The Sky Blues suffered their first defeat in six games as they lost 2-1 to Burton Albion at the Ricoh Arena.
Despite the Sky Blues dominating the early exchanges, the first chance of the game fell to the visitors. Lucas Akins beat Tom Davies on the edge of the area, but his shot was tame and easy for Burge to deal with.
Tom Bayliss had City’s first effort on goal in the 17th minute. Bright Enobakhare did well to make his way in to the box before teeing up the midfielder, however his goal bound shot was turned away by the head of Jake Buxton.
It was Burton who took the lead just a minute later thanks to Akins. Marcus Harness showed good skill to get away from Brandon Mason and his low cross was turned in by the Brewers forward to give the away side the advantage.
Burton were in the ascendency following Akins’ goal and were beginning to take control of the game. Stephen Quinn was next to try his luck for the visitors, but his shot from outside of the area flew harmlessly over Burge’s goal.
Jordy Hiwula forced Brewers keeper Bradley Collins in to action just before the half hour mark. Dujon Sterling’s cross found its way to Hiwula at the back post and his shot seemed to be heading for the top corner, however the goalkeeper acrobatically tipped it over the bar.
Marcus Harness was causing problems for City down the left-hand side and Burge produced a great save to deny Burton a second. The winger cut in to the area and drilled low shot across the face of goal, but Burge made a smart one handed save to prevent the Sky Blues falling two goals behind.
Harness again came close on the stroke of half time. Colin Daniel’s cross found Harness unmarked in the area, but his header went over the bar and the Sky Blues went in to the break a goal down.
The Sky Blues were level five minutes after the restart. Luke Thomas played an infield ball to Amadou Bakayoko, who flicked it on for Bayliss, and the midfielder slotted past the onrushing Collins in the Burton goal to bring City level.
Thomas then hit the post just moments later. Tom Bayliss threaded a perfect through ball to the winger and Thomas went through one on one with Collins, but his shot cannoned off the upright and fell to safety.
Ten minutes in to the second half and City were reduced to ten men. Bright Enobakhare, who was already on a booking, was cautioned by the referee and saw red.
Burton restored their lead on the hour mark thanks to a volley from Jamie Allen. Burge’s clearance fell to the Brewers midfielder and he lashed in a volley from the edge of the area to restore the visitors lead.
Scott Fraser stung the palms of Burge with 20 minutes remaining. The Burton Midfielder received a pass from Akins and let fly from range, but his effort was beaten away by the City keeper.
The Sky Blues were pressing forward searching for an equaliser and were almost hit on the counter by Burton. Liam Boyce broke forward and crossed for Akins, but his first-time effort went wide.
Brandon Mason had a chance to pull City level in the 82nd minute but Collins denied him. The left back beat two men before playing a smart one-two with Jordy Hiwula, but his shot lacked the power to beat the goalkeeper.
Hiwula had the final chance for City in stoppage time when Jack Grimmer’s deflected cross found the striker in the box, however his glancing header was off target.
Sky Blues XI: Lee Burge (GK), Dujon Sterling, Tom Davies, Jordan Willis, Brandon Mason (Grimmer 90’), Liam Kelly ©, Tom Bayliss, Luke Thomas, Jordy Hiwula, Bright Enobakhare, Amadou Bakayoko (Shipley 68’)
Unused Subs: Corey Addai (GK)Junior Brown, David Meyler, David Bremang, Jack Burroughs
Burton XI: Brad Collins (GK), John Brayford, Jake Buxton, Jamie Allen, Kyle McFadzean, Scott Fraser (Wallace 82’), Lucas Akins, David Templeton (Boyce 71’), Marcus Harness, Stephen Quinn, Colin Daniel
Unused Subs: Stephen Bywater (GK), Alex Bradley, Will Miller, Reece Hutchinson, Josh Clarke
Yellows: Enobakhare 36’ + 55’, Sterling 68’, Davies 79’, Harness 82’, Quinn 86’
Reds – Enobakhare 55’
Attendance: 11, 468 (562)