OxMillers Coventry Review

In stark contrast to last season’s miserable weather, the Millers journeyed to Coventry today in bright sunshine and cloudless skies for a vital match in their quest for Division 1 survival.

With Gilchrist unable to play, the Millers started the game with a defence of Stockdale, Barker (S), Swailes and Minto a midfield of Proctor on the right, Sedgwick on the left and Mullin and Morris in midfield. Upfront were Butler and Richie Barker. In goal for the Millers was Mike Pollitt who was destined to rise above the abuse levelled at him in recent weeks to produce a stunning performance.

The opening quarter was relatively even with the lively Joachim shackled by the excellent Swailes and Barker and the Millers actually looking the more dangerous side. It was slightly against the run of play, and definitely out of the (sky) blue, that Coventry were awarded a penalty after Stockdale was unlucky to clip an attackers heals as he tracked back. A correct decision, although the referee recognised the lack of intent on Stockdale’s part by keeping his cards in

Penalty Save

Answers on a post-card please !!

Towards the end of the half, Sedgy and Proctor swapped flanks and, although Proctor struggled with defensive duties leading to a number of forays down the Coventry left, the switch brought the best move of the half.

Determined play by Minto, Morris and Mullin allowed Proctor to latch on to a perfect pass, cut inside and bend a superb right footed shot over the keeper and inches over the bar. Overall, the Millers could have gone into the break a goal to the good and things looked optimistic for the second half.

Coventry withdrew the ineffective Joachim at half-time and then dominated the next 20 minutes with the Millers struggling to gain any possession. Sedgy was clearly tiring and the midfield was being overrun as Coventry pressed for the opening goal. This inevitably came down the Millers right as Stockdale was beaten to the ball although there was a definite suggestion of dangerous play as the Coventry midfielder collected the ball with a high foot. As ever, there was no flag from the “assistant” referee and he sped towards the byline before driving in a cross which Morrell just met before the retreating Barker and slotted away from six yards.

Two minutes later an identical ball in from the left was cut out by Barker lunging in ahead of the attacker for the ball to pop-up into the arms of Pollitt. Amazingly, the referee deemed this last minute intervention a back-pass and awarded a free-kick four yards from goal – ABSOLUTELY SHOCKING DECISION – what is it with these guys, have they never played football before ?

Anyway, all looked to be over if Coventry could exploit this gift, but fortunately they screwed the resultant shot wide of the post with the help of a Butler deflection.

Coventry continued to dominate and almost increased there lead as their beanpole right-back met a corner from the right with a towering header. A goal looked certain but Pollitt reacted superbly to twist in mid-air and flick the ball from underneath the crossbar and out for a corner.

Butler - Goalscorer

Indeed, it was great work by Monkhouse beating a couple of men in the right back position that led to the Millers equalizer. With great poise and awareness, the lanky winger sent Stockdale down the right and he played Proctor through down the right. Proctor rounded the giant Konjik and drew a foul that rightly earned the defender a yellow card. The resultant free-kick from Morriss was headed out to the left by a panicked defence only for Monkhouse to direct the ball back into the six-yard area and Butler to nod home, sending the Millers faithful into rapture.

A fully deserved goal and the Millers now seemed the more likely winners with Butler forcing a neat save from Shearer and Proctor was then sent clear by Mullin one on one with the keeper. He should have done better, with the keeper blocking his effort before Mullin’s follow up was also blocked and Warne’s effort deflected wide for a corner.

With three minutes of added time drifting away it seemed that both teams were content with a point when the referee invented a free-kick for Coventry in a central position. The next 20 seconds then seemed to pass in slow motion. Saffri chipped a gentle ball forward towards the corner of the six-yard bow on the Millers left. As the ball floated forward, the Millers’ backline drifted up but too late to catch Coventry offside and left an attacker free to hit a volley from just five yards out and it seemed destined to seal a cruel defeat for the Millers.

Mike Pollitt - Man Of Match

There was barely time for any more action before the final whistle was blown and the visiting fans rose as one to acclaim a well earned point – and breath a collective sigh of relief – I for one was emotionally exhausted at the end and the heart was beating like crazy for a good time after.

Pollitt. Absolute classic performance, top drawer saves at vital times and collected every cross that was within his responsibility. A strong reaction to the over-the-top stick he has received of late. Man-of-the-Match

Stockdale. Generally good and linked well at times with Proctor and Sedgwick.

Shaun Barker. Absolutely everywhere, his reading of the game in any position is superb and close to another M.o.M

Swailes. Nullified Joachim in first half but faded a little in the second.

Minto. Generally sound but once or twice caught in possession leading to anxious moments.

Sedgwick. Is clearly battling against injury but is vital to most attacking options.

Mullin. Variable play with some nightmare moments but strengthened towards the end.

Proctor. Struggled when in wide midfield but made the difference when switched up front. Inches from goal of the season, ironically when cutting in from left midfield.

Butler. Handful for most of the game and harried the Coventry defence to good effect. Like all good strikers, in right place to grab the goal.

Richie Barker. Battled well but not his best game.

Subs

Monkhouse. Great contribution and gives a better balance to the team than the initial starting line-up.

Warne. Battled well and added that extra cover when we were in danger of being overrun.

All in all a good point, although I’m not sure how many more of these nail-biters I can endure. Hopefully we can do the job at Millmoor on Saturday and guarantee my last standing appearance on the Tivoli – not to mention a relaxed trip to Walsall !!

UP THE MILLERS !