Macca earns the plaudits

Gary McSheffrey's goal settled this FA Cup 3rd Round tie in City's favour and the Coventry-born frontman earned praise from all sides for his display.

Brighton boss Mark McGhee admitted afterwards that McSheffrey had been the difference between the two sides.

He told his club's official website: 'The difference between teams is the guy that can unlock it.

'I saw Coventry at QPR a couple of weeks ago and Gary McSheffrey did the same for them that night. He got a penalty, scored it and they won 1-0.'

The Sunday Mirror reporter at the game also highlighted McSheffrey's contribution to the game, saying: 'Coventry striker Gary McSheffrey was given two jobs at Brighton yesterday - to torment Kerry Mayo and to score goals.

The 23-year-old, last season's player of the year, did both to perfection as he scored the 50th-minute winner that took the Sky Blues through.

Coventry manager Micky Adams, once the boss at Brighton, had spotted a weakness down the home side's left flank and switched McSheffrey to make the most of it. And how he did.'

City just about deserved their win, with Clayton Ince making the most of a rare chance in goal and their defence again displaying a pleasing solidity.

As against Wolves, the midfield, with Stephen Hughes back in action, did a sterling job and both McSheffrey and the revitalised Stern John provided that something extra that Brighton could not match.

City's improved form continues then and Micky Adams and his players will take few fears into the weekend clash with league leaders Reading.

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