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Cochrane, Cochrane, Cochrane! Man of the match for the 2nd time running. He's the man. (Without trying to sound a nob). |
The team saw Wright and Jones in there, both being doubts.
Ince
Wright Foster
Lunt Cochrane Sorvel Rix
Ashton Jones
The Alex had the ball in the back of the net within two minutes. A quick break from Rix down the centre of the field had
Then another two minutes later and it was the opening of the woodwork spectacular. Jonah was victim to a cynical foul Richard Shaw. Jones headed the ball over Shaw and was about to run free on goal but Shaw got in his way and pushed him to the ground 20 yards out. There was a case for a sending off but the ref opted for the yellow. The free kick from Lunt was curled in from the left and as it left Scott Shearer, in goal, rooted to his goal line the ball flew over the wall but bounced back off the post and out for a throw in.
After that the game died down a little. Coventry though were on top of the game without threatening. The main threat was from 20 yards out as Crewe defended deep. The midfield seemed to blend into the defence so at times we were playing a 8 man defence. Credit to Cochrane though who closed down every ball and gave every last ounce of effort.
Till the 30th minute it was boring stuff. Coventry pressured without any real conviction whilst we couldn’t string two passes together. We won the ball but as quickly as we won it we gave it away. Sorvel volleyed over from 18 yards after a long Lunt corner flew over everyone. The best chance of the half was just a few minutes later. I say it was the best chance of the half I mean it was the best chance of the season so far – including goals. Foster hoofed clear a corner and as Jones chased Konjic headed the ball straight into Jones’ chest. It left Ashton and Jones up against Konjic, Jones got to the edge of the area and squared it to Ashton. Ashton took it forward and, for him, it looked an easy little dink into the bottom corner but nope. Ashton smashed the ball over the bar into row ZZ.
On the stroke of half time it was part two of the woodwork spectacular. Cochrane was taken out in more or less the same place as the last free kick. Ashton stepped up to take it but at the last minute left it and ran into the box which caught the Cov defence off guard. Lunt sent a cross it but it was over everyone’s heads and curled onto the post. Unfortunately Walker wasn’t alert enough to follow up.
The other first half attacks were all spoilt by a idiot they called a linesman. Ashton was called off-side several times when he clearly wasn’t. The annoying thing is, is that he always kept his flag down when Ashton did stray offside.
At half time the entertainment was brilliant. The Coventry Chairman and Jimmy Hill both spent 10 minutes on their knees begging their fans to get behind the campaign for a new stadium. How desperate. Bless them.
In the second half we were dealt a massive blow as Coventry went a took the lead, damn them. Joachim got the better of Wright down the right to send a cross in. Ince went forward to catch it, stepped back, went forward, stepped back… went forw…. too late, 1-0 as player manager Gary McAllistair headed past the dazed Ince.
Jones could have almost immediately equalised. Coventry got 7 in attack which, when the ball was cleared, allowed Jones to run clear from a hoofed ball. Jones ran free on goal with just the keeper to beat and as the keeper stood there like he was waiting for a bus Jones volleyed the bouncing ball at goal. It smashed the inside of the post but again bounced out for a throw in. The 300 travelling fans could not believe our luck.
We failed to do anything else. Coventry pressured as usual, I did however feel there was always a chance of snatching a draw from the game. That was until Coventry scored a second 74 minutes in. A little handball by Walker 25 yards out on the right wing was penalised. The free kick was floated in by Safri to a unmarked Morrell who sent a looping header into the far left corner of the net.
The travelling fans were just disappointed by the way we went about handing them a win. A few fans left the ground, knowing there was little left in the game, while others just sat in silence, much like the previous 75 minutes. Crewe tried to restore some pride with late attacks. Foster flashed a over head kick just wide whilst in the final seconds there was a little scrap in the box where Cochane, Sorvel and Ashton all had shots blocked.
The defeat is a disappointing one. Coventry weren’t an impressive team by no means, we are capable of beating many teams in this divison but at the moment we’re not showing it. The home performance against Forest was pure class but that seems the best we’ll get this season. Silky skills, quick counter attacks and swift passing has gone and been replaced with mis placed passes and counter attacks that result in nothing.
We obviously missed Brammer. Sorvel is good but not good enough. At times he just slowed down play and allowed Coventry to pressure us. Plus there wasn’t the obvious captain figure in the team.
For me everyone had a poor game except for Cochrane. Once again MOTM for me as he huffed and puffed. Tackled to the last minute and was inspirational for the players around him…. well nearly. What a bargain he is from Hayes. As for the others. Ince needs competition. I’ve got a feeling he thinks he’s cemented his place in the team and is relaxing…. too much! Seen a few mistakes creep in, in the last few games. Ashton was just static. Finally, It was excellent to see Jonah back and he really does give the team a whole new look.
The whole team needs to improve 100%.... I think we’re missing Dario more than people think but it’s not an excuse to put in two successive poor performances. Lets get back on track on Saturday. Finally…. Hopefully Smart and Moses will be back soon. Walker doesn’t fill me with confidence, he can’t clear the ball for starters!, and lets see Smart get a chance, see if he can get us goals, as we’ve gone three successive games without a goal for the first time in 18 months. Not good!