IT’S COV MEDICINE

Sky Blues lift the gloom

COVENTRY lifted the gloom yesterday with a pulsating Checkatrade Trophy final triumph.

Relegation to League Two could come as early as next weekend, but whatever the future holds it will now be tackled with a shiny new trophy in the cabinet.

Goals by Gael Bigirimana and George Thomas proved just enough to hold at bay a stirring Oxford comeback to send 43,000 Sky Blues fans at Wembley into raptures.

Reality

Oxford enjoyed greater possession throughout the game, but when it came to heart and desire, Mark Robins’ young Coventry side would not be denied.

Robins said: “That was one of the best footballing experiences I’ve Yp @M8E JG<:B ever had. It surpasses everything. We know the reality is that it’s going to be difficult to stave off relegation, but winning this cup means everything to the fans.

“It was really important to us to show the world that we are still alive and kicking.

“We’ve got to harness it and move forward with it, whatever that looks like in the future.” Bigirimana set them on their way, sweeping home in the 12th minute.

The midfielder was a doubt to play until his wife gave birth to their first child, daughter Eden, on Saturday morning.

Oxford were denied a penalty in the 31st minute when Rob Hall looked to be bundled over by Ryan Haynes and Coventry took advantage when Thomas extended the lead in the 50th minute.

Oxford sub Liam Sercombe scored 15 minutes from time to set up a siege but boss Michael Appleton, whose side lost last season’s final too, said: “This hurts more.”