IT will take more than a laboured victory over League One strugglers to transform Coventry’s struggling fortunes, but the midlanders are currently grateful for small mercies.

Non-league Havant and Waterlooville gave Liverpool a scare – but a hat-trick from Yossi Benayoun ended their FA Cup dreams as the home side ran out 5-2 winners at Anfield.

THE margin of Coventry’s victory was as convincing as it was alarming for Mark Hughes, the Blackburn Rovers manager.

Coca-Cola Championship leaders Watford came from two goals down to beat Colchester 3-2 at Layer Road and extend their advantage at the summit to four points.

Coventry 1 West Ham 2

A MAN from Malta made Sir Alex Ferguson very cross indeed as Michael Mifsud struck twice to dump Manchester United out of the Carling Cup.

LAST night’s Carling Cup action was overshadowed by events in Nottingham after Leicester’s Irish defender Clive Clarke collapsed in the dressing room at half time in their clash with Notts Forest, leading to the match being abandoned.

Newcastle 1 Lillestrom 1

Ruud van Nistelrooy struck twice as Holland got their World Cup qualifying campaign back on track with a 3-1 win over Group One leaders Finland.