Mark Robins unhappy with Coventry’s poor display

Posted Sunday, January 12, 2020 by PA

Coventry manager Mark Robins bemoaned his side’s poor performance as the Sky Blues were held to a 1-1 Sky Bet League One draw against MK Dons.

A screamer from Sam McCallum gave the home side the lead within one minute of kick off, but they were pegged back by a Carlton Morris equaliser after 75 minutes.

Robins said: “It was a poor performance from us but they deserve credit for the way they pressed.

“It was a great start, great goal from Sam, good first touch and a brilliant second touch.

“We gave them too much of the ball. We didn’t make good decisions on the ball.

“But they have good players in the middle of the park and their results have turned round since Russell Martin’s gone in so it’s a difficult game.

“We looked a little bit tired as opposed to what we have looked. Sometimes that happens and if you don’t play well and you don’t lose you have to be thankful.

“We huffed and puffed and made poor decisions and one or two of our players looked like they needed a breather.

“Callum O’Hare made two good chances when he come on, had we taken them we would be looking at a 3-1 win but that’s the fine margins.”

McCallum gave the Sky Blues the lead after just 50 seconds when his long range half-volley flew past Lee Nicholls, nestling into the bottom corner.

Matty Godden and Maxime Biamou both almost doubled City’s lead as the visitors tried to find a way to level.

Nicholls was alert however, and produced two smart stops to prevent Coventry doubling their lead, keeping his side in it.

The away side made the most of still being one goal down when Sam Nombe’s ball from the right was not cleared effectively by the Coventry defence and Morris pounced to finish past Marko Marosi in Coventry’s goal – a debut goal for the striker who had not long come off the bench.

Dons boss Russell Martin said: “Really pleased and proud of the players to be honest. What you saw was a game between two good teams and if you are a neutral you are not looking at a team who are 20-21st in the league playing against a top-three team.

“I’m so pleased with the character we showed throughout the 90 minutes and the fact the lads were still trying to go and win the game at the end.

“I’m absolutely knackered now but I’m proud of the players and what they gave me.

“It just feels like we are growing and we are building and we are learning together and for the approach they had and the mentality they had, I’m extremely proud.”