‘Elvis’- Sky Blue ‘gaffer’
On this day (13th July) 2013 the Sky Blues, under former Sky Blues player, CCFPA member and ‘gaffer’ Steven Pressley kicked off their pre-season with what has almost become a traditional friendly fixture against near neighbours Nuneaton. This season, of course, was when the Sky Blues faced their first period ‘in exile’ playing home fixtures at Sixfields the ground of Northampton Town and there was a demonstration by City fans before this game. The match, at the Liberty Way stadium of ‘the Borough’, proved a bit of a stroll for the Sky Blues preparing for their upcoming League One season. The final result was a 4-1 victory to the visitors in front of a crowd of 1,595 containing many Sky Blues supporters.
As is often the case in these try-outs the Sky Blues (as did ‘the Borough’) fielded an almost completely reshuffled side in the second half the only two players completing the full ninety minutes, namely Jack Finch and Jordan Clarke (both now CCFPA members).
Callum in Sky Blue action
It was the hosts that went into a sixth minute lead through a piece of opportunism from Louis Moult but that was the best it got for them as first ‘Cov Kid’ (also now a CCFPA member) Callum Wilson struck an equaliser, catching a Nuneaton defender in possession, eight minutes later to send the two sides in all square at half-time.
Leon in the Sky Blue
The second half, with fresh City legs from nine new players saw Sky Blue dominance which was converted into a goal on 53 minutes with a composed header from Leon Clarke converting a cross from (now CCFPA member) Cyrus Christie.
The final two Sky Blues goals came from an 84th minute penalty from Leon to bag his second after Franck Moussa (another CCFPA member) was brought down in the box and then Franck himself converted City’s fourth just a minute later.
Franck in the Sky Blue
The 4-1 victory was thoroughly deserved by the League One side over their non-league neighbours. Former Sky Blue defender and CCFPA member David McNamee played quite well in the ‘Boro’s defence.
CCFC’s report (by Nick Connell) of of the game can be found here.
‘Elvis’ fielded the following players (second half subs in brackets, CCFPA members underlined):-
Joe Murphy (Lee Burge), Aaron Phillips (Cyrus Christie), Blair Adams (Ryan Haynes), Jack Finch, Jordan Clarke, John Fleck (Conor Thomas), Carl Baker (Franck Moussa), Adam Barton (Louis Garner), Ben Maund (Leon Clarke), Callum Wilson (Billy Daniels) and Eli Bako (Leon Lobjoit).
Kevin Wilkins‘ side comprised (half time subs unless indicated):-
Lawrie Walker, David McNamee (Luke Blakeley), Gareth Deane (Delroy Gordon), Theo Streete (Jack Ashton), Amari’i Bell (Danny Andrew), Wes York (Conor Taylor), James Armson (Daniel Sleath), Phil Trainer (Jonathan Adams), Marcus Bellamy, Louis Moult (Cecil Nyoni-65) and Greg Pearson (Adam Walker) *Unused subs:*– Gavin Cowan, Omar, Lyseden & Westward
Match Officials:- John Brooks (referee) Mark Billingham/Neil Pratt (assistants)
CCFC 2013-14
After the game Steven Pressley and his side continued their pre-season preparations with a three match tour of Germany and Holland winning one, losing one and drawing one. There were four more pre-season games in the UK with the Sky Blues winning at Cheltenham Town and Mansfield Town and losing at Fleetwood Town and Oxford United.
If ‘exile’ from the Ricoh wasn’t enough, in August the club were ‘awarded’ a ten point deduction in their forthcoming League One campaign as a consequence of going into administration. Despite these handicaps the team produced some good performances and survived in eighteenth place at the end of the season.
Thanks to CCFPA’s Mike Young for sourcing the images.
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