City 3 Coventry 0 – Sat 17th Feb 2007
We all sat round and applauded as ’The New Saviour’ appeared with an embarrassed looking grandson, who was paraded around the pitch and cuddled by ‘the Birch’ and encouraged to speak to the crowd.
I am not sure why this whole thing makes me cringe so much, but it does, and not just me. I am sure that the level of applause shows some reluctance from large sections of the crowd. Cynics? Without doubt. Still we know that we need his money and showing by the performance of this match we are on the up!
Everything was set for disaster, the mood was positive the players looked lively and ‘up for it’ but long memories have made us all twitchy and worried that ‘Cov’ might spoil our party. NOT FOR LONG.
Within just a few minutes a nice lifted cross from Porter to Horsfield. A looped header which appeared to be headed off the line and the very nice linesman awarded us a goal, 1-0 and so soon. How were we going to defend the lead for 80 minutes?
A few minutes later Johnson headed a cracker and we were 2-0 up. Johnson had his best game that I have seen, I don’t know whether he was trying harder knowing that ‘senior loan players ‘ are on the way or if Jarrett playing along side him had helped. Whatever reason the midfield looked solid. (I can almost celebrate that we now have a midfield because for a long time they have been absent). A lot more width with Porter and Yates exploiting space on the wings….
Shortly after a neat side-step and left footed shot from Horsfield and we were 3-0 up with only thirty minutes gone! Surely we could not now lose?
Horsfield Celebrates getting on the score sheet
(Picture courtesy of Raymonds/lcfc.com)
Then someone reminded me that we had lost at Wolves from 3-0 only two years ago. Oh no a whole hour to worry!
Not to be, we managed pretty comfortably until half time, with only a few scares. McAuley looked good again and totally snuffed out the threat from the big No9. In truth Cov were crap and must seriously be concerned about being sucked into relegation troubles on this display.
The game was over as a contest, we looked assured and Cov looked beaten. I took amusement from the aerobatic display of a couple of randy pigeons in the second half (one of whom disappeared down the exit tunnel in an attempt to get away from the other, presumably male, but how do you tell?) The pigeon was beaten to the exit by most Cov fans- a good turn out from the away fans but the stand emptied after about an hour.
Cadamarteri came on in gloves for the last 6 minutes. Why gloves-they should be banned as un-manly. He could and should have had at least 20 minutes and the Hammond came on in stoppage time. Kelly was taking the piss. Does Hammond get appearance money if he plays or does Kelly hate the kit man and delight in giving him extra washing?
An attempt at the Mexican Wave fell unexpectedly flat, but this was the only failure on a day when the team looked good, interested and lively. Birch was upbeat, the crowd relaxed and I suspect even the accountants enjoyed themselves.
Must be a worthy caption for this one……..
(Picture courtesy of Raymonds/lcfc.com)
A GOOD DAY, THANKS LADS, KEEP IT UP.
Leicester: Henderson, Maybury, McAuley, Kisnorbo, Johansson, Yeates (Stearman 81), Jarrett, Johnson, Porter, Hume (Cadamarteri 84), Horsfield (Hammond 90). Subs Not Used: Logan, Kenton. Goals: Horsfield 11, Johnson 18, Horsfield 26.
Coventry: Marshall, McNamee, Hawkins, Page, Whing, Mifsud (Kyle 46), Osbourne, Hughes (Birchall 69), Tabb, Adebola (Virgo 81), McKenzie. Subs Not Used: Steele, Bunce. Booked: McNamee, Page.
Att: 25,816 , Ref: C Webster (Tyne & Wear).
The views expressed in this report are the opinions of the Trust member nominated to file the report only and do not represent the views of the Foxes Trust organisation.
This report has been amended following comments from fellow fans and a review by a Trust board member with knowledge in the related area to the element of the report which caused concern