Coventry 0-0 Middlesbrough: First leg semi-final Championship play-off ends in stalemate – with Chuba Akpom coming closest to scoring as his shot hit the crossbar was saved
- Chuba Akpom hit the crossbar early after his effort was disallowed by Ben Wilson
- Boro had the ball in the net before the break, but Isaiah Jones was ruled offside
- Coventry pressed their visitors late, but failed to form a winner
Two key figures in Manchester United’s modern history are at odds over whether to meet their former club next season as Coventry and Middlesbrough failed to separate in their play-off opener.
Coventry boss Mark Robins and his Boro counterpart Michael Carrick will duel for the third time in 10 days on May 17, with the winner reaching the championship play-off final – often referred to as the richest game in football.
Robins’ goals in United’s 1990 FA Cup winning campaign are widely regarded as saving Sir Alex Ferguson’s job, and Carrick won 18 trophies with the club. But leading their teams to promotion would at least equal anything they’ve achieved at United.
Robins was in charge when Coventry, who have not played in the Premier League since 2001, won the League Two play-offs just five years ago, while Boro were in trouble when Carrick took charge. Both deserve huge credit for taking their teams this far, but on Wednesday night only one is still dreaming of a trip to Old Trafford next season.
In a hugely tense encounter, Boro had much more possession but struggled to break Coventry’s solid 5-3-2 structure. Their top scorer Chuba Akpom had an effort pressed onto the post early and also headed past it shortly after the break, while an Isaiah Jones goal was disallowed for offside.
Championship top scorer Chuba Akpom was unable to break the deadlock as the first leg of the play-off semi-final ended goalless
Michael Carrick’s side dominated the first part of the first half, but were unable to take the lead
The two former Manchester United stars had to watch their side’s play come to a stalemate
Gustavo Hamer was excellent in midfield for the home side, but their other star player Viktor Gyokeres was subdued and made for a quiet afternoon for Boro keeper Zack Steffen.
With the energy around the stadium it was a surprise to see Coventry start so cautiously, even though a conservative approach has served them well throughout the campaign.
Afraid to give Cameron Archer room behind their defense, the Sky Blues ran deep and let Boro click into their rhythm. It also nearly produced an early goal, as Riley McGree released Akpom and Ben Wilson made a crucial touch on the striker’s finish, which led him into the woodwork.
Akpom was comfortably the top scorer in the championship with 28 goals in the regular season, so this was a letdown for the home side.
Boro continued to dominate, stunning Coventry with their passing and movement – although Robins’ men effectively kept their form and Hamer did the work of two players.
Up front, their centre-forward Viktor Gyokeres, with 21 goals, struggled to impress Boro centre-backs Paddy McNair and Darragh Lenihan, who were also effectively captivating Matty Godden.
Viktor Gyokeres was consistently denied the chance to continue his goal scoring form from the regular season
Paddy McNair played a vital role in denying the hosts the chance to move forward as they controlled the final stages
The tie will now be decided in the second leg at the Riverside on Wednesday evening
Coventry didn’t get on target until just before the half hour mark, when Liam Kelly headed Jake Bidwell’s corner kick wide. Moments later, Kelly’s shot was blocked after he stuck to Gyokeres’ dismissal.
On the other hand, Callum Doyle recovered well to deny Isaiah Jones after his wayward pass let Boro in, before Jones snuck inside Bidwell to fit Alex Mowatt’s pass, only for the offside flag to silence the visitors’ party to bring.
Coventry, who had concentrated so hard in the back before the break, went out shortly after, allowing Akpom to drift into space and head Riley McGree’s cross wide from eight yards.