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- Thread starter covlad-99
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THIAGO GRANTED WORK PERMIT
Sao Paulo's Thiago, has completed his move to Coventry after being granted a work permit. The permit was originally rejected, but Coventry have led a successful appeal to bring the very highly rated youngster to the Ricoh Arena. Manager Craig Tough expressed his delight and said he will be a big part of the season for Coventry and has bagfulls of talent. The figure of the player was said to be around ?5.35mil, the most Coventry have spent on a plyer in the Championship, showing they mean business thiss year, being backed by big finances from Chairman and SISU Capital owner Ray Ranson. Thiago will wear the number 39.
OKORONKWO REJECTED
Solomon Okoronkwo of Hertha Berlin, and Coventry City were left disppointed yesterday, as Okoronkwo's propsed transfer to coventry was cancelled after the striker was rejected a work permit. Okoronkwo was left in disbelief, as he was very excited of the move and was delighted when Tough showed interest. Tough said, its disappointing for everyone, as everyone saw what could have been.
WREXHAM AND ROTHERHAM WANT DAVIS
Clubs Wrexham and Rotherham have had loan bids accepted for the young Coventry winger Liam Davis. Davis says that he wants first team football, but doesn't want to leave as he is very happy at Coventry City. Davis didn't say which club he preferred as a host of other clubs are reportedly interested.
AUGUST 2007 OVERVIEW: COVENTRY CITY
My first full month in charge, and I was pleased how my reaign had started. It started poorly, with a 3-1 away loss to promotion favourites Watford, however I was not expected to get anything from the game. But from then the team pulled together, and even the youths were pushing for a start which I was really pleased about. Just 1 loss, 1 draw and 3 wins. One stood out above the rest.
Watford 3 - 1 Coventry
A loosing start to the season in a very tough away trip to Vicarage Road against promotion favourites Watford, we played okay, but the defence let too many chances slip past them, and 2 goals in 13 mins really shook us up. Then we got one back on 37 mins, through young loanee Martin but hopes were dashed with a last minute goal for Watford.
Coventry 4 - 1 Cheltenham
To restore a bit of confidence in the team, it was my first home game in charge and it was a very convincing win, 3 goals in 24 mins from Mifsdu, Martin and Ward saw us 3-0 up, then Cheltenham striker Dave Bird pulled one back, but Keiran Fitzharris in his first game after being promoted from the youth academy a day earlier, scored on his debut. First win of the season.
Coventry 4 - 0 Colchester
Another convincing win, this time with higher league opposition in last season's 6th place finishers Colchester. We strolled home in my first home league game in charge, and I definately gave the fans something to cheer about. 2 Michael Mifsud goals, and one from each Ellery Cairo and Michael Doyle saw Colchester off very comfortably.
Ipswich 2 - 2 Coventry
I got what I expected from this game. Ipswich are definately promotion candidates, and we were unlucky not to grab all three points from this game, going ahead twice through Leon Best and Michael Mifsud, but each time, Alan Lee of Ipswich equalised for the home team, but it was definately a point gained rather than 2 lost.
Aston Villa 1 - 0 Coventry 3
Best performance of the month no doubt. A superb performance to see off Champions League chasers Villa, and it was all the sweeter being the most fierce derby Coventry have, Leon Best played outstandingly and ended up with 2 goals, and Michael Doyle got the other, John Carew put Villa ahead after just 2 minutes, but from then on Andy Marshall was superb in goal, and it booked us a place in the 3rd round. And our unbeaten run stretched to 4 after 5 games. I never thought we would have such a good month considering the calibre of the teams I had played.
SEPTEMBER FIXTURES:
West Brom H 1/9/07
Barnsley H 15/9/07
Preston A 18/9/07
Charlton A 22/9/07
Hull H 29/12/07
League table:
My first full month in charge, and I was pleased how my reaign had started. It started poorly, with a 3-1 away loss to promotion favourites Watford, however I was not expected to get anything from the game. But from then the team pulled together, and even the youths were pushing for a start which I was really pleased about. Just 1 loss, 1 draw and 3 wins. One stood out above the rest.
Watford 3 - 1 Coventry
A loosing start to the season in a very tough away trip to Vicarage Road against promotion favourites Watford, we played okay, but the defence let too many chances slip past them, and 2 goals in 13 mins really shook us up. Then we got one back on 37 mins, through young loanee Martin but hopes were dashed with a last minute goal for Watford.
Coventry 4 - 1 Cheltenham
To restore a bit of confidence in the team, it was my first home game in charge and it was a very convincing win, 3 goals in 24 mins from Mifsdu, Martin and Ward saw us 3-0 up, then Cheltenham striker Dave Bird pulled one back, but Keiran Fitzharris in his first game after being promoted from the youth academy a day earlier, scored on his debut. First win of the season.
Coventry 4 - 0 Colchester
Another convincing win, this time with higher league opposition in last season's 6th place finishers Colchester. We strolled home in my first home league game in charge, and I definately gave the fans something to cheer about. 2 Michael Mifsud goals, and one from each Ellery Cairo and Michael Doyle saw Colchester off very comfortably.
Ipswich 2 - 2 Coventry
I got what I expected from this game. Ipswich are definately promotion candidates, and we were unlucky not to grab all three points from this game, going ahead twice through Leon Best and Michael Mifsud, but each time, Alan Lee of Ipswich equalised for the home team, but it was definately a point gained rather than 2 lost.
Aston Villa 1 - 0 Coventry 3
Best performance of the month no doubt. A superb performance to see off Champions League chasers Villa, and it was all the sweeter being the most fierce derby Coventry have, Leon Best played outstandingly and ended up with 2 goals, and Michael Doyle got the other, John Carew put Villa ahead after just 2 minutes, but from then on Andy Marshall was superb in goal, and it booked us a place in the 3rd round. And our unbeaten run stretched to 4 after 5 games. I never thought we would have such a good month considering the calibre of the teams I had played.
SEPTEMBER FIXTURES:
West Brom H 1/9/07
Barnsley H 15/9/07
Preston A 18/9/07
Charlton A 22/9/07
Hull H 29/12/07
League table:
Okay mate hang on.
COVENTRY GET AWAY DRAW
Coventry have been rewarded with a tirp to the JJB Stadium to face Wigan in the Carling Cup after a fantastic result at Villa Park, where striker Leon Best shone to knock the Premiership side out of the Carling Cup in their first round.
1/9/07
In the first game of the month, we had another hard start to the month, with a home game against further promotion rivals and geographical rivals West Brom. West Brom have been in good form too, reaching 3rd in the league and have come off the back of a 5-0 win against League One outfit Hartlepool United.
Injuries now. 6 players were out. Kevin Thornton and Donovan Simmonds still had strained ankle ligaments, Liam Davis was out with a groin strain and Stephen hughes had a chest injury and Reis Ashraf was out with a damaged elbow. And also, De Zeeuw was still out with a bruised thigh, but he would be back in a matter of days.
Now to the team news. Unchanged from the side that beat Aston Villa, except Thiago makes the starting XI in his debut, and plays as a support striker with Leon Best and Michael Mifsud just in front of him. Cairo was dropped to the bench.
--------------------------Marshall
-------Bardsley--Dann---Ward------Fox
-------Tabb----------Doyle (c)----Martin
--------------------------Thiago
-----------------Mifsud--------Best
Subs (5): McKenzie, Gray, Osbourne, Simpson, Cairo.
FORM GUIDE: (just league)
Covenrty: L W D
West Brom: W D W
I arrived at the Ricoh and I was looking forward to another great local derby, and I was hoping we could get something from the game. To be perfectly honest, a draw would do me nicely. Anyway, the players arrived, we had a tactics based chat, and off we went.
A great start, Michael Doyle winning the ball well in the centre of midfield, passed to Best who passed out wide to Lee Martin, his ball in was great and an amazing half olley from debut boy Thiago went inches over, if it was an inch lower, Kiely wouldn't have got near it. Then it was West Brom's chance, Slusasrki holding the ball up and laying it off to Gera who should have done better, but his shot went over. And on 11 mins, we got the breakthrough, Doyle picking the ball up on the edge, and put a great ball through to Mifsud, who finished superbly! 1-0. On 14 mins, the Baggies had the chance to equalise, the ball was sprayed out to the right with Gera, he put a superb ball along the ground Texeira hit first time, but slice the ball and it went wide. On 19 mins, Dan Fox had his first chance at goal from a set piece, on the left hand side of the goal 20 yards out, he lined it up and struck a great shot which was going in the top corner, but it swerved out on the last minute. Unlucky. On 26 mins, another great move, Leon Best passing to Martin on the left, he passed to Thiago, he didin't strike the ball cleanly but his shot still struck the post and went out. On 42 mins, a great ball into the box from Gera, Teixeira volleyed, and a fantastic save from Marshall prevented West Brom from equalising. Half time, and what a performance so far, 1-0 up against a very strong side that usually don't fail to score goals. At half time, I knew we still needed to score another, but I kept the same formation, but Leon McKenzie came on for Leon Best.
A bad start to the half, but I knew West Brom would score, and they did. A Teixeira corner onto the head of Cesar, and he scored. 1-1. On 56 mins, my substitution worked fantastically, an amazing ball from Bardsley wen t60 yards to the feet of Martin who had time to run at the defenders, slide the ball back to McKenzie who finished well. 2-1. On 64 mins, West Brom had an opportunity to equalise, a good ball into the box from Greening, Slusarski headed from 3 yards, but an amazing reaction save from Marshall kept us ahead. Slusarki should have scored. On 66 mins, Slusarski beat Dann and was clean through, but again Marshall put the pressure on and put Slusarski right off. On 72 mins, a great header from Bardsley fell to Thiago, do did an amazing swivel and shot from 20 yards, it was going into the top corner, and was tipped wide for a corner by Kiely. Superb skill from Thiago, he was having a solid debut. I made a couple of changes. Cairo on for Tabb and Gray on for a tired Martin. On 76 mins, a Teixeira shot caused a hge scrap in teh box, the ball came to Slusarski who shot, bu it was deflected luckily for a corner. On 79 mins, West Brom finally scored, an Ishmael Miller shot rebounding out to Greening who tapped in an open goal. Damn. A minute later and what a mistake from West Brom, a poor Carl Hoefkens back pass went straight to Mifsud who rounded the keeper, dummied the shot, the defenders dived in to block, but they left the goal gaping, and Mifsud scored.WOOHOO!!!! 3-2. He was the hero. On 86 mins, West Brom through the game away, Dean Kiely's goal kick went straight to another sub Ellery Cairo who chipped Kiely who was rushing out. 4-2, what a fantastic result. 3 minutes of added time were called, and even though we were 4-2 up, it was us doing the pressing, a great ball from Thiago to Mifsud, who's shot was just saved by Kiely. It was all over and what a game. In past years Coventry had been poor at derby games, but we had already won the two most fierce in 2 games! The fans loved me at the moment.
Coventry 4-2 West Brom
Mifsud (2), McKenzie, Cairo
Marshall-7
Bardsley-7
Dann-7
Ward-7
Fox-7
Thiago-8
Tabb-7
Doyle-7
Martin-7
Mifsud-8
Best-7
--------------
Gray-7
McKenzie-7
Osbourne-unused sub
Cairo-8
Simpson-unused sub
Man of the Match was Michael Mifsud.
COVENTRY GET AWAY DRAW
Coventry have been rewarded with a tirp to the JJB Stadium to face Wigan in the Carling Cup after a fantastic result at Villa Park, where striker Leon Best shone to knock the Premiership side out of the Carling Cup in their first round.
1/9/07
In the first game of the month, we had another hard start to the month, with a home game against further promotion rivals and geographical rivals West Brom. West Brom have been in good form too, reaching 3rd in the league and have come off the back of a 5-0 win against League One outfit Hartlepool United.
Injuries now. 6 players were out. Kevin Thornton and Donovan Simmonds still had strained ankle ligaments, Liam Davis was out with a groin strain and Stephen hughes had a chest injury and Reis Ashraf was out with a damaged elbow. And also, De Zeeuw was still out with a bruised thigh, but he would be back in a matter of days.
Now to the team news. Unchanged from the side that beat Aston Villa, except Thiago makes the starting XI in his debut, and plays as a support striker with Leon Best and Michael Mifsud just in front of him. Cairo was dropped to the bench.
--------------------------Marshall
-------Bardsley--Dann---Ward------Fox
-------Tabb----------Doyle (c)----Martin
--------------------------Thiago
-----------------Mifsud--------Best
Subs (5): McKenzie, Gray, Osbourne, Simpson, Cairo.
FORM GUIDE: (just league)
Covenrty: L W D
West Brom: W D W
I arrived at the Ricoh and I was looking forward to another great local derby, and I was hoping we could get something from the game. To be perfectly honest, a draw would do me nicely. Anyway, the players arrived, we had a tactics based chat, and off we went.
A great start, Michael Doyle winning the ball well in the centre of midfield, passed to Best who passed out wide to Lee Martin, his ball in was great and an amazing half olley from debut boy Thiago went inches over, if it was an inch lower, Kiely wouldn't have got near it. Then it was West Brom's chance, Slusasrki holding the ball up and laying it off to Gera who should have done better, but his shot went over. And on 11 mins, we got the breakthrough, Doyle picking the ball up on the edge, and put a great ball through to Mifsud, who finished superbly! 1-0. On 14 mins, the Baggies had the chance to equalise, the ball was sprayed out to the right with Gera, he put a superb ball along the ground Texeira hit first time, but slice the ball and it went wide. On 19 mins, Dan Fox had his first chance at goal from a set piece, on the left hand side of the goal 20 yards out, he lined it up and struck a great shot which was going in the top corner, but it swerved out on the last minute. Unlucky. On 26 mins, another great move, Leon Best passing to Martin on the left, he passed to Thiago, he didin't strike the ball cleanly but his shot still struck the post and went out. On 42 mins, a great ball into the box from Gera, Teixeira volleyed, and a fantastic save from Marshall prevented West Brom from equalising. Half time, and what a performance so far, 1-0 up against a very strong side that usually don't fail to score goals. At half time, I knew we still needed to score another, but I kept the same formation, but Leon McKenzie came on for Leon Best.
A bad start to the half, but I knew West Brom would score, and they did. A Teixeira corner onto the head of Cesar, and he scored. 1-1. On 56 mins, my substitution worked fantastically, an amazing ball from Bardsley wen t60 yards to the feet of Martin who had time to run at the defenders, slide the ball back to McKenzie who finished well. 2-1. On 64 mins, West Brom had an opportunity to equalise, a good ball into the box from Greening, Slusarski headed from 3 yards, but an amazing reaction save from Marshall kept us ahead. Slusarki should have scored. On 66 mins, Slusarski beat Dann and was clean through, but again Marshall put the pressure on and put Slusarski right off. On 72 mins, a great header from Bardsley fell to Thiago, do did an amazing swivel and shot from 20 yards, it was going into the top corner, and was tipped wide for a corner by Kiely. Superb skill from Thiago, he was having a solid debut. I made a couple of changes. Cairo on for Tabb and Gray on for a tired Martin. On 76 mins, a Teixeira shot caused a hge scrap in teh box, the ball came to Slusarski who shot, bu it was deflected luckily for a corner. On 79 mins, West Brom finally scored, an Ishmael Miller shot rebounding out to Greening who tapped in an open goal. Damn. A minute later and what a mistake from West Brom, a poor Carl Hoefkens back pass went straight to Mifsud who rounded the keeper, dummied the shot, the defenders dived in to block, but they left the goal gaping, and Mifsud scored.WOOHOO!!!! 3-2. He was the hero. On 86 mins, West Brom through the game away, Dean Kiely's goal kick went straight to another sub Ellery Cairo who chipped Kiely who was rushing out. 4-2, what a fantastic result. 3 minutes of added time were called, and even though we were 4-2 up, it was us doing the pressing, a great ball from Thiago to Mifsud, who's shot was just saved by Kiely. It was all over and what a game. In past years Coventry had been poor at derby games, but we had already won the two most fierce in 2 games! The fans loved me at the moment.
Coventry 4-2 West Brom
Mifsud (2), McKenzie, Cairo
Marshall-7
Bardsley-7
Dann-7
Ward-7
Fox-7
Thiago-8
Tabb-7
Doyle-7
Martin-7
Mifsud-8
Best-7
--------------
Gray-7
McKenzie-7
Osbourne-unused sub
Cairo-8
Simpson-unused sub
Man of the Match was Michael Mifsud.
DUO CALLED UP
Coventry pair Leon Best (Ireland U21) and Michael Mifsud (Malta) have both been called up to play international football this week. Their performance will be reported.
DE ZEEUW RETURNS
Coventry Captain Arjan De Zeeuw has gone back to full training aftre being out for 2 weeks with a thigh injury, he will go straight into the squad to face Barnsley after the international break.
MIFSUD AND BEST REPRESENT COUNTRIES
Coventry duo Michael Mifsud and Leon Best reported back from international duty last night.Michael Mifsud's Malta got a good 1-1 draw with Turkey. Mifsud played okay, but was substituted after I only allowed him to play 45mins.
MARSHALL OUT FOR 3 WEEKS
Coventry have been dealt a blow with the news that in form keeper Andy Marshall will be out for 3 weeks with a chest injury after lifting weights in training. Marshall is set to miss Coventry's next game against Barnsley.
Barnsley game up in a short while...
treva
ICC Chairman
A great first month for you guys. Just the one loss, and to be fair that was against one of the best sides in the league. Fantastic win against Villa in the cup!
And a brillaint start to this month, a win over arguably the best side in the division. Some high scoring matches so far!
And a brillaint start to this month, a win over arguably the best side in the division. Some high scoring matches so far!
thesweepmaster
County Cricketer
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2007
- Location
- Baghdad, Iraq
Oh bugger! West Brom lost :crying. Nah well played Coventry, just keep going, you're doing a fine job. Oh yeah I almost forgot... Don't let a cup run destory your season up!
Lol. Nah hopefully not. This season has been a disaster for us, but we have a new manager who in my opinion is the best outside the Prem (many others have said so too) and we have £10mil to spend on players in the summer, because we have totally missed the boat this window. As for the Baggies, it was never a sending off, and Marshall totally messed up the second goal, but fair play, and it looks as though you'll get through the next round too with Bristol Rovers lol. Anyway, back to the story, my virus checker ran all flaming night, and it picked up a virus but its cleared now, so the Barnsley game will be up in the next hour or two.
15/9/07
Today, we played Barnsley after the International break, and we were on a good run, beating Aston Villa and West Brom in our last two games, and we were unbeaten since the start of the season after a 3-1 loss to Watford. Barnsley were doing a llot worse, they hadn't won all season, except an 8-0 win over Wrexham in the first round of the Carling Cup, and were low on confidence, but I knew their run had to stop, so we had to be catious.
Injuries now. The only player out was Andy Marshall, who came down with a chest injury during the week, everyone else was fit, including young Kevin Thornton back from injury, and he started.
Now to the team news. Unchanged from the side that beat West Brom, except Konstantopoulos starts in goal in place of injured Andy Marshalll, and Kevin Thornton starts in place of Michael Doyle after coming back from injury. Also, Arjan De Zeeuw returned after an injury, and starts in place of Dann and captains the side.
-------------------Konstantopoulos
--Bardsley--De Zeeuw (c)---Ward------Fox
-------Tabb----------Thornton----Martin
--------------------------Thiago
-----------------Mifsud--------Best
Subs (5): McKenzie, Gray, Osbourne, Dann, Cairo.
FORM GUIDE: (league)
Coventry: L W D W
Barnsley: L D L L
I arrived at the Ricoh again, and I was confident and upbeat about today's game, we had a lot of players to choose from and we looked forward to another 3 points if we could see this challenge off. We got into the dressing rooms, and I knew we could do it, I told the players this, and also who to be weary of. And off we went.
A shakey start, on 10 mins, we gave away a free kick right on the edge of the area. Devaney stood up, and fired in a fierce drive, it was parried by Marshall, and cleared by Thiago. On 20 mins, De Zeeuw nearly gifted Barnsley the lead with a poor bit of defending, Mostto just running past him, through on goal, but luckily Marshall stood firm. On 31 mins, we had a glorious chance, Martin crossed to Thiago, who shot well over. It was easier to score than to miss. On 38mins Bardsley whipped in a free kick from the deep, it was met by Martin who volleyed expertly, but it was well tipped over. On 43 mins, we took the lead at a great time, Fox lined up a free kick from the edge, and curled it right into the top corner. This kid is an expert free kick taker. Gareth Bale in the making. That was the last real action of the half. I was a very happy man, we were in front and looked on top. I made 1 single change at half time, Cairo on for Tabb.
Straight away we had a chance, Ward floated a ball in to the area, Best did a delightful bicycle kick, which went just wide. On 66 misn, we somehow conceded, Farenczi getting the better of the defence who had him surrounded his shot rebounded to Mostto who tapped into an empty net. Yet more crap defendig. I made a sub Dann on for a poor De Zeeuw. On 81 mins, we regained the lead with another superb goal, Dan Fox passed along the ground to Martin on the edge, he took the bal straight through the middle of the Barnsley defence, and put into the top corner. Deserved goal. I brought Osbourne on for a tired Thornton. On 87 mins, Barnsley nearly grabbed another equaliser, Mostto in space 6 yards out, he shot, but Marshall made an unbelievable save with a tip onto the bar, and we cleared. On 91 mins, we nearly scored again, Fox lined up another free kick, he looked odds on to shoot, all the Barnsley players ran towards the ball, Fox cleverly passed to sbourne who had a free shot, but the keeper saved well. 3 minutes of added time, and we had played by the time the ref blew up. Another win, and we were on top form. Daniel Fox marked his 100th career league appearance with a bottle of Champaigne and a man of the match award. And we shot up to 3rd in the table, Michael Parkinson, a loyal Barnsley fan, has not swallowed his false teeth. I just have one more thing to say, Leicester lost 4-2 to Blackpool...
Coventry 2-1 Barnsley
Fox, Martin
Konstantopoulos-6
Bardsley-7
De Zeeuw-6
Ward-7
Fox-8
Thiago-7
Tabb-7
Thornton-7
Martin-7
Mifsud-6
Best-7
--------------
Gray-unused sub
McKenzie-unused sub
Osbourne-7
Cairo-6
Dann-7
Man of the Match was Daniel Fox.
Today, we played Barnsley after the International break, and we were on a good run, beating Aston Villa and West Brom in our last two games, and we were unbeaten since the start of the season after a 3-1 loss to Watford. Barnsley were doing a llot worse, they hadn't won all season, except an 8-0 win over Wrexham in the first round of the Carling Cup, and were low on confidence, but I knew their run had to stop, so we had to be catious.
Injuries now. The only player out was Andy Marshall, who came down with a chest injury during the week, everyone else was fit, including young Kevin Thornton back from injury, and he started.
Now to the team news. Unchanged from the side that beat West Brom, except Konstantopoulos starts in goal in place of injured Andy Marshalll, and Kevin Thornton starts in place of Michael Doyle after coming back from injury. Also, Arjan De Zeeuw returned after an injury, and starts in place of Dann and captains the side.
-------------------Konstantopoulos
--Bardsley--De Zeeuw (c)---Ward------Fox
-------Tabb----------Thornton----Martin
--------------------------Thiago
-----------------Mifsud--------Best
Subs (5): McKenzie, Gray, Osbourne, Dann, Cairo.
FORM GUIDE: (league)
Coventry: L W D W
Barnsley: L D L L
I arrived at the Ricoh again, and I was confident and upbeat about today's game, we had a lot of players to choose from and we looked forward to another 3 points if we could see this challenge off. We got into the dressing rooms, and I knew we could do it, I told the players this, and also who to be weary of. And off we went.
A shakey start, on 10 mins, we gave away a free kick right on the edge of the area. Devaney stood up, and fired in a fierce drive, it was parried by Marshall, and cleared by Thiago. On 20 mins, De Zeeuw nearly gifted Barnsley the lead with a poor bit of defending, Mostto just running past him, through on goal, but luckily Marshall stood firm. On 31 mins, we had a glorious chance, Martin crossed to Thiago, who shot well over. It was easier to score than to miss. On 38mins Bardsley whipped in a free kick from the deep, it was met by Martin who volleyed expertly, but it was well tipped over. On 43 mins, we took the lead at a great time, Fox lined up a free kick from the edge, and curled it right into the top corner. This kid is an expert free kick taker. Gareth Bale in the making. That was the last real action of the half. I was a very happy man, we were in front and looked on top. I made 1 single change at half time, Cairo on for Tabb.
Straight away we had a chance, Ward floated a ball in to the area, Best did a delightful bicycle kick, which went just wide. On 66 misn, we somehow conceded, Farenczi getting the better of the defence who had him surrounded his shot rebounded to Mostto who tapped into an empty net. Yet more crap defendig. I made a sub Dann on for a poor De Zeeuw. On 81 mins, we regained the lead with another superb goal, Dan Fox passed along the ground to Martin on the edge, he took the bal straight through the middle of the Barnsley defence, and put into the top corner. Deserved goal. I brought Osbourne on for a tired Thornton. On 87 mins, Barnsley nearly grabbed another equaliser, Mostto in space 6 yards out, he shot, but Marshall made an unbelievable save with a tip onto the bar, and we cleared. On 91 mins, we nearly scored again, Fox lined up another free kick, he looked odds on to shoot, all the Barnsley players ran towards the ball, Fox cleverly passed to sbourne who had a free shot, but the keeper saved well. 3 minutes of added time, and we had played by the time the ref blew up. Another win, and we were on top form. Daniel Fox marked his 100th career league appearance with a bottle of Champaigne and a man of the match award. And we shot up to 3rd in the table, Michael Parkinson, a loyal Barnsley fan, has not swallowed his false teeth. I just have one more thing to say, Leicester lost 4-2 to Blackpool...
Coventry 2-1 Barnsley
Fox, Martin
Konstantopoulos-6
Bardsley-7
De Zeeuw-6
Ward-7
Fox-8
Thiago-7
Tabb-7
Thornton-7
Martin-7
Mifsud-6
Best-7
--------------
Gray-unused sub
McKenzie-unused sub
Osbourne-7
Cairo-6
Dann-7
Man of the Match was Daniel Fox.
18/9/07
Today we travelled to Lancashire to play Preston. Preston were currently lieing low in 20th position with just 1 league win all season, and that was against Colchester. We were on very good form at the moment in the league and cup, we had 3 wins in a row, and we were unbeaten in 6 and currently 3rd in the league and looking good for all 3 points today. However, Preston aren't usually a side faing a relegation battle with a few play off place finishes in the last few years, and with players like Danny Pugh, Simon Whaley and Darren Carter, I knew they could harm us and take something from this game like Barnsley nearly did at the weekend.
Injuries now. Just 1 casualty again, Andy Marshall was still out with a chest injury so Dimitrius Konstantopoulos started in goal again today. Reis Ashraf was back, but I felt that he and othe ryoung player Keiran Fitzharris needed a run in the reserves before playing for the seniors again.
Now to the team news. After just grinding out a result against Barnsley, a few changes were needed. It was back to 4-4-2, Dimi in goal, Dann replaced captain De Zeeuw in defence after a poor show against Barnsley, and Michael Doyle and Stephen Hughes made their comebacks after being out of favour for a while and Doyle captains the side. Tabb carried on at right midfield, and Thiago started in his favoured position at striker instead of Leon Best who dropped to the bench.
-------------------Konstantopoulos
--Bardsley--Dann---Ward------Fox
Tabb---S.Hughes---Doyle(c)--Martin
-----------------Mifsud--------Thiago
Subs (5): McKenzie, De Zeeuw, Osbourne, Best, Cairo.
FORM GUIDE: (league)
Preston: L L W L L
Coventry: L W D W W
So me and the lads arrived at Preston's ground, Deepdale ahead of the game and there really was a buzz about the place after some great results so far this season, but deep down, we all knew that all good things must come to an end, so we needed to make the most of those good things. I was very hopeful of another good win on the road, and I wanted to have a good month. So we got into the Deepdale dressing trooms, had a sit down and talked very deeply into what we needed to overcome Preston today. We talked about who to watch out for and who could surprise us today. I was looking at the experience of Doyle and Hughes to guide us to vicory today and to cement their places in the first team again. Out we went to get our 3 points. Michael Mifsud started in his 25th game for us.
It was a very shakey start, we gave away a free kick 23 yards out, Darren Carter hit it but he was denied by an outstanding Dimi Konstantopoulos save, at the expense of a Preston corner. The corner was whipped in and Clarke met it with a ferocious header, but it sailed just over the crossbar. n 7 mins, Preston had another bite of the cherry, Carter playing a ball along the floor to Clarke, he shot from 25 yards, but it was well wide this time. On 9 mins, we got our first chance, and we made the most of it too, Mifsud picking the ball up in his own half from an Elliott Ward clearance, he carried the ball towards the Prestn penalty box, crossed to Tabb, who pulled the ball back to Stephen Hughes who thumped home to make it 1-0. Hughes certainly looked like he wanted his starting XI place back. But on 15 mins, Preston got the equaliser, a Carter corner headed by Clarke, but it was superbly stopped by Konstantopoulos, a scrap in the box was started, the ball eventually came out to Preston's on loan striker Paul Gallagher who made it 1-1. On 29 mins, we had a chance to take the lead for the second time, Daniel Fox lined up a free kick from 22 yards out, his shot was deflected off the 5 man Preston wall, and just wide but we got a corner out of the effort. From the corner we thought we'd scored, a fantastic corner from Fox, which created another scrap, Mifsud tapped home but it was disallowed for a foul. There was no way the ref could see that, and I certainly didn't see a foul anywhere looking at the replay. A bit home home side biasy going on I think. On 34 mins, we nearly scored again, some great work by Mifsud down the right, he put a discuised reverse pass through to Doyle who unleashed a piledriver, but it was parried way by Wayne Henderson in the Preston goal. On 36 mins, we somehow found ourselves behind, Andy Carroll holding the ball up, and no one was marking Carter right in front of the goal, he turned and made it 2-1. Our defence is an absolute joke at the moment. O 38 mins, the referee proved he was bias, we scored again, Mifsud passing to Thiago who finished well, but it was disallowed for offside when there was the keeper and a player on the post in front of him. How ridiculous. On 44 mins, Peter Clarke went in 2 footed on Mifsud, an awful challenge, but teh referee only gave him a yellow card when it was an obvious red. Biased cheat. And that was half time. I will be taking this game up with the FA after the game as I believe that the referee (Keith Stroud) is a bias cheat and is getting paid to make Preston win. 2 legitamate goals disallowed, and you start to get a tad suspicious. No changes at half time, straight in.
A decent start, on 49 mins, Doyle won the ball well and powered through a couple of challenges, but his shot was saved. On 50 mins, we were dealt a blow when Lee Martin limped off and was replaced by Leon McKenzie. On 51 mins, Preston scored again, everyone couldn't be bothered and Carter ran through and scored. What a load of f*cking crap. 3-1. On 54 mins, Mifsud had a chance to get us back in the game, his turn and shot was just tipped out for a corner. On 66 mins, I made my last changes, Thiago and Tabb off for Cairo and Best. On 74 mins, we had a chance, a Fox free kick hitting the side netting. On 86 mins, we thought we'd scored again, but yes, you guessed it. Disallowed, Leon Best. Full time, and I ran to the referee and called him a few words I won't repeat. He doesn't deserev his wages the f*cking fat stupis c*nt. I asked why he is a Preston fan. I will take this up with the FA but no doubt they'll fine me for his crappy performance. He has made football look stupid today, and deserves all of teh grief he gets. Abnoxious w*nker. 3 disallowed goals, and all of their's were suspicious, ours weren't even suspicious. Absolute disgrace.
Preston 3-1 Coventry
Hughes
Konstantopoulos-8
Bardsley-6
Dann-6
Ward-7
Fox-7
Tabb-7
S.Hughes-7
Doyle(c)-7
Martin-7
Mifsud-7
Thiago-5
-------------------
McKenzie-6
De Zeeuw-unused sub
Osbourne-unused sub
Best-6
Cairo-6
Man Of The Match was Darren Carter. What a disgrace of a match.
Today we travelled to Lancashire to play Preston. Preston were currently lieing low in 20th position with just 1 league win all season, and that was against Colchester. We were on very good form at the moment in the league and cup, we had 3 wins in a row, and we were unbeaten in 6 and currently 3rd in the league and looking good for all 3 points today. However, Preston aren't usually a side faing a relegation battle with a few play off place finishes in the last few years, and with players like Danny Pugh, Simon Whaley and Darren Carter, I knew they could harm us and take something from this game like Barnsley nearly did at the weekend.
Injuries now. Just 1 casualty again, Andy Marshall was still out with a chest injury so Dimitrius Konstantopoulos started in goal again today. Reis Ashraf was back, but I felt that he and othe ryoung player Keiran Fitzharris needed a run in the reserves before playing for the seniors again.
Now to the team news. After just grinding out a result against Barnsley, a few changes were needed. It was back to 4-4-2, Dimi in goal, Dann replaced captain De Zeeuw in defence after a poor show against Barnsley, and Michael Doyle and Stephen Hughes made their comebacks after being out of favour for a while and Doyle captains the side. Tabb carried on at right midfield, and Thiago started in his favoured position at striker instead of Leon Best who dropped to the bench.
-------------------Konstantopoulos
--Bardsley--Dann---Ward------Fox
Tabb---S.Hughes---Doyle(c)--Martin
-----------------Mifsud--------Thiago
Subs (5): McKenzie, De Zeeuw, Osbourne, Best, Cairo.
FORM GUIDE: (league)
Preston: L L W L L
Coventry: L W D W W
So me and the lads arrived at Preston's ground, Deepdale ahead of the game and there really was a buzz about the place after some great results so far this season, but deep down, we all knew that all good things must come to an end, so we needed to make the most of those good things. I was very hopeful of another good win on the road, and I wanted to have a good month. So we got into the Deepdale dressing trooms, had a sit down and talked very deeply into what we needed to overcome Preston today. We talked about who to watch out for and who could surprise us today. I was looking at the experience of Doyle and Hughes to guide us to vicory today and to cement their places in the first team again. Out we went to get our 3 points. Michael Mifsud started in his 25th game for us.
It was a very shakey start, we gave away a free kick 23 yards out, Darren Carter hit it but he was denied by an outstanding Dimi Konstantopoulos save, at the expense of a Preston corner. The corner was whipped in and Clarke met it with a ferocious header, but it sailed just over the crossbar. n 7 mins, Preston had another bite of the cherry, Carter playing a ball along the floor to Clarke, he shot from 25 yards, but it was well wide this time. On 9 mins, we got our first chance, and we made the most of it too, Mifsud picking the ball up in his own half from an Elliott Ward clearance, he carried the ball towards the Prestn penalty box, crossed to Tabb, who pulled the ball back to Stephen Hughes who thumped home to make it 1-0. Hughes certainly looked like he wanted his starting XI place back. But on 15 mins, Preston got the equaliser, a Carter corner headed by Clarke, but it was superbly stopped by Konstantopoulos, a scrap in the box was started, the ball eventually came out to Preston's on loan striker Paul Gallagher who made it 1-1. On 29 mins, we had a chance to take the lead for the second time, Daniel Fox lined up a free kick from 22 yards out, his shot was deflected off the 5 man Preston wall, and just wide but we got a corner out of the effort. From the corner we thought we'd scored, a fantastic corner from Fox, which created another scrap, Mifsud tapped home but it was disallowed for a foul. There was no way the ref could see that, and I certainly didn't see a foul anywhere looking at the replay. A bit home home side biasy going on I think. On 34 mins, we nearly scored again, some great work by Mifsud down the right, he put a discuised reverse pass through to Doyle who unleashed a piledriver, but it was parried way by Wayne Henderson in the Preston goal. On 36 mins, we somehow found ourselves behind, Andy Carroll holding the ball up, and no one was marking Carter right in front of the goal, he turned and made it 2-1. Our defence is an absolute joke at the moment. O 38 mins, the referee proved he was bias, we scored again, Mifsud passing to Thiago who finished well, but it was disallowed for offside when there was the keeper and a player on the post in front of him. How ridiculous. On 44 mins, Peter Clarke went in 2 footed on Mifsud, an awful challenge, but teh referee only gave him a yellow card when it was an obvious red. Biased cheat. And that was half time. I will be taking this game up with the FA after the game as I believe that the referee (Keith Stroud) is a bias cheat and is getting paid to make Preston win. 2 legitamate goals disallowed, and you start to get a tad suspicious. No changes at half time, straight in.
A decent start, on 49 mins, Doyle won the ball well and powered through a couple of challenges, but his shot was saved. On 50 mins, we were dealt a blow when Lee Martin limped off and was replaced by Leon McKenzie. On 51 mins, Preston scored again, everyone couldn't be bothered and Carter ran through and scored. What a load of f*cking crap. 3-1. On 54 mins, Mifsud had a chance to get us back in the game, his turn and shot was just tipped out for a corner. On 66 mins, I made my last changes, Thiago and Tabb off for Cairo and Best. On 74 mins, we had a chance, a Fox free kick hitting the side netting. On 86 mins, we thought we'd scored again, but yes, you guessed it. Disallowed, Leon Best. Full time, and I ran to the referee and called him a few words I won't repeat. He doesn't deserev his wages the f*cking fat stupis c*nt. I asked why he is a Preston fan. I will take this up with the FA but no doubt they'll fine me for his crappy performance. He has made football look stupid today, and deserves all of teh grief he gets. Abnoxious w*nker. 3 disallowed goals, and all of their's were suspicious, ours weren't even suspicious. Absolute disgrace.
Preston 3-1 Coventry
Hughes
Konstantopoulos-8
Bardsley-6
Dann-6
Ward-7
Fox-7
Tabb-7
S.Hughes-7
Doyle(c)-7
Martin-7
Mifsud-7
Thiago-5
-------------------
McKenzie-6
De Zeeuw-unused sub
Osbourne-unused sub
Best-6
Cairo-6
Man Of The Match was Darren Carter. What a disgrace of a match.
- Status
