Kasey cracker will take some beating

CRITICS say the FA Cup has lost its magic. Try telling that to Coventry.

A team with considerable FA Cup pedigree led 3-1 after a crazy first 17 minutes — which included a 30-yard wonder strike from Kasey Palmer.

It set up a comfortable victory as Mark Robins’ men demonstrated the gulf in class between the sides.

‘We did a really professional job and there was some unbelievable quality there,’ said Robins. ‘We blew them away in the first bit. Some of the goals were incredible.’

The hosts went ahead through Joel Latibeaudiere but Oxford — backed by a 3,000-strong support — hit back straight away. Palmer was the guilty party as he gave the ball away and Mark Harris’ shot from outside the area was deflected in. The Sky Blues were back in front barely 60 seconds later as Ellis Simms’ pull-back was steered home by captain Ben Sheaf.

Palmer then made amends when he collected the ball, cleverly turned his man and unleashed a sensational effort which flew into the top corner.

We may not see a better one in the competition all season.

‘It is the best one we’ve seen for a while,’ said Robins. ‘A beautiful, outstanding goal.’

Coventry had the tie sewn up five minutes into the second half, with Palmer again involved. He was cleaned out by Ciaron Brown after a neat interchange with Callum O’Hare, who stepped up to calmly convert the penalty.

Tyler Goodrham’s 20-yard drive reduced the deficit but substitute Matty Godden scored a well-taken brace to end Oxford’s faint hopes.

Oxford sub Stan Mills was carried off in stoppage time and was taken to hospital. ‘We hope he’s OK,’ said boss Des Buckingham.