ROBINS’ ROCKING CITY SINK THE U’S
COVENTRY City manager Mark Robins was delighted to see his side progress – and notch their first away win of the season.
First-half goals from Jordan Shipley and Sam McCallum saw the Sky Blues make serene progress in a one-sided contest at Colchester’s JobServe Community Stadium.
Robins felt his side’s “phenomenal” work-rate was the key to their success.
“I thought we played really well and controlled the game,” said the former striker, who won the FA Cup with Manchester United in 1990.
“It certainly wasn’t easy. Colchester are a good side and they play a decent brand of football.
“We know they have threats and saw that at times. But I was just pleased we managed to keep control of the game.
“Our possession was good, we created decent chances and the players worked their socks off.
“Their work-rate was phenomenal – as good as it’s been – and now we have to keep performing to that level, because the players have got enough quality to ensure there are more good results away from home.”
Coventry’s opener came after 11 minutes, after a clever ball over the top from Zain Westbrooke.
He spotted the darting run of Shipley, who took a touch before rifling home in emphatic style.
Dean Gerken, who had just made a diving save from the same player, got a hand to it, but was unable to keep the ball out.
It was no more than the visitors’ deserved, having bossed the early stages, and their second duly followed just before the half-hour mark.
Sam McCallum took a freekick from deep on the right, but his intended ball into the danger zone evaded everyone and nestled inside the far corner.
Coventry nearly added a third, but Westbrooke’s low drive struck a post.
“We’re bitterly disappointed to go out, especially at home,” admitted McGreal.
“But sometimes, even when you’re doing well, you come up against a side that are better than you.
“We’ve been in a position throughout the course of the season where the opposition have said ‘hats off’ to us. Today, we have to be honest and say ‘hats off ’ to Coventry.
“We’re a progressing team, but they’re doing very well in League One. You could see why.
“Their passing and movement was very good. They seemed to have time on the ball and used it well.
“Sometimes you have to learn from different challenges and I said prematch this would be our biggest challenge of the season, apart from the Carabao Cup ties. That proved the case.”