ROBINS EYES CUP DESPITE BIG SETBACK

BIRMINGHAM 3 COVENTRY 0

COVENTRY boss Mark Robins is stressing positivity after this disastrous result put their play-off hopes on the rocks.

All eyes are now on the Sky Blues’ FA Cup semi-final clash with Manchester United on Sunday, even though Robins reckons it was a distraction going into this crucial game.

The cost of defeat was always going to be expensive and they now trail Norwich by eight points.

Robins said: “The FA Cup is just a brilliant competition. Whether we were thinking about that game or not, it’s really difficult not to because of the work we have had to do this week.

“We’ve been doing all the media stuff before a big game for an FA Cup game that comes a week later, so those are the things we must remember, to deal with and then move on from.

“I don’t think we have done that well enough. United is a big, big game that the supporters are looking forward to because we have heard them singing about it for the last few weeks.

“So they will get the chance to sing their hearts out on a big occasion. And we have got to be better than today – just slightly!”

Coventry’s disappointment should not overshadow a fantastic win for Birmingham who are desperately trying to hold on to their Championship status.

Aided by a 12th-minute Bobby Thomas own goal, they quickly took a grip and were 2-0 up at the break when Ivan Sunjic drilled a low shot into the net after seizing on Liam Kitching’s headed clearance. Blues then killed them off on the hour with a slick finish from Jay Stansfield.

Stand-in boss Gary Rowett (above, with Robins) said: “We lose our way a bit at times but these players can do it.

“We’ve shown a little bit more of what we’re about today and they got what they deserved.”

Next up is bottom club Rotherham, but Rowett insisted: “I don’t care whether we play top or bottom sides. My belief is if this team does everything right, we have a chance in any game.”