Charles Dickens wrote the novel ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ in which London and Paris featured, but it was a different two cities who fought tonight at the Ricoh Arena.
The fortunes of both sides couldn’t have been any more different with both sides occupying opposite ends of the table: Sheffield United hovering around the top two and Coventry more than a little nervously over their should and on the very real fringes of the relegation places.
There were a very important three points up for grabs for both teams, three points that would be equally important to both side. For home side Coventry, a win would have dragged them further away from the bubbling mire of relegation, whilst for the Blades a win would have been enough to see them maintain their assault at the head of the table.
The game – a mini-review
The headline figures in the football history books will tell any observer in the future that tonight’s game ended in a 2-1 victory to Sheffield United courtesy of captain Billy Sharp’s brace that gave him his 13th and 14th Sky Bet League One goals of the season. Coventry’s reply, one that split Sharp’s goals, was a lifted effort from the inside of the 18-yard area by Daniel Agyei that he lofted over the despairing reach of the keeper and into the opposite corner.
"A top class finish from a top class striker."
Watch live on Sky Sports 1! Brought to you by @Screwfix https://t.co/Bnbd5VJxMF— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 15, 2016
WATCH: Agyei levels for #CCFC!
Live on Sky Sports 1!
Brought to you by @Screwfix https://t.co/RttcYBp5Fh— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 15, 2016
Sharp’s well-taken brace, one of which can be seen above along with Agyei’s excellent reply for Coventry, was enough to lift Sheffield United into second place in the table and level on points with leaders Scunthorpe United and a point ahead of Bolton Wanderers.
However, the bigger talking point wasn’t the result itself, but other events from the game as protesting Sky Blues fans took their trustrations that little step further. Protesters handed out whistles as Coventry fans continued their protest against the club’s current owners in London-based hedge fund owners SISU.
Despite all the divisions between fans, we all want one thing… #PUSB pic.twitter.com/BwG7nlKOCu
— Matty Roper (@M_Roper96) December 15, 2016
Then it was the turn of a seeming lone man protest (below) where one fan managed to invad the pitch and get pictured simply sat down (below).
Half time at the Ricoh – see how the opening period went here https://t.co/TvPKlB6z0Y #pusb #sufc #twitterblades #skyblues pic.twitter.com/cHDWKGZoTD
— The Star, Sport (@TheStarSport) December 15, 2016
Then, as the game entered its final few minutes, the ‘lone-man’ protest became many more as aggrieved Coventry fans massed and broke through the protective cordon and en masse invaded the pitch to further state their protests (below).
#CCFC #SISUOut pic.twitter.com/Tm5PyroYfy
— Craig Stewart (@craig_stw) December 15, 2016
Take what you want Sisu because you can't take away the love we have for our football club. We'll fight till the game is won #pusb #sisuout pic.twitter.com/19f53KkWXk
— Mahmood Bismillah (@MoodyCCFC) December 15, 2016
As some Sheffield United and Coventry fans continue to jab and jibe at each other on Twitter, there are neutral fans coming out in solidarity with the Sky Blues and expressing their support for attempts to rid the club of what the fans see as toxic owners.
