Northampton 0-0 Coventry City: Player ratings and Tchaouna first impressions

The Sky Blues controlled much of the possession against the League Two side but had very little to show for it in a low key first half that passed without a single shot on target.

The closest the Sky Blues came, in fact, was from a cross-cum-shot from Milan van Ewijk that sailed past the far post, while the hosts also struggled to test the goalkeeper at the other end where Ben Wilson wasn’t called upon to make a single save in the opening 45.

More than 3,000 Coventry fans made the trip to Sixfields and saw summer signing Loum Tchaouna in action for the first time, the right winger showing glimpses what he might bring to the side in terms of an attacking outlet.

Frank Lampard made eight outfield changes at the break when there was a bit more urgency from the visitors who again worked the wide areas but lacked a cutting edge.

The best and clearest chance of the game came in the 69th minute when substitute Raphael raced onto a long ball from the back, going clean through on the keeper but hitting a tame shot that was comfortably collected.

Another sub, Norman Bassette, headed narrowly wide on 77 minutes from a decent cross from the lively Kaine Kesler-Hayden as City continued to struggle in front of goal.

Commanded his area well but didn’t have a great deal to do other than organise those in front of him. Raely called upon in the second half.

Milan van Ewijk:

Rarely troubled by the League Two opponents but did all the basics right, looking strong and commanding when called upon.

The young defender didn’t look out of place alongside Thomas and was quick and alert to danger.

Solid and dependable at left-back where he used his experience and strength to good effect.

Made decent use of the ball in the middle of the park in a fairly dull first 45.

The skipper dropped deep, often taking up a central defensive role allowing Bobby Thomas and Callum Perry to spread wider either side when building from the back. Helped keep the ball ticking over.

Put himself about well in the number ten slot and worked hard.

Ephron Mason-Clark:

Enjoyed plenty of the ball, running at his full-back and getting the occasional ball into the box.

Led the line well and made his presence felt in the box, albeit unable to fashion any chances in the first half when, to be fair, he lacked any quality service.

Kaine Kesler-Hayden:

Looked fit and sharp and used his pace to good effect. Whipped a really good early cross in on one occasions and added a decent threat pushing forward on the attack. One of City’s brightest players.

Joel Latibeaudiere:

Added his usual calming presence as Town attempted to impose themselves more after the break.

Slotted into the back where he didn’t have a great deal to do as City continued to be in charge of the game. Ventured forward more as the game went on and attempted to lob the keeper.

Got forward well on the overlap as city attempted to pose more of a threat and create chances.

Got a decent shot away in a game devoid of chances and added a bit of quality and bite in midfield.

Tatsuhiro Sakamoto:

Caused town problems down the right, so much so that the home side doubled up on him at every opportunity in an attempt to reduce his threat.

Operated in the number ten position, pressing and working hard out of possession and linked the play nicely on occasions.

Jahnoah Markelo:

Worked the left wing in a rare showing for the January signing who looks fit, enthusiastic and ready to impress. Showed nice bits of skill to work his way into the box.

Norman Bassette (62 mins, for Simms):

Received a warm welcome from the fans who sang his name and added plenty of energy and running up front.

Raphael (62 mins, for Torp):

Passed up City’s best chance of the game when he ran clean through but hit a soft shot straight at the keeper.

Subs (not used): Oliver Dovin (GK), Oscar Varney (GK), Elliot Meredith (GK), Tristen Batanwi.

Attendance: 5,060 (3,041 City).

Loum’s first showing for fans

Loum Tchaouna cut an impressive figure on the right touchline, a powerful and athletic looking winger who provides a nice balance in terms of physicality to Mason-Clark on the opposite flank. He showed a good turn of speed and linked up well with Milan van Ewijk on the overlap on the wing where City were most productive in terms of their build-up play in the first half.

It’s early days, of course, and games like this are still very much a fitness exercise to blow off the cobwebs and find their sharpness against lesser opposition.

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