They had driven down because the last train back to Coventry from London had been replaced by buses as they continue to replace the mainline track!
It was good to be back at Withdean, all the usual suspects about and a few new faces about as well. It was nice to see a full away end, something only 2 clubs managed last season.
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The atmosphere was good to start with and Hinshelwood got a great reception. I was pleased to see Cullip back and I thought he was solid tonight against a very fast, strong forward line.
The match was end to end at the start, with Coventry having the most of the possession, but we had one or two good attacks. Pethick was left for dead at one stage by Joachim, who also crashed a shot against the cross bar (did Kuipers get a touch?).
Zamora and Brooker both wasted good chances for us. If Hoddle was at the game to watch Zamora he would have gone home disappointed!
For me the game was spoilt by the Referee. How many times did he blow his whistle? I didn't really see what happened for the sending off, but it changed the game. 2nd half Coventry where happy to keep possession without really attacking.
We gave them a little too much respect and the game petered out. Still if Coventry are one of the favourites to go up I don't think we have got much to worry about!
I disagree with Ralph and though Oatway was one of our better players tonight, he was prepared to pass the ball about and not just knocked it long.
Zamora, Hart & Brooker all failed to spark into life tonight. Pethick does not look happy playing alongside Cullip. Mayo look constantly rushed and 2 or 3 times we gave away the ball in dangerous positions but luckily Coventry were not good enough to punish us.
A draw was a fair result and I think 4 points from the first 2 games is a great achievement and should give the team confidence to take on any Division 1 team.
Man for man Coventry probably have better players, but our team play for each other and I think we will be a very difficult side to beat this season, home and away.