Coventry boss Mark Robins takes satisfaction in subduing ‘free-scoring’ Wycombe

Posted Wednesday, February 28, 2018 by PA

Coventry manager Mark Robins was delighted with the way his side nullified Wycombe’s attacking threat in their 1-0 victory at Adams Park.

Only leaders Luton have scored more goals than Wycombe in Sky Bet League Two this season, but Wanderers had very few chances before Marc McNulty’s late penalty earned the Sky Blues their first win in five games.

It moved them to within three points of the play-off places, still with a game in hand, but the Chairboys remain third after their second home defeat in four days.

Robins said: “These are free-scoring, they’ve got a lot of goals both home and away and we’ve got a clean sheet against them and ended up getting a win, I think probably deservedly so.

“I thought Rod McDonald and Dominic Hyam were outstanding, but I thought the back four was really good and the midfield two really shielded in front and the two front lads worked as hard as they possibly could do.

“Tom Bayliss took a little bit of time to get into the game – he’s only a young boy – but he’s won us the game, really, with the run that he’s picked up from the side.

“Then when the substitutes came on, Max (Biamou) was outstanding and Kyel Reid contributed greatly as well and put in some great deliveries from corners.

“I’m pleased with the performance, I’m pleased with the effort, but I’m pleased with some of our play as well.”

In a game of very few chances, Adebayo Akinfenwa had a looping header saved by Lee Burge, who also just about kept out Nathan Tyson’s shot on the turn.

Bayliss won Coventry a penalty with eight minutes left when he was brought down by Adam El-Abd and McNulty emphatically stuck his spot kick home.

Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth said: “It’s one mistake that the game has hinged on and it’s tough.

“There were good individual performances and definitely positives in there, but the flicks just weren’t falling for us.

“It was just a frustrating night in front of goal – we’ve had the lion’s share of the chances, but let’s be honest, there weren’t any clean-cut ones.

“On other days we’ve had several and buried a few, so Coventry have had a few shots off target and a penalty in there and that’s dictated the game.

“It’s disappointing because I thought we were good for a point, at least, but if any team won it, it would have been harsh and we’re the ones who feel harsh at the moment, as Coventry have taken the points.

“It’s an improvement from Saturday (against Morecambe), so we’re stepping forward, we’re in third, we’ve got 11 games to go, so game on.”