Another missed opportunity as Rosslyn Park steal the points.

COVENTRY were left to reflect on another one that got away as they surrendered a winning position in the closing minutes of a 34-27 home defeat against Rosslyn Park.Cov outscored the Londoners 4-3 on tries – including a candidate for try-of-the-season after a 70-metre run from defence by winger Jeff Gregson – and came from 14-0 down to lead 24-17 midway through the final quarter.

But their failure to close out the game handed the initiative back to the visitors who responded with 17 points in a crucial ten-minute burst, leaving forwards coach Dave Addleton to voice the frustration of the home camp at a result which again leaves Cov looking over their shoulders in the wrong half of the National League One table.

“We weren’t at the races for the first 20-odd minutes and then when we had worked ourselves back into a position to win, again our decision-making at a crucial time let us down,” said Addleton.

“We had a chance to keep the pressure on them but chose to run a penalty when we should have kicked for position and stuck with what was working for us and that’s something we have got to sort out right now.

“Two knock-ons also cost us 14 points in the first half – we work on those core skills week in, week out and it’s disappointing to make mistakes like that

“In the second half, we kept hold of the ball, did the hard yards and got over the gain line – we know that if we give our strike runners space, they will create opportunities. But we have also got to know how to shut a game down and to make the right decisions at the right time. These things are coming back to hurt us.”

Cov also have fresh injury worries leading up to Saturday’s home game against unbeaten leaders Barking with Sam Herrington, Seb Pearson and Ben Russell all collecting knocks.