Coventry manager Robins hails players after battling victory

Coventry boss Mark Robins praised his battling side after a “hard fought” 1-0 win against Gillingham.

Dominic Hyam’s 26th-minute goal separated the two sides as the Sky Blues continued their fine start to life at Birmingham City’s St Andrew’s stadium

Robins’ charges are yet to lose this season, and he said: “I’m glad its out of the way!

“The first half was okay; the second half won’t live long in the memory but ultimately the three points were hard fought.

“Our energy levels dipped a bit in the second half; I thought we defended set plays well but I’d like to have seen us control the game a little bit more.

“Last season I think we probably lose that game. It’s early days, we want to grow and make sure those goals come – we want people hungry to score but making the correct decisions at the right time. That’s the next phase but it’s really pleasing at this moment in time.

“We have worked really hard and everyone is pulling in the right direction. That’s key, but we also have quality players with a good understanding.

“Off the back of Tuesday’s game [against Portsmouth] I thought it was a really good three points.”

Hyam, on his first start of the season, poked home from point-blank range to secure all three points.

Mark Marosi also played his part, producing superb saves to keep out Alex Jakubiak and Mikael Ndjoli to leave Gillingham winless after their first five games.

Gills boss Steve Evans said: “I think it was a game of two halves, their movement and their desire to get on the ball was very good for this level, but it still takes a huge error to give them the lead.

“In the second half there is one team trying to score a goal and I don’t think Jack Bonham has had a save to make while their goalkeeper has made a stunning save, but you can’t turn up and play just for 45 minutes, not in League One.

“Credit to Coventry though, they are a good side.

“We had enough good areas to score a goal. I decided to bring Regan Charles-Cook in but I wasn’t sure how fit he was.

“I can’t fault the group, they have given us everything and we are getting everything thrown against us.

“It’s a new group and we will be fine, we are still battling to get people completely fit.”