Self-belief is key for City
SOMETHING WE CAN BUILD ON SAYS STRONG MAN CLARKE
going again.” City came under intense pressure from a second half fight-back from the Gills who got a goal back and went close on several occasions to getting an equaliser – a situation Clarke admits was a real test of character for the players. “You probably saw the defenders dropping and dropping deeper and ended up on the six yard box at times and it’s mentally tough in games, especially when we have come undone so late in games,” he said. “So to get over the line was fantastic mentally for the lads to show that they can do it.” “We knew Gillingham weren’t in great form because they are get- ting dragged into it. They have got some decent players who are more than proven over the seasons so we had to be on our mettle.”
As to whether City can avoid the drop, Clarke said: “Of course, yes, and this win sets us off in the right direction and we need more wins and as soon as they come we need to be fit and ready.
“Whoever we come up against, whether they are top, middle or bottom we have to go into the games believing we can go on and win. I don’t see why not because we have a really good squad with experience and youth as well.
“We have to push on now, hopefully it’s the first of many wins and we have to see it as a little stepping stone. We will be working hard to replicate that.”
NATHAN Clarke says Coventry City can use Saturday’s 2-1 success against Gillingham as a crucial springboard in their battle for League One survival.
The Sky Blues remain nine points behind Bury, who currently occupy 20th position, but stand-in skipper Clarke insists that their first win in 16 League One matches is a huge mental boost.
“It’s fantastic,” said the defender who turned in another inspirational display. “Quite a lot of people are saying ‘at last’ and it’s just that because we’ve been close on a few occasions and not managed to get over the line.
“Mentally I think it’s a fantastic for us to hang on when they piled it in the box again late on and we dealt with it very well.”
City raced to a two goal lead inside the opening 20 minutes with goals from Kwame Thomas and namesake George and looked good on their lead at the break.
“In the first half we showed glimpses of what we can do,” said Clarke. “We’re a good side who scored two fantastic goals and probably could have had another one as well.
“We’re obviously delighted with the win but it’s only three points and we have got to keep grafting and