Sky Blues pegged back by Blades

Coventry City lost a lead for the second time in four days but remain unbeaten in the 2012/13 season after a 1-1 draw with Sheffield United on Tuesday night.

A new-look Sky Blues side started nervously at the Ricoh Arena and could have conceded an early goal on two occasions, firstly after a mistake by Reece Brown and then when they fell asleep for a Blades free-kick.

City’s formation looked designed to get the most out of Carl Baker at the point of the diamond and also bring full-backs Brown and Chris Hussey into play. It didn’t happen before the break but after half-time it did so, Andy Thorn getting his side pushing further forward and switching play more quickly.

‘bustle’

Cody McDonald headed just wide before Kevin Malaga’s effort was adjudged not to have crossed the line. The home side were rewarded however when McDonald flicked on a Joe Murphy punt and Stephen Elliott burst into the box before finishing superbly. Elliott continued to bustle well up front while Richard Wood performed with aplomb at the back and Steven Jennings improved throughout the game. Malaga and Adam Barton also showed enough to encourage supporters about their potential contributions this season.

Three points were in touching distance but the Blades got the equaliser their first-half efforts deserved when Blackman finished well from a dangerous cross. City had been pushing forward before a curling ball down their left-hand side caught out Brown.

Both sides are fancied for promotion this season and can take positives from the game. For the Sky Blues the challenge comes when Bury are the first of the ‘smaller’ League One teams to come to the Ricoh Arena on Saturday. The home side will be expected to have most of the play and win with something to spare but the Shakers won’t make it easy.