Verdict: Coventry 1 Saints 1
Last updated : 16 December 2007 By Peattie B
VerdictCome the final whistle I was very disappointed that we didn't come away with all three points today. In the first half we didn't show much going foward and as seen in previous matches we lacked width on the attack.
Coventry did have the better of the game in the first half but they didn't create any real openings. We did take the lead early on through Stern John but as in recent matches it was ruled out for offside. I would like another look as it was down the other end, but the linesman's flag was up quickly.
Their goal was somewhat fortuitous, McKenzie's cross wasn't cleared properly, the ball came to Misfud whose shot was blocked, but fell back into the path of Mckenzie again whose shot was well saved by Davis. However, the ball looped up in the air and was headed in on the line by Tabb, who looked to be in an offside position before McKenzie's shot. Despite fierce protests the goal stood.
In the second half, although we looked brighter coming forward and generally better all round, width remained a problem. Matters weren't helped when Adam Hammill was forced off with what looked like a knock or gash on his right leg after a hefty challenge.
With no wide men on the bench Jhon Viafara filled in for the last twenty minutes on the right. Before sustaining the injury however Hammill struggled to make an impact as Coventry doubled up on him at every opportunity, clearly having done their homework following his hat-trick of assists against Hull.
Despite swapping sides with Surman throughout the game there were few opportunities for him, also added with the cautious nature of the full-backs to push up.
Bad day at the office
For me though this game will be remembered for two factors:
- The officials: The referee didn't have the best of games and some of his decisions were real puzzlers, one in particular late on when Doyle hit the bar with what looked like a cross that Davis watched all the way, but a corner was given.
However, his assistant with the chequered flag, a Mr Langford had a complete nightmare of a game. A lot of his decisions were wrong, two crucially so. Firstly their goal where Tabb looked in an offside position as the shot from McKenzie came in and secondly a throw-in given the wrong way when it clearly came of a Coventry player and he was three yards from it!
- Bradley Wright-Phillips: People might think this is harsh, but for me apart from his well taken header the boy had a terrible game. His touch was poor as was his passing. A few times he found himself in good positions but messed around with the ball and comprised good opportunities, a couple of times holding onto the ball for too long and not being able to test the opposition keeper.
Most notably on seventy eight minutes he was put through by a great pass from Surman on the edge of the centre circle, his pace took him clear of Ward and with just the out-rushing keeper to beat he passed a tame effort wide of the post. Surely after scoring a striker should be full of confidence but not in his case. For me Saga should have been brought on a lot earlier as he had no time to make in impact in the last ten minutes.
Final thoughts
This game was there for taking in the second half but we couldn't manage a break-through. I was encouraged by the second half performance, it seems we do have more character now as we can come from behind to get something from a game whereas in previous years especially away from home this wasn't happening.
The centre of defence is looking strong, Davies and Bennett are working well together. I just hope we can keep them both in January, due to our financial position we may not be able to make the Davies deal permanent.
The vocal support from the away was superb again today as always, a good turn out for a bitterly cold Coventry afternoon.
Just a mention to the Coventry stewards who instead of spending the whole game trying to get us to sit down they let us enjoy the game how we wanted to, standing and singing. This definately made the afternoon more enjoyable as a persistent battle between stewards and fans did not disrupt the game.
If only more clubs and indeed the Football League would follow suit.
