A RUN of seven games unbeaten in all competitions came to an end for the Sky Blues at Scunthorpe but manager Steven Pressley remains optimistic for the season ahead.
Frank Nouble’s first half strike was cancelled out by goals in the second period from Paddy Madden and Lyle Taylor at Glanford Park on Tuesday night.
However the game was turned on its head when Reda Johnson was sent off while the visitors were 1-0 in front after an off-the-ball altercation.
But Pressley is backing his young side to bounce back this weekend at Rochdale.
“I really could not ask anymore from the players,” said Pressley. “They gave it all.
“I’m actually disappointed even after the sending off, that’s how much belief I have in these players.
“We nearly got the equaliser at the end, and we worked hard right until the final whistle.
“We have such a fantastic group, and we are all working hard for each other.
“We have a chance to get back to winning ways on Saturday, we will refocus and we will work hard to achieve a positive result.”
Johnson’s sending off proved to be a game-changing moment with the Sky Blues forced to play with ten-men for over an hour.
The skipper was quick to apologise to his team mates after apparently headbutting an opponent and Pressley insists the 26-year must learn form his actions.
He added: “Reda made a mistake and he admits that. He’s cost us here, but he will move on as will we.
“The fact that we will miss him for three matches hurts, it’s not just missing him for an hour on Tuesday night.
“Reda has been exceptional since he’s been here, he’s such a big player for us and will continue to be.”
The defeat leaves the Sky Blues eighth in League One just one point away from the play-offs.
