Ben Sheaf is hoping that his pre-season stunner against Forest Green Rovers can be the first of a run of goals with the new season fast approaching.
The 24-year-old was on target to help his teammates to a narrow 1-0 win over Forest Green Rovers on Tuesday afternoon.
The game, held behind closed doors at Lilleshall National Sports Centre, pitted Coventry against a strong Forest Green Rovers side, who have recently won promotion to League One.
It also allowed the first team group to take a step up in their pre-season progress.
Speaking to ccfc.co.uk at Lilleshall, Sheaf said: “That was a good run out. It was great to get some more minutes under the belt.
“I played 60 minutes today, rather than the 45 I have been playing previously, so it was a good day for me.
“It was a good test for us all. I thought Forest Green Rovers were a good side. We tried to press them at times and they played out, but that’s good for us going forward. We’re getting used to these different shapes.
“It was a completely different opposition to anything we’ve faced this pre-season so far, but while Nottingham Forest were, on paper, a much better side, I thought Forest Green posed us just as many threats.
He added: “We enjoyed it and it taught us things we didn’t learn against Nottingham Forest.”
Sheaf’s goal is as a stunner: the midfielder wriggled free from a tight space in the centre of the park before shifting the ball from under his feet and picking out the far top corner.
“It all happened really quickly. I remember receiving it, turning and driving, and then hitting it,” he beamed.
“I’d like to see it back to see what it was like but that’s something I need to bring to my game, more goals.
“I scored a few towards the end of last season, later in the campaign than I’d have wanted to, but if I’m getting myself in those positions then hopefully it will come for me. This goal is something for me to build on.”
City’s preseason schedule will end with a run of Saturday-Tuesday fixtures, to replicate the pattern that will greet them during much of the 2022-23 campaign.
“It’s been tough but the lads have handled it well. We’ve got more games coming now so we’re building up. It’s been enjoyable and the good weather helps us,” Sheaf added.
“It’s going to be games thick and fast when the season starts so these next few friendlies will be preparing us for that.”