Sky Blues boss praises his young side's professionalism as they book a place in the JPT third round after beating Exeter City 3-1
Coventry City boss heaped praise on his young side after they provided a 'professional performance' to book a place in the third round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy with a 3-1 win over Exeter City at the Ricoh Arena.
Aaron Phillips opened his goal account for the season with a fine first half double and Josh McQuoid added a third for City just before the hour with Grecians sub Ollie Watkins adding a late consolation for the visitors.
The Sky Blues finished the cup tie with nine of the 11 players on the pitch having come through the club's academy and Pressley said it was a good sign for the future of the club.
He said: "We've certainly got a long term strategy to develop our young players in the Coventry City way and I was delighted with the performance against a very good Exeter side.
"You cannot underestimate their quality. They came here on the back of four wins so they were the form side and they really try to playand I thought it was a really good game of football but a really professional performance from us with what was a very young group of players.
"We can talk about the youngsters but I also think you should consider the experienced display of someone like Simeon Jackson who gave us a wonderful performance and set a great example for our young players.
"There's alot of encouraging signs. We had three goals, saw some terrific football played with real energy so it's a really positive result."
Asked about taking the cup form into the league when the Sky Blues travel to Crewe Alexandra on Saturday, Pressley added: "The proof will be in the pudding but I spoke before this game about the importance of building momentum.
"We had it three weeks ago and then we lost it and it's difficult to get it back but a positive performance last Saturday and another one tonight means there should be a great deal of confidence about the group.
"We've got to get the monkey off our back though in terms of our away form. We need to win away because we've not done that enough so we're looking forward to the challenge of trying to do that at the weekend."
Pressley also singled out double-goal man of the moment Phillips who applied two superb finishes to get himself off the goal scoring mark this season.
"I was disappointed to lose Aaron at the weekend against Crawley because he started the first 30 minutes brilliantly and then had to come off injured so he was sorely missed. He's come in tonight though, applied himself again and produced two wonderful finishes. I think he's disappointed he didn't get his hat-trick but I also think he's really grabbed his opportunity with both hands.
"I was pleased with Josh's goal tonight as well though. He arrived here and I think some people were concerned with his goal record but if you analyse his past performances he's not always been a central striker. He's playing that role for us to great effect and I think himself and Simeon are forming a good partnership."