Russell Slade reflects on the bitterly disappointing late goal against the Posh...
Manager Russell Slade admitted the late defeat against Peterborough United was hard to take after a much improved City display.
The Sky Blues looked to have done enough to earn their first three points under the new manager, but Michael Bostwick struck late to make the Sky Blues settle for a point at the Abax Stadium.
Despite the disappointment of conceding so late, Slade could take plenty of positives from a performance that certainly shown desire and fight.
“Peterborough built up some pressure, but it looked like we had seen it out. Even with all their huffing and puffing, Burge has had little do for the majority of the game apart from that save down low.” He said.
“I thought we managed the game better than what we have done previously, but it hurts. The goal that they scored is hard to take when it comes so late after a real battle.
“We defended resolutely - Jordan Willis was tremendous and Dion Kelly-Evans coming on at half time did a terrific job as well. We were getting to the ball better, and although there is still lots of work to do, we are improving.”
With the transfer window opening at midnight tonight, Slade is hoping to add two or three faces before the Sky Blues’ next fixture against Bolton.
However, today’s display has given him plenty of optimism and encouragement ahead of a particularly busy month.
“It was a lot better today but we still want that competition for places and we want some experience to help the young lads as well. That can be the choices they make out there or on a daily basis.
“It’s that sort of attitude, and that sort of desire and passion that you want in your football when you’re up against it. We are up against it currently and we’ve got to learn how to fight and scrap,"
He added: “We’ve got to get used to that - they’ve forgotten how to do it recently and games have slipped away a bit too easily in the past. We’ve got to make sure we’re competitive and not let up at any point in the games coming up.”