A word from the gaffer

Manager Lee Knibbs gives us his view on the recent results.

"The win against Coventry United was a great way to complete a successful three months since taking over as Coventry Sphinx First Team Manager. The players have been first class and this was typified in their performance in what was a great derby match. The club did a fantastic job just getting the game on so it was great to reward their efforts with 3 points.

Seeing 600+ football fans, made up of some old Sphinx faces was great to see and hopefully they will be back again soon. I believe there is already an ex player reunion away day planned, which is great to see. The atmosphere around the whole club was brilliant and for me. That is what football should be all about.

It is always important to win your derby matches. Not just from a statement point of view, but they can give you great momentum and confidence going into the next matches.
Apart from the 2 poor goals we conceded in the second half and a 15 minute spell at the end of the first I felt we were the team in control and would win the game.
For this game, and to adapt to the conditions, we changed the game plan, sacrificing possession, playing a little bit longer and counter attacking our opposition, trying to create opportunities for Harkin and Sterling to isolate their defenders in 1 on 1 situations.
This worked perfectly with Harkin winning the penalty that Sterling converted. Harkin has scored a lot of goals and he may not have added to his tally over the last two matches, however, more pleasing for me is the improvement in his all around game. He is now becoming a leader on the pitch in the way he is playing.

We also knew we could hurt them at set pieces and great headers from Quirkey and Towers, have become a characteristic of this team. A real desire to attack the ball in both boxes, like Guesty against Coleshill on boxing day.

I thought Sterling making his first start in 4 months, getting through 80+ minutes, scoring 2 goals was a very good performance and his ability and experience will be key for the second half of the season.

There is a real belief in the changing room and the players are seeing the rewards for all their efforts. The “One Team” ethos my staff and I have implemented will be key for us to become successful. We have real leaders with great experience in the dressing room. Lower, Woodward, Towers, Stringer and Hill have been key in helping me to implement my ideas and bringing the dressing room together.

Other players such as Faulkner, Cairns, Donaldson and Allingan have brought a real consistency to their games, backed up with promising young players Bowes, Barnwell, Badu, Stowe, Stanbrook and the returning Deehan and Dakouri, the squad is in a great place.

The now 10 game unbeaten run with 8 wins and 2 draws is something that the players should be proud of. However, it is my job to ensure we keep our focus and maintain this very good run we are on".

Updated 22:30 - 31 Aug 2019 by Sharon Taylor