David Connolly shoots for goal.
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Coventry player-manager Gary McAllister was taken to hospital for X-rays on an
injured ankle after being stretchered off during the 2-2 draw with Wimbledon at
Highfield Road.
McAllister, now facing the end of his season after sustaining suspected
ligament damage, went down in the 53rd minute when stretching to meet a cross
from Gary McSheffrey, whose own afternoon was ruined by a 90th-minute
dismissal.
The Sky Blues' boss had restored himself to the starting line-up following a
two-game absence and had played a part in the John Eustace equaliser which had
cancelled out David Connolly's opening goal.
Coventry went on to take a second-half lead through Julian Joachim before Dons
skipper Neil Shipperley slotted from close range to give the Londoners a share
of the points.
Connolly, 25, hit the first goal of the afternoon in the 12th minute when
gifted the time and space to stroke a left-footed effort low to goalkeeper
Morten Hyldgaard's right.
The Dane had returned to action after passing a late fitness test on an
injured ankle but on-loan Blackburn striker Matt Jansen was absent because of
illness.
Richard Shaw was reinstalled at the centre of the Coventry defence after
sitting out the 5-1 midweek drubbing at Sheffield Wednesday.
And the Scotsman's influence was brought to bear as the hosts hit back with a
21st-minute leveller, McAllister floating over a left-wing corner which Eustace
headed home from 12 yards out.
Hyldgaard came to Coventry's rescue when livewire Connolly broke into the box
from the left channel only to see his attempted chip smothered by the keeper and
at the other end, Yousef Chippo could only head over the bar two minutes before
the break.
Ainsworth had a penalty appeal dismissed by referee Paul Robinson after an
ungainly challenge from Chippo in the Coventry penalty box seven minutes after
the restart.
Next, Dean Holdsworth was introduced as McAllister's replacement but Coventry
were clearly unsettled by the disruption and Wimbledon took their chance to
seize the initiative, Konjic being called on to block a fierce shot from Damien
Francis before Connolly went close to converting Ainsworth's cross from the
left.
Julian Joachim squandered a glorious opportunity to blast the hosts in front
when he pounced on a mistimed backpass from Gier but after rounding keeper
Kelvin Davis, the 28-year-old could only lift the ball over an open goal.
Joachim made amends though after collecting Holdsworth's through-ball, racing
clear and bending the ball around the advancing keeper to give Coventry the lead
with little more than 15 minutes remaining.
But never-say-die Wimbledon were soon back on terms through Shipperley, Pat
Agyemang, on for Connolly, crossing from the right and finding the Dons skipper
stationed six yards out.
McSheffrey was sent off following a second caution administered for diving,
his first yellow card being picked up for a 65th-minute foul on Rob Gier.
Teams
Coventry: Hyldgaard, Whing, Konjic (Davenport 81), Shaw,
Caldwell, Eustace, McAllister (Holdsworth 55),
Chippo (Pead 72), Partridge, Joachim, McSheffrey.
Subs Not Used: Debec, Engonga.
Sent Off: McSheffrey (90).
Booked: McSheffrey.
Goals: Eustace 21, Joachim 74.
Wimbledon: Davis, Volz, Andersen, Gier, Hawkins, Ainsworth,
Francis, Reo-Coker, Tapp (McAnuff 59), Shipperley,
Connolly (Agyemang 63).
Subs Not Used: Chorley, Darlington, Gore.
Booked: Hawkins, Andersen.
Goals: Connolly 12, Shipperley 76.
Att: 11,796
Ref: J P Robinson (E Yorkshire).
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