The gap continues to close on the leading teams above Sunderland as we managed to earn another hard fought three points against another poor team visiting the SoL. Although the performance itself was not what you would call a classic, the most important thing is that we won the game and also kept a clean sheet. 2007 is beginning to look like a very good year for SAFC as we are still unbeaten since the clock struck twelve at midnight, long may it continue.
As usual, Keane made changes to the squad but most decisions were made solely due to injuries that were picked up in the previous game and in training during the week. Varga replaced Evans in the centre of defence, Stern John made his debut in a red and white shirt in place of Connolly who suffered a freak accident by getting hoofed in the face. Murphy was the surprise choice to partner John instead of Anthony Stokes who was dropped to the bench. Leadbitter replaced Miller and Wallace came in for Hysen, a decision which was changed during the game as Wallace was simply not doing enough to create space or opportunities for the strikers.
So as the lads kicked off and after Kyle was greeted warmly by the home following which increased it’s numbers to 33k (even my Dad went after a long absence from the SoL, maybe Quinny’s message is finally getting through to the stubbornness of followers!) Sunderland started the game but the best chance instantly to Coventry who produced a fine save from Ward, he would be busy most of the game and is a massive credit to us achieving three points this afternoon. After that early wake up call Sunderland began to push forward and with Leadbitter playing in John for his opening chance, he span the defender but forgot to take the ball with him, unfortunate for the big striker who was met with boos from the 900 Coventry fans.
Daryl Murphy who was back in his unfamiliar role of being upfront found himself clean through only to shoot straight at the keeper with no power behind it at all. If he was trying to keep Stokes out of the team today he must realise he will need to be much better than what he was today. Finally after a great free kick was whipped in by Wallace the ball was looped back over from Varga for Dwight Yorke to nod home his 2nd goal in three games. Sunderland finally converted their pressure into a goal, and Yorkie who received praise from Keano after the game showed why he will be important in our promotion bid with another MOM performance. He controlled the ball and dominated the midfield much better than anyone else and his through ball in the 30th to John almost led to a penalty. It was a blatant foul on John but as ever the referee decided to wave the protests away, what have we got to do to beat this jinx?
Sunderland did not make it easy after scoring they sat back and lost possession a little too easily, the best chance for Coventry came as Mifsud latched onto a through ball to be one on one with Ward who again denied the striker an important equaliser. We managed to hold on until half time and things needed to improve to ensure the points were taken.
The second half started and then stopped for 3 minutes due to Kyle taking a knock on the hand which lead to a standing ovation as people thought he was coming off injured but came back on after the bandaging was complete; he was just milking a good reception for once I suppose! John made another chance by using his height and power to beat the defender only to drag his low shot wide of the post; he impressed me with his touches and movement and will definitely be a bonus in the games to come.
Keano decided to make a double sub in the 61st min by replacing the poor Wallace with the lively Hysen and Stokes replaced Murphy to add a bit more pace up front, and it seemed to work as instantly the ball was directed to him as the ball seemed to bounce around the box, Yorke blasted the ball over the bar from only 6 yards out. The game was getting more frustrating by the minute and with awful refereeing decisions not going our way it made the anxious home crowd come to life and create a better atmosphere.
Ward to the rescue again as Sunderland were caught napping in midfield as they counter attacked and with the ball screwed back to Kyler you could only see one result….he missed after Ward saved again, same old same old!
The game was stretched at times, with Coventry finding plenty of space to run into and create more chances to lead to a nervy finish. Keane decided to take off Leadbitter and move Whitehead further up field once Simpson came on to make a solid debut at right back. It was hard to judge Simpson but he made an immediate impact by winning two tackles to break the play up and create a chance for Sunderland.
All the worries and doubts were put to rest when Edwards picked the ball up on the edge of the box and drilled the ball via a deflection into the home end’s net. RELIEF! This cued the Hey Keano chants that echoed around the ground and will be sung all night long as Sunderland managed to beat Coventry and climb back to 7th in the league.
The main problem with today’s showing was the second ball was never won and the final ball again seems to be lacking, the good thing though is that we have a good keeper and with Yorke in the middle we can always expect composure on the ball. Roll on Plymouth!
MOM- Yorke – He gets it just over Ward just for his simplicity at times and hunger to win every tackle, may show a few people what he came here for….. Promotion.
CLANCEY WIGGUM
AKA Gary Johnson