COVENTRY City Under 18s kicked off their 2009/10 Premier Academy League season on Saturday with a 1-1 stalemate in a hot-tempered away clash with Huddersfield Town.
Gregor Rioch's side got their latest campaign off to a steady start, Grandison getting on the scoresheet four minutes before half time although Huddersfield managed to net an equaliser five minutes after the hour mark.
The Sky Blues could have been three up at half time but settled for Grandison's opener when he tapped home a Jacob Blackwell cross from two yards out.
The Huddersfield 'keeper was also called upon on three seperate occasions to keep Rioch's side at bay.
City shot stopper Michael Quirke also made a brave first half individual save at the feet of an oncoming Town striker.
A rougher second half, however, saw Sulieman Leluu carried off through injury as the Sky Blues were forced to try and steer clear of a number of heavy second half challenges.
Rioch said: "I was completely surprised we managed to see out the game without any cards brandished because there were some horrendous tackles flying in.
"I honestly though the second half more resembled a game of rugby but I'm thorougly pleased with the way our boys handled an unfortunate situation.
"It was definitley a learning curve for our lads who did us proud once again."
