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Coventry ended their sequence of five consecutive defeats – but their record run of matches without a league win now stands at 15 after they were pegged back deep into injury time.

The Sky Blues fought brilliantly from first whistle to almost the last but – just as against Peterborough and Bolton – they were stripped of two crucial points in the dying seconds. It means that Russell Slade is still waiting for his first league win after nine attempts, equalling the worst-ever start by a City boss since Noel Cantwell.

And he must be wondering what he has to do to turn that demoralising tide after his team gave him all the physical commitment he could have asked for. Yakubu was on the bench as Slade opted for a 4-1-4-1 formation – Kevin Foley protecting the back line while Marcus Tudgay was the lone wolf up front. Lee Burges was restored in goal after Reice Charles-Cook’s traumatic experience in Saturday’s 3-2 defeat against Oldham Athletic while Kwame Thomas, who notched a fine consolation goal at Boundary Park, was on the left of the midfield four with namesake George on the left.

That new defensive formation was tested as the Dons got off to a frenetic start to whip up the atmosphere in the tight Cherry Red Records Stadium. It was all hands to the City pumps in the opening ten minutes but they kept Burge well protected and gradually began to create some forward movement. And it was the Sky Blues who almost broke the deadlock with a classic counter attack in the 18th minute, George Thomas skinning Robertson in a sprint from the half-way line. Keeper Shea stood firm to block his shot, however, and the home cavalry arrived in time to block Rose’s follow-up.

That sparked a sequence of four corners in rapid succession, Shea having to produce an excellent punch to clear one from just under his bar. It took the Londoners 25 minutes to produce their first genuine attempt, a fierce Soares volley from penalty-spot range, and Burge responded splendidly to turn it over the top. The game continued at a harum-scarum pace, with no lack of hard work and commitment but precious little in the way of craft. Burge played his part with some confident aerial work – getting away with his one semi-fumble – and the only other scent of a breakthrough came in injury time when Robertson almost got a decisive toe to Francomb’s low free-kick.

The pattern continued in the second half until the hour mark when Dons unveiled a quality free-kick routine, Robertson nodding Francomb’s angled delivery back into the middle but Taylor heading well over from prime position. That signalled Yakubu’s entry into the equation, replacing Tudgay at the sharp end (although his first chore was to supplement the defence for a brace of corners) and Slade added more fresh energy when he sent on Jones for George Thomas.

It took just three minutes for that adjustment to yield dividends as Jones cut in from the right to unleash a fierce low shot that flicked Shea’s stretching glove to nestle into the far corner. Wimbledon produced a predictable response, pumping balls down both flanks in a bid to open up the City defence, but the men in red and black stood firm, never embarrassed to send clearances into or over the stands.

Rose and Kwame Thomas’s aerial presence proved important, too, as City defended for their lives. But they were cruelly denied in the third of four overtime minutes when one final home fling saw the ball drop to Robinson who smashed it past Burge.

AFC WIMBLEDON (4-3-3): James Shea; George Francomb, Paul Robinson, Chris Robertson, Sean Kelly; Tom Soares, Dom Poleon (72 mins, George Oakley), Jake Reeves; Dannie Bullman (H/T, David Fitzpatrick), Lyle Taylor (72 mins, Tyrone Barnett), Andy Barcham.

Substitutes not used: Joe McDonnell (goalkeeper), Alfie Egan, Seth Owens, Toby Sibbick.

COVENTRY CITY (4-1-4-1): Lee Burge; Dion Kelly-Evans, Nathan Clarke, Ferrand Rawson, Jordan Turnbull; Kevin Foley; George Thomas (68 mins, Jodi Jones), Andy Rose, Callum Reilly, Kwame Thomas; Marcus Tudgay (61 mins, Yakubu Ayegbeni).

Substitutes not used: Reice Charles-Cook (goalkeeper), Gael Bigirimana, Kyel Reid, Ryan Haynes, Ruben Lameiras.

Match analysis:

How did Wimbledon set up?

The Dons set up in a 4-3-3 formation with the attack minded Tom Soares to the right of the midfield three that included Dom Poleon and Jake Reeves, while the forward line included Lyle Taylor – the man who Reda Johnson head-butted at Scunthorpe a couple of seasons ago – leading the line.

How did the Sky Blues set up?

Russell Slade set City up in a belt and braces 4-1-4-1 formation with Dion Kelly-Evans and Jordan Turnbull returning to the starting line-up at right and left-back respectively either side of Farrend Rawson and Nathan Clarke.

Kevin Foley switched from full-back to patrolling in front of the back four as extra defensive cover. The midfield four comprised George Thomas wide right, Andy Rose and Callum Reilly in the middle and Kwame Thomas wide left with Marcus Tudgay leading the line on his own.

Attendance:

4,022 (359 City).

Goals:

71 mins: Jodi Jones cuts in and drills in a low and powerful shot into the far corner. 0-1.

90+3 mins: Chris Robinson thumps hard and low through a crowd of players to equalise. 1-1.

How did the game pan out?

Wimbledon weathered an early storm, for the opening ten minutes before a bit of respite when a break-away saw the keeper James Shea make a good save to deny George Thomas. The Dons’ only real clear cut chance when Soares hit a fierce volley from 12 yards and Burge reacted well to tip over the bar. Wimbledon had more of the ball but City defended well with Dion Kelly-Evans particularly impressive in fighting and challenging for every ball that came his way.

It ended all square at the break and then the home side came out guns blazing and forced City to defend a string of corners. The fans were calling for Yakubu to go on and he did on the hour for Tudgay, followed shortly after by Jodi Jones who added a much-needed spark and scored the all-important opening goal.

Confidence lifted immediately and a real determination set in with some decent and sustained attacking play from City who were well on top midway through the second period. However, City were forced to defend deeper and deeper into stoppage time as the Dons piled on the pressure and Chris Robertson broke City’s hearts with a last minute equaliser, three minutes into four added for stoppages, hitting Coventry with a crushing blow.

Fifteen games without a win:

City extended their miserable winless run in the cruelest of ways.

Unwanted record:

Russell Slade’s ninth league game in charge without a win equals the worst ever start by a Coventry City manager, set by Noel Cantwell in 1967.

Any sign of Yakubu?

The Yak was included on the bench and it wasn’t long into the second half when the 300-odd vocal City fans started singing for the veteran front man to go on. They got their wish just after the hour when he replaced Tudgay and promptly led the line. He was strong and used his experience to organise his team-mates and while he didn’t cover too much ground - understandable given his lack of fitness - he was reasonably mobile and just waiting to be fed the ball in the right area.

Any sign of Michael Folivi?

No, the Watford loan striker was missing from the matchday squad again.

How did Jordan Turnbull do at left-back?

He was superb throughout and cemented his place for the short-term at least in his new role.

Star man:

Jodi Jones sparked City into life and got the goal that should have given them victory.