventry skipper Dann at the near post, who side-footed home into the bottom left-hand corner.

The visitors' best chance of the half came on 38 minutes, Sebastian Larsson at the heart of the action when his free-kick took a deflection, forcing Keiren Westwood to pull off a brilliant save down to his left.

Coventry's new signing David Bell should have scored on the stroke of half-time when Leon McKenzie's low cross found him, but he sent an effort wide of Taylor's left-hand post.

The home side again began the livelier of the two teams and Morrison hit a fantastic 30-yard ball for McKenzie, but he failed to make clean contact and his weak strike was hit straight at Taylor.

In an end-to-end half chances for either side saw Keith Fahey shoot wide from the top of the box, before Leon Best was played through on goal by substitute Jordan Henderson, but Best's powerful effort produced a good save from Taylor.

Larsson made up for a costly error when Best robbed the Swede in Coventry's half before playing Henderson in, but Larsson ran the length of the pitch to block the shot.

Controversy reined in the 81st minute when substitute Hameur Bouazza had a goal ruled out for offside.

Coventry composed themselves quickly and Best should have done better with an effort at the far post on 83 minutes.

The Sky Blues defended in numbers throughout five minutes of injury time and held firm to take all three points.

Burnley 1 Coventry 1 - 17/02/2009

Burnley 1 Coventry 1 - 17/02/2009

Burnley: Brian Jensen, Graham Alexander, Michael Duff, Stephen Jordan (Kevin McDonald 71), Rhys Williams, Steve Caldwell, Wade Elliott, Chris McCann, Steven Thompson (Jay Rodriguez 71), Martin Paterson, Robert Blake (Chris Eagles 71)
Subs not used: Johannes Gudjonsson, Diego Penny
Goals: Chris Eagles 90


Coventry City: Keiren Westwood, Ben Turner, Stephen Wright, Scott Dann, Daniel Fox, Aron Gunnarsson, Michael Doyle, David Bell (Freddy Eastwood 81), Jordan Henderson, Clinton Morrison, Leon Best (Robbie Simpson 73)
Subs not used: Lee Sawyer, Marcus Hall, Andy Marshall
Booked: Scott Dann 36
Goals: Leon Best 44

Attendance: 14595
Referee: D Foster

Teamtalk
Chris Eagles salvaged a point for promotion-chasing Burnley with a classy 90th-minute equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Coventry at Turf Moor.

Masked striker Leon Best headed home in the 44th minute to put the Sky Blues ahead before Eagles levelled matters with an effort in keeping with his Manchester United education.

Eagles - who entered the fray as part of a triple substitution by Clarets boss Owen Coyle in the 71st minute - raced on to a pass from fellow substitute Jay Rodriquez and superbly lofted the ball over visiting goalkeeper Keiren Westwood.

For Coventry, going nowhere in the Championship but dangerous on their day as Burnley's neighbours Blackburn almost discovered to their cost in the FA Cup last weekend, it was nearly the perfect smash and grab raid.

Burnley were largely dominant but the Sky Blues' central defensive partnership of Scott Dann and Ben Turner held firm until Eagles struck.

The Clarets have won many admirers this season for their attractive, high-tempo brand of football which accounted for Fulham, Chelsea and Arsenal in the Carling Cup and took them to within two minutes of beating Tottenham in the semi-final.

They also have an FA Cup fifth-round tie at Arsenal to look forward to but promotion must surely be the priority for the famous old Lancashire outfit.

Wade Elliott and Robbie Blake quickly emerged as the Clarets' most potent weapons on either flank.

In the third minute Elliott's delightful crossfield pass found Blake lurking on the left flank and his vicious whipped cross required Stephen Wright to make a vital headed clearance at the near post.

Turner then did likewise after Martin Paterson crossed dangerously but it was all too easy for the visitors, who grew in confidence as the half wore on.

With Clinton Morrison and Best leading their attack the visitors posed a threat up front.

And they were rewarded when Best headed them in front shortly before the break after Stephen Jordan allowed Jordan Henderson to hook the ball in from the right flank.

In fairness to Burnley, they responded in the right way in the second half and Paterson kept Westwood warm with well-struck right-foot shots shortly after the restart.

In the 54th minute Paterson greeted Elliott's cross with a firm header which flew over the crossbar and then Steve Thompson blazed over after a neat pass from Blake played him in.

Burnley skipper Steven Caldwell then saw a header kicked off the line by Michael Doyle but Coyle made a triple substitution in the 71st minute - replacing Jordan, Thompson and Blake with Rodriquez, Eagles and Kevin McDonald.

The Scot was rewarded in the last minute of normal time when Rodriguez found Eagles on the left side of the penalty area and his delightful left-footed shot flew over Westwood and into the far corner.

CCFC
Coventry City were undone by a late equaliser for the second time in four days at Turf Moor after Chris Eagles cancelled out Leon Best's first-half opener with a minute to go.

There were signs that an equaliser was on the cards in the second half as the Sky Blues continually repelled wave after wave of Burnley attack.

And while the Sky Blues edged the first half yet deservedly led at half-time, no-one could deny the Clarets their deserved equaliser.

The sides matched each other like for like for the majority of the first half but it took a great crossfield ball and a bit of trickery from Jordan Henderson to allow Best to break the deadlock.

The hosts enjoyed the best of the play in the opening five minutes, right winger Wade Elliott and left-back Stephen Jordan both making progress down the flanks and supplying a number of crosses.

For all of the Clarets' early possession though, the Sky Blues never looked under a great deal of trouble and Chris Coleman's new look back four appeared to be arshalling a front pairing of Steven Thompson and Michael Paterson quite well.

It was infact Aron Gunnarsson who provided the first truly threatening move after six minutes with one of his trademark long throws which was delivered into the heart of the Burnley penalty area but was collected by Clarets 'keeper Brian Jensen.

Danny Fox also had a go with a set piece from 30 yards although Jensen had no great trouble scrambling across goal to collect the effort.

It took the hosts 17 minutes to rustle up their first effort on target, Thompson's effort from the edge of the area forcing Westwood in a low save to his right.

But Henderson had an ambitious effort five minutes later, firing a 35-yard half volley which lacked the legs to beat Jensen.

Thompson headed over the bar for Burnley just before the half hour, Elliott supplying the cross after an initial wayward corner found him near the opposite corner flag.

And almost straight on the counter attack, City's Michael Doyle forced some work out of Jensen with a 30-yard effort which was pushed wide by the Clarets shot stopper.

Burnely defender Graham Alexander almost had a half chance to open the scoring with eight minutes of the first half to go, Elliott's low cross finding him unmarked by the penalty area although he was forced away from goal by three City defenders.

But it was City who opened the scoring five minutes later after a superb move.

Doyle spread the ball right, City benefiting from some good fortune as the pass squirmed through Stephen Jordan's legs to find Henderson.

The on-loan City winger then worsened Jordan's plight by skipping past him and getting to the byline before floating a cross to Best at the back post, the masked Sky Blues striker heading downwards and inside Brian Jensen's post.

Burnley set their stall out to attack at the beginning of the second half, the Sky Blues pinned back in their own half for the first 20 minutes bar the occasional clearance or half-skirmish upfield.

For the most part though their defending was as impeccable as it was desperate at times.

Keiren Westwood, Michael Doyle and Stephen Wright combined to make two goal line clearances from Martin Paterson's header just after the hour.

Paterson put through Steven Thompson through for his own chance to level five minutes before, Thompson lifting the ball over both Keiren Westwood and his crossbar.

Elliott continued to cause problems down the right for Burnley in the second half, three minutes after the hour firing in a low cross Westwood had to pounce on ahead of Paterson.

But the hosts were rejuvenated by a triple substitution with 20 minutes to go, most notably by goalscorer Eagles who remained a constant threat down the left flank during his short stint on the pitch.

Paterson also had a great opportunity to level with seven minutes togo for the home side, a ball glancing off Scott Dann's head into his path only for the Northern Irishman to head straight into Westwood's chest.

But Eagles proved the hero for the Clarets a minute from time, latching onto a through ball and chipping over the oncoming Westwood to snatch a last-gasp point for Burnley and succeed where so many of their starting attacking players failed.

While disappointing for the travelling Sky Blue Army, not many could argue the shared spoils were anything but fair but the style in which Chris Coleman's side took the game by the scruff of the neck bodes very for them for the rest of the season.

4thegame
A goal in the last minute from substitute Chris Eagles rescued a point for Owen Coyle's promotion-chasing team, against a resolute Coventry City side.

Burnley started brightly with wide-men Robbie Blake and Wade Elliott providing an early challenge for the visitors' defence.

However, it was the Sky Blues who had the first shot on target through a Daniel Fox free-kick.

Coventry keeper Keiren Westwood made his first save after 17 minutes, diving to his right to deny a Steven Thompson strike from 20 yards.

Jordan Henderson tested Burnley goalkeeper Brian Jensen with an ambitious attempt from fully 30 yards.

On the half-hour mark, Jensen had to produce a fine save to keep out a left-foot shot from Michael Doyle.

Coventry took the lead two minutes before the interval when a Stephen Jordan mistake allowed Henderson to get to the by-line and his far post cross was headed home by Leon Best.

Westwood was called into action to save twice from Martin Paterson early in the second half before producing an even better save to deny Graham Alexander after a well-worked corner routine.

After Paterson had headed over the crossbar, the Clarets missed a golden opportunity when Thompson blazed a shot over with only Westwood to beat.

It looked as though it wasn't going to be Burnley's night when, on the hour mark, both Thompson and Michael Duff had attempts blocked on the goal-line.

With 20 minutes remaining boss Coyle made a triple substitution and, with time running out, two of those substitutes combined as Jay Rodriguez headed the ball into the path of Eagles for the equaliser.

Blackburn 2 Coventry 2 - FA Cup 5 - 14/02/2009

Blackburn 2 Coventry 2 - FA Cup 5 - 14/02/2009

Blackburn Rovers: Paul Robinson, Stephen Warnock, Christoper Samba, Kerimoglu Tugay (Keith Andrews 65), David Dunn (Keith Treacy 70), Roque Santa Cruz, Zurab Khizanishvili, Carlos Villanueva, Gael Givet, Danny Simpson, Jason Roberts (Benedict McCarthy 77)
Subs: Mark Bunn (GK), Ryan Nelsen, Vincenzo Grella, Arran Doran
Subs not used:
Booked: Christoper Samba, Zurab Khizanishvili
Goals: Roque Santa Cruz 2, Christoper Samba 90

Coventry City: Andy Marshall, Daniel Fox, Elliot Ward, James McPake (Scott Dann 45), Isaac Osbourne, Aron Gunnarsson, Michael Doyle, Guillaume Beuzelin (Leon Best 52), Jordan Henderson, Clinton Morrison, Freddy Eastwood
Subs: Marcus Hall, Robbie Simpson, Kevin Thornton, Ashley Cain
Subs not used:
Booked: Guillaume Beuzelin, Freddy Eastwood, Leon Best
Goals: Aron Gunnarsson 61, Michael Doyle 76

Attendance: 15053
Referee: S Tanner

Teamtalk
Christopher Samba's dramatic late equaliser kept Blackburn's FA Cup dream alive as Rovers snatched a 2-2 draw with Coventry at Ewood Park.
Samba struck deep in stoppage time to force the ball home after stand-in goalkeeper Andy Marshall had fumbled a shot from substitute Keith Treacy at the end of an entertaining fifth-round tie.

Marshall, who had replaced Keiran Westwood, taken ill in the warm-up, was distraught at the end.

Coventry had looked on their way to the quarter-finals but instead had to settle for a replay.

Blackburn got off to a perfect start and made the breakthrough against the Championship side after two minutes.

Roque Santa Cruz rifled a shot into the corner from an acute angle following a flick-on from Samba.

It was the fifth goal of the season by the Paraguay striker, who looked to be on his way to Manchester City in the transfer window.

Blackburn rejected a number of bids and although Santa Cruz's long-term future is unclear, he will see out the season at least.

Coventry were stung by that early blow but responded 10 minutes later when Jordan Henderson made space down the right. He sent a shot across the face of the goal and beyond Paul Robinson but wide of the post.

It was Blackburn, however, who looked in control and were dominating possession.

Jason Roberts then got into a good position only to send a half-volley wide of the post.

Blackburn looked dangerous every time they broke forward and David Dunn picked out Carlos Villanueva in the 31st minute but he failed to test Marshall.

However, Coventry should have drawn level a minute later following Daniel Fox's flighted free-kick.

Aron Gunnarsson peeled away from his marker but from in front of the posts he delivered a header closer to the corner flag than the goal.

Santa Cruz then came close to adding a second in the 40th minute after a fine cross from Villanueva, only to find the side netting with his shot.

Coventry again found themselves on the back foot two minutes later when Santa Cruz weighed up his effort from 25 yards, but it whistled past the post.

Marshall earned his corn in the 49th minute by turning Villanueva's free-kick around the post after it had taken a deflection off the wall.

The lower league side suddenly stepped up the pressure and drew level on the hour mark with a stunning strike from Gunnarsson.

He latched on to a clearance from Gael Givet, took one touch and thundered a shot into the roof of the net from 20 yards.

It was a goal out of nothing and more than made up for his wayward header in the first half.

Gunnarsson was growing in confidence and carved out a chance in the 65th minute but his effort cleared the bar.

Givet thought he had regained the lead for Blackburn three minutes later but his effort was ruled out for an infringement.

Coventry maintained their grip on the game and took the lead in the 75th minute to stun the Premier League strugglers.

Michael Doyle's instinctive effort came off Samba and looped over stranded goalkeeper Robinson.

Eastwood should have added a third six minutes later but sent a close-range shot wide of the post.

Samba grabbed a dramatic equaliser in stoppage time by taking advantage when Marshall spilled substitute Treacy's effort and Coventry boss Chris Coleman was left cursing his luck.

CCFC
Coventry City were just three minutes away from an FA Cup quarter final place at Ewood Park after their superb second-half comeback display was spoilt by Chris Samba's injury-time equaliser for Blackburn Rovers.

Roque Santa Cruz handed the hosts a second-minute lead but City came back with second-half strikes from Aron Gunnarsson and Michael Doyle.

Samba spoilt the party for City's 5,000 travelling fans though after poking home from a goalmouth scramble in the second of five injury-time minutes in a cruel twist of fate for the Sky Blues.

Santa Cruz lived up to his reputation as a dangerous hitman when in just the second minute he picked up a ball on the corner of the six-yard area and fired a tight-angled shot past Andy Marshall.

But for Rovers' early opener though, the Sky Blues enjoyed most of the attacking play for the first 20 minutes.

Jordan Henderson and Freddy Eastwood produced dangerous back-to-back crosses after nine minutes and Henderson also went close with a shot three minutes later.

Doyle picked out the 18-year-old with a crossfield ball which the teenager brought down well with a great first touch, then lashing a half volley across the face of Paul Robinson's goal and just wide of the far post.

Jason Roberts had a chance to double Rovers' lead after 20 minutes, flicking a bouncing ball over Isaac Osbourne's head but fluffing his half-volley wide of the goal.

David Dunn also had an effort from a similar angle to the opener saved by Marshall.

But City had a great chance to get level just after half an hour, Danny Fox's free kick floated into the area for Aron Gunnarsson who directed his unmarked header wide of the post infront of goal.

Coventry also had a minor let off five minutes before the break when Fox was dispossessed by Villanueva who cross quickly for Santa Cruz who could only push his shot wide of the Andy Marshall's near post.

City came out looking the stronger of the two sides in the second half though, Henderson poking a shot just over the bar five minutes after the restart.

But Chris Coleman's side were level on the hour when Gunnarsson opened his scoring record for the Sky Blues in fine style with a 25-yard half-volley past Paul Robinson.

The temporary delay of game brought on by a pitch invader donning a cupid costume probably resulted in the five minutes of added time.

However, soon after the invader was apprehended, Michael Doyle broke for the Sky Blues and fired a half-volley from the corner of the area which took a deflection and looped over Robinson with 15 minutes to go.

It was all City up until the 90th minute when the announcement of added time spurred on the hosts at which point they peppered the City box with deliveries and never managed to capitalize from one goalmouth scramble which was poked away by Coventry.

But they made the most of the second scramble straight after, Samba running onto a loose ball on the six-yard line to fire home and earn Blackburn a replay.

Coventry 2 Wolves 1 - 07/02/2009

Coventry 2 Wolves 1 - 07/02/2009

Coventry City: Keiren Westwood, Stephen Wright, Daniel Fox, James McPake, Ben Turner, Jordan Henderson, Guillaume Beuzelin, David Bell, Michael Doyle, Leon McKenzie (Freddy Eastwood 77), Clinton Morrison (Leon Best 87)
Subs not used: Andy Marshall, Lee Sawyer, Marcus Hall
Booked: Stephen Wright 70
Goals: Michael Doyle 25, Leon McKenzie 75

Wolverhampton Wanderers: Wayne Hennessey, Kevin Foley, Richard Stearman, Christophe Berra, Karl Henry (David Edwards 84), Nigel Quashie, Michael Kightly (Kyel Reid 86), Matthew Jarvis, Stephen Ward, Chris Iwelumo (Sam Vokes 62), Sylvan Ebanks-Blake
Subs not used: Shane Higgs, Andy Keogh
Booked: Karl Henry 57, Stephen Ward 53
Goals: Sam Vokes 72

Attendance: 21167
Referee: M Oliver

Teamtalk
Keiren Westwood saved Sylvan Ebanks-Blake's injury-time penalty to ensure Coventry hung on to all three points with a 2-1 home win over Wolves.
Ebanks-Blake was tripped inside the area by Ben Turner and referee Michael Oliver immediately pointed to the spot. The 20-goal striker dusted himself down to take the kick but Westwood saved it.

Michael Doyle scored for the second successive game to give Coventry the half-time lead but substitute Sam Vokes brought Wolves level. However, parity did not last long and Leon McKenzie's goal won it for the Sky Blues.

Both managers made three changes and both handed full debuts to centre-backs.

James McPake started at the heart of Coventry's defence alongside the recalled Ben Turner following his arrival from Livingston. Freddy Eastwood missed out against his former club as Leon McKenzie was preferred up front.

Christophe Berra went straight into Wolves' line up after joining from Hearts while Nigel Quashie and Chris Iwelumo also came back into the side.

Doyle followed up his goal in the defeat at Derby last week by getting on the scoresheet again after 25 minutes following good work by his fellow Republic of Ireland international Clinton Morrison.

Morrison showed good strength to hold off Richard Stearman and get a shot away. His effort struck a post and rebounded kindly into the path of Doyle who could not miss from six yards out.

The goal came somewhat against the run of play. Wolves had been the better side and Coventry struggled to get out of their own half early on.

But the hosts grew in confidence after the goal and David Bell, making his home debut following his deadline-day transfer from Norwich, came close to extending Coventry's lead before the half-hour mark.

Berra should have equalised just before the break but he headed over from Matt Jarvis' corner when unmarked just six yards out.

The Scot was presented with a similar chance after an hour, he managed to get his effort on target this time but it was a comfortable save for Westwood.

Ebanks-Blake and Iwelumo have scored 33 league goals between them for Wolves this season but they did not get a sniff of a chance in this game.

Mick McCarthy decided to split up the partnership after 62 minutes by bringing on Vokes for Iwelumo, and it proved to be an inspired move as the Wales international brought the league leaders level within 10 minutes of his introduction.

Michael Kightly dug-out a cross from the left-hand side and Vokes was on hand to head home at the far post.

But parity lasted just three minutes. McKenzie should have scored moments before following a mistake by Berra but somehow blazed his shot over the crossbar from six yards.

He made no mistake when given a second opportunity, slotting the ball into the bottom corner after collecting Jordan Henderson's pass.

Only a fine save from Wayne Hennessey to tip Morrison's shot round the post prevented Coventry from extending their lead before Westwood's heroics at the end.

CCFC
Keiren Westwood was the hero for Coventry after saving an injury-time penalty to keep City's 2-1 lead intact.

City had led through Michael Doyle's first half strike, but were pegged back by a Sam Vokes header in the 72nd minute.

Leon McKenzie, who was given a start up-front, restored the lead three minutes later - but referee Michael Oliver awarded a penalty in the last seconds of the game.

However, Westwood blocked Sylvan Ebanks-Blake's effort to send the Sky Blues supporters into a frenzy.

Chris Coleman handed a debut to James McPake and the Scot had to keep any nerves in check as Wolves pressed forward.

Matthew Jarvis was the early threat as he looked to feed crosses into the box, but McPake and defensive partner Ben Turner managed to keep the early advances at bay.

The game's major battles came from the middle of the park, but neither side seemed capable of finding the decisive ball,

The first major effort came in the 14th minute when Jordan Henderson broke down the right flank and passed to Clinton Morrison outside the box. The striker turned and played in David Bell, who turned his marker before firing a shot towards goal for Wayne Hennessey to save well.

Wolves responded two minutes later and nearly capitalised on a mix-up between McPake and Westwood - but as he went to round the keeper, Westwood recovered and cleared.

Then, after the game suffered a brief lull, great forward play from Morrison helped give City the lead. The leading scorer used his strength to turn in the box and knock an effort past Hennessey six yards out. The effort rebounded off the post and Doyle charged in and slide tackled the ball into the net.

The game continued to be tight with no side producing real efforts. Wolves had their first attempt on goal in the 43rd minute, when Christophe Berra rose to meet a corner - although his header way well-wide of the target.

By the end of the first half, Wolves had failed to register a shot on target. But they started the second half with a high-tempo as they aimed to pull level.

Jarvis was the visitors' main outlet but the tricky winger's crosses were causing problems - although the City defence handled them well.

Wolves finally got a shot on target in the 56th minute when the ball trickled through to Chris Iwelumo - but the striker's effort was weak and Westwood was able to gather the ball.

City were happy to sit back and defend but Wolves pressure eventually resulted in a goal. They won a 72nd minute corner which Michael Kightly swung to the backpost for substitute Sam Vokes to head home.

However, the goal sparked City into life and produced an exhilarating response.

First, City raced into the Wolves box and Guillaume Beuzelin found Henderson in space to the right. The loanee struck a sweet half-volley, but it narrowly went wide.

Wolves restarted but were pegged back into their own box again. McKenzie received the ball and weaved past the defence to leave himself clear to the right of the goal. However, he got under his shot and sent it high over the bar.

But he soon made up for the miss with an effort seconds later in the 75th minute. City won the ball in midfield and Henderson played a weighted through-ball for McKenzie to run onto and place past Hennessey to restore the lead.

The Sky Blues seemed determined not to repeat the mistake of sitting back and continued to press forward when they could. Morrison was able to try his luck from range and Doyle blasted a shot narrowly over the bar.

Wolves continued to push and, deep into injury time, a goalmouth scramble saw a penalty awarded after Turner fouled.

But Westwood pulled off a great save to protect the advantage and give City the points.

4thegame
Keiren Westwood's dramatic penalty save four minutes into stoppage time ruined Mick McCarthy's 50th birthday celebrations as Coventry City defeated the Championship leaders.

The visitors found themselves trailing in the 24th minute when Michael Doyle made it two goals in two games.

Clinton Morrison bravely beat keeper Wayne Hennessey to the ball and when his shot thundered against a post, Doyle slammed in the rebound from six yards.

Wolves wasted an excellent chance to equalise two minutes before the break when Michael Kightly's corner from the left was wastefully headed over the bar by the unmarked Christopher Berra on his debut.

McCarthy's half-time team talk had the desired effect as Coventry's defence was put under sustained pressure.

The breakthrough came in the 72nd minute when Kightly's corner from the left was met at the far post by substitute Sam Vokes, who headed the ball into the top corner.

Coventry refused to buckle and they restored their lead just three minutes later.

A well-crafted through ball from Jordan Henderson teed up Leon McKenzie and he smacked a low shot into the far corner.

Wolves were thrown a dramatic lifeline in the fourth minute of stoppage time when Sylvan Ebanks-Blake was fouled inside the area.

The Championship's top scorer stepped up but Westwood dived to his right to prevent the striker netting his 21st goal of the season from the penalty spot.