Jodi’s winner for Sky Blues
JODI Jones stole the show for Coventry City as he fired the Sky Blues to victory right at the death away at Burton Albion.
Mark Robins’ side came from behind twice at the Pirelli Stadium and twice from sloppy goals.
But they refused to give up in the East Staffordshire wind and rain as goals from Jamie Allen, Amadou Bakayoko and Jones saw them through.
Robins fielded a strong side for this pre-season clash with only Ben Wilson unlikely to start the opening day clash again Bristol City, injuries considered.
There was good news before kick-off as Jones and Marko Marosi, sidelined for Saturday’s clash, warmed up freely on the field as they come close to their returns.
But new signing Marcel Hilssner limped down the tunnel holding his hamstring before the night’s action had even begun, proceeding to watch the game from the stands.
It is understood that his injury is not serious.
On the pitch, Coventry started the stronger but struggled to keep the ball for long periods.
Matty Godden and Jordan Shipley both came close during the early phases and so too did Ryan Giles who forced a strong one-handed save from Teddy Sharman-lowe.
But it was Burton who led at the break, through Kane Hemmings.
Giles gave away possession in his own half and Brewers new-boy Neal Eardley capitalised as he broke free down the right, crossing low for Hemmings to tap home.
After the break, Coventry looked more like their normal selves as they won the ball back in the middle, often through Hamer, and turned their possession into dangerous attacks.
And they were rewarded with a goal as O’hare worked wonders in the middle to give Allen a half-chance that saw his pick out the far top corner.
From there Coventry grew and should have taken the lead through Godden had he not blazed a golden chance over the bar.
But Burton were gifted a goal moments later when Hamer, who impressed once again for City, played Hemmings oneon-one with the keeper. Hemmings scored and City were behind again.
Plenty of changes followed for City as Dom Hyam, Godden, Allen, Hamer, Giles and Jordan Shipley all departed and were replaced by Bakayoko, Jones, Josh Eccles, Brandon Mason, Morgan Williams, Max Biamou and teenager Will Bapaga.
Young right-back Blaine Rowe also came on for much of the second half as he became the fourth player Robins has deployed at right-back during pre-season – he looks for the perfect short-term replacement for the injury Fankaty Dabo.
And he would eventually play a key part in City’s second equaliser as he capitalised on a mix-up at the back to find Bakayoko waiting in the area to pass into an empty net.
Jones looked lively from the bench as he looked to get the Sky Blues playing – but stole the show in the final moments as he sends a scorching effort into the far corner from 30 yards.
It was a goal fit to win any game and boy, he deserved it.