The Sky Blues Under-18s suffered another narrow 2-1 defeat after conceding late on away at Watford on Tuesday afternoon.
Speaking after the game Chay Thompson spoke about his feelings regarding the loss: “Obviously it’s disappointing to lose in the last minute for the second game in a row, the players were quite hurt at the end of the game because these are games that we should have won.
“It came down to the key moments again, we had chances to secure the game and go 2-1 up but we failed to take those good chances.
“We got counter attacked because we weren’t organised off the ball so that’s the lesson we have to take from the game. When we aren’t attacking, we have to be more organised off the ball and away from the ball to make sure we stop those counter attacks.”
Despite a disappointing loss, the game came as another learning curve for the side who faced a different a kind of opposition to what they normally face.
“It was a different type of game for us, it was a good technical game for the players, Watford play some lovely football, the conditions were obviously very hot, and the pitch was immaculate.
“There was a lot of football played which was good for the boys, so we had to work on different rotations to beat their block when we were on the ball.”
Another positive for the Sky Blues was the return of free scoring Harrison Nee, who grabbed a goal in his return to action.
Although the side have managed to score goals without their talisman, his return to the side will come as music to the ears of the players.
“We created some great opportunities but again its fine margins in football because we had plenty of opportunities to take the lead when it was 1-1. One positive is Harrison Nee scoring, we’re delighted to see Nee come back today and score, he was outstanding.
“He may be disappointed with himself that he didn’t get a hat-trick, but he created plenty of chances and it was a positive for us all.
“It gives everyone a lift, he’s a great technician, his movement off the centre-halves is very good, he makes those runs and made those runs today but we couldn’t quite pick him out at times.”
As previously stated, the boys were coming into their third game in a week in weather conditions that were very difficult to compete in.
Although it’s not an excuse, Thompson believes the schedule and heat today played a part in the end result: “I think it did affect us, the players have come off from what was a hot game day which they are not used too, and it was their third game in a week which they are also not used too.
“So, they’ve come off the pitch devastated but it’s our job as coaches to pick them back up again, keep going to the next game and make sure they recover properly.
“Man-to-man from start to finish they have worked their socks off today so you can’t ask for more.”
Thompson and his side will be looking forward to a short break before returning for the last four games of the season. The season so far has been successful for the Sky Blues and Thompson will be hoping for more of the same after the easter break.
“The players deserve the time off; they’ve put a big shift in since the backend of Christmas and have had a tough schedule which they’ve got through. It is good for their development to go through times like this, but we are ready to rest and go again with four games to go.
“The first time in three seasons we have a plus goal difference, we’ve scored double the amount already this season then we have done in previous seasons which is positive.
“We’ve scored a good amount of goals in the league this season in the league and it is a testament to the players and staff. We’ve competed this year we’ve been in every game until the end and have lost by the odd goals rather and we haven’t been hammered.
“If we can stop losing by the odd goal and stay in those games a bit more then we will pick up more wins the end of this season and on to the next.“