Burnley
Blackburn Rovers
Coventry City
Derby County
Leeds United
Luton Town
Middlesbrough
Millwall
Norwich City
Portsmouth
Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield United
QPR
Jamie Paterson’s goal in the 94th minute won the game for Coventry City against Portsmouth in a huge result for Frank Lampard’s side at the top of the Championship.
The Sky Blues looked destined to settle for a frustrating goalless draw when Paterson volleyed spectacularly home from Jack Rudoni’s cross following a lapse late on by the Portsmouth defence.
The victory lifts Frank Lampard’s men into sixth spot, two points above Middlesbrough, having fallen behind after last night’s games in the Championship, as the play-off run-in heats up.
It was virtually the last kick of the game when Pompey’s defence misjudged a long ball forward, allowing Rudoni to pick out a pinpoint cross for the boyhood Cov fan to volley home.
Frank Lampard’s Coventry City admission after 1-0 Portsmouth win
Pundits predicted a victory for Cov following the 4-1 win for Portsmouth back in December. John Mousinho admitted Coventry are the better side as well.
Lampard knew an aggressive game plan was required, and the penalty incident had fans fuming and it threatened to spoil the affair, but Coventry found a way in a game we learned plenty from.
Frank Lampard spoke to Sky Sports post-match, he said: “Yeah, the heart’s pumping. It was — left it late, but we’ve had a few of those. I felt like tonight was a night when we deserved it because we’ve pushed and pushed.
“On those awkward nights against a difficult team, the spirit of the group [is needed]. I think you see it with the celebration of the players, even the subs, with the reaction to Pato.
“Because he grew up a Coventry fan. He’s come in through the season and added so much on and off the pitch. I know he’s got that quality and to come on and score that — I feel so, so happy for him individually.
“Happy for all the players because — a night like that in run-ins — you get those cagey ones. You get those difficult ones where you lose one or you get a 0-0. But the spirit of this group showed again. I’m delighted for everyone involved.
“What I did know with Pato is that, through his career, he’s scored goals. He’s been a very good goalscorer. There’s nothing better for a manager than when the players that are not always playing come on and affect games and the feeling of the group and the squad is so strong.”
Can Coventry City keep hold of Frank Lampard amid Premier League interest
An EFL Analysis exclusive revealed numerous Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on the progress of Lampard amid the good work he has done so far with Coventry in the Championship.
Lampard has ended curses that have haunted Coventry for decades since his stint with the Sky Blues began, as well as broken numerous records during his time with the club as well.
All of this showcases that he is a young manager learning and improving with each passing season. Lampard has admitted to making big changes to his style of management and tactics previously. Now, Southampton remain keen on his services, which will concern Cov fans.
He spoke to other top flight bosses privately to expand his knowledge of the game and appears to be reaping the rewards for it with Coventry, who combine quality and spirit in equal measure at present.
Everything points towards a return to the Premier League at some stage, but they will be keen to fend off that reported Southampton interest this summer, irrespective of promotion being secured.