Blades defeat self-inflicted - Boss

Published: 16 Sep 2009 - 08:56:31

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Jamie Ward's superb strike cancelled out Leon Best's powerful opener to ensure it remained level at the break at the Ricoh Arena. But Michael McIndoe then took full advantage of a mistake from United midfielder Nick Montgomery to set up Clinton Morrison for the hosts' second. Martin Cranie was left unmarked to head the Sky Blues into a commanding 3-1 lead with an hour on the clock, before James Harper pounced to grab what turned out to be a consolation goal. United's defending left a lot to be desired for all three goals. But in an enthralling game full of chances, the visitors were also guilty in front of goal. Stephen Quinn was twice denied by Coventry goalkeeper Keiren Westwood when he maybe should have done better; Andy Taylor and Ward both missed chances from close range, and Ched Evans clipped the bar late on. "If you don't take your chances and give away 'Mickey Mouse' goals, then you don't deserve to win games," said Blades boss Blackwell. "We spurned three or four nailed-on chances that would have seen off Coventry - there's no doubt about that - and then we give them goals. "If you do that, you can't win games. "Effort and commitment were there, but we weren't smart tonight." Influential defender Matthew Kilgallon missed out at the Ricoh Arena with a severe chest infection that looks to have also ruled him out of Friday's derby against Sheffield Wednesday. But Blackwell knows he will not have to say much to his players to get them up for that match. "They talk about this word 'bouncebackability' - let's see if that happens on Friday," he said. "There is no doubt I shouldn't have to pick them up, that's for sure. "They were frustrated tonight because they knew they should have got something out of the game. "I hope we've learnt if we create those chances on Friday they better be taken." Blackwell's opposite number Chris Coleman was understandably delighted with his team's first win in five games. "I can't fault the players; I thought they were tremendous from start to finish - some colossal performances," said the Coventry boss. "We've got a great three points, and there aren't many better teams in our league. "We had to work hard for it. But we did - and we got it. "We just had that siege mentality. We weren't pretty; we've played better." Coleman stressed relief at an overdue win is not an overriding emotion. "We won the first two games; we draw at Doncaster, and everybody's like 'here we go'," he added. "Then we lose to Swansea and didn't play very well; then we lose away to Blackpool, which was my fault because tactically we got it wrong. "All of a sudden the negativity is incredible, and that is the problem with Coventry City. "You win two and you're going to win the Champions League; you lose two, and we're going to be through the trap door. "I'm trying to get people to calm down. "Whether we win a couple or four on the bounce doesn't dictate the season."