Source: Team_Talk
Old boy Wood denies Owls victory
The centre-back and former Wednesday captain, wearing the Sky Blues armband in the absence of Stephen Wright, took advantage of a defensive mix-up between keeper Lee Grant and defender Darren Purse to head into an empty net and keep the hosts' faint play-off hopes alive.[LNB]Wednesday had looked to be heading for a crucial win after Luke Varney had broken the deadlock in the 67th minute with a great finish from an acute angle, beating the formidable Keiren Westwood at his near post after a quick solo burst.[LNB]It was a fair result on the overall balance of play after Wednesday enjoyed the better of the opening 45 minutes against a below-par Sky Blues side, who were a different proposition after the break.[LNB]Coventry were sporting a commemorative white shirt to mark England's participation at this summer's World Cup, while at the same time supporting the country's bid to host the 2018 tournament.[LNB]But it was the visitors who threatened first after just five minutes, Darren Potter forcing Westwood to tip his shot around a post.[LNB]In what was an eventful start to proceedings, Wood saw his header cleared off the line by James O'Connor while Freddie Sears also threatened.[LNB]Westwood then again had to be at his best to keep out Eddie Nolan's right-footed effort as the game went from end to end.[LNB]Eight shots on target inside the opening 15 minutes told its own story and although Leon Clarke did find the net with a 20-yard strike midway through the half, it was ruled out for a foul in the build-up.[LNB]Within a minute Carl Baker stung the hands of Wednesday keeper Grant but as the frantic nature of the opening 25 minutes slowed so did the goalscoring opportunities.[LNB]And as the half-time whistle sounded, struggling Wednesday will have been the happier of the two sides as boos from the natives rang around the Ricoh Arena.[LNB]Signalling his thoughts on the first half, City boss Chris Coleman made a triple change at the break and introduced Clinton Morrison, David Bell and Chris Hussey.[LNB]And, having switched from 4-5-1 to a 4-4-2 formation, the hosts immediately looked a more settled outfit and twice went close from set plays before Morrison saw his finish ruled out for offside.[LNB]Yet the visitors survived the early second-half pressure and, with the game very much in the balance, Republic of Ireland international Westwood tipped Clarke's header wide.[LNB]James McPake then came within inches of breaking the deadlock for Coventry before Varney finally snatched the breakthrough.[LNB]The midfielder swept past Bell with ease out wide and, taking advantage of some questionable Coventry defending, fired home at the near post from a tight angle.[LNB]But, as the encounter entered the final 10 minutes, who else but former Owls skipper Wood levelled matters following confusion in the visiting defence between Grant and Purse.[LNB]Grant did, however, later save well to deny Baker what would have been a sure-fire winner for Coventry.[LNB][LNB][LNB]
