Foxes frustrate Sky Blues
By Tom Adams - Created on 18 Aug 2006
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Leicester City and Coventry City both missed a number of chances in a Midlands derby that promised much but delivered only a 0-0 draw.
The home support at The Ricoh Arena were forced to face up to life without Gary McSheffrey for the first time after his £4 million switch to Birmingham, and despite Don Hutchison hitting the post in the first half they were unable to break the deadlock in a frustrating second period.
Both sides started the clash with an identical record after three games in The Championship and with Rob Kelly's side also unable to find the net a stalemate was secured that leaves the rivals both boasting four points from four games.
The Foxes started in the ascendancy and striker Matt Fryatt fired the first shot in anger after 11 minutes, however his low drive was too close to Andy Marshall in the Coventry goal.
Josh Low was also unable to convert four minutes later as he dragged his shot wide after seeing the goal open up for him, whilst striker Elvis Hammond's snap-shot was gathered easily by the busy Marshall.
Lacking the presence of McSheffrey, Coventry turned to wily old campaigner Hutchison, and the former West Ham man went desperately close to handing Micky Adams' side the lead on 34 minutes when his expertly drilled free kick flicked off the upright.
However the visitors continued to dominate proceedings, despite summer arrival Chris Birchall going close for Coventry, and only a superb last-gasp tackle from Matt Heath prevented Fryatt from slotting home easily after Hammond missed a cross from Low.
Deep into injury time Marshall was again called into action when he produced a fine reaction save to palm away Nils-Eric Johansson's volley, and Coventry entered half time under the cosh as they looked to end a run of two consecutive defeats.
The home support were given substantially more to cheer in the second period as Coventry emerged a better side, and Heath should have put The Sky Blues in front after 53 minutes when he steered his header wide after leaping unmarked in a glorious position.
Adams, taking on his former side, introduced Dele Adebola, Kevin Thornton and Faysal El Idrissi from the substitutes' bench and the trio made a clear impact on the game with striker Adebola having a number of openings in front of goal.
As Coventry piled on the pressure, Foxes keeper Paul Henderson seemed to lose his nerve at crosses as he missed two in succession, but the home side were unable to take advantage.
Leicester were far from a spent force and Iain Hume produced a fierce near post effort after great work from fellow substitute James Wesolowski, but Marshall was not going to beaten and palmed the effort clear.
Inside the last ten minutes Coventry had a final chance to placate a home crowd still smarting from the loss of McSheffrey, but Adebola's inability to connect with Colin Cameron's cross ensured the spoils were shared.
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