Coventry City 1 - 0 Portsmouth

[dutchman]

Coventry into top six with late win over Portsmouth



Coventry City snatched a dramatic late win against Portsmouth to boost their Championship play-off hopes.

The Sky Blues looked destined to settle for a frustrating goalless stalemate, only for Jamie Paterson to score in the fourth minute of stoppage time, with virtually the last kick of the game.

Pompey's defence misjudged a long ball forward, allowing Jack Rudoni to float a cross in for Paterson to volley home.

The victory lifts Frank Lampard's men into sixth spot, two points above Middlesbrough, while defeat leaves Portsmouth in 17th place, three points off the drop zone.

Bradley Collins was called into early action as Coventry struggled to settle into the game.

The Sky Blues keeper had to dive low to keep out Adil Aouchiche's shot after Victor Torp gave the ball away just outside his own area.

There was a second glimpse of goal for Pompey in the 11th minute when a ball was floated into the path of Josh Murphy. Despite appeals for handball, the former Norwich City man was able to turn and shoot, only to see his shot blocked.

Coventry were appealing for their own handball four minutes later. Matt Grimes picked out Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, who cut inside and hit a fierce shot that appeared to strike Andre Dozzell's hand. Referee Gavin Ward shook his head, but subsequent replays suggested the Sky Blues had a strong case for a penalty kick.

Torp's night was to end on a sour note when he went down holding his ankle, to be replaced by Ben Sheaf.

Portsmouth went close before the half-hour mark when Regan Poole flicked his header on to the underside of the bar, only for Coventry to scramble clear.

Coventry had their best moment of the first-half just minutes later.

Rudoni's shot was blocked following Jay Dasilva's run into the box. Portsmouth failed to clear, with the ball falling to Milan van Ewijk, who flicked the ball back into the box for Rudoni. He threw himself towards the ball, only to send his close-range header just wide of the post.

The opening throes of the second half became scrappy as the home crowd grew more anxious. Portsmouth manager John Mousinho brought on Mark O'Mahony and Terry Devlin in an attempt to inspire the visitors but their game plan became more focused around keeping the hosts at bay.

City tried to conjure up an opening when Rudoni fed Ephron Mason-Clark. He passed the ball for Haji Wright, only for his left-footed shot to be deflected over the bar.

Coventry grew into the second half, yet there was little sign of any quality in front of goal as Portsmouth's defence continued to clear away all signs of danger. Neither goalkeeper appeared particularly troubled by the opposition.

Van Ewijk should have done better when his heavy touch allowed Pompey to clear following good work down Coventry's left by Dasilva.

Liam Kitching went agonisingly close to claiming a late second-half goal, only to see Nicolas Schmid touch his header on to the post.

Coventry were not quite done.

They were to claim their reward in the fifth minute of stoppage time when Paterson volleyed home Rudoni's cross following a rare lapse by the Portsmouth defence.

Coventry City boss Frank Lampard told BBC Radio CWR:

"We got what we deserved. It was amazing because I thought it would be one of those nights. They were dogged and made it hard for us. But we pushed and we pushed, and for 'Pato' to score that goal is something very special.

"He's a fan of the club, Coventry is him. For him to score a goal of that quality is very special. To show such agility is top level. He's added to the group in the dressing room, and the training ground, and he gives me good options.

"It was a tough game. We hit the post, they threw their bodies in front of us, but we showed great character. If you have spirit you push to the end, so it's a big plus for us.

"We know the race we're in. We were looking downwards when I came in, now we're pushing for the play-offs."