Coventry City are through to the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Northern Area Semi-Final after a 4-1 penalties victory against Sheffield United at the Ricoh Arena.
A bumper crowd boosted by a cheap admission price, saw a turgid first half of shots going way over the bar whilst all The Blades had to show for their effort was a long range effort from Michael Doyle which Joe Murphy dived to save.
The second half was better and saw the City fans on their feet in the 56th minute when Harry McGuire turned a cross into his own net.
The Sky Blues’ inability to keep a one goal lead at home reared its head again and United levelled into the 79th minute through David McAllister, making the most of a loose ball after Murphy had initially saved, to take the match to penalties.
Gary McSheffrey went first and scored. Joe Ironside converted for the Blades. David McGoldrick scored before Murphy saved McGuire's spot kick. Carl Baker scored and then Ryan Flynn blasted over the bar. Upstepped John Fleck and City were through.
City:Murphy (GK), Christie, Wood, Edjenguele, Adams, Jennings, Moussa (Fleck 76), McSheffrey, McGoldrick, Baker, Bailey. Subs: Dunn (GK), Clarke, Barton, O'Donovan.
Sheffield United: Long (GK), Westlake, Maguire, Hill, Flynn, Doyle, McAllister, Cresswell (Ironside 70), Cofie (Girolama 70), McFadzean (Chappell 66) , Williams. Subs: Coyne (GK),Philliskirk.
Source: DSG
