SKY BLUES manager Mark Robins paid tribute to the efforts of his side across the course of the season, after Coventry’s slim play-off hopes were ended after a 1-1 draw with Shrewsbury Town at the Ricoh Arena.
City required a win against the Shrews, followed by a big win against sixth-placed Doncaster Rovers on the final day, plus a swing in goal difference, to see them into the play-offs.
Jordan Shipley gave the hosts a 16th minute lead, but the visitors struck an equaliser with just 12 minutes remaining.
Robins stated his disappointment at not claiming all three points, but challenges his side to sign off the 2018/19 season on a high.
“It was a lacklustre game and how Saturday’s results went it was always going to be difficult.
“We needed to improve our ball speed, we knew they’d come with a game plan and knew exactly what they were going to do to make it difficult.
‘’We scored a goal early on and wanted to build on that, but it just was flat for whatever reason.
“We’re still going to give our best to finish the season in a positive way, we’ve got one more push.’’
He views the season as a positive one, and says it can be a foundation for a greater push for promotion next time out.
“It’s been a positive year in terms of everything, the second-half of the season has been good.
“No one said it would be easy and we’re in a position where if we would’ve spoken at the start of the season, people would’ve said it’s a decent position compared to what happened last time we were in this division.
Sunday’s fixture also proved the last for Coventry legend Steve Ogrizovic in front of the Sky Blues faithful, who retires at the end of the season.
Robins said it was the perfect send-off for Ogrizovic.
“It’s been an emotional day for him, and everyone connected with the club.
“It was a brilliant send-off being a home game with the support and the fans thanking him for his over 35-years in service for the club.”
Coventry head to the Keepmoat Stadium on Saturday (5:30pm) to round-off their League One campaign.
