Match report by Kev Monks

Coventry City Reserves cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win at Shrewsbury Town last night.

Steve Ogrizovic fielded a strong team featuring De Zeeuw, Cairo, Davis and Michael Hughes whilst Shrewsbury were forced to field a young side due to an upcoming first team game at Morecambe.

City controlled the opening period and put some good moves together with Lee Hildreth always involved.

Shrewsbury's only chance of the half came in the 13 minute. Kalum Evitts found himself on the end of a cross on the edge of the area but Danny Ireland spotted it early and made a superb diving save.

It proved to be the Shrews' only real chance of the game as De Zeeuw and Hall provided a stonewall defence. The home side had to chase around as Michael Hughes, Hildreth and Liam Davis kept the front pairing supplied.

In the 19th minute, Chris Birchall dived on the edge of the six yard box to get his head to a Giddings cross. It looked a definite goal but Shrewsbury keeper Jasbir Singh threw himself to block.

It was Chris Birchall who gave City the lead in the 31st minute after collecting the ball inside the area. From six yards out, he drove a shot which Singh got a hand to but could not prevent from going in.

Birchall was denied by the feet of Singh in City's next attack and then fired wide after a pin point pass from Gary Borrowdale fell to his feet.

City's effort and committment was rewarded in the 43rd minute with another goal.

Lee Hildreth supplied a cross from the right and youngster Matt West hit a right footed volley from twelve yards into the far corner of the net.

After the break, De Zeeuw had a 53rd minute header from a Cairo corner cleared off the line and two minutes later,shot just wide from another corner.

In the 59th minute, it was 3-0 to the Sky Blues. Gary Borrowdale took the ball from inside his own half, then sped down the left channel before unleashing a shot which flew past the helpless Singh into the far corner of the net.

City continued to control the game. De Zeeuw hit the bar in the 66th minute and the Sky Blue onslaught continued.

Aaron Griffiths was sent on for Stuart Giddings in the 73rd minutes and was followed by the introduction of Adam Walker four minutes later.

Singh then made another good save to deny Michael Hughes.

Shrewsbury did give Danny Ireland two touches of the ball with ten to go but City continued to play with hard work and determination, running out very worthy winners.