COVENTRY City remain in the play-off places despite slipping to a surprise 3-1 defeat away at bottom club Plymouth Argyle.
Quickfire goals from Mustapha Bundu and Ryan Hardie at the end of the first half left the Sky Blues stunned before Haji Wright’s goal kept the visitors in the contest at Home Park.
However, Bundu’s second of the game after the break, coupled with results elsewhere, means Coventry drop to seventh in the Championship table, outside of the play-off places on goal difference.
However, Bundu’s second of the game after the break ended City’s hopes of producing a comeback although Middlesbrough’s defeat at Sheffield Wednesday means Coventry remain three points clear of the chasing pack in the race for a play-off place.
Plymouth deservedly took the lead five minutes before half time when Coventry failed to deal with a corner from the right and Adam Randell cut the ball back to Bundu who finished past Bradley Collins at his near post.
The home side stunned the Sky Blues three minutes later as Bundu robbed Milan van Ewijk of possession which left the visitors exposed at the back before squaring to Hardie who finished through the gloves of Collins.
However, Coventry kept themselves in the contest with a goal on the stroke of half time with Conor Hazard only able to push Ellis Simms’ initial header from a corner into the path of Wright who tucked home the rebound from close range.
Plymouth restored their two-goal cushion on 65 minutes when City failed to clear a long throw from the right and Bundu forced home his second of the game from close range at the second attempt despite the best efforts of Collins.
The Sky Blues spurned a glorious chance to reduce the deficit moments later as Wright headed Liam Kitching’s cross straight at Hazard unmarked from six-yards out.
However, City failed to seriously trouble the Plymouth goal thereafter in an uncharacteristic display from Frank Lampard’s side.
Coventry are next in action against Luton Town on Saturday, April 26 with kick-off at 12.30pm at Kenilworth Road.
