Coventry City 1-1 Luton Town: Matt Godden penalty earns point for Sky Blues

Godden's goal was his fourth of the seasonImage source, Rex Features
Image caption,

Matt Godden levelled with a penalty just before half-time

Matt Godden's first goal since August earned 10-man Coventry a point to halt Luton Town's winning run.

The Hatters went ahead inside the opening minute when defender Tom Lockyer tapped home.

But Godden levelled with a penalty in first-half injury time after Viktor Gyokeres was flattened by Gabriel Osho.

Both sides had chances to win it, with Sky Blues midfielder Josh Wilson-Esbrand red-carded late on for a foul on Fred Onyedinma.

Coventry were forced to reshuffle their line-up just before kick-off, when midfielder Ben Sheaf suffered a calf injury in the warm-up.

Kasey Palmer was given a starting role in his place - and the late change may have contributed to City's disorganised start.

Luton took the lead after only 40 seconds when Alfie Doughty wriggled free on the right to deliver a cross that was only half-cleared, allowing Lockyer to steer home from close range.

The Sky Blues who created the better opportunities during the remainder of the first period, with top scorer Gyokeres forcing a fingertip save from Luton goalkeeper Ethan Horvath, while Palmer manufactured a chance for himself, only to fire off target.

But Coventry levelled just before the interval through Godden's spot-kick after referee Steve Martin ruled that Osho had fouled Gyokeres.

Palmer almost put his side ahead soon after the restart with an attempt that looped over Horvath but struck the crossbar.

The Luton goalkeeper also denied Gyokeres and Luke McNally, while the visitors - who had won six of their last seven games - almost snatched a winner through substitute Cauley Woodrow, but he was foiled by an impressive double save from Ben Wilson.

Coventry finished the game with 10 men after on-loan Manchester City youngster Wilson-Esbrand was dismissed five minutes from time.

Luton stay fourth in the Championship table, while Coventry move up a place to 14th.

Coventry manager Mark Robins told BBC CWR:

"It was a really hard-fought point, but nothing short of what we deserved. We were pretty good after the start we had.

"We lost Ben Sheaf in the warm-up and that really hurt us. Having to make a lot of adjustments minutes before we got out really contributed to the first goal because we looked a bit messed up.

"The goal was poor but the good thing about it was the character shown to get back in it. That was really important.

"We've not caved and we got a bit of confidence in the second half. We've looked dangerous and looked like we could hurt them."

Luton head coach Rob Edwards told BBC Three Counties Radio:

"Coming away from home in the Championship, a point is good.

"We looked a real threat in that first half, we got in behind them well and the wide players were really dangerous.

"When we got into those areas we just needed that final bit. I want us to be better at picking people out and not the keeper's hands but I saw a lot of good things.

"What was really pleasing was the build-up and structure of the team and creating those chances."

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