Members News: Bryan watches Sky Blues Hadji double to guarantee City’s Lions double to get back into the top six.

The Mark Robins team overcame a late deficit to win all three points and reclaim sixth place in today’s SKY televised noon kickoff Championship match at the CBS Arena (although on goal difference). Their victims were Millwall, and our American international striker Hadji Wright—Sky’s Man of the Match—was the principal executioner for the Sky Blues. Bryan King, our “Sunday Special,” who had been the goalie for both sides, was present to see the match.

Bryan would have been encouraged by the Sky Blues’ tenacity and second-half comeback that ensured CCFC recorded a double over the Lions after defeating them 3-0 at the New Den back in November, even though he must have felt conflicted about the result, particularly after the Sky Blues were largely smothered by an effective Lions press in the first half and found it difficult to make an impact.

Hadji completed a comeback for Sky Blue by scoring both of their goals in the second half (minutes 67 and 69), following an 11th-minute lead from Millwall’s Romain Esse. Hadji’s first arrived after he stumbled into the box; it seemed that he had earned the right to steal it via a game of rock, paper, scissors with Callum O’Hare! Callum’s midfield surge created the opportunity for Hadji’s second goal, which he finished expertly at the goal’s corner.

Bryan, who had been flown in from his home in Norway earlier in the week to watch the game, looked to be enjoying his role as match-day “special” and ran into several old friends from the Association who had previously attended Sky Blues games as spectators.

Actually, it took some time (and a few replacements) for them to settle into a rhythm against a determined Millwall team. They finally found their rhythm when the visitors seemed to tire from their incredible efforts to maintain possession, especially in the first half.

Bryan arrived in time for a lunch buffet, and during the pre-match, he was shown around the CBS Arena’s supporters lounges for many fascinating Q&A sessions with club match-day host Bryan “Harry” Roberts (above), another FP member. Liam Kitching, a current Sky Blues defender serving a two-match suspension, was also interviewed.

We’ll have one of these Q&As up soon on our Facebook page; simply click the icon to the right of this article.

Max Biamou, a well-liked former Sky Blue player, was also present at the game and was undoubtedly impressed by Hadji’s brace. In one of the Sky Blues executive boxes located in the main stand, Maxie received a jubilant greeting (see below). If you look closely, you may also notice in the same box a much more recent former player of CCFC receiving a tremendous reception!

We were able to take pictures of three of the former players (left and right)—Jordan Shipley (with CCFPA committee member and CCFC legend Dave Bennett) and Avun Jephcott—in addition to a few more who had not been previously announced. After a hard game, both would have liked to see Mark Robin’s current team win.

Following the game, all of our “specials” descend below the CBS Arena and take the stage in Lady G’s Lounge at the G-Casino. Billy Bell, the vice chairman of the CCFPA, will emcee the exciting “fun and games” that will cap off the day. Bryan was introduced to the Mad Hatters, the ardent followers of the Sky Blues, there!

Billy and Bryan maintained the already joyous atmosphere among the gathered Sky Blues supporters, and they all came together for the customary farewell of joining forces to sing the “Sky Blue Song.”

It’s good to hear that Bryan remembered the lines and enthusiastically participated, as you can see by viewing the image or link below:-

The victory primes the Sky Blues for their arduous journey to Plymouth to take on the Argyle the following Wednesday night!