First-team Coach Dennis Lawrence expressed his delight following today’s thorough 4-1 victory against Sheffield United.
The Sky Blues valiantly fought back from Sander Berge’s early opener with Viktor Gyokeres’ strike only four minutes later, before a second-half double for Callum O’Hare and a late strike from Matty Godden sealed an emphatic victory.
Standing in for Manager Mark Robins and Assistant Manager Adi Viveash, who both received a positive COVID test this morning, Dennis Lawrence praised the industrious efforts of the City players.
“I hope first and foremost that the gaffer and Adi have a good recovery," Lawrence highlighted.
“The majority of the preparation was done in the build-up to the game; the manager and Adi did the preparation themselves, so it was up to me to reinforce everything that we wanted to do today.
“The players were outstanding, they really responded to going a goal down against a good team and it was pleasing. It was pleasing for the fans; it was pleasing for the players and I’m sure the manager and Adi will be very proud of them.
“I got the unexpected phone call this morning, but during the game I had messages coming through. But to be fair to the manager he said to me, “look, you’re on the touchline, you’ll feel it so go with your gut feeling,” but he was influential in the background.”
Lawrence also reflected on the Sky Blues’ success in scoring four past a Sheffield United defence which had only conceded four in their last nine games.
“That’s football for you, I said to the boys before the game that if we put in the performance then hopefully the result will follow.
“Going a goal down, we will look at how we can do better in terms of how we set up and how we dealt with it, but going a goal down and being able to show that strength of character, [it was pleasing] to come back and win against a very good team who I think will be there or there abouts when it comes to the playoffs.
“I think those moments are key moments in games; if you can get back in it as quick as possible then it gives you a foothold in the game.
“Going into half time, we were in a good position, we had to deal with the indirect free kick where, looking back on it now, I can see the referee’s point of why he gave it.
“But at half time all of a sudden it gives us a second wind for the second half when we performed the way we did.
“I was more and more pleased with the effort by the boys, the performance and carrying out all of the things from the preparation led by the manager and Adi. For me, it was just about reinforcing it, tweaking it at times and I’m really proud of the boys and pleased for them today.”
Today’s win also saw Callum O’Hare get onto the scoresheet with two goals of his own, and Lawrence praised the midfielder’s efforts.
“I’m really happy for him. We all know that Callum’s work rate is phenomenal, we would love to see him get more goals but he also plays another part for the team, which we all respect.
“I’m pleased for him, I’m pleased for the group.”