FOOTBALL: GOALS from Tom Bayliss and Marc McNulty helped the Sky Blues edge to a 2-1 win against Cheltenham Town at the Ricoh.
The three points could prove crucial in the long run as the weekend saw seven of the league’s top nine teams earn victories, meaning the Sky Blues are left stranded in seventh place.
It took just 70 seconds for City to open a lead when Tom Bayliss, who was making his first start for the Sky Blues, saw his deflected effort hit the back of the net.
Cheltenham almost hit back when Mohamed Eisa’s free kick was denied by the crossbar only as a beaten Burge watched it sail past him.
The Robins, who have created the second most chances in the league this season, soon exploited City’s weakness down the wing as Eisa and Dawson broke down the home side’s midfield on a number of occasions.
Cheltenham’s equaliser came just before half-time when a deep ball into the area found Eisa, who turned and slotted his shot from close range past Burge to level the game.
Max Biamou came close to restoring City’s lead after the break.
The Frenchman did well to break away and find Peter Vincenti down the right, whose cross was headed wide by Biamou.
Next it was Cheltenham ‘keeper Scott Flinders’ turn to take center stage.
Biamou climbed highest and flicked on brilliantly for McNulty, who then forced a contender for save of the season from the Robins’ No.24, diving to his right.
Mark Robins’ men made the most of their momentum to edge ahead when Duckens Nazon played a ball over the top to find McNulty.
The former Sheffield United forward drew the keeper out before finding the back of the net to put the Sky Blues ahead and earn a crucial three points.
Coventry City XI: Burge; Grimmer, Willis, McDonald (Davies 45′), Stokes; Bayliss, Doyle (C) Shipley; McNulty (Dev. Kelly-Evans 85′), Biamou, Vincenti (Nazon 70′).
Cheltenham XI: Flinders (GK); Storer (C), Pell, Dawson, Wright, Winchester, O’Shaughnessy, Boyle, Eisa, Morrell.
Attendance: 6,457.
