A strike into the top corner from Stuart O’Keefe denied Coventry City any points as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat Milton Keynes.
O’Keefe, who had been in search of an opening goal earlier in the game, found himself in the right place at the right time during the 50th minute as a clearance from a poor corner fell straight to his feet.
The midfielder shot from 20-yards out and left keeper Lee Burge with no chance of saving as his shot went into the top left corner.
Coventry find themselves 17 points from safety as Shrewsbury opened up a two-point gap ahead on Port Vale in 20th position.
A scoreless first half was a fair reflection as both teams struggled to get any attempts on goal.
Goalkeeper Lee Burge was tested on few occasions as Coventry’s back four blocked several attempted shots from the home side.
Milton Keynes were presented with a handful of early opportunities – the first coming in the opening minute when Robbie Muirhead couldn’t connect onto a cross when positioned just outside the six-yard box.
Constant drizzle in the air throughout the opening half caused problems for both teams who struggled to deal with the additional pace on the ball as a result of the wet playing surface.
Several attempted through balls from the Sky Blues were all blocked by the home side as Robins’ men struggled to find a way into the Milton Keynes 18-yard box.
Stuart O’Keefe went close for the home side after 29 minutes when volleying a deflected cross from 20 yards. Though he connected, his effort was hit straight at Burge who made a comfortable save.
Moments later, Ben Reeves took advantage of a loose pass in midfield to force Burge into a low save down to his right – a second save in as many minutes.
Marcus Tudgay was then substituted minutes before the conclusion of the opening half after landing awkwardly when contesting for possession in the air.
Jodi Jones put City’s first promising chance of the game wide in stoppage time when shooting from a tight angle to force a corner – which was cleared.
O’Keefe’s strike came five minutes into the second half as Coventry struggled to make an impression on Martin’s net.
Callum Reilly had Sky Blues’ first attempt on goal after 66 minutes when a weak effort went straight into the hands of Dons’ keeper David Martin.
Charles Vernam went close after 77 minutes when his shot resulted in a corner – which Reilly managed to get a shot from though it went over the crossbar.
The home side played out the concluding ten minutes to deny City any points and keep them rooted to the bottom of the league table.
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