Incredible Ending But Sky Blues Fall Short

Interim boss Lee Carsley named an unchanged side for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy 2nd Leg tie against Crewe Alexandra on Wednesday night.

A controlled away performance at Bury on Saturday brought a 2-0 win for the Sky Blues who needed at least one more goal than that to keep alive their hopes of reaching Wembley.

Leon Clarke netted early against Bury and missed a chance to repeat the feat at Gresty Road as both sides pushed for the perfect start.

City had further half-opportunities during the first-half but couldn't make the breakthrough, not that that stopped a large and loud away contingent from enjoying their night.

After the break the Sky Blues continued to strive for an equaliser but were always kept honest at the back by the likes of Aneke and Leitch-Smith. Youngster Callum Wilson was handed a chance to make a name for himself when he was brought on for Stephen Elliott with a quarter of the game remaining.

John Fleck also entered the field and created a couple of late chances as the visitors kept battling until the end and got what seemed to be a consolation when Ellis netted an own goal. Clarke then immediately scored a second to set up what would have been an unbelievable ending but it wasn't to be despite another desperate attack.

City's run to this stage has done a lot to revive interest in the club and they now move on to the battle to reach the League One play-offs.

Congratulations to Crewe and let's hope they overdo the celebrations before meeting the Sky Blues again on Saturday!

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