SKY Blues manager Mark Robins says tonight’s (7.45pm) Carabao Cup tie at Premier League Watford can provide the perfect test for his unbeaten side, after a fourth win of the season against Gillingham.
Dominic Hyam’s 26th-minute goal was the difference in a game that Coventry dominated, but were unable to press their advantage further despite having control over proceedings at St Andrew’s.
Robins views the result as a perfect example of how far his side have come, and was pleased by the defensive efforts in the dying minutes to keep their lead intact.
“I think last season we probably lose that game, the second half won’t live long in the memory, but ultimately the three points were hard fought in the end,” he said.
“I felt we needed to freshen it up a little bit, with one or two injuries, and we started off pretty well. We got a goal from a set play and kept a clean sheet.
“When you’ve got a team that are trying to bombard you and turning you in and run after you with athletic players up the top end, I thought we defended really, really, well.”
One player to make an impact was Dominic Hyam, who came in for the injured Kyle McFadzean and ensured defensive solidity in his absence.
“Kyle’s got some pain in his hamstring and I just didn’t want to take a risk,” said Robins.
“We’ve got a good player like Dominic, who’s chomping at the bit to play, and he’s come in and to keep a clean sheet gets him up to speed and a little bit closer.”
The Coventry manager turned his full attention to tonight’s cup tie after Saturday and admits it is one he is relishing, adding: “I’m glad Gillingham’s out the way, we can move on and look forward to Tuesday night because there’s another game coming against really good opposition – so it’s one to look forward to.”
