Saturday 24th March 2012at the Ricoh Arena
npower Championship
Coventry City (0) 2
Gary McShefferry 55, Oliver Norwood 77
Portsmouth (0) 0
Admission: £9.75 for two (special offer)
Programme £3,
Attendance: 15,809 (inc. 1588 away fans)
The Ricoh Arena is named after the legendary Jamaican trombonist 'Ricoh' Rodriguez, who was a honorary member of Coventry's greatest export: The Specials (AKA The Special AKA) who were formerly called the Coventry Automatics, during their embryonic, prototype period.Mr Rodriguez now plays with Jools Holland’s Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.
Or maybe it's called 'The Ricoh' for some completely insane and unknown entirely different reason altogether instead... but hey! That would just be weird, wouldn't it?
Note* this Coventry Automatics footage features the band's original drummer, Silverton Hutchinson, who left them just before they got famous. It's just like that Pete Best and the Beatles little bit of history repeating itself.
Don't ever let it be said that THE66POW doesn't go that extra eight inches to find the pulse of each and every place I visit, in my quest to seek out football's holy grail.
A very lifelike Bruce Forsyth statue (possibly)
Yet another ticket, that just like last Saturday's arrived in my grubby paws (indirectly), via a smut and filth laden, gutter press, daily tabloid publication's special offer scheme. I haven't purchased the newspaper in question, nor would I ever even consider wiping my pert little buttocks upon it, but several work colleagues of mine leave their copies in the mess room at work when it's time for a shift change-over (probably too embarrassed to take it home) and given that they don't like football (I know... that'shard for me to fathom out too), somebody who does, might as well benefit from tearing the relevant numbered tokens out of the rag, before sticking the remainder of it's contents into the incinerator.
Mine was free today anyway, a gift from a friend, in exchange for offering to drive them to the Ricoh Arena, because they wouldn't have been able to get there otherwise.
I was asked earlier this week, if ... 1) I'm compromising my morals by taking advantage of a ticket offer that is being run by such a pious newspaper, or 2) I feel contaminated in some way, to be involved in a promotion that gives loads of good publicity to a branch of Murdoch's business empire.
Answers: 1) Morals!? Me!? You've got the wrong guy! And 2) Murdoch? Was he the one who liked a cigar, or the one that was barking mad?
Either way, neither of them was my favourite member of the A Team anyway, you crazy fools.
And I haven't followed any of their careers since they vanished from our TV screens, so I wouldn't know about any apparent business empire.
Last I heard, they were still all on the run, having been falsely accused of being war criminals... it was 'a crime they didn't commit' by all accounts.
And to be honest, I'd always they were fictional characters anyway.
My conscience (whatever one of those might be) is 100% clear.
Anyway, enough digressing, I was in Coventry today, which means:
Whoops, I got distracted again, didn't I!?
... which means, this:
Mine was free today anyway, a gift from a friend, in exchange for offering to drive them to the Ricoh Arena, because they wouldn't have been able to get there otherwise.I was asked earlier this week, if ... 1) I'm compromising my morals by taking advantage of a ticket offer that is being run by such a pious newspaper, or 2) I feel contaminated in some way, to be involved in a promotion that gives loads of good publicity to a branch of Murdoch's business empire.
Answers: 1) Morals!? Me!? You've got the wrong guy! And 2) Murdoch? Was he the one who liked a cigar, or the one that was barking mad?
And I haven't followed any of their careers since they vanished from our TV screens, so I wouldn't know about any apparent business empire.
Last I heard, they were still all on the run, having been falsely accused of being war criminals... it was 'a crime they didn't commit' by all accounts.
And to be honest, I'd always they were fictional characters anyway.
My conscience (whatever one of those might be) is 100% clear.
Anyway, enough digressing, I was in Coventry today, which means:
Whoops, I got distracted again, didn't I!?
... which means, this:
Excellent 'one off'' retro style programme cover today
Coventry City:
Murphy, Keogh, Cranie, Clarke, Hussey (Christie 80), McSheffrey, Clingan (c), Thomas (Bigirimana 46), Norwood, Nimely, Platt
Unused Subs: Dunn (GK), McDonald, Deegan
Portsmouth:
Ashdown, Ward (Etuhu 62), Rocha, Pearce (c), Varney, Halford, Allan (Scapuzzi 82), Norris (Futacs 62), Thorne, Maguire, Ben Haim
Unused Subs: Harris, Rekik
Murphy, Keogh, Cranie, Clarke, Hussey (Christie 80), McSheffrey, Clingan (c), Thomas (Bigirimana 46), Norwood, Nimely, Platt
Unused Subs: Dunn (GK), McDonald, Deegan
Portsmouth:
Ashdown, Ward (Etuhu 62), Rocha, Pearce (c), Varney, Halford, Allan (Scapuzzi 82), Norris (Futacs 62), Thorne, Maguire, Ben Haim
Unused Subs: Harris, Rekik
Thirty minutes prior to kick off, Coventry practised their game-plan
of running around aimlessly in circles, without the ball.
of running around aimlessly in circles, without the ball.
A 'relegation six pointer this afternoon', the pr- match hype said.
Hmm, if the Sky Blues really did get six points for beating Pompey, they'd soon be shooting up the table.
But they didn't, of course.
So what a daft as a bag of frogs expression that falsehood is, eh!?
The Coventry Telegraph called it 'squeaky bum time', which is far more apt.
After the game, both clubs were still in the bottom three relegation berths.
Portsmouth squirming uncomfortably, rock bottom of the table on 30 points, while Coventry City now have 35, and are just one behind Bristol City, who are looking cautiously over their shoulder in the last 'staying up' position, with a better goal difference.
Sandwiched between today's sides are Doncaster Rovers on 31 points.
Millwall on 40 points and Nottingham Forest on 39, are in 19th and 20th place respectively.
The Sky Blues are now unbeaten in five games, drawing four in a row prior to this afternoon, so possibly the impetus of the run they're on, gives them a slight advantage over Bristol City.
Local: "If we don't win today, we're f***ed!"
Pompey fan: "We're already f***ed mate!"
Hmm, if the Sky Blues really did get six points for beating Pompey, they'd soon be shooting up the table.
But they didn't, of course.
So what a daft as a bag of frogs expression that falsehood is, eh!?
The Coventry Telegraph called it 'squeaky bum time', which is far more apt.
After the game, both clubs were still in the bottom three relegation berths.
Portsmouth squirming uncomfortably, rock bottom of the table on 30 points, while Coventry City now have 35, and are just one behind Bristol City, who are looking cautiously over their shoulder in the last 'staying up' position, with a better goal difference.
Sandwiched between today's sides are Doncaster Rovers on 31 points.
Millwall on 40 points and Nottingham Forest on 39, are in 19th and 20th place respectively.
The Sky Blues are now unbeaten in five games, drawing four in a row prior to this afternoon, so possibly the impetus of the run they're on, gives them a slight advantage over Bristol City.
The Longford Engine on Bedworth Road
An overheard conversation snippet, in the Longford Engine public house at lunchtime, between a local and a Pompey fan went thus ...Local: "If we don't win today, we're f***ed!"
Pompey fan: "We're already f***ed mate!"
Clive Platt goes close
The first half demonstrated quite clearly why both teams are struggling this season.
The wrong final ball, stray passes, half-arsed attempts at ball control, drills that worked on the training pitch going awry in a real match situation, err, you get the picture.
It was a fairly grim spectacle all round.
At times, it really looked as though both teams were playing with the burden of pressure that comes from being in the drop zone preying on their collective mindset. And that unwanted millstone was breaking their concentration, and warping their sense of logic and decision making.
Rushed and frequently inaccurate passing, concedes possession and will get you nowhere (I've read that in my Martin Chivers Football Tactics book, that PG Tips gave away when I was 8 years old and therefore have known these basics principles for many years now, mark my words) and when both sides are doing exactly the same, well ... draw your own conclusion.
There weren't many clear cut chances before the break, Clive Platt's effort that rolled narrowly wide during a Portsmouth defensive capitulation was the closest either side came to breaking the deadlock.
In all seriousness, the highlight of the first half was when the referee called both teams over to the touchline for a water break.
City's manager, Andy Thorn, said of the first half: "There was no zip. We were glad to get into the dressing room at half time"
Most people present would've been grateful for 15 minutes respite from the 'entertainment' that was on offer too.
The wrong final ball, stray passes, half-arsed attempts at ball control, drills that worked on the training pitch going awry in a real match situation, err, you get the picture.
It was a fairly grim spectacle all round.
At times, it really looked as though both teams were playing with the burden of pressure that comes from being in the drop zone preying on their collective mindset. And that unwanted millstone was breaking their concentration, and warping their sense of logic and decision making.
Rushed and frequently inaccurate passing, concedes possession and will get you nowhere (I've read that in my Martin Chivers Football Tactics book, that PG Tips gave away when I was 8 years old and therefore have known these basics principles for many years now, mark my words) and when both sides are doing exactly the same, well ... draw your own conclusion.
There weren't many clear cut chances before the break, Clive Platt's effort that rolled narrowly wide during a Portsmouth defensive capitulation was the closest either side came to breaking the deadlock.In all seriousness, the highlight of the first half was when the referee called both teams over to the touchline for a water break.
City's manager, Andy Thorn, said of the first half: "There was no zip. We were glad to get into the dressing room at half time"
Most people present would've been grateful for 15 minutes respite from the 'entertainment' that was on offer too.
Half time Coventry City legends parade ... how many can you recognise?
After the break, the game stepped up a notch; gliding effortlessly from an advanced state of tedious ineptitude, to a level of skill and application, that very nearly bordered on the almost mediocre.
The home side had a few spells where they momentarily threatened to look half (but nowhere near wholly) decent, but it was enough to win the day against a Portsmouth side, who's body language suggests they have already resigned themselves to their fate at the end of this season.
Ten minutes into the second half, Chris Hussey punted a hopeful cross into the visitors goal area, instead of clearing the danger, Ricardo Rocha failed to pick up either the flight of the ball, or the run of Gary McShefferry... and the Sky Blues were ahead.
The home side had a few spells where they momentarily threatened to look half (but nowhere near wholly) decent, but it was enough to win the day against a Portsmouth side, who's body language suggests they have already resigned themselves to their fate at the end of this season.
Ten minutes into the second half, Chris Hussey punted a hopeful cross into the visitors goal area, instead of clearing the danger, Ricardo Rocha failed to pick up either the flight of the ball, or the run of Gary McShefferry... and the Sky Blues were ahead.
A couple of Pompey players falling over
Alas the goal failed miserably in it's mission to bring the game to life.
And both sides resumed their stumbling and bungling approach all over again.
Thirteen minutes from time, City's Alex Nimely played a neat pass across the Pompey goal area into the path of Ollie Norwood, who gratefully smashed the ball past Joe Murphy to kill the game off, though it would be fair to say, it had already been dead for most of the afternoon anyway, but could now be given a proper burial.
How on earth did this Portsmouth side beat Birmingham City 4-1 in midweek?
They didn't look to have a single goal in them at all today, let alone four!
The nearest they had come to breaking their duck was when Chris McQuire smashed a free kick against the upright (see below), but there was nobody was capable of taking advantage of the rebound.
On the positive side for Coventry, it's reached that time of the season, where results are all that matter and performances are of secondary importance, so to that end, if nothing else today was a case of mission accomplished.
But if they had played against a team with any kind of purpose, enthusiasm and direction, they would've come completely unstuck. Alas, this Pompey side had none of those attributes.
The visitors own manager: Michael Appleton appraised his team's no show fairly accurately: "It was almost like a testimonial. We never moved the ball quick enough. We got what we deserved"
My own overview:
In conclusion, a poor side, beat a very poor side.
And both sides resumed their stumbling and bungling approach all over again.
Thirteen minutes from time, City's Alex Nimely played a neat pass across the Pompey goal area into the path of Ollie Norwood, who gratefully smashed the ball past Joe Murphy to kill the game off, though it would be fair to say, it had already been dead for most of the afternoon anyway, but could now be given a proper burial.
How on earth did this Portsmouth side beat Birmingham City 4-1 in midweek?
They didn't look to have a single goal in them at all today, let alone four!
The nearest they had come to breaking their duck was when Chris McQuire smashed a free kick against the upright (see below), but there was nobody was capable of taking advantage of the rebound.
On the positive side for Coventry, it's reached that time of the season, where results are all that matter and performances are of secondary importance, so to that end, if nothing else today was a case of mission accomplished.But if they had played against a team with any kind of purpose, enthusiasm and direction, they would've come completely unstuck. Alas, this Pompey side had none of those attributes.
The visitors own manager: Michael Appleton appraised his team's no show fairly accurately: "It was almost like a testimonial. We never moved the ball quick enough. We got what we deserved"
My own overview:
In conclusion, a poor side, beat a very poor side.
Panoramic ground view
Thankfully the Ricoh Stadium is close to the Midlands motorways network and is very easy to get both to and from as a consequence.
I don't think the Pompey fans who were present could leave the scene quickly enough at the end.
They had noisily made their presence felt and put in the effort to get up to Coventry, but their team let them down badly.
Built on the site where Foleshill Gasworks previously stood, the 32,609 capacity ground was opened in 2005, there are plenty of facilities coupled on to 'The Ricoh' including a leisure centre, conference hall, the Singers Diner (CCFC were originally called Singers FC), a hotel and even a casino.
And the Arena Park Shopping Centre that stands adjacent to the stadium, contains one of the largest Tesco Extra Hypermarkets in the known universe... and that alone made the journey worthwhile (I'm being sarcastic again).
Coventry City's new(ish) home is one of the Stadia that are being used for the 2012 Olympic Games.
Bedworth Road is the place to be for pubs (The Longford Engine & Coach and Horses), reasonably priced car-parking (inc. on site security) is available nearby too, at sat nav destination CV79GA (£4 as opposed to the clubs £10 charge in the official ones), and there is even some off road parking if you're early enough.
All the food and drink outlets in the stadium are cashless sales only, you have to purchase a swipe card to use in the ground (minimum spend £5), whereas the food in the Longford Engine and the chip shop opposite it, are a much better option.
Bedworth Road is a brisk 10 minute walk along the canal tow path from 'The Ricoh', just over the rail bridge in the corner of CCFC car park A... which is where the pictures at the top and bottom of this post were taken from at the beginning and end of our visit.
I'd love to be able to tell you how many grounds I've now visited (this was my first game at the Ricoh Stadium) but I lost count years ago.
The Ricoh Stadium has a lot going for it, but today's game wasn't exactly one of it's plus points. I preferred trips to Highfield Road, Cov's old ground to be honest... each to their own, innit!?
I don't think the Pompey fans who were present could leave the scene quickly enough at the end.
They had noisily made their presence felt and put in the effort to get up to Coventry, but their team let them down badly.
Built on the site where Foleshill Gasworks previously stood, the 32,609 capacity ground was opened in 2005, there are plenty of facilities coupled on to 'The Ricoh' including a leisure centre, conference hall, the Singers Diner (CCFC were originally called Singers FC), a hotel and even a casino.
And the Arena Park Shopping Centre that stands adjacent to the stadium, contains one of the largest Tesco Extra Hypermarkets in the known universe... and that alone made the journey worthwhile (I'm being sarcastic again).
Coventry City's new(ish) home is one of the Stadia that are being used for the 2012 Olympic Games.
Bedworth Road is the place to be for pubs (The Longford Engine & Coach and Horses), reasonably priced car-parking (inc. on site security) is available nearby too, at sat nav destination CV79GA (£4 as opposed to the clubs £10 charge in the official ones), and there is even some off road parking if you're early enough.All the food and drink outlets in the stadium are cashless sales only, you have to purchase a swipe card to use in the ground (minimum spend £5), whereas the food in the Longford Engine and the chip shop opposite it, are a much better option.
Bedworth Road is a brisk 10 minute walk along the canal tow path from 'The Ricoh', just over the rail bridge in the corner of CCFC car park A... which is where the pictures at the top and bottom of this post were taken from at the beginning and end of our visit.
I'd love to be able to tell you how many grounds I've now visited (this was my first game at the Ricoh Stadium) but I lost count years ago.
The Ricoh Stadium has a lot going for it, but today's game wasn't exactly one of it's plus points. I preferred trips to Highfield Road, Cov's old ground to be honest... each to their own, innit!?
Coventry sunset.
