SKY BLUES STILL CAN’T HIT THE NET
COVENTRY manager Mark Robins was left frustrated with his side’s continued inability in the final third as they were held to a goalless draw against Colchester at the Ricoh Arena.
In a game of few chances, the Sky Blues dominated for the majority of the match but failed to break down the visitors – who had captain Tom Lapslie sent off for two bookable offences late in the second-half.
Robins said: “The more we keep talking about the lack of goals, the more it’s going to get worse because they can’t handle the pressure. I’ve got to do something to change that because they are snatching at chances.
“We’re in a difficult period and there is frustration from us all but we can’t feel sorry for ourselves, we’ve got to overcome it and we will do without a shadow of a doubt. But we need to get back out on the training field and not shy away from it.”
The best chance of a dour firsthalf came inside the opening minute as good work from Jodi Jones saw his cross find the head of Marc McNulty, but his effort was comfortably saved.
The Sky Blues dominated for large periods but were unable to break down a solid Colchester United defence, and without the creativity of Jones – who limped off after 24 minutes – frustration grew from the home side.
Coventry continued to press in the second-half and Lapslie’s send- ing off with 15 minutes remaining for two bookable offences inside 60 seconds could’ve cost the visitors.
Having been booked for a late tackle moments earlier, the Colchester captain was deemed to have deliberately handled the ball right in front of the assistant referee, with Michael Salisbury producing the red card.
With the extra man advantage, the home side pressed for a winner but patient build-up lacked the killer instinct in front of goal. McNulty delayed his shot too long when through on goal, allowing Ryan Inniss to make a last-ditch tackle.
Ryan Haynes had two late chances to win the game but snatched at his shot on the edge of the box, before wasting a free header from a corner in the dying moments to leave Colchester manager John McGreal happy with another away point. “It was another great defensive performance and it’s a tough place to come and get anything from, despite Coventry having a bit of a blip at the moment,” he said. “It keeps our fantastic unbeaten run away from home to four games, and it’s down to the hard work that we put in on the training ground. “I thought the sending off was very harsh and it could have cost us. He clearly thought he’d been fouled and had moved the ball away with his hand.”