Coventry City Under 21s slipped to a narrow 1-0 defeat this evening away to Hull City.
In a game played at the Dransfield Stadium, Matty Jacob’s first-half header proved enough to secure three points for the hosts.
Hull were on top in the first half of the Professional Development League encounter and Tom Billson had to be sharp in the Sky Blues goal to keep things level, saving from Will Jarvis at his near post and James Scott in the opening 15 minutes of the match.
When he was beaten after 24 minutes, the Sky Blues had Under 21s skipper Jay McGrath to thank to keep it 0-0 – Billson saving smartly again from Jarvis before a Hull header from the rebound looked to be going in until McGrath’s goal-line clearance.
In the 28th minute, Hull took the lead. Andy Cannon’s corner was met by a powerful header from Matty Jacob as the hosts went ahead through their skipper.
Hull would hit the woodwork through Andy Cannon before the half was out, while Billson saved acrobatically from Jarvis’ curling right footed effort just before the break.
The Sky Blues grew into the game in the second half and created more chances of their own.
On 60 minutes, sub Justin Obikwu went close when a ball over the top released the striker, but his chipped shot went just over the bar.
Obikwu was involved again nine minutes later, when his powerful run towards goal opened up the Hull defence. The ball was switched to Harrison Nee on the left, but the Hull keeper made a smart save to stop the Sky Blues forward.
As John Dempster’s side continued to search for an equaliser, on 77 minutes a swift counter on the right flank reached Brad Stretton at the back post. He controlled the ball well, but his shot went over the Hull City bar and the Sky Blues had to head home empty handed.