Youngsters' success

Coventry City’s Under-23s are pushing for the professional development league play-offs after closing the gap on league leaders Ipswich Town with an impressive victory over the Tractor Boys at the Ricoh Arena.

The Sky Blues started the day in third place in their southern division and closed the gap to within two points of Town with seven games to go.

“We have got seven games left to get to those play-offs,” said coach Jason Farndon, whose side will progress to the play-offs with the top two sides from the northern section, currently headed up by Leeds United and Burnley, if successful this season.

“We had a slow start to the season which probably killed us a little bit but we keep getting ourselves into good positions and I think it’s important for us to keep adding different dimensions to it.

“The gaffer said I hate losing in the press the other day, and I just think it’s important because I want us to win the right way.

“I think it’s important that we make them understand that sometimes you have to dig in. You see many teams coming to the Ricoh and stopping us playing football so there are different ways to win games of football.

“I like to win the beautiful way but it’s not always possible.”

Tipped to improve

Mark Robins believes Amadou Bakayoko can be a beast of striker for Coventry City.

The Sky Blues boss has been impressed with the big centre-forward in the last two games and says he’s set the benchmark for future displays for the team.

Bakayoko had a hand in last week’s goal by Jordy Hiwula to secure the three points at Rochdale and scored the opener with a fine near post header in Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Midland rivals Walsall.

“He’s an animal,” said Robins, of the target man who took his tally to four goals when he scored against his former club the Saddlers at the weekend.

“He can do everything. It’s just a case of putting it all together and for him to understand it.”

Fare thee well

David Stockdale has issued what appears to be a parting message to Coventry City, thanking the club and fans for making him feel so welcome during his emergency loan spell.

But it has emerged that the 33-year-old remains on standby for Sunday's trip to League One table toppers Luton Town.

Birmingham City stopper Stockdale was drafted in ahead of the trip to Rochdale after first choice keeper Lee Burge was ruled out with a shoulder injury following a collision in the previous match against Gillingham.

The experienced Championship star has earned rave reviews for his two performances for the Sky Blues when he has kept back-to-back clean sheets against the Dale last week and Midland rivals Walsall on Saturday.

Although not called upon to make too many saves, Stockdale pulled off one brilliant stop to deny Ian Henderson equalising for Rochdale.

But it has been his commanding presence that has caught the eye and ears - his booming voice organising the back four brilliantly and the player coming to claim virtually every high ball in the box.

Added to that has been an impressive display of kicking from the keeper who has clearly instilled confidence in the team to claim consecutive victories and bring an end to a five game winless run.