We've not played the Sky Blues for a couple of weeks, this time we get to play them at home, whether that is a blessing or not time will tell. Coventry have a more than decent away record and will be aware of our limitations in respects of style of play. Suspect as the last couple of sides who we have played at home, they will defend in depth and catch us on the break. It usually works for visitors and no doubt will probably work again on Saturday. Connelly will get his debut a right back and there are also rumours that a youth team centre back will play for us. Interesting to see how many will be on, also what will the Messiah's reception be like.
Yes, a tricky one this, as they all are at Deepdale. After the last match, I reckon the Shy Blues have the measure on us but maybe GW may find a plan B. Good luck to NE.
Another weird and wacky afternoon at Deepdale, first bit of wackiness was the team selected by Westley, six changes from the last home game abject surrender, he gave a debut to 17 year old youth centre back Ben Davies and then played him at left back!!!!!!!! Then there was the pitch, all grass seemed to have disappeared from the surface, what was left seemed to be dried mud. Then there was the game, they typical game of two halves, Coventry should have had the points sewn up by half time, but the second half it was the home side who looked more likely. Coventry dominated from the off and looked like they could score when ever they wanted, Baker on the wing given acres of space every time Coventry attacked. Two fine saves by Stuckmann kept the home side in it, although King had had a header cleared from the line by a Coventry defender. Against the run of play the home side took the lead, a fine cross field pass by Davies found Holmes whose over hit cross found Monakana, a bit of quality from the winger, ball into the six yards box and Cummings finished off the chance easily. (1-0) For a few minutes North End played with a bit of confidence, then City equalised, a cross from the left found Leon Clarke who turned hid defender and scored with ease. (1-1) All Coventry again as the impressive Baker hit the home post, but the home side managed to get to half time level and whatever Westley said to the players obviously worked because there was only one side in it in the second half. Coventry gave away a needless corner in the first 30 seconds and that set the tone for their second half performance, North End were on the front foot, but as is the way Coventry re took the lead, Baker again caused chaos down the right hand side, getting into the area far too easily, his cross was majestically placed by his own keeper by Robertson. (1-2) To give the home side credit, this setback spurred them on and just as the Coventry fans were sing, 'Your'e not singing anymore' North End equalised, another super cross from Davies was headed on by King into the path of Nicky Wroe who didn't miss. (2-2) All North End as they piled forward, they really should have been in front as first Robertson and then Cummings missed great chances to take the lead, both were spurned. As the game drifted towards the end North End had one last chance with a free kick at the very end of the game Coventry survived only just though. Preston North End 2 Coventry City 2 Att 8474
It seems to have followed a pattern: sluggish first half but a storming second half. It seems to me that because of the multiple changes, it takes half the game for the team to settle down but once they do, there are the players there to take the game by the scruff of the neck. Why were Beavon and Garner on the bench? I could not believe the team selection when I saw it on the BBC. Ben Davies got the MOTM award. Was he that good. Reading the BBC commentary, it seemed as though Wroe was all over the pitch. At least the Deepdale voodoo has been broken!
The voodoo hasn't been broken, this is now the worst home run without a victory in the history of the club. Davies did OK in the 2nd half but struggled in the first however did play a part in both goals not bad for a 17 yr old
