Who needs Leon Best when we’ve got Jon Stead? It really is a very good question. He works harder than Best, knows the offside rule, and compliments Morrison very well. And luckily for us Sky Blues fans, he knew where the back of the net was on Saturday, with a really excellent finish to continue the City’s superb run.
It was the first time I’d gone to an away game on the train, and I ended up on the train with several drinking Coventry fans, who kept us all amused with their songs, including a few I hadn’t heard (away games are so good for learning new chants). We arrived in Peterborough and got to the game pretty early, and got into the atmosphere; I was amazed at how loud the City fans were, it was incredible.
The first few minutes though, showed that really, the side is far from a finished article. A lot of fans would surely be delighted for the City to get in the play offs this season, but it would just raise expectations. It’s a good side going forward, no doubt about it, and when all the first choice defenders are fit it’s fairly solid. But the backup defence, if you like, were opened up a few times early on by Peterborough. However, they grew in confidence and by the second half came, they were pretty comfortable. Peterborough played like a side with no fear, which is understandable considering they’re about 3,000 points from safety.
As soon as the Sky Blues got their game going though, I thought it was gonna be three or four nil, the midfield and strikers were just too good for Peterborough’s backline. Stead’s goal was excellent and despite Peterborough hitting the bar via an excellent Sammy Clingan block, Westwood barely had to make a save.
The second half wasn’t brilliant, with McIndoe’s absolutely shocking freekick (hopefully) highlighting how poor the pitch was. But Westwood was never really stretched, and, even though Peterborough did not play like a side who are going down, the Sky Blues played like a side on the up.
Ratings
Westwood – 7 – decent kicking, caught well, didn’t do anything wrong but hardly had anything to do.
Wright – 6.5 – made one mistake I think near the byline, can’t really remember, but I think it might’ve played City into trouble.
McPake – 8 – won headers really well, attacked the ball, looked solid.
Cranie – 7 – did fine.
Hall – 8 – supported McIndoe really well, looked extremely sharp.
McIndoe – 7 – excellent first half, faded in the second.
Gunnarson – 8 – was his pass I believe that set up the goal, played well all game.
Clingan – 7 – one awful tackle but did save a near certain goal.
Baker – 8 – far too skillful for Peterborough’s defence. He now has a song about his ability.
Morrison - 7 – didn’t really see him much, but typical Morrison, worked hard all afternoon, which is just what you want.
Stead – 8 – really excellent.
Deegan (on for Clingan, 45) – 7 – played pretty well.
Seers (on for Morrison I think, 86 ish) – 6 – hardly had any time, made one run at the defence but stumbled.
Keep the faith.
Tags: 1-0, Coventry, Coventry City, Jon Stead, London Road, Peterborough, Peterborough United
