Coventry City ended their 2023 pre-season campaign unbeaten, as a last minute winner from Skyblues midfielder Ben Sheaf confirmed a victory against League One side Exeter City.
team news
Coventry City continued to stick with Brad Collins in goal, with Ben Wilson absent with a back injury. Meanwhile, Matt Godden and Ellis Simms led the line up-front once again, with Kasey Palmer behind. Tatsuhiro Sakamoto started at right wing-back, but new signing Milan Van Ewijk wasn't included and Gustavo Hamer was benched.
- Starting XI - Brad Collins (GK), Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, Bobby Thomas, Kyle McFadzean, Joel Latibeaudiere, Jay Dasilva, Ben Sheaf, Josh Eccles, Kasey Palmer, Matt Godden, Ellis Simms
- Subs - Simon Moore (GK), Luis Binks, Liam Kelly, Jake Bidwell, Jack Burroughs, Ryan Howley, Gustavo Hamer, Evan Eghosa, Justin Obikwu
First-half
The Skyblues had the games opening opportunity on five minutes, when Ben Sheaf had space outside the area, but fired over the crossbar.
In truth, the first-half was quiet for both sides, with a lack of chances and both sides seemed to battle very well, with the Skyblues seemingly in control.
Matt Godden began a series of efforts on goal, forcing a strong save from goalkeeper Vil Sinsalo.
Half time - Exeter City 0-0 Coventry city
second half
The opening ten minutes were extremely quiet in-truth, before Matt Godden continued to test the waters with a great header, which was met by a strong save.
On the 65th minute, the Skyblues handed a debut to Luis Binks, who replaced Bobby Thomas whilst Gustavo Hamer came on to replace Tatsuhiro Sakamoto.
Within seconds, Hamer teed up Godden who won the Skyblues a corner. From the resulting corner, Hamer's cross was headed home by Matt Godden, who finally got himself on the score-sheet in pre-season, making it 1-0.
Four minutes later, the same combination almost saw a second goal, only for the Exeter keeper to deny Godden once again.
Jack Burroughs and Jake Bidwell came on to replace Josh Eccles and Jay Dasilva to earn more minutes.
However, with ten minutes to play, Exeter equalised through a freak cross/shot from Vince Harper from distance.
Youngsters Ryan Howley and Justin Obikwu came on to replace Kyle McFadzean and Kasey Palmer, putting further pressure onto the League One side.
Eventually, in the games dying seconds, Gustavo Hamer teed-up Ben Sheaf who smashed in an effort from the edge of the area to ensure a victory for the Skyblues.
full time - Exeter city 1-2 coventry city (harper 80' / godden 66' , sheaf 90+3)
Add comment
Comments