Stoke grind out point at Coventry as Joe Allen returns

Coventry 0 Stoke 0 – 26/12/20 3pm

An end-to-end goalless draw at St Andrews, but Stoke had the best chances (Brown almost breaking Benny Wilson’s hands!). Joe Allen returns (coming on as sub), and that’s probably the headline. Here’s how the game unfolded in real time:

Another high score predicted against a Coventry side that have conceded only 1 in last 5 home games, with Stoke and their clean-sheet record. Flanegan & Allen are on the bench (OK, that should read Lonergan & long lost Joe Allen). Tommy “Christmas Cracker” Smith returns on the right to replace hamstrung Fox on the left. Michael O’Neill is going for a back-3, although it remains to be seen if Capt Chester will cope as the left side of that 3.
2.45 Fletcher takes one on the chest from Powell & lets fly…off towards the Bullring Centre. Hm, he won’t get many chances.
4.17 Returning Matty Godden breaks & scores…but he’s well offside. Thankfully.
10.33 A cross blasted at Harry Souttar and the Coventry players all claim a penalty. His hands were practically in his pockets like a sulky teenager. The ref can spot a sulk-puss from a mile away.
13.20 Fletcher strides past Hamer with his long legs against Hamer’s short ‘uns.
14.05 Powell charges the keeper Benny Wilson after a weak back pass, & the ricochet just goes past the post. A Benny in Birmingham bing dozy, eh? He must be at a Crossroads. (Old Boxing Day humour, here.) Subsequent back passes to Benny are a nervous experience. (He gives away a corner a few minutes later.)
23.20 Backpass for Stoke (Smith) also a bit short, but somehow Bursik (& Coventry sloppiness) get it clear.
29.35 Fletcher loses ball and comes all the way back to regain possession, but he’s now so deep he’s up to his neck! McClean & Brown try to fill in. Unconvincingly.
32.08 Benny makes a decent save from a rasping shot by Brown.
35.50 Coventry corner shoots right across goalmouth, scaring the wits out of everyone! Coventry starting to look useful.
41.02 Powell shoots first time & it’s just wide of the right hand post. Great cross by Cracker Smith.
44.30 Good run by McClean, whose cross is met by Fletcher but he’s fouled several defenders…
45.00 Bang on 45 mins, refs blows. HT 0-0. Defenders winning the game.
50.41 Stoke hit the bar after a great move down the right. Opportunities starting to flow.
56.20 Thompson yellow card for a late challenge.
59.05 Coventry pressing, and a shot is deflected wide, much to the relief of keeper Bursik.
63.05 Joe Allen returns, replaces Thompson. Big moment.
65.30 Great set-piece by Stoke result in Flect heading wide. This game could go either way!
69.10 Souttar charges through midfield & then into the penalty area, just missing a cross. If he’d connected, it would have been a classic. Short haired Joe Allen looks on in amazement.
74.52 James McClean trying to make something happen down the left. Eventually a cross makes a connection by Powell, but it’s just wide.
78.01 At one end Harry charges down a point blank shot, and it immediately goes down the other where Fletcher’s shot is also blocked. End-to-end stuff. Collins then blocks, before McClean is up-ended at the other end!
82.40 Fletch lets the stadium know his frustration after another header goes high and wide. Unrepeatable.
90+2 Bursik collides with sub, but both thankfully recover.
Dave Lee
Dave Lee
Sports Reporter - Stoke City

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