Coventry 1 Doncaster 0 - 21/03/2009

Coventry 1 Doncaster 0 - 21/03/2009

Coventry City: Keiren Westwood, Stephen Wright, Scott Dann, Ben Turner, Marcus Hall, Jordan Henderson (Robbie Simpson 85), Guillaume Beuzelin (Isaac Osbourne 79), Aron Gunnarsson, David Bell, Freddy Eastwood (Leon Best 62), Clinton Morrison
Subs not used: Andy Marshall, Elliott Ward
Booked: Stephen Wright 45, Jordan Henderson 25, Clinton Morrison 57
Goals: David Bell 20

Doncaster Rovers: Neil Sullivan, Gareth Roberts (Sam Hird 89), James Chambers, Adam Lockwood, Matthew Mills, Richard Wellens, Mark Wilson (Waide Fairhurst 84), John Spicer, Martin Woods, Dean Shiels, Paul Heffernan (James Hayter 74)
Subs not used: Jos van Nieuwstadt, James O'Connor
Booked:Richard Wellens 24

Attendance: 18498
Referee: R Beeby

Teamtalk
David Bell capitalised on Neil Sullivan's gaffe to score his first goal for Coventry and give them a 1-0 win over Doncaster at the Ricoh Arena.

Coventry had looked the better side in the opening stages. With 20 minutes gone, Sullivan came rushing out of his goal to clear Keiren Westwood's goal-kick - only for it to go straight to Bell, who finished superbly from 45 yards.

It was no more than Coventry deserved.

Stephen Wright saw a shot hit the post minutes later, and at the other end Westwood made a good save from John Spicer as Doncaster pressed forward before the break.

Westwood had to be alert to deny Dean Shiels early in the second half, but Coventry held on to record their first victory in five matches and move nine points clear of the bottom three.

The defeat was Doncaster's third in a row without scoring and left them with work to do to secure their Championship status for next season.

The home side almost went in front with two minutes gone when Aron Gunnarsson headed into the path of Jordan Henderson, who cut the ball across for Freddy Eastwood. But his shot skimmed the top of the bar.

Doncaster quickly found their rhythm, and Wilson was allowed to stride forward unchallenged before unleashing a long-range effort which Westwood did well to turn around the post.

Shortly after Coventry's opener, they went agonisingly close to doubling their lead when Gunnarsson's throw was headed straight into the path of Wright - whose first-time shot cannoned back off the post.

The visitors began to come into the game late in the half. Spicer was played in, but Westwood was quickly off his line to block the shot.

Doncaster continued where they left off at the start of the second half, and a quick break saw Shiels get away inside the area. But once again, Westwood did well to save the shot.

Coventry did still look dangerous, though, and Guillaume Beuzelin's cross found Scott Dann - but his flicked header went just over the bar.

Doncaster's Mark Wilson fired a long-range effort wide, and at the other end Gunnarsson saw his shot well blocked by Adam Lockwood.

Doncaster tried to push for a way back in the closing stages, but Coventry held firm to secure a battling three points.

CCFC
Coventry City ended a four-game run of successive defeats with a one-goal victory over travelling Doncaster Rovers thanks to a superb first-half strike from David Bell.

The Irish midfielder produced a flash of combined brilliance and opportunism to catch Doncaster 'keeper Neil Sullivan off his line from around 45 yards to give City the lead after 20 minutes.

And it could have been more had it not been for Rovers' woodwork in the first half.

Freddy Eastwood skimmed the crossbar from 12 yards just two minutes in, connecting with Jordan Henderson's cutback on the counter but unable to keep his shot down enough.

Rovers defender Matt Mills came close to giving the visitors the lead, his header from a corner going over Keiren Westwood's bar after 18 minutes.

But two minutes later, Bell took his cue from City fans urging him to shoot, then producing an effort reminiscent of David Beckham's famous halfway-line goal, from which Sullivan was also the victim.

Six minutes later Stephen Wright nearly made it 2-0 to City, a headed clearance finding it's way to the full-back who fired a volley at goal from 20 yards which hit Sullivan's post and shook the framework of the goal.

Keiren Westwood was needed to tip two efforts around his post from John Spicer and Richie Wellens with ten minutes of the half to go.

And, bar a breakway between Henderson and Wright which resulted in Henderson's shot going straight at Sullivan, Doncaster enjoyed most of the possession in the closing stages of the first half.

They never really threatened the goal though as the Sky Blues saw out the two added minutes without incident.

The second half in comparison passed without much incident although there was tension aplenty among City fans who grew gradually closer to a valuable Championship three points.

Westwood stayed alert three minutes into the second period, getting a strong palm to a close-range flick from James Chambers.

And he was called upon again after 56 minutes, coming off his line to block the effort of oncoming Sheils who took the rebound with the ball going out for a goal kick.

Dann had a close range header flicked just over the bar three minutes after the hour which could all but have sealed the points for the Sky Blues.

And while Doncaster continued to pepper the City area with long deliveries in search of an equalizer, they by far came out on top in terms of possession in the final 15 minutes but did little to suggest they would be getting a goal back.

The win for the Sky Blues, while ending their recent poor run, extends Rovers' run of league defeats to three on the bounce, something City know all too well but for know do not have to worry about.

4thegame
David Bell's first goal for Coventry City was enough to secure the three points as the Sky Blues defeated Doncaster Rovers 1-0 at the Ricoh Arena.

The first half was brought to life in the 20th minute by Bell's fantastic effort. A hopeful ball into the corner from Aron Gunnarsson was sliced clear by Rovers keeper Neil Sullivan, straight to Bell, who took a touch before unleashing a 40-yard-effort into the top right-hand corner of the unguarded net.

The Sky Blues almost added a second spectacular goal to their collection on 28 minutes when Stephen Wright's 25-yard-volley smashed against Sullivan's left-hand post.

Doncaster threatened to equalise when John Spicer was played through by Richie Wellens on 34 minutes but Keiren Westwood did well to block the shot.

Wellens again caused problems when he danced through the Sky Blues' midfield before forcing a good save from Westwood with his low drive.

Doncaster started the second half brightly when Paul Heffernan adjusted quickly to flick Gareth Roberts' cross at goal on 49 minutes - but Westwood made a comfortable stop.

Dean Shiels escaped Scott Dann before finding himself one-on-one with Westwood, who did well to close him down at the near post and block the shot.

City responded to the early pressure with an effort of their own in the 64th minute as Guillaume Beuzelin's whipped cross from the left was sent over the bar by the head of Dann.

Substitute Robbie Simpson could have wrapped up the win on 86 minutes but he failed to connect with Bell's cross as he slid in at the far post.

But it was of little consequence as the Sky Blues saw out three minutes of stoppage time to end a run of four straight defeats and move above their opponents in the Championship table.

Preston 2 Coventry 1 - 14/03/2009

Preston 2 Coventry 1 - 14/03/2009

Preston North End: Andy Lonergan, Eddie Nolan, Sean St. Ledger, Youl Mawene, Billy Jones, Chris Sedgwick (Simon Whaley 70), Barry Nicholson (Darren Carter 58), Paul McKenna, Ross Wallace, Stephen Elliott (Neil Mellor 64), Jonathan Parkin
Subs not used: Chris Neal, Chris Brown
Booked: Jonathan Parkin 68
Goals: Ben Turner 38(og), Jonathan Parkin 72

Coventry City: Keiren Westwood, Stephen Wright, Ben Turner, Scott Dann, Marcus Hall, Jordan Henderson, Guillaume Beuzelin, David Bell, Michael Doyle (Aron Gunnarsson 82), Freddy Eastwood (Robbie Simpson 80), Clinton Morrison
Subs not used: Andy Marshall, Isaac Osbourne, Elliott Ward
Booked: Jordan Henderson 28, Guillaume Beuzelin 31
Goals: Clinton Morrison 17

Attendance: 13251
Referee: K Friend

Teamtalk
Jon Parkin claimed a crucial 72nd-minute winner to hand Preston their 14th home victory of the season as Coventry were beaten 2-1 at Deepdale.

North End had collected a solitary point from their three previous Championship outings but in-form Parkin notched his fourth goal in as many appearances on Saturday to secure a vital win in North End's hunt for promotion.

Coventry led in the 17th minute when Stephen Wright's cross-shot was converted by Clinton Morrison, but Preston equalised in the 38th minute when Sky Blues defender Ben Turner headed into his own net.

Alan Irvine's men were largely dominant throughout and winger Ross Wallace provided a steady supply of ammunition from the left flank, only for Parkin and Stephen Elliott to fire blanks in the opening 45 minutes.

Preston began brightly and in the 12th minute Chris Sedgwick crossed dangerously from the right flank and Parkin's deft touch found Elliott, who fired wide from 12 yards.

Four minutes later another teasing delivery from Sedgwick found Parkin at the far post, but he could only divert the ball onto the roof of the net.

Moments later Coventry caught Preston cold when Wright was given the time and space to ghost into the penalty area and drive a low right-foot shot goalwards and Morrison tapped home from close range.

Preston's response was encouraging and Parkin engineered the space for a shot which Coventry skipper Scott Dann blocked superbly.

Another cross from Wallace was volleyed over by Elliott and then Parkin scuffed a Wallace delivery straight at Keiren Westwood.

Coventry almost doubled their advantage in the 29th minute when Jordan Henderson found Morrison and his low, first-time shot required home goalkeeper Andy Lonergan to make a smart stop.

Yet the momentum remained largely with Preston and after Freddy Eastwood fouled Youl Mawene, Wallace curled in a deep free-kick which Turner headed high into his own net.

Coventry almost restored their lead on the stroke of half-time but Eastwood's fine strike from 22 yards struck the outside of the post.

Turner almost made amends for his own-goal in the 54th minute when he arrived at the far post and hit a low shot which required Preston midfielder Barry Nicholson to make a fine block.

Nicholson was injured in the process and had to be replaced by Darren Carter yet Irvine's men went in pursuit of a winning goal.

Parkin fired over in the 60th minute and the arrival of Neil Mellor for the below-par Elliott buoyed Preston and they claimed maximum points with 12 minutes remaining.

A clearance from Westwood was quickly returned into Coventry territory and Parkin burst clear onto the loose ball, displaying outstanding poise to round the visiting stopper and fire a left-foot shot into the empty net.

Simon Whaley, another second-half substitute, twice had opportunities to put Chris Coleman's men out of sight but he was denied by Westwood and then blazed over the bar moments later.

CCFC
Jon Parkin's sixth goal in eight games condemned the Sky Blues to a third league defeat in a row.

The Sky Blues had led through Clinton Morrison's 18th minute strike, but a Ben Turner own goal and Parkin's 72nd minute finish gave Preston the points.

The Sky Blues started well on the bobbly Deepdale pitch, and put together some good passing moves in the opening stages.

However, it was Preston who forced the first real attempt. Chris Sedgwick crossed from the right only for Parkin to mis-kick the ball - but it fell to Stephen Elliott who curled the ball wide from 10-yards out.

Sedgwick followed up the move minutes later with an excellent deep cross to Parkin - but his outstretched boot could only turn the ball onto the roof of the net.

The close-call sparked City into life and an excellent move resulted in the opener.

Guillaume Beuzelin started the move in the centre of midfield, playing the ball to Stephen Wright. He played an excellent one-two with Jordan Henderson and burst into the Preston box before firing a low shot towards the corner of the net, which Morrison got a faint touch to score his first goal of 2009.

Preston responded well to the goal but missed three good opportunities to level in quick succession.

First, Parkin received the ball in the area but delayed his shot - which was eventually blocked by Scott Dann.

Two minutes later, Ross Wallace's cross found Elliott unmarked in the six yard box, but his rash volley went high over the bar.

Wallace then supplied another penetrating ball - a low cross - to find Parkin in a similar position, but the forward mis-kicked the ball and it was collected by Keiren Westwood.

Morrison had a bad miss of his own in the 25th minute - Henderson's through-ball put him clear but he could not connect cleanly with a shot and Andy Lonergan saved.

Morrison turned provider three minutes later and fed Henderson through - he fell under challenge from Sean St Ledger, but referee Keith Friend booked the winger for diving.

The game turned a little scrappy and after giving away a free-kick 30 yards from goal in the 37th minute, Preston had a fortunate equaliser.

Ross Wallace's put the ball towards the back post and Ben Turner, under pressure from St Ledger, headed the ball into his own net.

The Sky Blues came close to going back ahead with the final kick of the half, when Eastwood turned his marker on the edge of the box and fired a shot towards goal - only for it to rebound off the post and wide.

The second-half began slowly but Turner nearly had his revenge in the 54th minute. David Bell's corner bounced through the area and into the defender's path - but his shot was blocked for another corner.

Parkin came close again on the hour mark when the ball bounced to him in the area - but he failed to lift the ball over Westwood and his effort landed over the bar.

City were struggling to create chances, and were forced to shoot from range - a 35-yard half volley from Henderson the closest chance.

However, Parkin would give Preston the lead in the 72nd minute. Westwood took a City free-kick near the corner flag but it fell short to Paul McKenna. The captain knocked a ball over the top for Parkin to run onto, and after rounding Westwood, he finished coolly.

Robbie Simpson and Aron Gunnarsson were introduced to try and force a late equaliser but despite some good forward movement, Preston held out for the win.

4thegame
Preston made it 12 games unbeaten at home in the league with a comeback against Coventry City to take all three points.

The win was Preston's first win in four games and only a third in 11 games.

In the fifth minute, Billy Jones made the keeper palm the ball away and then Chris Sedgwick had a cross saved after quarter of an hour.

Coventry took the lead in the 17th minute when Jordan Henderson found Stephen Wright, who got behind Eddie Nolan and assisted with a low cross-shot to the far post which Clinton Morrison slid in to touch home.

Ross Wallace had a low left-wing cross which Jon Parkin shot but the keeper saved at the second attempt.

Morrison and Sedgwick had efforts saved with Republic of Ireland international Morrison having another snapshot saved low down.

Preston won a free-kick on the right wing and Wallace fired it across the face of goal and then Ben Turner beat Sean St Ledger to send a firm header into the roof of his own net for an own goal after 38 minutes.

St Ledger squared to Stephen Elliott and he had a shot saved and Wallace had another effort saved before, in first-half added time, Marcus Hall crossed to Freddy Eastwood and he curled a right-foot shot from the edge of the box against the outside of the far post.

Sedgwick had a cross saved and David Bell had a left-wing corner saved at the start of the second half.

Parkin scored his ninth goal of the season in the 72nd minute when Kieran Westwood could only clear a free-kick to Wallace and he sent the ball down the middle to the big striker, who went around the keeper before hitting a low shot into the middle of the net.

Substitute Neil Mellor had a shot saved and Darren Carter found Simon Whaley, who shot from the edge of the box and brought a save from the Coventry keeper.

In the first minute of added time, St Ledger had another effort saved as Preston confidently played out time for a play-off boosting win.

Bristol City 2 Coventry 0 - 10/03/2009

Bristol City 2 Coventry 0 - 10/03/2009

Bristol City: Adriano Basso, Jamie McAllister, Louis Carey, Bradley Orr, Liam Fontaine, Jamie McCombe, Michael McIndoe, Gavin Williams, Lee Johnson, Nicky Maynard (Peter Styvar 63), Stern John (Dele Adebola 64)
Subs not used: Ivan Sproule, Chris Weale, James Wilson
Booked: Louis Carey 84
Goals: Jamie McAllister 66, Lee Johnson 80

Coventry City: Keiren Westwood, Ben Turner, James McPake, Marcus Hall, Stephen Wright, Jordan Henderson (Robbie Simpson 79), Michael Doyle, Guillaume Beuzelin, Freddy Eastwood (David Bell 61), Clinton Morrison, Leon Best
Subs not used: Elliott Ward, Andy Marshall, Isaac Osbourne
Booked: James McPake 88, Clinton Morrison 84


Attendance: 15706
Referee: P Crossley

Teamtalk
A double substitution from Gary Johnson proved decisive as Bristol City scored two second-half goals to beat Coventry 2-0 at Ashton Gate.

Following a lacklustre first half on Tuesday, the tide of pressure dramatically turned after Johnson introduced Dele Adebola and Peter Styvar midway through the second period, resulting in goals from Jamie McAllister and Lee Johnson.

Fresh from their FA Cup elimination at the hands of Chelsea last weekend, the Sky Blues dominated a furiously-paced opening period and came inches away from taking the lead but Clinton Morrison's effort cannoned back off the post.

Further chances fell to Leon Best and James McPake but the visitors could find no way past Robins goalkeeper Adriano Basso, and Chris Coleman's men were made to pay for their missed opportunities.

With little forthcoming in the way of creativity, boss Johnson hauled off strikers Stern John and Nicky Maynard in the 62nd minute. And, just three minutes later the change proved decisive as McAllister hammered home the opener.

The substitution had swung the game in the home side's favour and they went on to double their lead in the 80th minute as Gavin Williams' sweeping cross from the left was met by Johnson who added the easiest of finishes from six yards.

Sky Blues boss Coleman had made two changes to the side who lost 2-0 to Guus Hiddink's Chelsea in the FA Cup, with new boy James McPake coming in for Scott Dann while Guillaume Beuzelin replaced promising youngster Aron Gunnarson in midfield.

There was a frantic start to the match as the visitors immediately laid siege to the Robins' goal.

Michael Doyle and Freddy Eastwood both registered their attacking intent early with efforts from distance while centre-back Louis Carey was twice required to produce last-ditch blocks to prevent an early opener for Chris Coleman's men.

It was not all one-way traffic though as the home side came to life with an electric counter-attack in the 10th minute which culminated in a rasping drive from Robins midfielder Michael McIndoe, forcing a fine save from Keiren Westwood.

But it was the Sky Blues who were very much in control and they came inches away from breaking the deadlock as former Crystal Palace striker Morrison hit a ferocious drive from 25 yards which cannoned back off the post.

The visitors continued to pile forward and dominated possession as two deep crosses in quick succession were met by Leon Best and McPake but neither troubled Basso as the goalless first half drew to a close.

There was none of the opening period's high octane pace as the second half got underway but it remained the home side who had most cause for concern as John and Maynard becoming more and more isolated in the final third.

Something had to be changed and manager Johnson decided it was time for Adebola and Styvar in the 62nd minute.

Then the home side took an undeserved lead in spectacular fashion.

Revived by the fresh injection of life, McIndoe cut the ball inside to fellow midfielder McAllister who unleashed a venomous drive from 25 yards which arrowed into the top left-hand corner.

The home side were suddenly in the ascendancy and went on to double their lead as Williams delivered an incisive ball the from the left side of penalty area and striker Johnson was on hand to tap home.

CCFC
Coventry City fall to their second consecutive Championship defeat after second-half goals from Bristol City's Jamie McAllister and Lee Johnson at Ashton Gate.

The Sky Blues lived by the skin of their teeth in the first half, relying on a goal-line clearance from Marcus Hall and a superb reflex stop from Keiren Westwood to ensure the game stayed goalless at half-time.

But McAllister finally broke the deadlock on 65 minutes with a 30-yard screamer, Johnson adding the second on 80 minutes after applying a simple finish to Gavin Williams' breakaway.

Coventry enjoyed the better start of the two sides, Freddy Eastwood breaking away in the second minute and firing a shot low straight at Robins 'keeper Adriano Basso.

Jordan Henderson then got a bit of joy down the right flank five minutes later, nutmeg-ing Liam Fontaine at the byline and cutting back across goal only for Basso to cut out the pass.

Michael McIndoe, arguably the most influential individual on the pitch for the first half, then had his first taste at goal after ten minutes, picking up the ball from the centre circle and getting as far as 25 yards away before firing at shot at goal palmed away by Westwood.

Bristol City top scorer Nicky Maynard then had arguably the best chance of the game up to that point two minutes later, combining well with ex-Sky Blue Stern John before shooting straight at Westwood from less than ten yards out.

Leon Best had a similar opportunity a minute before Maynard, receiving a ball from Clinton Morrison and running the defence but firing his shot at a wall of bodies.

And John had a half-chance on the half-hour mark, latching onto a tapped ball through the Coventry back line but toe-poking into Westwood's body.

Henderson broke free on the very next counter attack only to spread his crossfield ball to an unmarked Eastwood off target.

But just two minutes later Westwood pulled out a fantastic save from a Robins set-piece, McIndoe delivering a corner met by McCombe who powered a header at goal, Westwood displaying superb reflexes to palm the header away at close range and then recover to scramble the ball from danger.

The Sky Blues were infact the only side of the first half to actually put the ball in the net, Eastwood delivering a cross to Basso's back post for Hall who headed into the path of Best who put the ball in the back of the net only to be penalized for a foul.

And veteran Coventry right-back Marcus Hall was on hand to provide a vital piece of defending two minutes into injury time, beating a ball out of the goalmouth after a shot from John looped over Westwood and headed towards the net.

Morrison handed the Sky Blues a livener eight minutes into the second half following a great bit of interplay between Stephen Wright and Henderson, the latter playing through Morrison who fought off McCombe to flash a shot just wide of Basso's far post.

It was the Robins who finally breached the rearguard though after a well-worked corner five minutes after the hour mark.

A short corner was eventually played out to McAllister who fired from 30 yards and found the top corner of Westwood's net.

He had another effort a minute later, a half-volley palmed away by Westwood.

Turner then hit back with a shot for the Sky Blues shortly after, forcing Basso to turn the low effort around his near post.

But Johnson put the game all but beyond Chris Coleman's side with ten minutes to go, Williams breaking down the left and getting around Wright before cutting back to Johnson who applied a standard finish past Westwood from the edge of the six-yard box.

Second-half substitute Dele Adebola almost earned a late run at goal, pouncing on James McPake who miscontrolled a pass, the Scotsman then catching Adebola and earning a booking.

But that was the last mention-worthy event of the game as four minutes of added time passed with controversy or drama, leaving the Sky Blues empty handed.

4thegame
Bristol City boosted their play-off hopes with a 2-0 win over Coventry City at Ashton Gate.

Billed as a Championship match neither of these play-off hopefuls could afford to lose, this one was unlocked by the least likely of scorers.

When full-back Jamie McAlister drove a 25-yard shot from a corner into the roof of the net it was only his second goal for the Robins in 114 starts.

With their resistance stunted Coventry then fell to a break-out from a free-kick, Lee Johnson tapping in the killer goal after a long run into the box by Gavin Williams.

An open game was noteworthy for tackles on the flying side of enthusiasm, but brought no cautions until late on, although referee Phil Crossley had a long lecture for McAllister and Coventry's Michael Doyle after one touchline clash.

It was one he was to repeat in the second half after the flare-up between Leon Best and one-time Coventry defender Louis Carey.

Playing with three centre-backs Bristol found plenty of opportunity to press forward from the midfield. But too many of their shots were long-range, although Michael McIndoe found plenty of power behind two of his efforts.

When Coventry managed to get their attack going a promising three-man move involving Best, Freddie Eastwood and Marcus Hall founded on the firm head of central defender Jamie McCombe near the penalty spot.

McCombe was also close to scoring when he went up for Bristol's third corner, Keiren Westwood bringing off a fine double save.

Coventry were disappointed when a header from Best crossed the line only to be ruled out by an infringement from James McPake.

But the closest miss of all saw Stern John's header against his old club kicked off the line by Hall.

Coventry were giving everything to the game and were out of luck when Eastwood pulled a shot wide of the far post.

It was their final effort as the fast-moving affair went Bristol's way.

Coventry 0 Chelsea 2 - FA Cup Qtr Final - 07/03/2009

Coventry 0 Chelsea 2 - FA Cup Qtr Final - 07/03/2009

Coventry City: Kieran Westwood, Marcus Hall, Scott Dann, Stephen Wright, Ben Turner, Jordan Henderson, Michael Doyle (Guillaume Beuzelin 59), Aron Gunnarsson, Freddy Eastwood, Clinton Morrison, Leon Best
Subs not used: Andy Marshall, James McPake, Elliot Ward, Kevin Thornton, Isaac Osbourne, Robbie Simpson
Booked: Guillaume Beuzelin

Chelsea: Petr Cech, John Terry, Ashley Cole, Alex, Jose Bosingwa, Florent Malouda, Michael Ballack, Frank Lampard, Mikel Obi (Michael Essien 65), Salamon Kalou (Ricardo Quaresma 46), Didier Drogba (Franco Di Santo 80)
Subs not used: Henroque Hilario, Ricardo Carvalho, Juliano Belletti, Michael Mancienne
Goals: Didier Drogba 15, Alex 72

Attendance: 31407
Referee: S Bennett

Teamtalk
Chelsea reached their third FA Cup semi-final in four seasons as goals from Didier Drogba and Alex saw Coventry beaten 2-0 at the Ricoh Arena.

Drogba maintained his surge in form since the appointment of interim manager Guus Hiddink by netting his sixth goal of the campaign after 15 minutes.

Then Alex put the game out of Coventry's reach 17 minutes from time after converting a cross from substitute Ricardo Quaresma.

Chelsea crashed out of the competition at the same stage last season, losing to another Championship side in Barnsley.

But there was never any danger of another shock against Chris Coleman's side as Chelsea dominated for almost the entire 90 minutes.

Frank Lampard was given time and space to dictate matters in midfield as Chelsea maintained their 100 per cent record under Hiddink.

And the revitalised Drogba was always a handful for the shaky-looking centre-back pairing of Ben Turner and Scott Dann.

Hiddink paid Coventry the compliment of fielding the same side which had won at Portsmouth in the Premier League in midweek.

The line-up included defender Ashley Cole who had received an £80 fixed penalty fine for being drunk and disorderly in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Inside three minutes Drogba, who had scored the winner at Fratton Park, missed a golden chance to break the deadlock.

A long clearance by Petr Cech picked out the Chelsea striker who easily turned past Turner to find himself with only Keiran Westwood to beat.

But Drogba, who was operating as the lone front player, screwed his shot wide of the far post when he should have at least the target.

But after 15 minutes Drogba took advantage of hesitancy in the Coventry defence to put Chelsea ahead.

There looked to be little danger, but Turner hesitated, was muscled off the ball by Drogba and the striker calmly took the ball around Westwood before drilling his shot into the net.

The Ivory Coast international made a point of running to the substitutes' bench to celebrate with the fit-again Michael Essien.

Leon Best gave Chelsea a rare scare when he managed to shake off the challenges of Alex and John Terry, only to then balloon his left-footed shot over the bar.

Chelsea looked as if they could breach the Coventry back four at will. Lampard picked out the run of Jose Bosingwa and his cross was cut back to Ballack whose fierce shot was blocked.

Westwood then had to be alert to deny Lampard a 16th goal of the season when he tipped over a dipping 30-yard free-kick after Henderson had fouled Cole.

Drogba screwed a low shot just wide after referee Steve Bennett allowed play to continue after a foul on Lampard by Aron Gunnarsson.

Hiddink made a half-time substitution, bringing on Quaresma in place of Salomon Kalou.

Chelsea started where they left off, knocking the ball around in confident fashion, and Drogba volleyed wide at the near post from a Quaresma centre.

Coleman made his first change after 59 minutes with Guillaume Beuzelin replacing Doyle.

The home side tried to build up some momentum in front of a 31,407 crowd - the highest ever for a football match at the stadium - but they still seldom troubled the Chelsea back four.

Essien made his long awaited comeback from a knee ligament injury after 65 minutes, coming on in place of Mikel to great cheers from the 5,500 Chelsea contingent.

There was a rare moment of danger when Cech failed to deal properly with a long throw from Gunnarsson but Best could not make contact with an overhead kick attempt at close range.

Alex then made sure of victory for Chelsea with his second goal of the season.

Quaresma broke clear down the right and spotted the run of Alex who calmly drilled the ball past Westwood.

CCFC
Coventry City's best cup run in 11 years finally came to an end at the Ricoh Arena after goals from Didier Drogba and Alex handed Chelsea a place in the semi-finals at Wembley.

The Sky Blues put up a brave fight against the Premier League giants and certainly could not be accused of being over-awed by the top flight title contenders.

City paid the price for a defensive slip up after 14 minutes which allowed Didier Drogba to break the deadlock.

And centre-half Alex doubled Chelsea's advantage 18 minutes from time, finishing off a swift counter-attack and firing home from Ricardo Quaresma';s cross.

Barring the one defensive mistake in the first half, in which skipper Scott Dann was caught in possession by Drogba, the Sky Blues strung together a lively performance and were very much on a level pegging with Guus Hiddink's side for the first 45 minutes.

Drogba gave a hint of his class in the second minute, holding off Turner before shooting on the turn and dragging the ball wide.

But he got another chance after 14 minutes, pressuring Dann and takin the ball off himk before going around Westwood and firing into the net.

Eastwood had a half-chance two minutes later, firing at Peter Cech's legs.

Best also produced one of the highlights of the half, dispossessing Alex and heading towards goal, turning the recovering defender in the area and firing just over the bar.

Frank Lampard was on hand to deliver one of his trademark set pieces ten minutes before half time, Westwood tipping his shot over the bar.

And Eastwood also had another go at goal from the edge of the area straight after, again testing the strength of Cech's legs.

The Sky Blues did well to maintain the pace in the second period and after a quiet ten minutes, City had a half shout for a penalty turned down by referee Steve Bennett when Best tangled with Alex in the penalty area.

City then enjoyed one of their best spells of the game, Gunnarsson's long throw after 67 minutes causing Cech to flap it away.

They had another chance from another throw four minutes later while Drogba and Alex were receiving treatment for a clash of heads.

But Chelsea then went and scored their second on the counter attack, Queresma breaking down the right flank and whipping in a cross for Alex who galloped up the pitch after being allowed back on and firing past Westwod.

Westwood pulled out a great save six minutes later to deny Frank Lampard, the England international midfielde latching onto a ball from substitute Michael Essien and firing at the oncoming Westwood.

Clintonj Morrison had a half opportunity to get one back for the Sky Blues with nine minutes to go, collecting a flick-on from Best and turning Alex only for Cech to be quick of his line to smother the ball at Morrison's feet.

The Sky Blues then enjoyed a spell of pressure in the Chelsea half in the closing moments but for all their efforts could not breach a solid Chelsea back four.

So comes an end to a great cup run for Chris Coleman's side. We've all certainly enjoyed the ride!

Coventry 1 Sheffield Utd 2 - 04/03/2009

Coventry 1 Sheffield Utd 2 - 04/03/2009

Coventry City: Keiren Westwood, Daniel Fox (Isaac Osbourne 45), Ben Turner, Scott Dann, Stephen Wright, Jordan Henderson, Aron Gunnarsson, David Bell, Michael Doyle (Guillaume Beuzelin 64), Freddy Eastwood, Robbie Simpson (Clinton Morrison 64)
Subs not used: Andy Marshall, Elliott Ward
Booked: Keiren Westwood 45, Aron Gunnarsson 53, Scott Dann 61
Goals: Scott Dann 70

Sheffield United: Paddy Kenny, Kyle Naughton, Matthew Kilgallon, Chris Morgan, Leigh Bromby (Craig Beattie 80), Gary Naysmith, Stephen Quinn, Brian Howard (John O'Toole 75), Nick Montgomery, David Cotterill (Greg Halford 79), Darius Henderson
Subs not used: Jamie Ward, Danny Webber
Booked: Nick Montgomery 45
Goals: Leigh Bromby 45, Chris Morgan 54

Attendance: 16300
Referee: K Wright

Teamtalk
Sheffield United set a new club record of 12 away league games unbeaten with a 2-1 win over Championship rivals Coventry at the Ricoh Arena.

But more importantly for Kevin Blackwell's side, the three points kept their play-off challenge firmly on track and moved them up to fourth in the table - six points away from an automatic promotion spot.

The Blades took the lead in controversial circumstances in first-half injury-time through Leigh Bromby.

Television replays showed that the defender's effort did not cross the line.

But there was no argument in the 54th minute when captain Chris Morgan powered home a header to double his side's advantage.

City skipper Scott Dann replied with a headed goal midway through the second half to set up a tense finale but United held on.

Coventry played some lovely football in the first 10 minutes but lacked the cutting edge in and around the Blades' box that some of their approach play deserved.

Keiren Westwood was the first keeper to be called into action after the Sky Blues failed to clear David Cotterill's inswinging free-kick from the left.

Head tennis ensued inside the Coventry box before Morgan managed to nod the ball goalwards, but Westwood athletically tipped the defender's effort over the crossbar.

From the resulting corner, the ball found its way to Darius Henderson at the far post but he blazed his shot into the stand.

Despite their early endeavour it took Coventry half an hour to work Paddy Kenny in the visitor's goal.

Freddy Eastwood charged towards the 18-yard box after collecting the ball midway inside United's half.

His shot was not the cleanest strike but it was fumbled by Kenny, who was relieved that the ball did not squirm inside the post.

Jordan Henderson narrowly missed the top corner with a half-volley soon after.

With the Sky Blues in the ascendancy once more, the on-loan Sunderland midfielder then spurned a glorious chance to give Coventry the lead when Eastwood put him clean through on goal after 32 minutes.

But with United defenders breathing down his neck, the youngster fluffed his lines and rolled the ball wide.

Cotterill flashed a shot just wide from 25 yards after cutting infield from the left-hand side before the Blades opened the scoring.

Stephen Quinn beat Westwood to the ball on the byline and, with the keeper stranded, crossed to the back post.

Darius Henderson looked certain to score but Westwood somehow recovered to palm away his header on the line.

The ball landed perfectly in Bromby's path six yards out and he volleyed goalwards but Westwood again scrambled across his line to make the save.

However, the referee's assistant on the far side ruled that the ball had crossed the line.

Westwood vehemently claimed he had kept out Bromby's effort.

He chased referee Kevin Wright back to almost the halfway line to contest the decision and was booked by the Cambridgeshire official for his protests.

But video replays justified the City keeper's actions.

Morgan timed his run perfectly to head home unmarked at the far post from Brian Howard's free-kick on the left-hand side.

Jordan Henderson steered an effort just over from the edge of the area but it would not be long before Coventry were back in the game.

Chris Coleman's team had played some superb free-flowing football, but the goal to half their deficit after 70 minutes was as route-one as they come.

A long throw by Aron Gunnarsson was nodded into the bottom corner by Dann from six yards out.

The Sky Blues piled on the pressure in the closing stages but were unable to find their way past a resolute United defence.

CCFC
Coventry City's six-game unbeaten run was brought to an end by Sheffield United after goals either side of the half-time whistle.

Leigh Bromby opened the scoring with a controversial goal in first-half injury time with Blades skipper Chris Morgan heading in a second five minutes after the second-half restart.

Coventry captain Scott Dann headed one back for the Sky Blues with 20 minutes to go and give the hosts some hope.

But despite a late push by Chris Coleman's side, it was not enough to prevent City's first defeat in the league since January.

The Sky Blues made all the running in the first 45 minutes but it was Kevin Blackwell's side who broke the deadlock against the run of play with their first real effort on goal.

City undoubtedly had more opportunities to take the lead in a relatively steady first half.

And Sheffield United, currently trying to cement a spot in the top six, rarely troubled Keiren Westwood's goal for City.

Freddy Eastwood and Jordan Henderson both had opportunities to hand Coventry the lead, Eastwood having a shot from the edge of the area pushed around the post by Paddy Kenny two minutes before the half hour.

Jordan Henderson then went through three minutes later after a deft flick on from Robbie Simpson only to shoot too early and pull his effort wide of the post.

But it was a cruel end to the half for Chris Coleman's side as Darius Henderson climbed to head at goal a minute into injury time, Westwood pushing the ball out of the goalmouth into the path of Bromby.

Bromby's tap at goal from inside the six-yard box was also blocked and scrambled away by Westwood.

But the linesman flagged the ball had crossed the line, handing Blades a goal lead going into the interval.

It got worse for the Sky Blues five minutes after the break, half-time substitute Isaac Osbourne giving away a free-kick on the left flank and Blades captain Morgan rising to head home past Westwood at the back post.

Dann gave City a glimpse of hope on 69 minutes, heading Aron Gunnarsson's mammoth throw past Paddy Kenny.

And, along with the introduction of Clinton Morrison five minutes previously, seemed to rouse the Sky Blues as they owned the final 15 minutes but just lacked the final ball as they peppered the United penalty area.

Substitute Guillaume Beuzelin's delivered corner four minutes after Dann's goal caused panic in the United area, bodies blocking the ball on the line with Jordan Henderson's follow-up effort going just over the bar.

But it was not to be for the Sky Blues as they were forced to succumb to their first loss for six games.

4thegame
Sheffield United continued their march towards the play-offs with a club record 12th away game unbeaten.

Kevin Blackwell's side moved up the table thanks in part to a controversial goal but had to hold on as Coventry came back strongly in the final 20 minutes.

Chris Coleman's men, just three days before their FA Cup quarter-final with Chelsea, had the best of the first half but failed to take the chances they created.

Freddy Eastwood forced keeper Paddy Kenny into a scrambled save before Jordan Henderson wasted a gilt-edged opportunity when he fired wired after being put through by Robbie Simpson.

But United, who had looked impressive enough without really creating many chances, broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time.

Leigh Bromby headed goalwards and keeper Keiren Westwood pushed the ball clear, but a linesman ruled that it had crossed the line.

The keeper raced 45 yards to protest and was promptly booked.

But if the home side had a burning sense of injustice in the second half it didn't show as, eight minutes after the interval, Chris Morgan rose between Scott Dann and Stephen Wright to head home a second.

The veteran defender had been unlucky in the first half when Westwood had pulled off a superb save to keep the effort at bay.

After Morgan's goal it looked as if Coventry were down and out but Coleman made a couple of changes and suddenly they picked up the pace.

They earned their reward when Aron Gunnarsson launched a long throw in the 70th minute and Dann was able to jump unchallenged and headed calmly down.

Henderson then blasted over after a scramble when he should have done better, but the Blades did well to limit Coventry's chances.

Worryingly for Coleman, highly-rated Dan Fox had to be replaced with a knee injury at half time and sub Clinton Morrison limped off at the end.