Coventry City 2 Sunderland 0

Last updated : 07 August 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Two goals in the last seven minutes sealed a dramatic victory for Coventry City against Sunderland at Highfield Road.

A dubious penalty decision on 75 minutes followed by a close-range strike from new signing Eddie Johnson gave Peter Reid sweet revenge over his former club.

It was a richly-deserved victory for the home side who were the more aggressive and entertaining side throughout.

Homegrown striker Gary McSheffrey was the key dangerman for the Sky Blues in the first half.

The pint-sized forward found space on the edge of the box after just two minutes and was unlucky as his dipping strike was tipped over the bar.

Two minutes later, the crafty 21-year-old was again set clear, though his snap-shot from 20 yards out flashed agonisingly wide of the far post.

The Black Cats only real chance of the first half came from a set piece on 25 minutes. However, Julio Arca's right-foot free-kick was well smothered by City keeper Scott Shearer as it bounced awkwardly in front of him.

After the interval Coventry were again the better side. And with many spectators still taking to their seats, Coventry had three good opportunities to take the lead.

The first fell to new signing Johnson, who couldn't make a telling connection as he rose to head in front of keeper Mart Poom.

The rebound then fell to Michael Doyle, but his effort was superbly saved by 32-year-old Poom on his 50th appearance for the club.

From the resulting corner, Poom was again the hero as he smothered Johnson's close-range effort.

Half-time substitute Liam Lawrence could have provided some much needed relief for Mick McCarthy had he capitalised on a sweet throughball from Arca at the opposite end.

But the summer signing couldn't gather the ball in time and was dispossessed by a last-gasp challenge from Richard Shaw.

With City safe at the back and Reid keen to press forward, a goal was inevitable and when Sunderland defender George McCartney seemed to handle inside the box, the referee pointed immediately to the spot.

Patrick Suffo stabbed home with a crisp penalty which flew into the top corner.

And the win was sealed eight minutes later when Johnson tucked home from a tight angle after Suffo's shot was only parried by Poom.