Coventry City’s Andy Turner player ratings as Cardiff wins thanks to two own goals from Kitching

Player rankings for Coventry City are provided by CoventryLive, and Sky Blues reporter Andy Turner grades the team for today’s Championship matchup against Cardiff City.

In front of 28,529 spectators at the CBS Arena on Easter Monday, Cardiff overcame a two-goal deficit to win the entire three points against Coventry City thanks to two own goals from Liam Kitching.

Then, in the 68th minute, Bowler’s cross-cum-shot from the right deflected off Jake Bidwell and Kitching, who was given credit for his second own goal of the game, giving the Bluebirds the lead. Six minutes from time, Haji Wright appeared to have tied the score for City when he headed in a Ben Sheaf cross, but the goal was ruled off-side.

BRAD COLLINS: six

a bit of a spectator for the opening twenty minutes as City controlled much of the play, but he had little chance when his own man beat him with a close-range own goal. made many standard stops but was not put to the test very often in the first half. Had little chance when Kitching’s boot deflected the secodn, looping up over him.

JOEL LATIBEAUDIERE: 6

A good, solid display from the right-back position in a relatively comfortable first half for the versatile defender who got forward to help support van Ewijk more in the second half/

BOBBY THOMAS: 7

Read the game well and slid in well to make good, early tackles and headed onto the roof of the net from a free-kick to the far post.

LIAM KITCHING: 4.5

Drove forward to spark an early attack but scored an own goal under pressure from Josh Bowler from a corner just before the half hour mark as the visitors levelled. Got the last touch to Bowler’s cross to send the ball looping over Collins and be credited with a second own goal of the day. Second was unfortunate and could happen to anyone.

JAKE BIDWELL: 6

Slid in on Perry Ng in the box to dispossess him with a well-timed tackle amid appeals for a penalty. Solid enough throughout with his usual consistent and no-nonsense display. Took decent set pieces.

JOSH ECCLES: 6

Continued where he left off at Huddersfield with plenty of hard work and effort in the middle of the park. Used the ball wisely when he had it.

BEN SHEAF: 6

A bit sloppy with the occasional stray pass in tight areas but clipped the top of the crossbar in the 12th minute amid a strong start from the Sky Blues.

MILAN VAN EWIJK: Seven

supplied a good outlet on the right, where he was quick to attack and claimed credit for the opening goal’s assist with a lovely low cross from the right. Simms curled his shot inches wide, played into the box on the hour. Submitted numerous crosses from the right.

KASEY PALMER: 6.7/

A couple of minutes later, Wright feed Simms for City’s second effort on goal. Had a terrific early chance when Wright slipped him in behind, only for the keeper to save. played the ball to van Ewijk so that Simms could score, which contributed to the first goal. made room for O’Hare in the middle of the second half.

JAJI WRIGHT: Six

Participated in some enjoyable play segments during a comparatively calm initial thirty minutes. He did a good job of positioning himself and helping to link the attacking action without really threatening to score a goal himself, but he headed wide from a Jake Bidwell corner in the second half. Thought he had scored with his head in the dying moments, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

ELLIS SIMMS: 7.5-8

had an early shot deflected two yards off the line after Palmer found him, and he then instigated and executed a masterful play to give City the lead in the 22nd minute. Presented himself and the play in a good light.

SUBSTITUTES:

VICTOR TORP (68 mins, for Eccles): 5

Added fresh legs and ideas in the middle of the park.

FABIO TAVARES (68 mins, for Latibeaudiere): 5

Provided a bright spark on the right as City tried to get back into the game with an exciting finish.

CALLUM O’HARE (75 mins, for Palmer): 5

Lively contribution as City pushed for an equaliser .

JAY DASILVA (75 mins, for Bidwell): 5

Sent in decent deliveries from the left as City were chasing the game.

Subs (not used): Ben Wilson (GK), Luis Binks, Liam Kelly, Dermi Lusala, Kai Andrews.

CARDIFF CITY (4-2-3-1): Ethan Horvath; Perry Ng, Nathaniel Phillips, Dimitrios Goutas, Jamilu Collins; Joe Ralls, Manolis Siopis; Josh Bowler, David Turnbull, Karlan Grant; Yakou Meitie.

Subs (not used): Matthew Turner (GK), Mahlon Romeo, Ryan Wintle, Aaron Ramsey, Callum O’Dowda, Romaine Sawyers, Josh Wilson-Esbrand, Ollie Tanner, Callum Robinson,

GOALS:

SKY BLUES: Simms (22)

BLUEBIRDS: Kitching (OGs, 28 and 67)

REFEREE: Leigh Doughty

ATTENDANCE: 28,529 (1,689 away)

NEXT UP: Leeds United (h), Saturday, April 6 (3pm).