Under-23s coach Nicky Eaden reflect's on the Sky Blues victory against Ipswich Town...
Nicky Eaden believes his Under-23s side need to learn how to kill games off after a 3-1 victory against Ipswich Town in the Development League South.
City’s youngsters ended a run of three without a win, but were made to work hard after Ipswich reduced the deficit to a single goal with twenty minutes to play.
Eaden was pleased with the victory, but mindful of the improvements needed. He said: “I think the game got a little end-to-end and we didn’t keep the ball well enough, especially in the second half once they scored.
“I’ve said to the lads, one of the things they need to learn is how to kill off games better because we were 2-0 and cruising and then a bit of sloppiness gave them a route back into the game.
“At times you can really keep the ball, frustrate and kill them off, but our first pass after winning the ball back wasn’t good enough today and put us under more pressure.”
George Thomas returned to the Under-23s after a stint in the first team, scoring once from the penalty spot and assisting the other two City goals.
The forward takes his tally to nine goals in his previous eight games for the development side and Eaden was delighted with his contribution.
“I think George has done well all season. He is always going to create for you and make chances for himself, that’s just the nature of his game. He is full of running and makes clever runs, but he is also a very intelligent player.
“The return of some players made us stronger today, with no disrespect to the younger lads who have come in. Today was probably as close as we can have to our strongest side,”
He added: “We played well today, but we have to enjoy having the ball a little more rather than rushing to play the perfect pass immediately.”