The Sky Blues Under-23s got off to a winning start in their first fixture of the New Year, thanks to Max Biamou’s header midway through the second half.
Luke Tisdale’s side travelled to the Leckwith Stadium to face Cardiff City and came away with all three points, moving up to second in the Professional Development League.
Reflecting on the performance from his side, Tisdale was pleased with the way the Sky Blues handled themselves in the poor weather conditions.
He said: “It was a difficult game in tricky conditions which made it hard for us, but the players applied themselves really well.
“I think we looked a lot more dangerous going forward than what we did in the last game against Charlton; we got in behind a few times and looked like we had pace and power on the counter-attack so that was pleasing that we were a lot more of attacking threat.
“The back three defended well and limited their chances, I don’t think they had a real opportunity where they carved us open, they had a few shots from range which worried us but generally we controlled them without the ball quite well.”
After a positive first half performance, the Sky Blues were unable to break the deadlock heading into the break, despite going close through Biamou and Gervane Kastaneer.
During the half-time interval, Tisdale told the players to pick up from where they left and continue to apply the pressure and ultimately, they would be rewarded when Max scored the only goal of the game.
“We had applied a lot of pressure to be fair and we spoke at half time about keeping the pressure on and keep asking questions of their back four and we thought one goal would win us the game.
“So, we said let’s make sure we put the ball in the penalty area and don’t turn down opportunities to shoot or cross and make sure we have runners in behind and obviously it starts from a good counter-attack and it’s a great ball into the box by Jodi Jones and a great header from Max.”
After providing an assist for the goal, Jodi capped off his first 90 minutes since returning from a second anterior cruciate ligament injury.
There were also minutes for the likes of Josh Pask, Gervane Kastaneer and Max Biamou, who had all been missing from first team action over the last few weeks.
“It was Jodi’s first 90 minutes so it was important for him and he was excellent on the ball, he opened them up and you can see his quality in the game.” Luke said.
“Also, people like Pasky, Gervane and Max got minutes and we always say it’s what helps the first team come Saturday at 3pm and yesterday was one of those games again.
“If it gets Jodi or anyone else closer to the first team and we get three points and have some development players on the pitch then it’s been a really good day.”