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YORKE ON MARK TO LIFT VILLA

THE season isn't old, it only felt like it as two weary-looking sides made watching hard work at Highfield Road last night.

Villa struck early through Dwight Yorke in the third minute and, heedless of the risk that has cost them four points to late goals in their two most recent matches, barely troubled Coventry's defence in the following 87.

This amounted to a negative feat of considerable proportion, for Coventry's goals against column thus far had read 1,4,4, figures which would worry a fourth-change bowler, never mind a football manager.

If Villa were flat and predictable, they at least had the consolation of their first victory after three consecutive draws.

Coventry have one point and were unassertive and under-confident.

Dull in midfield until Paul Cook was moved inside to provide an occasional daring and sometimes inaccurate pass, their most threatening player was left-back Steve Morgan.

Predictions of Coventry's relegation have been made every autumn since Harold Wilson was Prime Minister.

The Villa manager is still searching for the formation to exploit the gladiatorial talents of John Fashanu, last night mysteriously voted man of the match by Sky TV.

Initially, Dean Saunders appeared to have benefited from the assistance of this bludgeon of a footballer but last night the Welshman, unusually for him, was a shadowy figure on the fringes of action.

The only attacker of substance proved to be Dwight Yorke. Omitted on Saturday, the Trinidad international made a lightning impression, perfectly timing his run to angle into goal a leaping header to Andy Townsend's cross after a shocking piece of defending by David Rennie.

It was the night's only moment of true decisiveness.

Coventry were totally without rhythm and not a lot of method, either.

In trying to induce a more regular flow of crosses, Atkinson selected Phil King and Steve Staunton, but Staunton had probably his worst game in claret and blue while King remained defensively inclined.

The right side was more dangerous. Earl Barrett used his speed and athleticism to the full and allowed Yorke to concentrate on his footwork in more productive areas.

His 17th minute shot into the side netting was Villa's total goal attempt for more than an hour before a small flurry failed to worry Steve Ogrizovic at all.

Morgan had three serious long-range drives, only one of which caused Mark Bosnich the slightest concern. "If the TV cameras hadn't been here, he'd have put his foot on it," said Atkinson later.

The rest merits no mention.