Robins: Sky Blues play with lots of confidence

'NIP AND TUCK' VERDICT AFTER CITY EDGE CLASH AGAINST OLD BOSS

- By ANDY TURNER

MARK Robins thought there was very little to choose between his Stoke City side and his former team, Coventry, who he faced a year and a day after being controversially sacked by the West Midlands club.

The Potters’ boss signed nine of Frank Lampard’s starting XI and felt that his current side had the better chance in a game of few clear cut opportunities in front of goal.

Asked for his thoughts on the 1-0 Bet365 Stadium defeat which was decided late on by a spectacular hooked volley from Ephron Mason-Clark, the 55-year-old said: “Nip and tuck, not much in it and I think we had the best chance in the game from Sorba Thomas’ cross into the middle. While he was under pressure, a really sharp Million (Manhoef) scores that. He was playing with a bit of an injury today so he’s just looked a little bit off it.

“Divin (Mubama) similar, you know, but we've worked hard and got into some really good positions but lacked that finishing touch and clinical edge.”