Matchday Memories: On This Day 2011 – See Sky Blues Stop The Rot With Watford Win
CCFC gaffer- Andy Thorn,
On this day (2nd April) in 2011 the Sky Blues had been managed most of the season by Aidy Boothroyd. Sadly, however, the performances of the team that Aidy built gradually but substantially deteriorated particularly in this second half of the season. Aidy was replaced by Chief Scout Andy Thorn in March as (initially) caretaker ‘gaffer’ to the end of the season. The Sky Blues were currently on a run of eighteen Championship games with only one win, had lost 2-1 at bottom club Preston North End last time out, and Andy was hoping, in his third game in charge to finally stop the rot!
Sky Blue tough guys celebrate the win – Chris Hussey, Gary McSheffrey, Freddie Eastwood and Michael Doyle
Gary McSheffrey in Sky Blue action
In the end that’s what the Sky Blues managed to do registering a 2-0 home win over play-off chasing Watford in front of a 16,519 Ricoh crowd (including 1,646 from Herts). This was their first three point win in eight games. Still threatened by administration the Sky Blues win left them ten points clear of the relegation zone. City’s attack was boosted by the return of striker Marlon King from suspension but it was fellow strikers Gary McSheffrey and Lukas Jutkiewicz who got the City’s goals.
Sky Blue Lukas
Now CCFPA member ‘Sheffers’ netted three minutes before the half hour after being set up by fairly recent CCFPA recruit David Bell and Lukas made it 2-0 with his first touch off the subs’ bench six minutes after the hour mark from a cross from (now CCFPA member) Aron Gunnarsson. The Sky Blues could have had more as Aron also headed against the bar and the Hornet’s keeper Scott Loach played a blinder. City’s goalie (and now CCFPA member) Kieren Westwood also had a good game. The win kicked off a run of five unbeaten games which steadied the ship somewhat.
Kieren Westwood, Jordan Clarke (sub. Nathan Cameron – 53), Chris Hussey, Richard Keogh, Martin Crainie, Sammy Clingan, Aron Gunnarsson, David Bell (sub. Michael McIndoe -76), Marlon King, Freddy Eastwood (sub. Lukas Jutciewitz -64) and Gary McSheffrey
CCFC 2010-11 (under Aidy Boothroyd)
The team ultimately ended up their 2010-11 season safe in a lowly eighteenth spot with Crystal Palace twentieth. Nevertheless, City were a full thirteen points clear (and Palace six clear) of the relegated trio, Preston North End, Sheffield United and, at the very bottom, Scunthorpe United.
Queens Park Rangers (Champions) and Norwich City got the automatic promotion spots and were Premier League bound along with play-off victors, third placed Swansea City.
Thanks to CCFPA’s Mike Young for sourcing the images.
