Mark Robins is hopeful that his sides’ 3-2 victory over Southampton U21’s will be enough to secure a place in the Leasing.com Trophy knockout stages.
A second half Max Biamou hat-trick sealed the victory for the Sky Blues, but Robins will be unable to select Biamou for the next three fixtures due to suspension.
Robins said: “I thought they were three brilliant goals and that was one of the best hat tricks I have seen.
“It makes it all the more frustrating that he isn’t available for the next three games.”
Robins made eight chances from the side that drew with Accrington on Saturday, with Declan Drysdale making his first appearance for the club whilst Will Bapaga started after it was announced earlier that afternoon, the youngster had signed his first professional contract with the club.
Both players impressed throughout the game with Bapaga playing a vital role in the second goal after winning a penalty for City which pleased boss Robins.
He said: “The penalty he won, he was twisting and turning and some of his movement was outstanding.
“He still hasn’t filled out yet but you can see there is some real good ability there and playing against a category one academy, we dealt with it really well.
“Drysdale made his debut and he was different class, he used the ball really well.
“He didn’t really show any nerves, early on he showed one or two, but he grew into the game and did a really good job for us along with Will.”
City were pegged back twice during the game and Robins admitted that he was aware of the challenges these games face.
He said: “They are always difficult games and the group stages are always tough, and tonight was no exception.
“We were playing against a young Southampton side but we had young players in ourselves.
“We gave away a sloppy penalty and then a shot from 30 yards which must have moved all over the place because it has gone in off Ben’s left arm, so it must have moved from left to right to find the way into the net which was disappointing.
“We kept plugging away and kept going with a young side who put in some really good performances.”
The Sky Blues travel to Colchester on Saturday for FA Cup action and Robins felt it was important for all of his players to get much needed minutes.
He said: “There was half a game for Tennai and Fankaty and Brandon Mason came in who also needed a game.
“Liam Walsh and Jordan Shipley also needed a game and it was a tough game for them, but we have come through it and barring a 3-3 draw and a penalty shootout in Walsall’s game we should progress.”