Last night, Sky Blues under-18s progressed to the Second Round of the FA Youth Cup, thanks to a 2-1 win away at Sincil Bank against Lincoln City.
Goals either side of half-time from striker Costelus Lautaru and midfielder Tyler Johnson were enough to see off the Imps, despite a late consolation goal.
It was a hard earned victory for the youngsters, which was made more difficult when they were brought down to ten men, after Lewis Green was sent off and the referee pointed to the penalty spot, which was sent wide by Lincoln’s Luke White.
Academy Manager, Richard Stevens, was delighted with the performance from the youngsters and hopes this first win of the season can be the catalyst to kick start their campaign.
He said: “The boys should take a lot of confidence from this result and now use it going forward for the rest of the season in the league.
“It was an important result for us and one we hope to use now to help us kick on from now.
“We went down to ten men after around 25 minutes and they missed a penalty, so it was going to be difficult.
“We had to change formations throughout the rest of the game, but I thought we always looked a threat going forward and that we were going to score another, even with ten men and the boys did that, they gave everything and were into the next round.
“If we would have shown the endeavour and that kind of performance, which we did last night in the league campaign then we would definitely have picked up three points and that’s not to say that the lads haven’t performed in the league, but I just think everything came together last night.”
Following victory in the First Round of the FA Youth Cup, Coventry have now set themselves up for a clash against Accrington Stanley in the next round.
Stevens is aware that it will be another tough game, but is hoping the lads can take the confidence from last night with them.
“We have another tough game in the next round against Accrington Stanley, so it will be another stadium game for the lads, another difficult game, but one they will look forward to and hopefully take a lot away with them from last night’s game.”