In an FA Cup quarter-final showdown, Coventry City delivered an exciting comeback against Wolverhampton Wanderers, resulting in a 3-2 victory. The victory was all the more remarkable as two of Coventry’s goals came during extra time, earning their first semi-final appearance in the tournament since 1987 – a year they went on to clinch the trophy.
Despite initially trailing due to an impressive late double from Wolverhampton players Rayan Ait-Nouri and Hugo Bueno, which overturned Ellis Simms’ first goal, Coventry turned the tide in the final minutes of added time. Simms netted another goal followed by a winning score from Haji Wright, making for a thrilling end to the derby match.
The Championship team weathered early threats from Wolverhampton when Mario Lemina and Nelson Semedo missed opportunities. However, they managed to regain control and even missed a golden opportunity through Simms.
The match saw an invigorating change of pace as Jake Bidwell set up Simms with a simple close-range tap-in following a palmed save from Jose Sa. Unfortunately, Simms missed the shot. The first half concluded with more scoring opportunities for Coventry, all of which were thwarted by Sa’s heroics at the net.
Eight minutes into the second half, Simms redeemed himself by turning a free-kick by Liam Kitching into the first goal for Coventry. An extended VAR review confirmed Simms’ goal, sparking celebration amongst the travelling fans. Triumphing against Wolverhampton keeps Coventry City’s prospects for another surprising win this season alive.
Sa performed an incredible double save, first blocking Wright’s shot with his legs, and subsequently directing Josh Eccles’ rebounded attempt out of play. Sa gave possession to Matt Doherty, but the Irish wing-back was swiftly tackled in a hazardous spot, leading to Palmer narrowly missing the frame with his shot.
The missed opportunities came to bite them later when Wolves launched an attack in the last 20 minutes. A fierce strike by Joao Gomes was nudged onto the post by goalkeeper Bradley Collins, which was quickly followed by Ait-Nouri striking the other post with a heading attempt.
Yet, Wolves were still disorganised in their defence, with only Sa’s impressive performance preventing Coventry from sealing their victory. The Portuguese goalie made three significant saves, keeping the scoreline at 1-0 by thwarting attempts from Simms and Callum O’Hare, and a close-range effort by Kitching.
Sa’s efforts paid off as Wolves managed to draw level in the 83rd minute when Joel Latibeaudiere failed to clear a cross, providing Ait-Nouri with the chance to smash the loose ball into the back of the net. The tide seemed to turn in favour of Coventry as Ait-Nouri charged forward, passing the ball to Bueno who scored clinically.
However, in the extra time’s sixth minute, Simms met Bidwell’s cross with a solid header to score at the back post after Bobby Thomas flicked it on. Further drama unfolded in the 10th minute of extra time when Simms assisted Wright in delivering a decisive blow, leading Coventry to a noteworthy win.