Sky Blues fall to narrow loss at the Macron, as Zach Clough scores the only goal of the game...
Coventry City’s interim boss was disappointed that his side couldn’t capitalise on a multitude of second half chances, as Bolton held on to a narrow 1-0 lead for all three points.
Zach Clough’s delicate finish gave the home side the advantage in the 11th minute, and City were unable to overturn the deficit despite dominating the majority of the second 45.
Jordan Turnbull came closest with a header, while substitute pairing Ruben Lameiras and Jodi Jones gave City some real attacking incentive and drive in the final half-hour.
Mark Venus said: “We were really hesitant and lacked confidence in the first half, but as the game went on we got more belief. We passed the ball better, changed the system and it gave us a bit more impetus.
“From the pressure we had, we probably deserved to get something from it. When you lose 4-1 and the way we lost, it is a natural thing for a footballer’s confidence to drop. The longer the game went on today, the more justice they did themselves.
“Gael did well for the football club, he’s working hard at his game. We know he is a talented boy. I think the early period we were put on the back foot but the longer the game went on we caused them problems.”
Both Jamie Sterry and Marvin Sordell received cautions during the tie, and will be ruled out of the weekend’s League One action against MK Dons.
But Venus will take comfort from the impact of Jodi Jones and Ruben Lameiras, who both made a positive difference from the bench.
“Frustrating for us, the way we conceded. At the moment those types of goals are too frequent and the players in there are aware of that.
“Good response, a big club with a good team. When you give goals away like that you make it hard for yourselves. But we did push Bolton back and were more than worthy of scoring a goal.
“Maybe it isn’t so much fortune, maybe it is having the anticipation, having the knowhow and getting men in the box.
“Jamie and Marvin are both suspended, we’ll have to rotate the squad. The fans again were fantastic tonight, and in the second half I’m hoping we gave the supporters something more.”