Andy Turner’s player ratings as Coventry City secure brilliant victory and much needed clean sheet at Stoke

With a hard-fought win at Stoke, Ellis Simms gave Coventry City the full three points as they maintained their hold on the top six. This was their first clean sheet in 12 games.

The Sky Blues had three chances to break the deadlock in the first half. First, Ellis Simms’ effort from the loose ball was blocked, and then Haji Wright was denied by goalkeeper Jack Bonham from a cross by Fabio Tavares to the far post. The ball then bounced out to Callum O’Hare, who appeared to be going over the goal line, but Ben Wilmot made a vital clearing.

The first forty-five minutes of the match finished in a goalless draw despite the Potters’ best efforts to score on the other end. But early in the second half, Simms gave Coventry the lead when Wright regained the ball and O’Hare set up the striker for a simple goal, where he slotted past the keeper with confidence. While the Sky Blues held onto their slim lead, the host team made numerous attempts at a comeback but was never able to get the goal.

BEN WILSON: 6.5

Back in the starting line-up in place of Collins, Wilson kept things simple when passing out from the back in a first half when he was rarely troubled as Stoke failed to hit a single shot on target. Had just one routine stop to make early in the second half and commanded his area well, catching high balls into the box. City’s first clean sheet in 12 games, leaving the fans to sing his song.

JOEL LATIBEAUDIERE: 7

Deployed at right-back as Van Ewijk took a rest on the bench, Latibeaudiere defended well. Moved into midfield when Torp was withdrawn at the break and Van Ewijk sent on. Solid effort.

BOBBY THOMAS: 8

Read the game well and defended solidly in the first half when City were stretched a couple of times on the counter attack, albeit managing to recover ground and gets blocks and headers in. Made a crucial block to deny Baker an equaliser in the 68th minute and raced back to make a brilliantly timed tackle on the same player who threatened to run through in the 76th minute. Outstanding.

LUIS BINKS: 7.5

Calm in possession and defended well on his return to the starting line-up, making excellent blocks while bringing the ball out comfortably to help get City up the pitch. Played some lovely precise passes under pressure. Defended brilliantly in a testing second half when City hung on at times, more than playing his part in the clean sheet.

JAY DASILVA: 6.5/7

Worked up and down he pitch, attacking one minute and tracking back to defend the next in a pretty open first half. Got on the overlap with O’Hare and sent in a dangerous ball to the near post which Rose blocked just wide of his near post on the stroke of half-time. Defended really well late on.

JOSH ECCLES: 6.5/7

Neat and tidy in the middle of he park where he made himself available in tight areas. Put a real shift in and never stopped running. Excellent throughout.

VICTOR TORP: 5.5

Made good use of the ball with a nice range of passing and worked hard in the midfield battleground where he ventured forward to support attacks while Eccles tended to sit. Replaced at the break.

FABIO TAVARES: 5

Made his first league start on a day when Sakamoto was ill, the young forward sent in a lovely cross for Haji Wright to head and be denied by the keeper early on. Used his pace and skill to excellent effect in an eye-catching start to the game, albeit faded a bit as the first half went on and Stoke came into the game more.

CALLUM O’HARE: 7

Back in the starting line-up after being rested in midweek but should have scored early on when denied by Ben Wilmot from five yards out. Linked the play in the final third but constantly brought to ground by tackles whenever he attempted to run with the ball. Played Simms in for his goal with a lovely first touch.

HAJI WRIGHT: 6.5

KASEY PALMER (65 mins, for Tavares): 6.5

Added quality on the ball and technical ability to help take the pressure off Stoke’s fightback while City looked for a second goal.

JAKE BIDWELL (90 mins, for O’Hare):

Subs (not used): Brad Collins, Liam Kelly, Liam Kitching, Matty Godden, Dermi Lusala, Kai Andrews.

STOKE CITY (3-4-2-1): Jack Bonham; Ben Wilmot, Michael Rose, Ki-Jana Hoever (61 mins for Junior Tchamadeu); Lynden Gooch (70 mins, for Million Manhoef), Ben Pearson (61 mins, for Wouter Burger), Josh Laurent (61 mins, for Bae Junho), Jordan Thompson; Lewis Baker, Luke Cundle; Nathan Lowe (70 mins, for Niall Ennis).

Subs (not used): Frank Fielding (GK), Wesley, Ciaran Clark, Mehdi Leris.

GOALS:

Denied a decent far post header by a good save from the keeper. A decent outlet on the left, albeit frustratingly ran into trouble and unable to really hurt Stoke with the ball at his feet in the first 45. Won the ball off Hoever in the build up to Simms’ goal. Missed a really good chance to secure the victory with a second to take the pressure off Stoke’s fightback.

ELLIS SIMMS: 8

Went close but denied by the keeper as City had three chances in quick succession early in the first half. Put in a hard working shift and put himself about but lacked any quality service in the first half. Took his deserved goal calmly and helped defend City’s slender lead.

SUBSTITUTES:

MILAN VAN EWIJK (HT, for Torp): 6

Added pace and an extra attacking threat on the right.

KASEY PALMER (65 mins, for Tavares): 6.5

Added quality on the ball and technical ability to help take the pressure off Stoke’s fightback while City looked for a second goal.

JAKE BIDWELL (90 mins, for O’Hare):

Subs (not used): Brad Collins, Liam Kelly, Liam Kitching, Matty Godden, Dermi Lusala, Kai Andrews.

STOKE CITY (3-4-2-1): Jack Bonham; Ben Wilmot, Michael Rose, Ki-Jana Hoever (61 mins for Junior Tchamadeu); Lynden Gooch (70 mins, for Million Manhoef), Ben Pearson (61 mins, for Wouter Burger), Josh Laurent (61 mins, for Bae Junho), Jordan Thompson; Lewis Baker, Luke Cundle; Nathan Lowe (70 mins, for Niall Ennis).

Subs (not used): Frank Fielding (GK), Wesley, Ciaran Clark, Mehdi Leris.

GOALS: