Coventry City Under 23s won their first away game of the campaign, as Josh Eccles second-half strike earned all three points for the Sky Blues against Crystal Palace on Monday afternoon.
Against a Selhurst Park side managed by City legend Richard Shaw, Jason Farndon started with a side that included first-team full backs Jack Grimmer and Brandon Mason as they return to fitness.
The first half was an even contest, with the Sky Blues’ attack nullified well by a Palace defence marshalled by former City captain Scott Dann and neither keeper called into real action.
The second half was a much more lively encounter. An long ball over the top had to be sharply dealt with by the Palace Goalkeeper Tupper, before Tony Andreu forced Tavares into a decisive tackle when he had an opportunity from close range.
Tupper found himself called into action more as the afternoon progressed, denying Jak Hickman from very close range.
It was then Palace’s turn to force an attack, but they were frustrated to see an effort by Brandon Pierrick well saved by Corey Addai and several fizzing crosses only result in Coventry regaining the ball as the Sky Blues defence stood strong. Addai made another smart stop on the 68th minute at his near post, as the Sky Blues repelled all borders.
The Sky Blues then took what would prove to be the decisive lead on 71 minutes, as Josh Eccles responded first to a Tupper punch with an impressive first touch before slotting the ball into the net from 12 yards out.
The hosts looked to turn things around, putting numerous crosses into the Sky Blues box. Ngandu had a half chance that was deflected over the bar late on, and City were able to hold on to take all three points.
Coventry City: Addai, Grimmer (Thompson 61), Mason, Eccles, Green (Trialist 69), Williams, Hickman (McCallum 82), Ngandu, Bremang, Andreu, Stedman. Subs not used: Bilson, Walters.
Crystal Palace: Tupper, Tavares, Souaré (Mitchell 45), Boateng (Lumeka 45), Woods, Dann (O’Dwyer 61), Robertson, Flanagan, Pierrick, Kirby, Addy. Subs not used: Boateng, Webber.