Luton Town 1-1 Coventry City
City: Burge, Willis, Hyam, Sterling, Mason. Bayliss, Thomas (Meyler 76), Kelly, Hiwula, Enobakhare (Wakefield 83), Bakayoko (Shipley 29),Subs: Addai, Grimmer, Davies, Bremang.
Luton: Shea, Stacey, Pearson, Bradley, Justin, McCormack, Mpanzu, Shinnie, Moncur, (Lee 65) Hylton (Lualua 76), Collins. Subs: Isted, Potts, Cummings, Thorne, Sheehan.
Att 9,810
Goals: Matty Pearson 16, Jordan Shipley 34
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Coventry City battled to earn a superb draw at Luton Town.
So now, the world knows how serious Coventry City's situation following a day of press statements, is, with a deadline of March 5th to sort out a deal to remain at the Ricoh Arena or face possible extinction on April 25th.
Social media and local radio gave Joy Seppala, Tim Fisher and David Boddy a clear message to cease their legal action and get out of our club or face the consequences and the mood amongst the City support who travelled to Kenilworth Road to see the Sky Blues take on the division leaders Luton Town, who were unbeaten in twenty games, for a game that a fill in slot on Sky Sports, was as you would imagine one of uncertainty.
With Luton supporters, supportive pre-game, the Sisu Out chants started as the City team which had Lee Burge back in goal warmed up and City in their green and black kit, attacked the home end for the first half whilst there was a strong number of police and stewards in the away end, where the 819 strong City support were.
On a heavily watered pitch, Cov kid,James Collins had the first chance of the game before the City support launched into an organised protest with Six And Out, the theme.
Stacey was next to drill a shot across the face of Lee Burge's goal.as Luton showed that they were a threat when attacking down the right.
City tried to take the game to the Hatters but were forced to defend in numbers. However, in the 16th minute, they failed to do that and Matty Pearson headed home from a corner.
City, with Jordan Willis making his 200th appearance for the Sky Blues, were denied a 21st minute penalty when Shea went in, two footed.
There were worrying scenes in the away end with paramedics called and someone was taken away in chair, fortunately to return a while later.
On the pitch, Amadou Bakayoko had picked an injury and was replaced in the 29th minute by Jordan Shipley as City switched to just Hiwula up front.
The Leamington hailing Shipley was only on the pitch for five minutes when he was played in and slotted the ball into the net, sparking wild scenes in the away end.
Lifted by the goal, the City support again found their voices with “Take Me Home Highfield Road, mixing with anti Tim Fisher songs.
Tom Bayliss was cautioned for a challenge which looked ok from the away end which has views blocked by pillars.
Going in level at the break was a moral booster for City, who had Lee Burge save a 49th minute corner and the Hatters getting another two minutes later.
The City support fumed at the referee who booked Luke Thomas in the 58th minute in a game where there was not a bad tackle.
“Go For It City” now rang out as Luton won three corners before it turned to abuse from the City support and aimed firmly at a referee who missed a blatant elbow on Liam Kelly and gave a drop ball when play restarted.
Every City player was putting in a shift and limiting Luton to half chances.
Robins sent on David Meyler for Luke Thomas with fourteen minutes left to add some support to the midfield and Charlie Wakefield coming on for Enobakhare.
A great Sterling cross was headed wide as the game moved towards its conclusion.
Four minutes were added on and City held on with two good Burge blocks to taken an excellent point.
Most of the City support stayed in their places when the final whistle went and after Mark Robins had brought the whole team over to applaud and show support for the City supporters, who made their feelings known with a good ten minute spell of chanting.
Whether, it will do any good remains to be seen but with a strong bond between the support and the players/team management, there is strength in numbers.
Pictures copyright of CNS Sport