GEORGE Shepherd scored a stunning goal in vain as Coventry City under-21s ended their Premier League Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Leyton Orient.
Shepherd’s strike from the edge of the penalty area cancelled out Zak O’Keefe’s opener for the visitors at Leamington’s Your Co-op Community Stadium.
Both teams needed to win the game to advance to the knockout stage as both clubs exited the competition.
Mark Delaney’s young Sky Blues needed to win and an unlikely goal difference swing to progess.
However, Orient broke the deadlock after just three minutes when O’Keefe fired the visitors ahead following a corner.
And the away side went close against soon after with Sonny Perkins only able to find the side netting.
The Sky Blues almost drew level before the break as Noah Phillips saved Kai Yearn’s effort before seeing his rebound attempt cleared off the line.
However, substitute Shepherd equalised for the home side on 54 minutes with a fine effort from just outside the penalty area.
Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages but neither side could create a clear-cut chance which allowed group foes Watford and Blackburn Rovers to progress.
Coventry’s under-21s are next in action against Hull City on Tuesday, January 20 with kick-off at 1pm at Bishop Burton College.
