Coventry City extended their unbeaten run to six after a 1-1 draw against Accrington Stanley at the Ricoh Arena.
Offande Zanzala opened the scoring for the visitors 57 minutes in, however Mark Robin’s men fought back.
Consistent pressing by City saw captain Michael Doyle fire home in the 86th minute, ensuring Coventry picked up a well-earned point.
The Sky Blues and the visitors both looked to press early on, but the first chance fell to Jordan Clark 11 minutes in, his effort from the edge of the area failed to trouble Lee Burge as it flew wide.
City came close to taking the lead on the 19-minute mark, Michael Doyle’s corner found its way to Hiwula who headed just over the crossbar as it remained 0-0.
With the host’s defence staying resilient Daniel Barlaser had an effort from distance but sailed wide of Burge’s goal.
Conor Chaplin came closest to opening the scoring for City, Junior Brown’s cross was met by Jonson Clarke-Harris who headed it down to Chaplin, however his stretching effort deflected inches over.
Both sides were pushing forward trying to break the deadlock, Jordan Clark found some space in City’s area, but his shot this time hits the crossbar and goes over Burge’s net.
The chances kept falling and on the 40-minute mark Chaplin had another chance to give the Sky Blues the lead. A well-executed cross by Jordon Thompson was met by a rising Chaplin, but he could only find the roof of the net as Coventry were continuing to press in Accrington’s penalty area.
HT: 0-0
After a slow start to the second half, it took until the 57th minute for the first good chance of the half to arise. Zanzala created space in the host’s area and unleashed a powerful effort which beat Burge to give Accrington the lead.
Coventry looked for an immediate reply and a clever run by Luke Thomas saw him find space on the edge of the area, but his effort is comfortably saved by Connor Ripley.
Another chance fell to Thomas 63 minutes in, a slick through ball by Chaplin allowed Thomas to cut in on his left inside the area, but his shot produced a fine save from Ripley to deny Coventry an equaliser.
Minutes later Chaplin and Thomas nearly linked up again, a mazy run by Thomas saw him break deep into the area and his cut back is just about intercepted to deny Chaplin a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Mark Robins introduced Jodi Jones and Liam Kelly to try and draw level. Consecutive chances fell City’s way, firstly with Hiwula having a close-ranged effort deflected wide for a corner. Soon after Thomas had another chance again, but good defending ensured the score remained 0-1.
The pressure continued to pile and after Jodi Jones broke into the Accrington area, his shot saw Ripley parry it into the path of Doyle who made no mistake smashing home from just outside the six-yard box.
FT: 1-1.
Attendance:10,653 (302)
Goals: Offande Zanzala (57’), Michael Doyle (86’).
Sky Blues XI: Lee Burge (GK), Jordon Thompson, Jordan Willis, Tom Davies, Junior Brown, Michael Doyle (C), Abu Ogogo (68’ Kelly), Luke Thomas, Jordy Hiwula, Jonson Clarke-Harris, Conor Chaplin (68’ Jones).
Unused subs: Liam O’Brien, Jack Grimmer, Dom Hyam, Jordan Shipley, Amadou Bakayoko
Accrington XI: Conor Ripley (GK), Callum Johnson, Mark Hughes, Michael Ihiekwe, Jordan Clark, Offande Zanzala (90’ Conneely), Sam Finley, Pietro Mingoia, Nick Anderton, Daniel Barlaser, Billy Kee (C) (72’ Hall).
Unused subs: Jonny Maxted (GK), Ben Richards-Everton, Scott Brown, Ross Sykes, Andy Scott.