Homework Was Key To Penalty Save

Last updated : 12 January 2011 By Covsupport News Service/RD

Coventry City goal keeper Kieren Westwood kept his side in the third round FA Cup tie at The Ricoh last week with a penalty save against Crystal Palace. It was his second penalty save of the season and he revealed a little of his game preparation.

The penalty save, along with others, ensured City did not have to face the prospect of a replay at Selhurst Park, or worse, go out of the competition at the first hurdle.

In the modern game coaches analyse all aspects of their opposition methods and style of play to see if they can gain an advantage or spot weakness and goal keepers are no different. Westwood practises penalty saves with his team mates and does his homework on free kick and penalty specialists.

"They mix it up from time to time and I know from watching Lukas Jutkiewicz here, he has gone left and right, so you never really know," said Westwood to the CT.

"I thought we dominated the game for 80 minutes and then had a bad ten minutes when they could have sneaked it, but we managed to hang on and hopefully that could be a big turning point in our season. we have to kick on from here. I know it was a cup game but a win is a win."