Gas vs Sky Blues: Matchday Thread

Been the same for three years now.
We can’t defend crosses.
Lockyer and Craig not a good partnership and we won’t keep many clean sheets with them as our Center half’s , not sure we’ve even ever had one ??!

It's true what they say, it's a funny old game. Coventry started brightly and could have easily been 2 or 3 up in the first 10 minutes, but then out of nowhere we end up going in at half time with a 3-0 lead. [Edit: 3-1 lead!] The Ollie C goal looked a beauty and can't to see it again on the tv.

The save from Bonham in the first half from the powerful shot where he diverted it over the bar really was top class and wouldn't have looked out of place at a higher level. He made 3 or 4 other really important saves again, installs confidence in those in front of him and looks a really good signing.

A few notable mentions for some of the players...

James Clarke. Very good. He seems to be a bit slimmer and even possibly has an extra yard of pace this season and I think he has been our best defender without doubt and probably the most consistent player overall so far. Well done and keep up the good work.

Michael Kelly. I've said since I first saw him playing in the U23's what a quality player he looked and once again I thought he had a good game and plays like he's been around for years at this level. He oozes quality and when he brought that high ball under control without a care in the world it was just a little demonstration of his class. Not everything came off for him, but he will get better and better the more games he plays.

The Beard. What can I say that we don't already know? A workhorse and an inspiration. His non-stop running and energy gets team mates and supporters going and he has more quality than some give him credit for. Whether out wide, in the middle or wherever, he can always be relied upon. Good to see you back Sincs.

Ollie Clarke. Not just a very good goal, but an excellent all round, all action performance. That was him getting back to near his best and he was my MOTM. Very impressive display. Keep it going Ollie!

Linesy. Oozes quality when he gets on the ball and spreads it about and I love to see him making those occasional driving runs forward. A class act when he is on his game and he was today for my money.

Reilly and Nichols. Delighted for Reilly scoring his first goal and hopefully that is the first of many. I thought both players worked their socks off and pressed the Cov backline really well and didn't give them a moment's peace.

A good game and an excellent 3 points... hopefully this can kick start our season now. Well done to DC/the coaching staff and all the players for thoroughly enjoyable victory. Onwards and upwards!

First home win I think since Bury last March.Feels good.New stand'.Strictly.'It's all happening and Walsall only a short distance away.The Old Guard ;Linsey,Beardo and Ollie from the Conference days team were vital in those three points to-day.Brilliant.

Disgusting behaviour .
And after such a good performance as well.
He’ll end up at the 82ers if he keeps that up

He's not even Dick Van Dyke.

the way I see it with Craig and Lockyer is that they’re both average league 1 defenders and that sounds fine because Toms still young and will hopefully improve and Craig is very experienced .
But together as a partnership they just don’t work and I can’t remember a game when they’ve played well together and we’ve kept a clean sheet.
Normally when Toms away on international duty we keep a clean sheet or at least seem less shakey and although Craig’s experience is no doubt an important attribute I think he’s too reactive to situations rather than attacking the ball particullaryin the air , probably because of his body more than his mind and Lockyer works better as a covering defender too so we haven’t got the big commanding Center half needed in a partnership.
The kind that shouts his name moves forward and attacks-the ball from crosses whilst the covering defender ( ideally locks covers the gaps or any runners).
Basically what I’m saying is I think they’re both good enough footballers for our level but together they’re shakey as hell.

Genuine question for the stattos.

How many clean sheets have we kept with Craig in the side?

My dad, who got me into all this nonsense, passed away last week. I like to think today was for him. Certainly made us all smile again! Goodnight Irene

He’s got the build for it but I feel he’s never been given a decent run in the side other than last season just before Craig arrived when we picked up some really good points and he was playing very well.
Center half’s are like forwards you can’t play them once every four games and expect to see the best of them in that game.
It’s a tough one because you would think Craig’s experience is a valid point for selecting him each week and that’s obviously one of the attributes DC signed him for but if I’m honest I just don’t think he’s that good anymore.
Not saying he’s not bothered or a journeyman because he’s clearly not he’s very professional and perhaps a couple of years ago he could have been that commanding Center half we need to play alongside Lockyer