Coventry City

 

The Sky Blues travelled to the City Ground yesterday and came away with an impressive three points thanks to goals from trialist Lateef Elford-Alliyu and George Thomas.

 

In the three games so far, the Sky Blues have won two, at home to Cardiff City and at Nottingham Forest, and lost one at Ipswich Town.

 

Clapham has praised the application of the young City side and their desire to win on a 'fantastic pitch'.

 

The City coach said: "I think it makes a difference. We've played three games so far and in the two stadium games, we've won them both.

 

"It definitely adds something and the quality of the surface lets them play how we want to. The style of play is very similar to the first-team, they like to pass it around.

 

"It is a style of play we want to develop throughout the whole club. Also, what's hugely impressive is their desire to win. They don't want to just turn up.

 

"We often say the result isn't important in these games and it's about development, but this group want to develop a winning habit."

 

Conor Thomas was taken off as a precaution in the first-half after suffering a mild concussion which meant Reece Ford, who is a first-year Academy player, came on.

 

Also, George Thomas played his first Under-21s game of the season having been involved with the first-team and Clapham praised his display.

 

He added: "We're delighted with George. He thinks he should have scored a few more but we're putting no pressure on him from our side.

 

"George's work-rate and willingness to run in behind makes him a fantastic option for any side, and we definitely benefitted from it today.

 

"You wouldn't know Reece is a first-year. Physically, he definitely cope and he slotted in brilliantly.

 

"He won the aerial challenges and he was composed on the ball, and he worked brilliantly with Cian which is a real positive for us."