FOOTBALL: DEFENDER Chris Stokes admitted a poor opening ten minutes cost the Sky Blues as they dropped out of the playoff picture following defeat to Exeter.
Ryan Harley’s early goal following a breakdown in communication between City goalkeeper Lee Burge and Jordan Willis was all Exeter needed to claim the three points, and consequently drop the Sky Blues to eighth in the league table.
After the game, Stokes described Saturday’s performance as ‘frustrating’ and added a poor start may have cost them the game.
“We started poorly and it cost us,” said Stokes.
“And one of the only chance they have had they’ve scored and then sat back and defended.
“It probably wasn’t the best game to watch and it wasn’t the best game to play in but those are the games we have to come and get a point at least.
“We had to start better than that, it’s frustrating and probably cost us the game.
“We have to be consistent and we have done that in recent games, but the loss has set us back.”
The Sky Blues contest another ‘six-pointer’ this weekend against Swindon Town at the Ricoh Arena.
Stoke said: “There are 19 games to go and we are right in the mix and two points off third, so one win and we’re right back up there.”
