Gillingham boss Peter Taylor was left wondering how his team let Coventry off the hook.

Hosts Coventry were in party mood, on their return to the Ricoh Arena, but were forced to repel numerous chances from the visiting Gills.

“We played well in the first minute and I felt we could have scored with a really good move, then we were tested,” said Taylor.

The Sky Blues took a 10 minute lead through Frank Nouble and then threatened to run riot before the Gills got a grip.

Taylor said: “Coventry are an excellent footballing team, they scored a goal but we carried on. We didn’t do so well at the end of the first half but I thought second half we showed good character, some good quality and I still can’t believe we didn’t score a goal.”

And the Gills boss admitted he feared the worst once his side conceded early.

“Yes I did (fear the worst) because of the atmosphere and Coventry were absolutely flying with their passing moves at times. They were sucking us in and playing in their wing backs. That was good play from them.

“At times you do fear the worst but you just want your players to stick at it. We lost the game but I am delighted with our performance.”

The Gills boss was pleased his team kept in their game after conceding that early goal – something not all teams may be able to do.

“It wasn’t a terrible move (for the goal) it was just maybe that our back four weren’t narrow enough,” he said.

“We allowed their wing-back to get into a good area to pass it back.

“Teams will come (to Coventry) and, if the atmosphere is the same, they could melt a little if they concede early but we didn’t.”

Taylor also confirmed afterwards that top scorer Danny Kedwell missed the game with a knee injury and defender Leon Legge was out with a groin problem.