COVENTRY City exited the FA Cup at the third round stage following a late 1-0 defeat against divisional rivals Stoke City.
Former Sky Blues boss Mark Robins finally got the better of his old side as Lamine Cisse’s late stunner dumped Coventry out of the competition at the bet365 Stadium.
The defeat means City exit the FA Cup at the third round stage for the first time in three seasons.
Frank Lampard handed debuts to recent loan signings Romain Esse and Yang Min-hyeok while youngster Kai Andrews started in midfield.
Stoke spurned a golden chance to take the lead early on as Tomas Rigo released Million Manhoef who fired wide when one-on-one with Ben Wilson.
And Wilson then leapt to his left to push Rigo’s dangerous free-kick from the left behind for a corner.
The Potters somehow failed to take the lead before the break when the ball broke to Divin Mubama four-yards from goal only for the striker to fire over the bar following a scramble in the box.
Stoke remained on top after the interval as Ben Wilmot guided a header the wrong side of the post from Rigo’s cross.
However, the Sky Blues almost broke the deadlock when debutant Esse skipped past a defender in the box and crossed the ball to the back post as Haji Wright’s header from point-blank range hit the post.
And Coventry hit the post again soon after as Jack Rudoni’s deflected effort beat Tommy Simkin in the Stoke goal but struck the woodwork.
However, Stoke won the tie two minutes from time when Cisse lashed a stunning half-volley into the right corner of the goal from 30-yards out.
