FOOTBALL: GOALS continued to flow into the new year for Sky Blues striker Marc McNulty, who helped Coventry record a 1-0 win against Chesterfield at the Ricoh Arena on New Year’s Day.
The three point lifted Mark Robins’ men into the automatic promotion zone following four wins in their last five games, making City the second most in form team in the league.
McNulty struck for the ninth time this season to secure the Sky Blues’ sixth point in just three days following a 1-0 win away at Carlisle United on Saturday.
Other positive results over the festive period include a 2-1 home win against Cheltenham and a thrilling 3-2 win against Wycombe on December 22.
Only a one-goal Boxing Day loss against Port Vale denied Robins a clean sweep.
Speaking after Monday’s home win, Robins heaped praise on his side’s attitude and made particular reference to the defence.
He said: “The lads have been brilliant.
“We defended really well. Sometimes we dropped too deep but Jordan Willis, Tom Davies and the full-backs were all outstanding.”
McNulty fired the Sky Blues ahead after only 13 minutes when the Scot won the ball inside Chesterfield’s half before placing his finish beyond Jack Eastwood’s reach.
Chris Stokes rattled the crossbar during the second half in a game which saw City create 11 chances, four of which were on net.
“McNulty got us a really good goal,” said Robins.
“Some of the attacking play in the second half was really good but we just couldn’t get that second goal.
“Their goalkeeper made a couple of oustanding saves and we were not been able to capitalise and finish them off.
“The fatigue was there for both teams after this busy period but the lads gave everything.”
Favourable results elsewhere helped the Sky Blues reach the top three as Exeter lost 2-1 against midtable Newport County.
It’s the first time the Sky Blues have occupied a top three spot since August.
Robins said: “We pay attention to the league table. If you are at the other end of the table you pay attention to it every minute.
“It puts us in a really good position as we start this new year.
“Everybody is delighted in the dressing room.
“We failed to win at Port Vale but other than that we have earned maximum points from the Christmas period.”
And an FA Cup clash against Premier League side Stoke City awaits.
“We will enjoy this win and prepare for Stoke City next in the FA Cup,” said Robins.
“I am glad that we start the year in third and hopefully we can kick on from here.”
