Source: SKY_Sports
Samba strike denies Sky Blues
Christopher Samba fired home an injury-time equaliser to spare Blackburn's blushes as they claimed a 2-2 draw with Coventry in their FA Cup fifth round clash at Ewood Park.[LNB] Coventry looked on course for a place in the quarter-finals as they led until just moments from the end as Rovers threw everything at the Championship side and grabbed the leveller through Samba.[LNB]The Sky Blues had been 1-0 down at the break thanks to Roque Santa Cruz's tremendous strike after just two minutes.[LNB]Indeed Chris Coleman's men were lucky to still be in the tie, but they produced am excellent second-half display and forged ahead as Aron Gunnarsson levelled with a splendid volley before Michael Doyle's deflected effort put them ahead.[LNB]But then with minutes left Samba was given too much time as he turned 10-yards out and fired home.[LNB]Great startBlackburn got off to a perfect start and made the breakthrough against the Championship side after two minutes. Santa Cruz rifled a shot into the corner from an acute angle following a flick-on from Samba.[LNB]It was the fifth goal of the season by the Paraguay striker, who looked to be on his way to Manchester City in the transfer window.[LNB]Coventry were stung by that early blow but responded 10 minutes later when Jordan Henderson made space down the right. He sent a shot across the face of the goal and beyond Paul Robinson but wide of the post.[LNB]It was Blackburn, however, who looked in control and were dominating possession.[LNB]Jason Roberts then got into a good position only to send a half-volley wide of the post.[LNB]Blackburn looked dangerous every time they broke forward and David Dunn picked out Carlos Villanueva in the 31st minute but he failed to test Andy Marshall.[LNB]However, Coventry should have drawn level a minute later following Daniel Fox's flighted free-kick.[LNB]Gunnarsson peeled away from his marker but from in front of the posts he delivered a header closer to the corner flag than the goal.[LNB]Santa Cruz then came close to adding a second in the 40th minute after a fine cross from Villanueva, only to find the side netting with his shot.[LNB]Coventry again found themselves on the back foot two minutes later when Santa Cruz weighed up his effort from 25 yards, but it whistled past the post.[LNB]Marshall earned his corn in the 49th minute by turning Villanueva's free-kick around the post after it had taken a deflection off the wall.[LNB]LevellerThe lower league side suddenly stepped up the pressure and drew level on the hour mark with a stunning strike from Gunnarsson.[LNB]He latched on to a clearance from Gael Givet, took one touch and thundered a shot into the roof of the net from 20 yards.[LNB]It was a goal out of nothing and more than made up for his wayward header in the first half.[LNB]Gunnarsson was growing in confidence and carved out a chance in the 65th minute but his effort cleared the bar.[LNB]Givet thought he had regained the lead for Blackburn three minutes later but his effort was ruled out for an infringement.[LNB]Coventry maintained their grip on the game and took the lead in the 75th minute to stun the Premier League strugglers.[LNB]Doyle's instinctive effort came off Samba and looped over stranded goalkeeper Robinson.[LNB]Eastwood should have added a third six minutes later but sent a close-range shot wide of the post.[LNB]Samba grabbed a dramatic equaliser in stoppage time by taking advantage when Marshall spilled substitute Treacy's effort and Coventry boss Chris Coleman was left cursing his luck.[LNB][LNB][LNB]Blackburn Rovers[LNB]Team Statistics[LNB]Coventry City[LNB] [LNB][LNB][LNB]2[LNB]Goals[LNB]2[LNB] [LNB][LNB][LNB]1[LNB]1st Half Goals[LNB]0[LNB] [LNB][LNB][LNB]5[LNB]Shots on Target[LNB]2[LNB] [LNB][LNB][LNB]9[LNB]Shots off Target[LNB]5[LNB] [LNB][LNB][LNB]3[LNB]Blocked Shots[LNB]2[LNB] [LNB][LNB][LNB]3[LNB]Corners[LNB]9[LNB] [LNB][LNB][LNB]17[LNB]Fouls[LNB]15[LNB] [LNB][LNB][LNB]5[LNB]Offsides[LNB]2[LNB] [LNB][LNB][LNB]2[LNB]Yellow Cards[LNB]2[LNB] [LNB][LNB][LNB]0[LNB]Red Cards[LNB]0[LNB] [LNB][LNB][LNB]N/A[LNB]Passing Success[LNB]N/A[LNB] [LNB][LNB][LNB]N/A[LNB]Tackles[LNB]N/A[LNB] [LNB][LNB][LNB]N/A[LNB]Tackles Success[LNB]N/A[LNB] [LNB][LNB][LNB]46.1[LNB]Possession[LNB]53.9[LNB] [LNB][LNB][LNB]N/A[LNB]Territorial Advantage[LNB]N/A[LNB] [LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB]
