Red Devils knocked out by Coventry
Ferguson's young players could not find a way past Coventry
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Wednesday, 26, Sep 2007 11:35
Manchester United suffered a shock defeat in the third round of the Carling Cup, losing 2-0 to Coventry City at Old Trafford.
Alex Ferguson fielded an inexperienced team as he looked to give an opportunity to some of his reserve team players, but his plan backfired against a spirited Sky Blues.
Coventry took an unlikely lead midway through the first half. Michael Doyle placed a dangerous cross into the centre of the United penalty box and Michael Mifsud slid in ahead of Thomas Kuszczak.
Mifsud got Coventry's second with 20 minutes remaining, putting the match beyond the Red Devils' young players. Jay Tabb found Mifsud free on the left of the area and he finished decisively.
Mifsud also hit the post and missed an open goal as he searched for a hat-trick against the Premier League champions.
The other shock of the night came as Leicester City beat Midlands rivals Aston Villa 1-0 at Villa Park.
Matty Fryatt's goal won the game for the Championship side against a much-changed Villa team.
Dean Ashton fired West Ham United into the fourth round with a late winner against Plymouth Argyle. The striker volleyed home a rasping shot from a tight angle as the game looked to be heading for extra-time.
Everton found it easier against Championship opposition, beating Sheffield Wednesday 3-0 at Hillsborough. James McFadden scored twice and Yakubu claimed the third late on.
Elsewhere Blackburn beat Birmingham City 3-0 at Ewood Park. The home side dominated but did not take the lead until the 66th minute through David Bentley. Matt Derbyshire and Roque Santa Cruz were also on the scoresheet.
Bolton won their tie with Fulham after extra-time. Danny Guthrie gave the Trotters the lead before David Healy equalised. Stelios Giannakopoulos scored the winner in the 111th minute to send Bolton into round four.