Coventry City 1, Birmingham City 0: Andy Walker's Sunday Mercury verdict

Feb 22 2009 by Andy Walker, Sunday Mercury

DISAPPOINTING Blues’ morale hit a new low down at the Ricoh yesterday.

Scott Dann’s goal after just 59 seconds was enough to hand Coventry a deserved victory and yet again leave promotion-chasing Blues praying for results elsewhere to go their way.

Fortunately, Reading’s defeat at home to Bristol City eased the blow for Blues, who will now be waiting on today’s encounter between leaders Wolves and dark horses Cardiff.

This result completed back-to-back home defeats of the Championship’s top two for Cov and ignited the Sky Blues’ faint hopes of making the play-offs.

However, Blues looked to have salvaged at least a point when a Scott Sinclair goal looked to have been controversially ruled out in the 82nd minute.

Liam Ridgewell’s through ball evaded Marcus Bent and found its way to Sinclair, via the boot of Ben Turner, who swept home from close range.

The linesman instantly flagged offside but the conversation that ensued between referee Clive Oliver and his assistant presented an anxious few moments.

The referee eventually ruled out the goal and Blues boss Alex McLeish had no complaints about the judgment.

“I saw the linesman and I thought his flag was up very early,” said McLeish, who only learned of Turner’s slight touch during the post-match press conference.

“So I have no reason to doubt him, I just think it was a question of timing. Benty’s gone at full tilt, maybe Ridge could have released it a fraction earlier – it’s a split second, a fine line.