Haji Wright found the back of the net for the first time since early October, securing a vital 2-1 victory for Sky Bet Championship leaders Coventry City against their local rivals Leicester City. The win was crucial in the race for promotion, restoring Coventry’s lead to six points above the second-placed Middlesbrough after a challenging stretch that saw them win just two of eight matches since December.
The match began with Jordan James giving Leicester the early advantage, scoring his ninth league goal of the season after a swift counter-attack. Abdul Fatawu’s forward pass set up Bobby De Cordova-Reid, who assisted James to sweep the ball into the net just 11 minutes in. Leicester controlled much of the first half, and despite Coventry’s attempts to respond, they were unable to find the equalizer initially.
Coventry’s chance came early in the second half when Ellis Simms capitalized on a deflected shot from Jack Rudoni to level the score. The Sky Blues, having missed a few openings earlier in the match, began to gain momentum with the home crowd’s support. Romaine Esse, making his first league start for Coventry, nearly put his team ahead with a shot that struck the post, indicating that Coventry’s fortunes were changing.
As the second half progressed, Coventry introduced Wright, who was quick to make an impact, forcing a solid save from Leicester goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk. The winner came in the 85th minute during a chaotic moment in the box. After a failed clearance from Leicester, Tatsuhiro Sakamoto’s shot set up Wright to slide in, sealing the win for Coventry with just minutes remaining.
Coventry’s manager, Frank Lampard, reflected on the challenging match, praising his team for adjusting tactically after a tough first half. He acknowledged the quality of Leicester, emphasizing the importance of the victory and the high standards the team has set for themselves.
On the other hand, Leicester’s manager, Marti Cifuentes, expressed disappointment, particularly given his team’s strong performance in the first half. He noted the dangers of a slender lead and criticized the quick concession of the equalizing goal at the start of the second half.
This win not only boosts Coventry’s position in the league but also reinvigorates their quest for promotion as they look to build on this high-stakes victory against a local rival.