Walsall 1 Coventry City 6

Last updated : 17 January 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Black was impressed with the general performance against a deflated Walsall side which always struggling after Stefan Oakes was sent off in the first half.

Coventry were inspired by two goals apiece from Andy Morrell and Gary McSheffrey, who also missed a penalty when the Sky Blues were leading 6-1.

The goal feast was hardly expected as the previous three games between the two Midlands clubs had failed to produce a single goal.

Morrell's opener was his first goal since October and he could hardly believe his good fortune when he was given a free header to convert Stephen Warnock's sixth-minute corner from the right.

Morrell, a free transfer from Wrexham, very nearly added to his early goal with another close range effort which was neatly handled by Walsall's new goalkeeper, Andy Petterson.

In the absence of the suspended Jorge Leitao, the Saddlers' lack of a cutting edge was emphasised when Darren Wrack missed a good chance of equalising, although he atoned just before half time.

But, Walsall considered themselves fortunate not to go further behind in the 26th minute when, from Dean Gordon's free-kick, Calum Davenport sent a header crashing against the crossbar.

Walsall's problems became even worse in the 35th minute when Oakes received a straight red card for a foul on Andrew Whing.

The home side battled to get back on level terms and Wrack guided a low 25-yard drive past Gavin Ward to finish off a pass from Paul Merson.

Three minutes into the second half McSheffrey worked his way forward to finish with a low long-range shot to regain the advantage for Coventry.

Morrell was on the mark nine minutes later when he converted a Julian Joachim cross to open the floodgates.

Joachim grabbed the fourth in the 70th minute, with Ian Roper turning the ball into his own net two minutes later.

McSheffrey added the sixth with a solo effort in the 82nd minute and then smashed an 85th minute penalty against the post.