The Sky Blues Under-18s lost 1-0 at home to Sheffield Wednesday in a game described as a good learning opportunity for the players.
A narrow loss puts the winning run to an end after two victories against Nottingham Forest and Hull City.
Despite the disappointing result the performance levels from the City’s youngsters were strong and the outcome has given the boys something to learn from going into their next fixture.
Speaking after the game Chay Thompson expressed the importance this game had on the sides development: “It was a great development game for the boys, and they would have learnt a lot from the game in terms of having to deal with difficult situations.
“Sheffield Wednesday sat back and played long. It was a bit different to what we normally face so for the boys to face that was a great learning curve.
“We still played our way, getting hold of the ball in key areas and moving it quickly. However, today when it came down to the final balls through, they just weren’t good enough, which isn’t usually like us.”
It is the first time since the turn of the new year that the Sky Blues have failed to score in a game and with club and league top goal scorer Harrison Nee still missing through injury, Thompson knows the importance of getting his forwards firing.
“Despite not scoring we did create a few clear-cut chances but couldn’t finish them off. It’s something to work on for the attacking players.
“It’s why strikers and goal scorers are worth millions in the professional game, because putting the ball in the back of the net is the hardest thing to do.”
It was a tough game for the players who felt decisions didn’t quite go there way, but Thompson knows that this will only help the players in the long run, even if it felt like it affected the result this fixture.
“The goal we conceded was from a head injury where our loads stopped thinking the ball would go out of play.
“Obviously, not everything goes your way in football, and it was a good learning curve for the boys to make sure they keep focussed until the whistle goes and to not stop thinking they are going to get the decision.
“Again, we thought we had a penalty towards the end of the game that looked obvious, and it wasn’t given. But in terms of the boy’s performance, they played well, stayed committed to the end and put in the effort levels that they do every week.”
However, with things not going their way it just emphasised the performance and effort levels the young Sky Blues put in.
Thompson knows that as the season has progressed so has the commitment and effort levels from the players, which is he is pleased with.
“If you look at our performances from the start of the season to now, we have shown great effort levels with some great performances. It is a credit to the staff and players at the academy who have all bought into the process and clubs’ values and philosophy.”
This fixture was rearranged and has been part of a busy schedule for the U18s with Sheffield United away this Saturday the next fixture. Thompson believes the busy schedule will only help the lads in the long run as they strive to play more.
“It has been a busy schedule, but it will only help the boys. Professional sides could play three times in the space of a week so it’s good for the boys to try and reach those demanding levels to put the performances in every game.
“The boys will have a pool session tomorrow to recover before working on the shape for the weekend and analysing Sheffield United in further detail, which again is a great learning process for the boys.”