City Out Mastered In Sheffield Finals

Last updated : 06 September 2004 By Kev Monks
MASTERS TOURNAMENT FINAL REPORT BY KEV MONKS

Coventry City's hopes of success in the Masters Final were ended very quickly as they were knocked out by Wolves on penalties in the opening game of the tournament at the Sheffield Arena.

City were the first on taking on Wolverhampton Wanderers in this eight minute each way six a side contest.

Fielding a team that included Brian Borrows,Dave Phillips,Peter Billing,Cyrille Regis and Tim Clark in goal, Coventry had the early pressure but fell behind in the second minute when a mistake in the Sky Blues defence allowed Mark Burke to tap in.

Despite being well out numbered by Wolves fans,the 29 City supporters made plenty of noise in the half empty Arena and were on their feet when Dave Bennett equalised with a fourth minute tap in.

Dave Phillips fired over with a long range effort before Wolves threw on Steve Bull who had a seventh minute header saved by Clarke.

As the seconds counted down,a mazy run by Micky Gynn was stopped by the Wolves keeper.

Both Dave Phillips and Paul Cook hit the post in a second half littered with bad refereeing decisions and the game went to penalties.

Mark Burke scored for Wolves but Peter Billing had his spot kick saved by Mike Stowell. Don Goodman made it 2-0 to Wolves. Brian Borrows netted for City then Mark Atkins had his kick saved as did Mickey Gynn. Paul Cook made it 3-1 to the Yam Yams before Dave Phillips scored to keep City in it.
The last kick fell to Wayne Clarke who scored against City for Everton in the 1987 Charity Shield and the former Birmingham striker fired low past Tim Clarke to send his side through.
The City supporters clapped their team off with John Williams acknowledging the Sky Blues support.
Wolves made it all the way to the final but were beaten 2-1 by Chelsea. Other former Sky Blues involved were John Hendrie (Middlesbrough), Mike Masters and Gary McAllister (Liverpool).
Team
Tim Clarke,Dave Phillips,Brian Borrows,Peter Billing,Mickey Gynn,Dave Bennett,Sean Flynn,Ally Pickering,John Williams,Cyrille Regis.