The Sky Blues fell to defeat Checkatrade Trophy in the group-stage at the Jonny Rocks Stadium against Cheltenham Town.
Mark Robins made 8 changes to the side which faced Walsall in the FA Cup just 3 days ago, however a first half goal from Jacob Maddox followed by Will Boyle’s second half header saw the Sky Blues fall short in the competition.
The Sky Blues came closest to opening the scoring 10 minutes in, Jodi Jones found some space juts outside of the area, however his effort went wide of Scott Flinders’ goal.
Minutes later Jordan Shipley’s corner was pulled to the edge of the area and Josh Eccles’ long-distance effort was blocked. A well-worked counter attack followed and saw Eccles bring down Jacob Maddox before any danger occurred, but he received a yellow card for doing so.
Liam O’Brien kept the score level 19 minutes in, the hosts played the ball into the area which was met by Tyrone Barnett, but his volley was tipped over by O’Brien.
As the Sky Blues continued to press for the opener Jones came close again, Jordan Shipley’s knock down saw Jones running onto strike, but his shot went just past the far post.
The Robins took the lead 35 minutes in, the ball fell kindly to Maddox inside the area and his powerful effort into the corner left O’Brien with no chance as he made it 1-0.
Maddox nearly doubled the lead two minutes later, some skilful footwork saw him break deep into the box, but his slotted effort caused O’Brien to pull off a great reflex save stretching out his left foot to tip it for a corner.
Amadou Bakayoko came close to bringing City level just before the break, a smart one-two saw him through in the area, however he could only find the side netting as the hosts went in with the lead at half-time.
HT: 1-0.
The Sky Blues fell two behind two minutes into the second half, a free kick crossed in by Conor Thomas saw Will Boyle rise highest top head into the top corner.
As Coventry looked to work their way back into the game, Bakayoko done well to set up Shipley, however his effort went straight over the bar.
Robins made all three of his substitutions introducing some of Sky Blues’ younger talent to bring more energy into his side, but they were unable to cause any great danger as Cheltenham stayed resilient.
City’s best chance in the second-half came late on, the ball was whipped in by Jones, but Jak Hickman couldn’t convert his header on target.
As the game drew to a close at the Jonny Rocks Stadium, Coventry were unable to test Flinders’ goal as the hosts saw out the 2-0 lead.
FT: 2-0.
Attendance: 1,296 (488 Sky Blues).
Goals: Jacob Maddox, Will Boyle.
Yellows: Eccles, Thompson.
Sky Blues XI: Liam O’Brien (GK), Jack Grimmer, Jordon Thompson, Morgan Williams (C), Brandon Mason (McCallum, 55’), Tom Bayliss (Burroughs, 63’), Josh Eccles, Jonathon Ngandu (Hickman, 71’), Jordan Shipley, Jodi Jones, Amadou Bakayoko.
Unused subs: Lee Burge (GK), Luke Thomas, Billy Steadman, David Breaming.
Cheltenham Town XI: Scott Flinders (GK), Ben Tozer (C), Nigel Atangana, Conor Thomas, Ryan Broom, Will Boyle, Jacob Maddox (Alcock, 54’), Jordon Forster (Hussey, 54’), Tom Field, Kelsey Mooney (Addai, 78’), Tyrone Barnett.
Unused subs: Rhys Lovett (GK), Liam McAlinden, Sam Jones, Camden Duncan