Robins hails replay win as ‘brilliant’
MARK Robins hailed his “brilliant” Coventry City side after knocking Ipswich Town out of the FA Cup at the second time of asking.
The Sky Blues beat the Tractor Boys 2-1 at Portman Road, recording only their second win away from home this season – both of which have come in the competition – to book their place in the third round against either Bristol Rovers or Plymouth Argyle who play their second round replay next week.
“I thought we were brilliant in the first half,” said Robins, reflecting on the opening 45 when early goals from Jordan Shipley and Max Biamou put City in control of the tie.
“I have been looking forward to getting a few of the players on the pitch for at the same time and I managed to do that today and from about ten minutes in we settled down and got a foothold in the game, and I thought we played some really good stuff.
“Not only that, we looked assured and created good opportunities and chance to put them on the back foot and turn the crowd in a good first half performance.
“We got two brilliant goals, well worked goals and we could have had more.
“Having said that, we could have been 1-0 down after 25 seconds from a big kick from their keeper but we knew as soon as we saw Tomas Holy in goal, that’s the way they play.
“They put you under pressure that way. We tired in the second half when there were some heavy legs. The rain didn’t help and the conditions were difficult tonight, especially in the second half and everyone needs to take care driving home.”
The only blot on the performance was conceding a late Luke Garbutt goal to set up a nervous last few minutes.
“I’m pleased with the way we played and dealt with things, although I’m a little disappointed that we didn’t capitalise on things in the second half because we had chances to go and take them and then we dropped a little deeper,” he said.
“And that’s why you concede late goals and why we were trying to get them up the pitch again. But I thought we defended really well and the two centre-halves were outstanding.”