Ellis Simms scored twice in as many first-half minutes to give Coventry City the upper hand over relegation-threatened Huddersfield Town.
The striker gave the Sky Blues a dominating lead at the John Smith’s Stadium in the 16th minute by cutting inside his marker and picking his place with a fantastic curling shot to the top corner. Two minutes later, he scored a precise finish from a Milan van Ewijk pull-back.
Usually a close game, Huddersfield struck the crossbar and the post in their attempt to rally. In fact, the home team pulled one back when Brad Collins gave them the ball. Wiles then passed the ball to Healey, who scored to make it 2-1 with 11 minutes left. Collins then made a great save at his near post to prevent an equaliser, setting up a tense finish.
Then, with a low strike into the bottom corner deep into stoppage time, Haji Wright sealed the points with a much-needed third goal to relieve the growing late strain.
STARTING FORMATION: 4-2-3-1
BRAD COLLINS: 6.5
made a good stop at his near post with his legs to prevent the home team from scoring early. In the first half, he distributed the ball smartly from behind and did a decent job of controlling his area. Twice he found himself stretched after Town struck the crossbar and post. played the ball directly to Wiles, who made a huge error and set up Healey to bring Town back into the match. However, minutes later, Wiles made a great stop to prevent an equaliser.
JOEL LATIBEAUDIERE: 7
Deployed at right-back, the Jamaican international was calm and assured in a well organised back four.
BOBBY THOMAS: 8
Defended really well, reading shots and getting in several blocks to keep the home side at arm’s length. Played with real confidence and composure on the ball.
LIAM KITCHING: 7
received an early booking for a professional foul on Kasumo, who attempted to cut in the third minute but managed to keep his cool and perform admirably against Burgzorg. assisted City in executing a respectable off-side trap, which was successful a few times in the first half. settled in during a tense second half.
JAKE BIDWELL: Seven
sent in a few good crosses in the early stages from the left and attempted to find Wright in the middle. played strong defence and used a no-nonsense tackling style, much to the satisfaction of the Sky Blue Army.
JOSH ECCLES: 7
Excellent in possession, provoking Haji Wright to launch a counterattack to put the custodian to the test right away. worked diligently and methodically, covering a lot of area and collaborating nicely with Sheaf.
BEN SHEAF: 7
He was composed when handling the ball and moved around well, gaining possession and used it brilliantly when it was in his hands. Wearing the skipper’s armband, set an example. Elegance and excellence throughout.
VAN EWIJK IN MILAN: 7.5
The Dutchman, who was positioned high and wide to the right, was a menace down the right and assisted Simms with a beautiful pull-back goal. also supplied the assist on Haji Wright’s goal.
KASEY PALMER: 8
Assisted Simms in scoring the first goal, played Wright through on goal with a beautiful early pass for City’s first opportunity, then assisted Simms in scoring the second goal while looking outstanding. went off just after the hour to rousing cheers from both sets of fans after finishing his work.
HAJI WRIGHT: 8
Denied by the keeper from a low, angled shot in the ninth minute and worked the left flank well on his return from international duty. Hit a powerful effort, albeit too close to the keeper as he threatened to extend City’s lead. Secured the three points with a precise shot into the bottom corner in stoppage time to ease the mounting pressure.
ELLIS SIMMS: 9
Turned Helik in the box and picked his spot to give City the early lead with a brilliant curling shot in the 16th minute and then doubled the lead six minutes later with a precise finish after being set up by Van Ewijk. Stretched Town with some decent running onto long passes and used his strength to good effect.
SUBSTITUTES:
CALLUM O’HARE (62 mins, for Palmer): 6.5
Set up by Simms for a decent chance but put his shot too close to the keeper. Added fresh legs and a different threat for Town to cope with, playing some confident stuff on the ball.
VICTOR TORP (83 mins, for Eccles): N/A
MATTY GODDEN (83 mins, for Simms): N/A
LIAM KELLY (90+4 mins, for Sheaf): N/A
Subs (not used): Ben Wilson (GK), Luis Binks, Jay Dasilva, Fabio Tavares, Kai Andrews.
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN (3-5-2): Lee Nicholls; Matty Pearson, Michal Helik, Radinio Balker (53 mins, for Brodie Spencer); David Kasumu (63 mins, for Ben Wiles), Jonathan Hogg (63 mins, for Pat Jones), Jack Rudoni, Alex Matos, Jaheim Headley; Josh Koroma (76 mins, for Bojan Radulovic), Delano Burgzorg (63 mins, for Rhys Healey).
Subs (not used): Chris Maxwell (GK), Tom Edwards, Ben Jackson. Tom Iorpenda.
GOALS:
TERRIERS: Healey (79)
SKY BLUES: Simms (16, 22), Wright (90+4)
REFEREE: Adam Herczeg
ATTENDANCE: 20,530 (2,223 City)
NEXT UP: Cardiff City (h), Monday, April 1 (3pm).
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