Coventry secured their first win in 11 Championship games with a hard fought 2-1 victory over struggling Crystal Palace at the Ricoh Arena. Returning striker Marlon King scored the winner to push Aidy Boothroyd’s team into mid table security, whilst Palace remain one place above the drop zone and face a fight for Championship football survival.
After an even opening it was the visitors Palace who had the first real opportunity, with towering centre back Anthony Gardner heading Owen Garvan’s corner wide on the half hour mark; the ex spurs defender could and should have done better. At the other end Palace keeper Julian Speroni made a couple of solid saves to deny Clive Platt, however the Argentinian stopper was beaten by Richard Wood on 34 minutes to give Coventry the lead. Wood latched on to a Martin Cranie long ball, and as Speroni hesitated, the City man beat Eagles defender Paddy McCarthy to the ball and lofted a header over the keeper from six yards.
Both teams has chances after the break, with Speroni making up for his error for the City goal with a number of fine saves. However he could do nothing to prevent striker Marlon King converting Aron Gunnarsson’s cross to double the home teams advantage on 79 minutes. Kings finish from close range was the frontman’s fifth league goal of the season, and all but ensured a home victory. Norwegian striker Steffen Iversen scored a late consolation for the London club, but City hung on for the win.
The win lifts the Sky Blues up to 14th, with a mid table finish now extremely likely; Palace on the other hand sit precariously above the relegation zone and manager Dougie Freedman will know he has a fight on his hands to keep the once Premiership club in the Championship.
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