Cardiff 1-0 Coventry

Michael Chopra opened his Cardiff City account to give City the three points in a tight game today.

City were unable to carve many shooting opportunities in the first half but Coventry went closest hitting the post after a corner. Coventry defenders McNamee and his replacement Adam Virgo were both stretchered off meaning winger Chris Birchall was switched to right back.

At the interval, Kerrea Gilbert was replaced by Flood with Ledley moving to left back and McNaughton to right back. Paul Parry reverting to his usual left wing berth. City pressed on and had the better of a second half constantly interrupted by a fussy and poor referee.

Steve Thomspon had 2 headers cleared off the line in the same move while McNaughton made a superb covering tackle when McSheffrey broke for Coventry.

Recalled skipper Darren Purse grew in stature as the game went on after slicing sevral clearances first half but was very solid after the break.

The goal came in the 80th minute when Paul Parry and Joe Ledley linked on the left and Parry put in a good front post cross where MICHAEL CHOPRA was on hand to prod the ball past Andy Marshall, he will score better goals but looked relieved as the ball trickled over the line and ran to the Grange end to celebrate.
Chopra should have had a second soon after when clean through but his chip couldn't beat Marshall.
Luigi Glombard came on for his debut for the last few minutes.

An excellent three points against a solid Coventry team with big defenders and a potent attacking threat in Adebola, John and McSheffrey all of whom caused problems but were contained well on the whole.

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