Cain Hat-trick in City win

Last updated : 10 November 2009 By Kev Monks

COVENTRY CITY 4-0 OXFORD UNITED BY KEV MONKS

TEAM

Ireland, Cranie, Hall (Cameron 87), Thomas (Christie 87), McPake, Grandison, Cain (Grogan 87), Bell, Madine, Ogleby (Blackwell 56), Hussey

HT CCFC 2-0 OUFC FT CCFC 4-0 OUFC

GOALS Ashley Cain (17,67 & 70), David Bell (42 pen)

Coventry City beat Oxford United 4-0 in a practice match this lunchtime.

Frankie Bunn fielded a side which included James McPake, Marcus Hall and loanees Gary Madine and Chris Hussey and it was the AFC Wimbledon man who played on the left flank, who crossed for David Bell to fire over in the second minute.

Oxford also fielded a strong side but struggled to cope with Bell and Conor Thomas controlling the midfield as well as the ability of Hussey and Cain on the wings.

The visitors did draw three saves from Danny Ireland but went behind in the 17th minute when Ashley Cain scored with a powerfully hit shot from the edge of the area.

The Sky Blues kept attacking with Gary Madine winning a couple of corners before they went further in front in the 42nd minute.

Marcus Hall and Conor Thomas were involved as they sent Robert Ogleby in the penalty area. The striker was sent crashing and a penalty was awarded by referee Andrew Strickley.

David Bell made no mistake from the spot and City went into the interval two goals ahead.

With Hussey whipping in crosses, there was plenty of service for Gary Madine who turned and fired over in the 52nd minute.

Robert Ogleby took a knock and was replaced by Jacob Blackwell so Bunn reshuffled the pack and Ashley Cain partnered Madine in attack.

It was a tactic that brought immediate dividends as in the 67th minute, Cain pounced on a through ball and beat the keeper with a low finish. Then, three minutes later, he nipped in and rounded the keeper to complete his hat-trick.


Hat-trick hero

With James McPake solid in defence alongside the hard working right back Martin Cranie, the Conference side who had an excellent victory in the FA Cup on Saturday, were well beaten and City coasted to a 4-0 victory.