Coventry City were forced to settle for a draw in their opening match of pre-season, as seventh tier side Leamington came from 2-0 down to earn a 2-2 draw. A much changed Skyblues side, which contained five members of the U18's squad as well as five trialist's came within minutes of securing the victory.
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As stated, Coventry City fielded a very unusual side from their typical pre-season squad. In fact, the only familiar member of the Skyblues squad was U21's forward Tom Costello, fresh from his loan spell with Banbury United in the National League North. However, it is unclear as to why he was left out of the squad that travelled to Portugal.
- Starting XI - Dan Rachel (GK), Jayden Smith, Trialist A, Trialist B, Trialist C, Trialist D, Rylie Siddell, Charlie Finney, Tom Costello, Kai Andrews, Trialist E
- Subs - Mckenzie Stretton, Luis Lines, Jay Marshall, Leon Osague, Connad Ambursley, Constantine Popadopalis, Ben Blakeley, Dave Mantle, Jack James
First-half
The opening 15 minutes were a quiet one for both sides it has to be said. The first shot arrived in the 16th minute when Leamington's Tyrone Barnett struck a powerful volley which flew just over the crossbar.
Callum Smith was called into action for the home side minutes later, claiming a Skyblues cross, before being forced to deny Charlie Finney. At the other end, Dan Rachel was called into action to deny Landers from close-range.
The half-chances continued for both sides as Trialist E went close for the Skyblues, before Dan Meredith and former Coventry academy graduate Devon Kelly-Evans struck a shot over the bar.
However, with six minutes left, Rylie Siddell gave the Skyblues the lead as he slotted past the Leamington goalkeeper to make it 1-0 to Coventry at the break.
Half time - Leamington fc 0-1 coventry city xi (siddell 39')
second half
Leamington made several changes at half-time but it was the away side who doubled their lead after just three minutes. Trialist E struck a superb finish to stake his claim with the Championship youth side.
However, within one minute Leamington pulled one back. Ben Usher-Shipway raced through the Skyblues defence before finishing past Dan Rachel to make it 2-1.
Kelly-Evans went close before Callum Stewart hit the bar for Leamington as the chances continued to pour.
With seven to play, Leamington were awarded a penalty after Stewart was brought down in the area. Up stepped Stewart who converted past the goalkeeper to complete the comeback.
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