Mark Robins felt it was a good workout for his side, as the Sky Blues travelled to Yorkshire to face Championship side Barnsley...
Stuart Beavon was on target for City, but two-goals in the first half from the home side helped them to victory
Mark Robins said: "They were a good side, first half was a bit poor, we were trying to play out the back and emulate how they play but they were just a little better than us in that department.
"We found ourselves two goals down and it could have been more, it was difficult for us to get a foothold in the game really. It was really interesting for us because it gives us something to work on, even though we won't be coming up against that quality much.
"We got back into the game having discussed what we felt was going against us, but then quickly conceded again. Once the changes were made from both sides, which were planned from the start, the game got a little disjointed."
Now three games into the Sky Blues' Pre-Season schedule, Robins believes he is starting to see the improvements his side are making.
"Honestly, that has given us a little bit on an indication on where we are. Fitness wise they've done a lot of hard word over past few weeks and it is a new group, so they are still getting to know each others games.
He added: "Liam Kelly is a good player, he had an injury last year and we're just trying to ease him back into the fold, that is why he only played 45 minutes tonight, but the signs were encouraging."