Sky Blues downed by former players, as Leon Clarke and John Fleck find the net...
It was a tall ask three days after City's cup final at Wembley, and the league leaders proved too strong as they scored two second-half goals to solidify League One's top spot.Two former players were on the scoresheet at Bramall Lane, as Sheffield United strengthened their grip on the title, and the Sky Blues remain rooted to the foot of the table.
Mark Robins said: "We’ve run out of legs, and it is really difficult playing a cup final on Sunday and then tonight. The emotions and the fatigue, we were well in the game until the 70th minute, but the legs dwindled.
"They gave me 100% and that is all I could have asked for. It is mental and physical, it's emotional and all of those things. They’ve been made to work hard, this is the best team in the league.
"We’ve kept them out and frustrated them, forced them to make changes and to change their formation. They don’t do that often. It isn’t bad when you’ve got those kinds of substitutions."
Despite keeping the division's top side at bay for large periods, the feat was a step too far as tired legs began to set in during the final quarter of the 90 minutes.
Robins added: "I signed one of the scorers. They look like they’re getting out of this league and good luck to them. We’re trying to keep that improvement going though.
"The last ten minute the lads were out on their feet, it is to be expected. Thomas struggling with a calf, Reid with a hamstring, Stevenson with a calf and Willis with a thigh strain.
"The lads that played on Sunday have all suffered with fatigue and with muscle problems. It has all been recovery. I can’t ask for any more than what they’ve given me tonight."