Read the Keeper's thoughts on his debut, the game itself and why it was a special night for his family here...
Coventry City goalkeeper Reice Charles-Cook admitted his great pride in making his debut for the Sky Blues in the penalty shoot-out defeat to Rochdale.
Charles-Cook was kept busy on his debut, making a number of saves to keep City in it, including a wonderful stop in the first-hald from Donal McDermott’s 25-yard shot which took a nasty deflection.
The 21-year old, despite being disappointed with the cup exit, was delighted to make his first competitive Sky Blues start and it was a good day for the Charles-Cook family as his younger brother Regan played the full 90 minutes in Charlton Athletic’s 4-1 win over Dagenham and Redbridge.
“Obviously it would have been the dream saving winning penalty on my debut but honestly it is an absolute dream to make my debut,” Charles-Cook said.
“It was a really good night for the family as my little brother Regan made his debut for Charlton, my parents will be proud!
“Oggy said to me before the game, play your normal game, don’t let the atmosphere get to you, it was a good crowd so I had to be composed. That gave me confidence, Burgey helped me as well and I did feel good.
“I had a dodgy start with that first kick! But I just got on with it. I look back at the goal and I’m kind of disappointed, but fair play to the lad he’s hit a great strike and I’m really looking forward to getting more minutes, whether that be in the league, JPT, FA Cup. The gaffer said I did well and me and Burgey are pushing each other to the next level and improving.”
Despite being on the back-foot for the first 30 minutes, the Sky Blues grew into the game at Spotland and were unfortunate not to be the winning side, particularly with Marcus Tudgay having a goal ruled out controversially on 90 minutes.
Charles-Cook believed that City would have struggled with that sort of game last year and has praised the team for bouncing back from a rough start.
He continued: “The lads were brilliant getting back into the game after the first 30 minutes, then we had them on the back foot most of the game.
“Last year we would have struggled with that sort of scenario, but this year we look stronger.
“As a goalie I’m pleased with the centre-backs, they were strong under pressure, not afraid to head it, then I can repay the favour and come and get some for them,
“We were unlucky. The first penalty he stuttered and did me to be fair, if the last one didn't hit the post I think I save it too. Ruben's penalty wasn't bad just an inch lower it’s a goal but that’s football.
“We played well against Wigan and well again this evening, we’re stronger and we’re looking forward to the Milwall game.”