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Coventry City 1-1 Ipswich Town - Match Report
Saturday, 7th Dec 2019 17:17

Town and Coventry drew 1-1 at St Andrew’s for the second time in seven days in a game of two halves. Will Keane gave the Blues a deserved lead on 31 in a first half in which Town should have scored more but Max Biamou equalised for the Sky Blues on 56 in a period the Midlanders dominated.

Manager Paul Lambert made only one change from the team which drew 1-1 with the Sky Blues in the FA Cup last Sunday, although six from the Blues' last League One outing, the 0-0 home draw with Wycombe at the end of last month.

However, Town were without skipper Luke Chambers due to a neck problem, which is only expected to sideline him for a few days, while Cole Skuse, who suffered a hip problem at Peterborough on Wednesday, was on the bench.

Gwion Edwards came in for Danny Rowe on the right of the front three with the former Macclesfield man out with a knee injury, also not believed to be serious. Alan Judge was on the left with Keane the lone central striker with James Norwood suspended.

Flynn Downes again skippered from central midfield alongside Jon Nolan and Andre Dozzell, while Janoi Donacien and Luke Garbutt were the full-backs and James Wilson and Luke Woolfenden the centre-halves.

Forward Callum O’Hare, who scored Coventry’s late equaliser last week, and striker Amadou Bakayoko started for the home side, while striker Matty Godden was on the bench after injury.

The Sky Blues had the better of the opening minutes and on five Bakayoko was found in space breaking into the area but Nolan made a superb challenge to stop him in his tracks and Edwards cleared the danger.

Two minutes later, the former Shrewsbury man came close to opening the scoring. After good work from Dozzell, Judge whipped in a cross from the right and Nolan got his head to it at the near post eight yards out, but couldn’t get enough on it and it flew across the face of goal.

As last week, Town were passing it out from the back and, with Dozzell and Downes increasingly influential as the game reached the quarter-hour mark, were enjoying long spells of possession, however, without turning them into another chance until the 25th minute when Judge came close to his second goal of the season.

A slick move which started with keeper Norris and built from there, ended with Nolan sending Edwards away down the right with Judge breaking down the middle. The Welshman’s cross-shot was awkward for the Irish international at the far post and he was only able to scrape it wide as he collided with the woodwork.

Had Judge scored, it would have been a team goal up there with Kane Vincent-Young’s at Gillingham earlier in the season.

Town continued to see most of the ball with possession quickly won back after it had been lost. On 28 Downes hit a shot from just outside the area which appeared to hit a defender a deflect well wide but referee Darren Drysdale gave a goalkick.

And three minutes later, the Blues got the goal their performance deserved. A short corner on the left was returned to Judge by Dozzell, the Irishman looped in a cross and Keane climbed highest to power his first league goal of the season and his second against Coventry in successive weeks into the corner of the net.

In the 34th minute Keane almost scored again. Garbutt sent over a corner from the right and the former Manchester United man once more rose highest to head against the post. A Coventry defender cleared the loose ball.


Town continued to dominate with Coventry struggling to see anything of the ball. On 42, the excellent Keane swept the ball wide to the right and eventually Judge sent over a deep cross to the edge of the box which Garbutt volleyed back across goal and only just wide.

The Sky Blues, who had just swapped the injured Dom Hyam for Jordan Shipley, went close for the first time soon afterwards when Zain Westbrooke found O’Hare unmarked with a freekick in from the left but the on-loan Aston Villa man’s header was too high.

Just before the break, Judge was fouled on the left and rather wasted the freekick and left the field feeling his left wrist, which he broke early in the summer when away with the Republic of Ireland, although didn’t appear unduly concerned.

Town were applauded off at half-time after as good a 45 minutes as they’d put in for a while.

Following a slow start, the Blues had kept hold of the ball and passed it around with confidence and might well have gone in with more than their single goal lead with Nolan, Keane, Judge and Garbutt all going close.

Keane deserved his goal for his display, while midfield trio Downes, Nolan and Dozzell were well on top of their Coventry counterparts and the Blues backline had rarely been troubled with Norris largely a spectator.

The Sky Blues began the second period on the front foot and Norris was forced into his first serious save in the 53rd minute.

After good work from Bakayoko, sub Shipley unleashed a powerful strike which the Town keeper batted into the air. Biamou following up was only able to bundle it behind.

Coventry had played all the football since the break, with the Blues looking like a totally different team to the one in the first half, and in the 56th minute they deservedly levelled.

Sky Blues skipper Liam Kelly played a clever ball into the path of Biamou and the Frenchman struck a shot across Norris and into the corner of the net.

On the hour, a clash between Edwards and Sam McCallum led to a bout of handbags on the touchline involving everyone on both teams, including the keepers and some of the subs.

Eventually, once order was restored, the Welshman and Coventry sub Gervane Kastaneer - whose unnecessary involvement had escalated the clash - were shown yellow cards. Referee Drysdale and his assistants seemed to be unsure of the identity of the Sky Blues player involved initially and McCallum escaped censure.

The game was increasingly open with the Blues briefly showing signs of getting back on top in the 66th minute when Edwards made a strong run down the right and fed Judge, but the Irishman’s cross into Keane’s path was blocked.

Soon after, Judge and Edwards made way for Kayden Jackson, who became a father earlier in the week, and Skuse. The Blues went into a midfield diamond with Skuse at the deepest point and Dozzell the most advanced.

The Sky Blues were within an inch or so from taking the lead in the 69th minute when last week’s last-gasp goal hero O’Hare struck a first time effort which looped over Norris but hit the top of the bar. Wilson cleared the danger with a header.

But the Sky Blues maintained the pressure with Norris coming off his line quickly to clear a through ball, then from Kelly’s corner on the right Biamou headed past the far post.

Woolfenden was booked for a foul on Biamou after he had got away from him on halfway in the 76th minute with Town giving the ball away too easily and making too many mistakes.

A minute later, a Jackson cross from the left was cut out ahead of Keane, then Coventry broke up the other end but the ball was overhit through to Norris. On 79 Jamie Allen took over from Westbrooke for the Sky Blues.

Bakayoko shot through to Norris in the 80th minute after Woolfenden’s clearance had found him 30 yards out in space with Coventry looking the more likely scorers of the game’s third goal.

On 85 an unmarked Kyle McFadzean headed straight at Norris from a corner. The Blues broke immediately but Nolan’s cross looped behind.

Town had their best chance of the half in the 87th minute when Skuse looped a cross from deep on the right towards Keane at the far post but the striker lost his footing as he prepared to strike first time on the half-volley.

Jackson was booked for a foul on Fankaty Dabo in the second of six additional minutes, then Coventry swapped Biamou for Godden.

A minute or so before the whistle, sub Allen hit a shot just wide from the edge of the box but this week there was to be no late drama at St Andrew’s.

It had been the archetypal game of two halves with the Blues well on top in the first half and Coventry much the better side in the second.

Town should have had more than just Keane’s goal to show for their first-half display while the Sky Blues will feel they might have scored more than just the once after the break.

The Blues never looked like replicating the controlled and composed passing which had characterised their first-half display in the second period, showing little patience on the ball with Coventry the ones keeping possession and creating the opportunities.

Overall, a draw was a fair result with the Blues now four points behind Wycombe, who didn’t play today, with a game in hand. Third-placed Peterborough drew 2-2 at Portsmouth.

Following Tuesday’s third game in 10 days against the Sky Blues at Portman Road, the second round FA Cup replay, Town host Bristol Rovers in League One.

Coventry: Marosi, Dabo, McCallum, Hyam (Shipley 44), McFadzean, Rose, Kelly, Westbrooke (Allen 79), O’Hare, Bakayoko, Biamou (Godden 90). Unused: Wilson, Hiwula, Kasteneer, Drysdale.

Town: Norris, Donacien, Woolfenden, Wilson, Garbutt, Dozzell, Downes, Nolan, Edwards (Skuse 67), Judge (Jackson 67), Keane. Unused: Holy, El Mizouni, Kenlock, Dobra, Georgiou. Referee: Darren Drysdale (Lincolnshire). Att: 8,085 (Town: 2,097).


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ShropshireBluenago09 added 19:37 - Dec 7
Great 1st half performance but Coventry definitely upped their game 2nd half. We just couldn't get into our 1st half rhythm.
Thought Nolan and Wolfenden had very good games. Dozzell doesn't do enough and Judge is still a shadow of the player we know he can be.
Keane did ok, but why does he never challenge high balls Jackson full of pace but so frustrating. Poor decisions at crucial times.
Still 1-1 away at one of the leagues top teams isn't bad, but we need to kill games off.
9

ITFCsince73 added 19:39 - Dec 7
2 points a game. Gets a top 2 finish.
On course...so no panic.
Our 2nd string would finish top 2.
2

kev180max added 19:46 - Dec 7
Worrying that we find it hard to score even when we're on top. One up front is not working, looks like play offs . We should be bossing all these games with our team.
2

Lightningboy added 20:03 - Dec 7
Hmmm,am I alone in this thought or is anyone else finding it difficult to get into this season at the moment - it's been so stop/start what with all the international breaks (which I think were needless) plus the cup weekends & missing Bury match that all the early season momentum & enthusiasm has tailed off quite a bit (imho)...i'm amazed that we're still 2nd in the table tbh.

Hopefully a busy December & the return of some fully fit players will get things going again 🤞🏻🤞🏻
9

Taricco_Fan added 20:24 - Dec 7
I have my doubts about Lambert as a tactician. Can't help but feel we've coasted along by virtue of our squad depth and superior fitness over some of these sides, but against the stronger teams in the division we have been found wanting. It seems inappropriate to moan given our league position but I feel this side is nowhere near as good as some think it is and this will become evident in the coming months. We have quality in the squad, I just don't feel it is being utilised effectively and the constant rotation is unsettling.
7

budgieplucker added 23:03 - Dec 7
We now have just dropped below the 2 points per match average which will normally get you automatic promotion. The two lads at Peterborough have now got 13 goals each in this league.

Daryl Murphy has now scored 5 in 5 for Bolton a team that has been struggling.

But on a positive side Will Keane has now scored two in two, perhaps we will end the season with a regular front two of Keane and Sears as first choice forwards!!!
0

alfromcol added 00:02 - Dec 8
For anyone who has been calling for Chambers to be out of the team, you got your wish today. A totally disorganised and overun defence in the second half, proved how poor we are without him.
4

Nobbysnuts added 07:33 - Dec 8
I am now getting tired of the same old stuff coming out of paul Lamberts mouth. Yes we are 2nd in the league . We all know that paul but we wont be for much longer playing this sh#t. We are clearly not as good as we think we are and other teams know it. I'm starting to get that mick McCarthy feeling. Playoffs at best I'm afraid.
-1

chalky added 08:26 - Dec 8
To be fair to Lambert and the team, only two defeats by mid-December is pretty good going and deserves some praise. BUT - as many other fans are saying - we're going nowhere if (a) we don't start playing for the full 90 minutes (b) if we don't drop this absurd policy of one up front (c) win some more home games,
10

TractorJed added 08:58 - Dec 8
Coventry changed shape and system mid match to nullify our strengths and we fail to change to work round. Difference between the two halves. Need to be able to make in match tactical changes.
3

jas0999 added 09:36 - Dec 8
Another very average result, particularly considering we should have had the game wrapped up by half time. One win in our last eight games (Tuesday counting as a draw after 90 minutes). Not good enough if we want to get out of this league.

Reinforcement definitely needed in January. With just one injury or suspension we look light up front and in the defence.
4

dirtydingusmagee added 10:03 - Dec 8
well at least i can see im not the only one that can see this ending in tears if things are not changed. Im really looking forward tobFreddie getting back to playing ,HOWEVER he is another talented player that cant be relied on for fitness and could easily suffer a setback , we NEED a fit effective striker added in January.Jackson isnt good enough,Norwood is never fully fit and has much to prove.
0

BettyBlue added 10:23 - Dec 8
if you can't score goals we aren't going anywhere.
#Norwood
0

runaround added 10:24 - Dec 8
Earlier in the season we were holding out to win these games 1-0 but now we are conceding a goal a game. We are still in an excellent position but really need to start scoring more goals in games & stop sitting on 1-0 leads. Get our best XI on the pitch, dominate games then make/take more goalscoring opportunities. It feels our momentum has ground to a halt
2

Kickingblock added 10:53 - Dec 8
They didn't loose, and could've won it if they were more clinical or together like a well oiled machine. They must address this, I doubt new shooting boots will be purchased in January.
They could have easily lost if Coventry had been more ruthless. The result was fair. Again, Ipswich rode their luck. I was expecting a tough game. The ball looked very lively and bounced a lot. I feel that high balls suit the opposition better.
0

ringwoodblue added 11:09 - Dec 8
Apart from Wycombe nobody in this league seems able to consistently win games week in week out so if we are lucky we will get second for being slightly more consistent than the rest but looking at our squad, we should be bossing this league and winning the title convincingly like Liverpool are in the Premier League. The way we are playing, unfortunately we are far from that.
3

DifferentGravy added 11:30 - Dec 8
Numerous comments re: one up front so wont labour the point. Their goal was an awful one to give away. No marking, slow to close players down. Ive noticed in a number of games that we are slow to react at set pieces (throw ins/corners/free kicks). Got to be chomping at the bit at all times . Such a shame to play so well for one half and then go completely off the boil in the second. Good opportunity to get back on track this week. Norwood returns from suspension and Im backing him to prove his worth.

Come on you blues
3

Kickingblock added 11:58 - Dec 8
Exactly, Coventry very nearly got level before the break from a header off a quickly taken free kick. They must all have their finger out for the duration of both halves!
0

alfromcol added 12:09 - Dec 8
Ringwoodblue you said::
we should be bossing this league and winning the title convincingly like Liverpool.

Why, any reasons?
We were relegated last season with minimal points, why should we be bossing the league? We have to earn it and currently we are where we are. A comparison with Liverpool has no relevance what so ever.

Wycombe are so good that they are 4pts ahead of us having played 1 more game and we have a marginally better GD. Don't panic Mr Mainwaring.

Despite not winning, there were a lot of positives from the game. We took Coventry apart in the 1st half and but for poor finishing we would have been out of site. As PL has said many times, he is building a team for the future. Patience required I am afraid. I was dissappointed with the result, but we all have to remember that there are 2 teams on the field and the poosition want to win as much as we do. NOTE: Coventry have the best home record in the Division
2

BarleyBoy added 12:47 - Dec 8
Hugely disappointing 2nd half after a dominant, occasionally “sexy football” stimulating opening 45 that had our yet again superb following upbeat & confident. Sadly & I can't fathom why, but we seemingly forget how to get the ball down on the deck & play & the rot sets in again. Pleased with both Downes & Dozzell ( Downsey bossed the midfield in the first half & Dozzell's ability to disguise the intricate pass was a joy to see ). Even Keane looked decent in the opening half, confidence boosted by notching his opener but then returned to type with his bizarre inability to jump let alone compete.....capped off by deserved chants from the Cov rabble of “ you're just a sxxt Andy Carrol ( fair comment from what I've seen I'm afraid. We must learn to be more ruthless & kill off sides when amidst our domination/ sexy footy spells, but we seem to keep'em interested & remain exposed to our inevitable momentary lapses in concentration. Edwards & Judge barely possess bench warming credentials let alone starting 11th, plainly our weakest players on the field & certainly not the first time.......must be good in training?!. Mr Evans, a new striker & creative midfielder in Jan window please.......Mr Jackson, whilst pace to burn, lacks composure in the crucial final third & coupled with all too often poor decision making, I question if he or Norwood are the answers. Positives are we're still well positioned & in the hunt ( amazingly) but much work to do as with what we know we can produce at times, we should be walking this league. My last 3 games in Rotherham, Wycombe & y'day are not getting my juices flowing!!.....just one goal in these but most worryingly, approx 90 mins of the 270 without forcing a meaningful save from the oppo keepers. Hopefully this is our wobble period & we go again COYB's
3

MickMillsTash added 13:55 - Dec 8
Best football of the season for 20 minutes of the first half
Downes makes the difference - Dozzell great when on the ball

What on earth happened in the second half - ridiculous errors from Donacien, Wolfenden and Wilson - all of whom had ok games must have put every one on edge
Coventry do not lose often and started well - I think a point is an Ok result, but we've got too start winning
Could do with getting out of these cups and start doing some work on the training ground
5

herfie added 14:21 - Dec 8
Mental toughness and resilience are also critical. I feel that, when we lose the initiative and com3 under any sort of pressure, we become vulnerable and mentally fragile. Perhaps not the most glamorous side of the game, but would suggest PL and his team take an honest look at the reasons for this situation. This inevitably includes their decision making and coaching regime. We need to break the ‘one good half' mentality ASAP.
4

ArnieM added 14:39 - Dec 8
It's the same pattern every game nearly isn't it. I think we are sussed tactically by half time, and op poco Memoji in the second half, having changed their formation or tactics, and we can't deal with it.

We fail EVERY game to take the numerous chances we create and get that second goal. And that single goal lead is never enough as we invariably then sit deep and try to defend against an onslaught from our opponents.

3

Linkboy13 added 15:50 - Dec 8
Spot on Nobby Nuts we are not as good as we think we are but the numpties wearing their blue tinted glasses can't see it. We are dropping far too many points and rarely test the opposing keeper. We need to start picking up more wins otherwise its the play offs I'm afraid.
3

ITFCsince73 added 16:07 - Dec 8
Budgie. We've played 18 games and have 36 points.
How is this below 2 points a game?? Please explain.
0


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