The Sky Blues wrapped up their pre-season with victory on the South Coast against Portsmouth.
After a goalless first half, goals from Viktor Gyokeres and Jonathan Panzo in the second 45 minutes secured the win at Fratton Park.
City started the game the better of the two sides and created their first opening down the left-hand side and it was Jake Bidwell who looked to pick out Callum O’Hare in the middle, but the ball came back to the wing-back and his shot deflected wide.
It would be Bidwell who would go the closest to finding a first goal of the game as he was on the end of Matty Godden’s ball across the six-yard box, which the defender looked to be finding the back of the net, until a superb block on the line from Haji Mnoga.
The resulting corner was taken by Gustavo Hamer and after scoring already from the corner flag in pre-season, he almost found a second with the ball destined for goal before Josh Griffiths made decisive clearance.
Just before the half-time break, City had a chance with a set-piece from around 30 yards-out, but Viktor Gyokeres couldn’t find the target and his effort went over the bar.
HALF-TIME: Portsmouth 0-0 Sky Blues
It took the Sky Blues just nine minutes to find the games first goal and it was a splendid strike from Viktor Gyokeres. The striker ran down the left-hand side and cut in onto his favoured right foot and left Griffiths with no chance to make it 1-0 City.
Simon Moore was introduced at half-time and he was called into action moments after Viktor’s goal, as he had to get down low to his left to produce and excellent save to deny Colby Bishop.
The ‘keeper was on hand again after the hour mark to keep City in front. Firstly, Moore made an excellent save to deny Bishop from around six yards out and then the follow-up header from Pigott went wide.
Moore was in inspired form as he made yet another superb save, this time keeping out Ronan Curtis with his shot from inside of the area.
City doubled their lead with 20 minutes left on the clock and it was Jonathan Panzo who grabbed his third goal in pre-season, getting on the end of Bidwell’s free kick with a header at the back post.
Ben Sheaf was looking to keep up his goalscoring form in pre-season, but he couldn’t quite squeeze the ball past Griffiths after storming into the area.
The Sky Blues could’ve had a third, but Tyler Walker was denied from the spot, having been brought down in the box to win the penalty, his effort was saved.
FULL-TIME: Portsmouth 0-2 Sky Blues
Goals: Viktor Gyokeres 54’, Jonathan Panzo 72’
Attendance: 5,694 (458 away)
Portsmouth Xl: Josh Griffiths (GK), Connor Oglive, Clark Robertson (C), Haji Mnoga, Joe Rafferty (77’ Mingi), Louis Thompson (77’ Swanson), Michael Jacobs (46’ Bishop), Marlon Pack, Reeco Hackett (60’ Tunnicliffe), Ronan Curtis, Joe Pigot.
Unused Subs: Josh Oluwayemi (GK), Kieron Freeman, Liam Vincent, Harry Jewitt-White, Alfie Bridgman, Dan Gifford.
Sky Blues Xl: Ben Wilson (GK) (46’ Moore), Fankaty Dabo (73’ Burroughs), Dom Hyam (73’ Rose), Kyle McFadzean (C), Jonathan Panzo (73’ Doyle), Jake Bidwell, Jamie Allen (46’ Eccles), Gustavo Hamer (46’ Sheaf), Callum O'Hare, Matty Godden (78’ Walker), Viktor Gyokeres (78’ Tavares).
Unused Subs: Tom Billson (GK).