Lawrence looks forward to Coventry cup tie

Last updated : 09 December 2002 By Michael Morris

"The game is not going to interest anyone outside Cardiff and Coventry but, for me personally, it will be an interesting game. The City boss told the Western mail.

"They are a big name in the First Division and that's what we're aspiring to be, so this game will be a yardstick for us. It will tell me how far we are from being a top-eight side in the First Division. We will have to be at our very best - or close to it - if we are to beat Coventry. One thing is certain - we will not beat them playing below par. We've managed to beat a few teams in the Second Division below our best, but we won't do it against Coventry."

The game will be played at Ninian Park on either Saturday January 4th or Sunday January 5th. The exact date should be known with the next 24 hours. Season ticket holders will have their seats reserved for them until Dec 31st. Thereafter all seats will be on general sale.

Earnie in action against Coventry
City last played Coventry in a pre season friendly in August 2001, Andy Legg scored the only goal in a 1 - 0 win for City in front of over 9,000 fans. Match reports here.

The last competitive match between the two teams was over 35 years ago when on the 22nd of April 1967 the teams drew 1 - 1 at Ninian Park. The Highfield Rd clash that season ended 3 - 2 to the SkyBlues. Coventry won the old second division that season, City just avoided relegation.

The match will have a huge impact on Willie Boland. City's terrier like midfielder left then Premiership Coventry City for Cardiff City.

Gary McAllistairs Coventry inc recognisable names like Youssef Chippo, Craig Hignett and Julian Joachim. Also Dean Gordon, remember him, on loan with Cardiff last season.

"I didn't particularly want a Premiership team at home because I think that might have been a distraction. But you have to take what you're given, whether you like it or not," Lawrence continued

"We've got Coventry and that will be an interesting test for me and for my players. The game won't get a lot of media interest because we're not playing one of the few non-league sides left in the competition and we're not playing one of the Premiership teams.

"But if we beat Coventry it will be a good scalp for us because I see them as a top-eight side in the First Division. They were in the Premiership only a couple of seasons ago, they've still got a few Premiership players and Gary McAllister is still a force. Who are favourites? They're in a higher division, but we're at home. I think we've got a chance of beating them.

"It will be a proper football test for us. Both teams have an equal chance of winning the match and it will be played in a proper football environment unlike Saturday's match at Dover."

It's nice to get a home cup draw. So far this season we've drawn away in all previous draws. Borston and Spurs in the Worthington Cup. Exeter and Bournemouth in the LDV and Tranmere and Margate in the FA Cup. So it's 7th time lucky.

External BBC Report with audio