Goal number one seems to have split opinion on whether Adebola fouled Westwood, but, that aside - and more often than not! - a keeper seemingly laid out on the floor is usually a decent enough reason to stop play. The referee didn't, and Adebola, as was probably predicted by many, scored for Bristol City against his former club. For goal number two, Gunnarsson, who had an impressive game at right-back, possibly should have done more to close down the scorer of goal number two, Michael McIndoe. And in the final minute, insult was added to (keeper) injury, with Steve Brooker making it 3-0.

Coventry had started well enough, with Mifsud - barracked throughout by Bristol supporters - skinning Bristol City's left-back, only to see Basso out smartly to deny him a shot at goal. Soon after, a decent Morrison cross was cleared by the Bristol defence before a Coventry player could test the Bristol keeper again.

Westwood was replaced following Adebola's goal, with Marshall replacing him after a four minute hold-up.

Superb skill from Gray on 22 minutes saw Eastwood given the chance to equalise. Sadly for Coventry City, it appeared attempted trickery from FE failed, as he ended up back-heeling the ball away from danger! Eastwood then stabbed a decent effort just wide of the post after a Fox free-kick landed at his feet.

Chris Coleman was then sent to the stands after yet another infuriating decision from supposedly Premiership quality referee Dowd. Having let a debatable goal for Bristol City stand, he then denied the home side a clear penalty, with Fontaine pulling Morrison's shirt as he homed in on goal.

With five minutes to go until half-time, Bristol City thought they had gone 2-up, but a late flag from the linesman saw the goal ruled out. Eastwood then attempted to dribble his way through the Bristol defence, before seeing the Bristol defence stop him in his tracks, then a Mifsud shot was spilled by the keeper, who dropped onto the ball as Morrison threatened to equalise. Morrison then saw his lob over keeper Basso go agonisingly wide of the goal; a Mifsud run set-up Eastwood, who unselfishly passed back to Mifsud, only for some desperate Bristol defending clear the ball for a corner; and from said corner, Morrison's effort was cleared off the line.

As if Wright already being injured and Westwood being forced off through injury wasn't bad enough, things then got worse for Coventry City, as Eastwood was replaced by McKenzie at half-time.

McKenzie's first contribution was to set up Gray, but he was crowded out by Bristol City defenders, and unable to properly control the ball anyway. Minutes later, Adebola was allowed the freedom of the middle of the pitch, before setting up Bristol's second goal. His first touch is still atrocious, he's still unable to head the ball properly, and yet he still managed to help take Coventry City apart.

Beuzelin, responsible for to many Hughes-esque sideways and backward passes, did manage to pick McKenzie out with a decent pass, but, as the keeper rushed out, McKenzie hit his shot to high and to wide. After 57 minutes, Gunnarsson fired in a quality cross, which seemingly struck a Bristol defenders arm, only for the referee to ignore any potential penalty decision.

Marshall became hero and almost villain in the space of a few minutes, making a fine save to stop the score becoming 3-0, then giving the ball away as he looked to dribble the ball out away from a Bristol City striker - thankfully Ward was on the line to head Maynard's effort clear.

McKenzie should have put Morrison through on 65 minutes, but chose the wrong option, then Gunnarsson skipped past Bristol City's left-back as if he wasn't there, but the keeper claimed the cross before any Coventry player could get near it.

Much to the delight of the away supporters, and some home fans(!), Mifsud was replaced by Simpson on 72 minutes. It could have come much sooner, as he barely touched the ball in the second half....

Another poor decision from the referee finally saw Morrison booked for dissent, something that was nailed on to happen all afternoon, with  the refree getting just about any incident involving Morrison completely wrong all afternoon. Strolling off the pitch at a record slow speed didn't result in any colour card for players wearing red though (I'm looking in your direction, Maynard!).

A perfect cross from Gray saw McKenzie waste the chance to pull a goal back, heading way over the bar. There then followed a Liverpool-esque spell of passing around the defence from Coventry City (Circa 1980's), which is all well and good when you're winning, but not when you're 2-0 down!!

Marshall then made a superb save to once again keep the score down, and Coventry City broke straight up the other end of the pitch, with Morrison's effort hitting the post - sadly nobody was alert enough to poke home the rebound. Another quality throw from Gunnarsson saw Simpson fail to find the target with an acrobatic effort.

Bristol City then completed the drubbing....

The well-worn cliche is 'it's not about the losing, it's about how you respond'. Premiership Newcastle next....

Team: Westwood (Marshall 16), Gunnarsson, Fox, Dann, Ward, Mifsud (Simpson 73), Beuzelin, Tabb, Gray, Morrison, Eastwood (McKenzie 46). SNU: Turner, Doyle.

View a Printer Friendly version of this Story.

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon

Related Articles:

• Playing Catch Up : 2

SPORTNETWORK SPECIALS

Coventry City Poll