Matchday Memories: On This Day 2009 – See CCFC ‘Cov.Kid’ Marcus Draw A Toffee Testimonial
City Manager- Chris Coleman
On this day (2nd August) in 2009 CCFC gaffer Chris Coleman’s Sky Blues fought out a 2–2 draw with Everton in a pre-season friendly marked out to be a testimonial game for ‘Cov Kid’ Marcus Hall (now a CCFPA member). This was their last warm-up game (and the only one spent at home) and their last game at Dunfermline was the only one where they were defeated (0-1).
They had drawn at Wrexham (1-1) in their opener on the 9th July and beat local neighbours Nuneaton Town 1-0 at Liberty Way three days later. Hinckley United were then trimmed 2-0 at the Greene King Stadium and Northampton Town nobbled at Sixfields by the odd goal in three (thereby winning the Jackson Grundy Trophy). There was also goalless draw at Huddersfield Town.
Marcus in Sky Blue action
Coventry born Marcus had served the club well in two spells, originally from an apprentice (from 1994-2002 & 2005 to the end of this day’s season). The game at the Ricoh attracted a crowd of 8,344 with a good following for both sides and ended up as a 2-2 draw against David Moyes’ side which City had to save at the death! Even though the Toffees had to do without their much sought after defender Joleon Lescott due to injury it was the visitors who took the lead both times.
Midfielder Tim Cahill put them ahead after a quarter of an hour after Sky Blues’ goalie Keiren Westwood (now a CCFPA member) couldn’t hang onto his original shot. Leon Osman went close to a second before CCFC’s Clinton Morrison crossed for (now fellow CCFPA member) Michael Doyle to slide home the equaliser after 34 minutes.
Marcus ready to lead out his team
Michael Doyle in the Sky Blue
Aron in the Sky Blue
There was only five minutes left when the Toffees regained the lead as their teenage sub. Jose Baxter managed to net through a crowded penalty area. However with about a minute to go City’s Aron Gunnarsson produced a stooped header from a Doyler cross to salvage the draw and ensure Marcus’ testimonial day finished well!
A full report on the game by the Football Network can be found by following the link here:-
One of the Everton‘s goals and Gunnar’s too can be seen on a supporter’s brief clip below:-
Chris Coleman’s team turned out as follows (subs in brackets in order of play: CCFPA members underlined):-
Unused subs:- Jermaine Grandison, Adam Walker and Dimi Konstantopoulos (gk). Peter was a triallist (subsequently not offered a contract)
Moyes men lined up:-
Carlo Nash (Tim Howard -46), Tony Hibbert (Jose Baxter -71), Leighton Baines, Joseph Yobo, Jo (Lucas Jutkiewicz -88), James Vaughan (Keiran Agard -77), Tim Cahill (James Wallace -71), Phil Neville, Leon Osman, Marouanne Fellaini and Jack Rodwell. Unused subs:- Shane Duffy and Adam Forshaw Referee:- Pete Walton
Everton’s Lucas Jutkiewicz later played for the Sky Blues!
After a patchy season in the Championship things went well and truly off the boil from the beginning of March with no wins in the last eleven games after the 13th. The previous mid-table position deteriorated markedly and City finished the season safe, but 19th out of the 24 clubs.
Thanks to CCFPA’s Mike Young for sourcing the photos
