Magilton's team have dropped just four points at Portman Road all season but are still searching for their first win on their travels after throwing away the chance to see off Iain Dowie's troops.

Julian Gray tapped in a rebound to give the home side an early lead but it was Town who dominated the rest of the first half and they pulled level when Danny Haynes headed in after David Wright had rattled the underside of the crossbar.

But Dele Adebola then clinically finished the first chance of the second period before Tommy Miller was harshly sent-off in a listless performance which ensured that Magilton's men continued their awful away form.

He said: "That sums up our season away from home. We showed great quality at first and passed the ball very, very well and Coventry couldn't wait for half-time to come.

"There looked like there was only going to be one winner. We were sat there at half-time pretty confident that we would go on to win the game but we never got started after the break.

"If you defend in the manner that we did and concede such sloppy goals as that then you are going to lose games home and away.

"We didn't get enough crosses in the box after we went behind and all Coventry had to do to beat us was up their work-rate."

Magilton has £12million to spend in next month's transfer window after Marcus Evans' £44m takeover and has admitted that he needs new faces in.

Former Newcastle and Portsmouth winger Laurent Robert has been linked with a move to the club and Magilton confirmed that he would like to see the Frenchman in action.

He said: "Everybody at this club has been given a chance now and the only way I am going to turn this around is by bringing in players who will make the difference.

"If we can do that then we will see a bit more success. I've never been on a run like this as a player and the more it happens the more it psychologically affects us.

"Laurent Robert is very good friends with our chief scout Charlie Woods and he invited him over to watch our game against Burnley.

"He is a free agent and if he wants to have a look at us and let us have a look at him then he is more than welcome. It is an open invite and he's certainly someone whose quality can help us."

Dowie admitted that his side had been poor in the opening 45 minutes but heaped praise on substitutes Kevin Thornton and Liam Davis for inspiring the win.

The youngsters replaced the injured Gray and Jay Tabb and lifted the crowd with a pair of excellent performances.

Dowie said: "First half we were shocking. We didn't keep the ball or pass it with any authority and we looked nervous.

"But the second half was a bit better and the two lads who came on did well. We were down to the bare bones and the subs were instrumental in getting us a victory.

"We scored two very good football goals and I was pleased with Dele's finish as I thought he worked hard all game.

"But it was one of the worst performances of the season and we've won so it goes to show that you don't always get what you deserve.

"It was a big, big display with limited resources and I'm delighted for the fans as they've deserved that win."

ITV