COVENTRY UNITED MANAGER EDWIN GREAVES WRITES ABOUT HIS TEAM'S 1-0 WIN OVER STUDLEY...

"This game was so important to us, due to the fact that it was imperative to bounce back after last weekend's defeat.


The players also wanted to give a response but as we all know, actions speak louder than words. It was also nice to catch up with Kev and also the returning Dan Stokes.


The game itself was hard work for us and got even harder when Josh O'Grady went off injured after 30 minutes and was replaced by Gift Mussa. We only really had one good opportunity in the 1st half and that was when Marino Peixoto forced a good save from the Studley goalkeeper.


Dave Allen also had to pull off an excellent save himself, pushing a header onto the crossbar from a Studley corner.


The 2nd half became a little more open with again Dave being the busier of the 2 goalkeepers. My heart sank when Stokesy worked himself some space for the first time in the game but again Dave pulled off a good save.


Josh Blake and Muzzi Nduna were replaced by Matty Brown and Brian Ndlovu and Brian almost got on the end of a cross when unmarked in the box.


Our winning goal came in the 81st minute from captain Chris Cox, receiving the ball from a Dave Allen clearance. Coxy still had a lot to do but his finish was clinical.
This goal was the difference between the two sides and a worthy winner.


In summing up this game it was important that we won and the performance showed that we will always try to do things the right way. We rode our luck at times with Dave having his best game for us since being at the club. But it wasn't just about Dave; the defence worked hard to protect him and that also shouldn't go unnoticed.

The midfield worked tirelessly all day long and it just shows they can put in a shift.
It was also nice to see JB start his 1st game for us since early November and the only downside was Josh getting injured.


I now turn my thoughts to Saturday's game away to Heath Hayes, with another difficult 90 minutes ahead of us. With 12 games to go, each game takes on a greater importance with the finish-line in sight.

I still believe there are more twists and turns to come before the silverware is handed out on 30th April.


I am so proud of what we have achieved so far this season, mixing with some big established teams at this level and still being in the position of saying we are 1 of 3 teams still in with a chance of promotion.


I would gladly have accepted this back in August and everything is still in our own hands.


It's also good to send the Red and Green Army home happy again and once again their support to me and the players cannot be faulted.


12 battles to go, let's all dig deep, stay patient, keep the faith and push towards that finish line together..."

Edwin Greaves, Manager, Coventry United...