Robins relishes three points as Coventry pass ‘big test’ against Pompey

Posted Wednesday, February 12, 2020 by PA

Proud Coventry boss Mark Robins believes his side passed a massive test by beating their promotion rivals Portsmouth 1-0.

Substitute Matt Godden broke the stalemate after he slotted home with six minutes to go with a close-range finish.

“We had to dig deep, it wasn’t a brilliant spectacle but it was a massive three points for us,” said Robins.

“I am just pleased we have stopped their winning run, it gives us confidence going into the game on Saturday (at Southend) after beating a team in really good form.

“This was a big test and a challenge that we have passed.

“The players have dealt with a really big threat and deserve a lot of praise, we will take those three points, they are huge for us.

“We will have to keep defending like that for the rest of the season.

“We were able to keep them at bay, both wing-backs as well as did the centre-halves. We defended better than we have done before, but we had to.

“There was some decent football played and we moved the ball better generally and tried to get on the front foot.”

Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett, whose side had won their last nine games in all competitions, was left to rue a lack of cutting edge.

“We were on top, and particularly in the second half, looked like were were going to get a goal,” he said.

“There were chances but Coventry defended their box well, when we were on top in the second half and looked strong you need to score and we got a sucker punch towards the end.

“We had defended very well but just got caught.

“It shows you that you need to get goals when you are on top and going forward. It is a frustration not to get anything out of the game.

“In the first half we couldn’t quite find the shots, but as the second half wore on we were on top.

“We had enough of the game and enough of the ball to get something.

“We don’t want to make it two defeats and we have to bounce back.

“There are 15 games left, so a third of the season, we are sixth and have a good side.”