Habib Beye Watch at Coventry

Reports that Habib Beye could 'jinx' Newcastle's Carling Cup campaign almost had us laughing into our chip papers. That was until a piece of un-characterstic defending left the ball bouncing around the edge of the Newcastle box at the end of the first half at the Ricoh. Clinton Morrison slotted the ball nicely past Given and from that point on thoughts turned to another year of hurt.

Without a recognised striker for most of the match, Newcastle's movement was too much for the Sky Blues who battled to get a foothold in the match. Beye arguably gave them the opportunity that they needed after a careless flick saw the ball drop to Morrison. It would be harsh to blame Habib for the goal however as Coloccini and Bassong were also in close attendance and ultimately Bassong's failed clearance was the pass which set up the Coventry number '1+9'. From that point on Coventry had a foothold in the game. No matter how well Newcastle played during the remainder of the game Coventry were always in it, especially when the referee appeared to give them extra time at the end of each half.

Habib Beye had a decent game, relying on his pace and tackling to get him out of trouble rather than sound positional sense. Indeed too many of the Newcastle players interchanged positions. It made for great passing moves but saw the team lose it's shape too often. Against better opposition Newcastle might have been punished.

Owen returned to the Newcastle attack to give some much needed focus and finished almost clinically in the first period of extra time to send Newcastle through to the next round. It was no more than we deserved but Coventry's game effort made for an exciting game.

As always, the away support was magnificent and they no doubt enjoyed what was in the end a gripping cup-tie.