A strong City second-string were held to a 1-1 draw this afternoon by Hereford at Ryton.

Leon McKenzie grabbed a 67th minute equaliser to cancel out Tim Sills' opener at the start of the second-half.

Academy boss Steve Ogrizovic took charge of the side and fielded a blend of youth and experience.

First-team stars Robert Page, Chris Birchall, Colin Cameron and McKenzie were all given run-outs while several promising youngsters were out to impress the watching Iain Dowie and Tim Flowers.

The Sky Blues were punished for failing to convert a host of first-half chances when Sills dispossessed substitute goalkeeper Dan Ireland and slotted home five minutes after the break.

Dave Burtoft went the closest for the home side early on when his 25-yard drive stuck the angle of post and bar, while Birchall blasted over when well positioned.

Cameron also missed the target after a free-flowing move and McKenzie sent a powerful effort wide two minutes into the second period.

After Sills' strike, striker Ange Lorougnon headed Andy Gooding's inviting cross straight into the arms of Bulls' 'keeper Glynn Thompson before McKenzie finally found the net.

The tricky frontman capped arguably the best move of the match, involving Birchall and substitute Matthew West, with a fine left-footed finish from the edge of the area which went in off the post.

Coventry City: Steele (Ireland, 46), Jones (Francis, 72), Bunce (Duggan, 46), Page, Giddings, Birchall, Cameron, Gooding, Burtoft, McKenzie, Lorougnon (West, 63). Subs (Not Used): Belford, Robinson.