Mark Robins’ side have beaten Premier League Stoke City at the Ricoh Arena thanks to goals from Jordan Willis and Jack Grimmer.
The Potters did draw level early on in the second half through Charlie Adam but Grimmer’s stunning low strike beat Jack Butland at his near post to send City into the fourth round.
“That was hard-fought and deserved”, said Robins.
“We have had to defend really well at times, but I think if we would have come in 3-0 up at half time, I don’t think anyone could complain.
“We had our share of possession. We had our share of play. I think there were some unbelievably mature performances from players who are eighteen years of age. Jordan Maguire-Drew and Tom Bayliss were both phenomenal today.
“It was not only those two either. We have played against athletes who have switched play quickly and we have had to deal with that. I thought we were magnificent. It was a really proud day for me.”
Maguire-Drew was making his Coventry City debut against the Premier League giants, and impressed all 14,199 inside the Ricoh Arena.
“He has not played for about two months and he is short of fitness without a shadow of a doubt. It was important that we gave him some game time.
“The lads that have performed today have been magnificent. It shows where we can get to and where we need to get to in the last 20 league games.
“This cup game has been an added extra for us. I can’t tell you how massive it is for us because it brings everyone together. You saw the supporters after the game and that is massive for us.
“If we can get another good draw in the next round then that is massive for us. More of our supporters will come to the games and it is really important in terms of the transfer market that we get good revenue through.
“We are desperate to get up and do the City of Coventry proud.”
The win is undoubtedly the FA Cup shock of the round, and what surprised most is City’s willingness to go forward, even when Stoke were threatening to take the lead.
“I remember when I was here before. We went down to White Hart Lane in the third round and they had Gareth Bale and Clint Dempsey. They blew us away. I think Gary McSheffrey got us a goal late on that was disallowed but we never threatened them.
“Something I regret from that day is not coming out. We were frightened of the pace that players like Bale had. It was important that we tried to put them under pressure and make it as difficult for them as we could, and we did it.
“Now, Manchester United in the next round”, he said with a laugh.