GEORGE Thomas scored a wonder goal for Coventry City in Tuesday’s friendly against Portsmouth but it could not prevent the Sky Blues from suffering a 2-1 defeat against the League Two outfit at Havant & Waterlooville.
Tony Mowbray’s side found themselves 2-0 down at half time as Conor Chaplin and Gareth Evans struck for Pompey, but the visitors were much-improved in the second half and the highlight of the game arrived in the 53rd minute when Reda Johnson smashed a long ball forward and striker Thomas brought it down expertly in the area before showing immense finesse to chip a sensational effort over Paul Jones to reduce the deficit.
The game quietened down after Thomas’ sensational strike, but Lee Burge did well to save another effort from Evans before City came close to levelling in the 77th minute when Danny Swanson’s corner from the right was met by Aaron Martin at the far post but his close range header struck the bar.
Afterwards City midfielder Jim O’Brien told ccfc.co.uk that Thomas’ goal was “one of the best I’ve seen”.
He said: “It was one of the best I’ve seen considering the fact he is a young lad and he led the line on his own.
“The touch was excellent and he had the calmness and awareness to chip it over the keeper. He deserved it because he’s worked so hard.
“I’ve seen George play and sometimes, because he works so hard for the team, he doesn’t get his just rewards, but he did tonight.
“It was a special goal and he’s a really good lad so we’re pleased for him.
“As for the team, it was a really good test. We didn’t start very well but looked a different team in the second half. There were a lot of positives, obviously we need to see where we can improve, and it gets us a step closer to the start of the season.”
The Sky Blues face Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on Saturday in a fixture against another League Two promotion contender.
