Narrow Win For Sky Blues

A winning goal from Cody McDonald that incensed Hartlepool manager John Hughes was the difference between the two sides at the Ricoh Arena as Coventry City ended a difficult week off the pitch with a win that would put them right into the thick of the play-off race if a 10-point penalty was not hanging over their heads.

Steven Pressley’s unbeaten start to life as Ricoh Arena boss was maintained with a hard-fought win against a side who have been transformed since Hughes began his reign with a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of the Sky Blues.

Pressley spoke to BBC CWR after the game and was effusive in his praise for the squad he has inherited, saying: “My players’ attitude was brilliant. The first victory at home for two months is a monkey off our backs.

“We’ve shown a real strength. We’ve stepped up to the mark after losing our top scorer. And I didn’t think we gave up many chances in the 90 minutes, which is terrific. We had a real desire about us.

“I’ve been here now 10 days, and the group and their response has been brilliant. We’ve got a little bit of momentum and there’s a belief in the squad.”