Late Billy Sharp strike causes heartache for Sky Blues fans as City remain in relegation zone - The Coventry Observer

Late Billy Sharp strike causes heartache for Sky Blues fans as City remain in relegation zone

Coventry Editorial 16th Dec, 2016   0

A LATE strike from Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp denied Coventry City any points from their latest League One encounter at the Ricoh Arena.

Having scored earlier in the game, Sharp’s initial shot was saved by keeper Charles-Cook – though the Sky Blues failed to clear the loose ball and Sharp pounced to win the game for the visiting team.

The dramatic ending occurred just moments after fans invaded the pitch – temporarily pausing the game – in a protest against the club’s owners, something which manager Mark Venus said had no bearing on the game.

United took the lead after 23 minutes as Sharp bagged his first of the game when a deflected ball from City defender Jordan Turnball was claimed by the 30-year-old who fired a shot into the bottom right corner.




Sheffield continued to press late into the first half as ex-Sky Blue John Fleck went close from a distance.

The Sky Blues started the second half with more purpose, and their efforts were soon rewarded when Daniel Agyei cut inside onto his favoured left foot to score past goalkeeper Moore.


Both team’s traded blows throughout the second half with chances for either side to stamp their authority on the game – but unfortunately for Mark Venus’ side their deadlock was broken just minutes before time.

Billy Sharp added a second of the game in the 90th minute to ensure the Sky Blues remain in League One’s relegation zone, and Sheffield maintain their position in the league’s second automatic promotion position.

After Thursday night’s game, Mark Venus said his side must improve their game inside both boxes if they are to climb the table.

He added: “You have to take a bit of encouragement, if we can get both boxes right it will give us a chance of winning games.

“We have to be more streetwise and get the players in to help us do that.

“I think we worked really hard, we gave it everything.

“The more the game went on the more threat we had and the less threat they had.

“To give a late goal away is just where we are at the moment, I’m disappointed about giving such a late goal away.

“We need to find a manager – the football club needs someone to take the team forward.

“We’ll work hard to try and get that person in before January.”

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