Lee Glover picks out Ben Stevenson as the star performer as the midfielder marks his phased return to the U-21s side with a goal...
Some encouraging performances from returning players, Ben Stevenson and Kyle Spence, gives Under-21s coach, Lee Glover reason to be positive.
The Under-21s side were undone by a first-half double from Sheffield United forward, Diego De Girolamo at the Alan Higgs Centre as individual errors proved costly in a 2-1 defeat.
Ben Stevenson grabbed a consolation goal for the Sky Blues, to cap a bright performance in midfield as he recovers from a long-term hip injury.
Glover commented on the 18-year olds progression: “The positive for me today was Ben Stevenson, he played really well and put a great shift in. His effort was great and he’s put down a marker today.”
The central midfielder was restricted to 75-minutes playing time as he eases back in to competitive football and linked up well with midfield teammate, Kyle Spence.
Spence, who has penned a deal with the Sky Blues until the end of the season, injected some pace in to the channels when switched out wide and Glover was pleased with his 90-minute contribution:
“Kyle was more of an influence on the game from wide areas; he created chances from there, exciting feet. Certainly one of the better players for us today.”
The development side haven’t managed to find a win in their previous five league fixtures, but have suffered with injuries to key players.
The return of Ben Stevenson, Jack Finch and George Thomas to fitness will offer some consolation to Glover:
“We want to perform, we’ve got a decent U21s group now so as the coach I am disappointed today. We’ve been punished for some silly mistakes and the boys understand that.
“It’s disheartening for the group, we need to realise where we are going wrong and put it right,” Glover said.