Coventry continued their warm-up to the new season with a 2-1 victory over Rushden and Diamonds on Saturday afternoon.
In a humid day at Nene Park, the Sky Blues produced some pleasing football in their final first team friendly ahead of the league opener against Sheffield United next weekend.
Gary McAllister made just one change to the side which beat Port Vale 4-1 last Tuesday. David Thompson returned to the team to make his first appearance in pre-season after shaking off a calf injury with Youssef Chippo – who had started against the Valiants – having to be content with a place on the bench.
Morten Hyldgaard was favoured in goal ahead of Steve Banks, who is on loan from Bolton. Dean Gordon and Richard Shaw occupied the full-back positions, while Calum Davenport and Mo Konjic made up the centre of defence. Thompson and Delorge made themselves comfortable on the flanks, with McAllister and Eustace in the middle and Bothroyd and Joachim leading the attack up front.
Former Sky Blue Paul Hall tested Morten Hyldgaard in the opening seconds, but it was Coventry City who were destined to take the lead in just the second minute – Bothroyd notching up his fifth goal of pre-season. Thompson played the ball from the centre circle to Bothroyd on the right, who strode forward before finishing well across the keeper and into the far corner of the net.
It was a perfect start but the Sky Blues didn’t sit back. Thompson showed his flair down the flank as he weaved in from the right and crossed towards Delorge, who couldn’t quite get the header he wanted.
The visitors had another chance after ten minutes when City were awarded an indirect free-kick just inside the box following a push on the lively Delorge. Bothroyd tapped it short for McAllister, who launched a powerful shot which was palmed down by the keeper for Joachim, who headed wide.
The striker had another chance four minutes later. Delorge threaded it through the box for the diminutive hitman, who saw his shot at point-blank range produce an excellent save from Billy Turley.
Persistence paid off for Joachim on 36 minutes – his effort dictating that the Diamonds found themselves 2-0 down. Delorge played it forward from the centre circle into the path of the advancing Joachim, who held off the challenge of the last defender before stroking past the keeper to double the deficit.
But Coventry were pinned back to a one-goal advantage two minutes before the break. Lowe was fouled just outside the Sky Blues box and from the resulting free-kick, manager’s son Daniel Talbot struck the ball past the wall and inside the near post.
The Sky Blues brought three fresh faces to his side when the teams emerged after the interval.
Trialist Steve Banks replaced Hyldgaard between the sticks, with the two Youusefs – Chippo and Safri – coming on for Delorge and Eustace respectively.
McAllister’s men started the second half brightly – Joachim darting forward after 49 minutes but again seeing strike denied by custodian Turley.
The striker must his thought it wasn’t his day when the keeper agains denied him on 59 minutes. Thompson played it short to Joachim, who launched a 20-yard rocket which was heading for the top corner before Turley acrobatically turned it over the bar.
Macca replaced Macca on the hour – Gary McSheffrey coming on for player-boss McAllister – the forward moving to a position wide on the left, forcing Chippo in the more central position role vacant by the former Scotland international.
The energetic Thompson nearly found the Sky Blues’ third on 67 minutes – the winger’s 20-yard strike flying inches over the crossbar.
Coventry made two more substitutions on 68 minutes, with Barry Quinn replacing Davenport in the centre of defence and Academy player David Pipe making his first appearance of pre-season when he came on for Joachim up front.
McSheffrey made his presence felt on 71 minutes. The England Under 20 international – who scored a hat-trick for the reserves midweek against Newtown – darted in from the left before forcing the keeper down to save with a low shot with his left foot.
It was to be the final real chance of the game, leaving the score at 2-1 to Coventry City.
Hyldgaard (Banks, 46)– Gordon; Konjic; Davenport; Shaw – Delorge (Chippo, 46); McAllister (McSheffrey); Eustace (Safri, 46); Thompson – Bothroyd (Mills, 83); Joachim (Pipe, 68)
Attendance: 2861
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