|
Coventry started the game brightly, and it took Blues a good 25 minutes before they began to impose themselves on the game, by which time Healy had already wasted a golden opportunity with a free header, and the impressive David Thompson had gone close with a 25 yard effort. However Blues gradually got themselves back into the game as the Coventry threat was stubbed out by Tebily and Michael Johnson at the back.
The game really got going in the second half, with Damien Johnson - on for the injured Paul Devlin - looking to get round the back of the Sky Blues defence at every opportunity. Tebily also began to highlight his attacking flair, dribbling through the midfield at every opportunity, and even finding himself our most advanced player in one move.
Blues fell behind, however, somewhat against the run of play. The Blues defence quite simply opened up like the Red Sea to Moses, and Healy couldn't believe his luck, slotting the ball calmly past the flat-footed Nico Vaesen. Blues should have hit back almost immediately when Tebily made another surging run, before playing Damien Johnson in. Johnson, however, was caught in two minds as to whether to go for goal or cross for the disappointing Tommy Mooney, and in the end did neither as the ball trickled out for a goal kick.
Blues got their reward, however, just 9 minutes from time. Again, Tebily moved forwards and played a delightful through ball to Horsfield, who finished coolly, dinking the ball up and over Magnus Hedman. Blues then weathered a fair amount of pressure to hold on for a hard-earned draw to send their impressive following away happy.
The fact is that now, Blues should really make the play offs - especially with both Burnley and Millwall faltering. The addition of Tebily to the squad looks an inspired one, and with the continual improvement of Damien Johnson, Tommy Williams and Darren Carter, the youthful energy that is now such an integral part of the Blues side could well carry us at least to the final for the first time. This was a good result against a good Coventry side who were very much up for the game. Even so, they did little to suggest that they were in any way superior to Blues if the two teams were to meet again come what May.
Richard Barker
Review the information and discuss it on the messageboard.