FOOTBALL - Sky Blues end pre-season with Portsmouth win - The Coventry Observer

FOOTBALL - Sky Blues end pre-season with Portsmouth win

Coventry Editorial 25th Jul, 2022   0

COVENTRY City wrapped up their pre-season schedule with a 2-0 win against Portsmouth thanks to goals from Viktor Gyokeres and Jonathan Panzo.

After a goalless first half, Gyokeres and Panzo struck in the second period at Fratton Park to ensure City ended pre-season with five wins from as many matches.

And the Sky Blues dominated the first half on the South Coast with Jake Bidwell going closest when his effort from Matty Godden’s ball across the six-yard box was superbly blocked on the line by Haji Mnoga.

From the resulting set-piece, Gustavo Hamer almost scored directly from the corner only for Portsmouth goalkeeper Josh Griffiths to make the save on the line.




However, City eventually made the breakthrough on 54 minutes when Sweden international Gyokeres ran down the left before cutting inside on his right foot and leaving Griffiths with no chance.

Half-time substitute Simon Moore made a pair of crucial saves to keep the Sky Blues ahead, first getting low down to his left deny Colby Bishop.


And Moore then produced a stunning stop just after the hour mark to keep out Bishop’s effort from six-yards out with Joe Pigott sending his follow-up header wide.

The Sky Blues keeper was at his best later in the half as he made another superb save to prevent Ronan Curtis’s shot from finding the net.

And City made the most of Moore’s heroics on 72 minutes when Panzo scored his third goal of pre-season when he headed home Bidwell’s free-kick at the back post.

Mark Robins’ side should have extended their lead late in the half only for Tyler Walker to be denied from the penalty spot after the striker had been brought down in the box.

Coventry begin their 2022/23 Sky Bet Championship campaign away at Sunderland on Sunday, July 31 with kick-off at 12pm at the Stadium of Light.

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