Ephron Mason-Clark's acrobatic late strike secured a 1-0 victory for Coventry City against Stoke City on Boxing Day, extending their lead at the top of the Championship to five points. The goal came four minutes from time when the winger met Ellis Simms' flick-on to send 3,300 travelling fans into raptures.
Mason-Clark was stretchered off after a challenge from Stoke's Junior Tchamadeu, but not before providing the decisive moment of quality in a fiercely contested match. Manager Frank Lampard praised his side's focus, saying: 'It was crying out for that bit of extra skill or it would have petered out into a nil-nil. Our approach showed a side of us that had a real focus.'
Clear chances were scarce throughout the game. Victor Torp was denied twice by Viktor Johansson, while Haji Wright and Brandon Thomas-Asante had penalty appeals turned down. Stoke's Million Manhoef came closest for the visitors but was thwarted by Jay Dasilva's crucial interventions.
Stoke manager Mark Robins, sacked by Coventry a year ago, expressed disappointment: 'Nip and tuck, not much in it. Disappointing to lose like that. It's chalk and cheese from last season.' Despite the defeat, Stoke showed resilience and remain in third place.
The goal originated from a Milan van Ewijk long throw, with Lampard smiling: 'We've come to the home of a long throw and scored from a long throw. But it was more about Ephron's skill level.' Coventry supporters serenaded the absent Mason-Clark long after the final whistle, believing their 25-year wait for a top-flight return may soon end.
