Micky Adams does not blame Dele Adebola for missing two chances that denied Coventry City what should have been a victory against Stoke City.
The goalless draw was ultimately disappointing but still signalled improvement for the Sky Blues.
Adebola, in form and confident, was presented with Coventry's best opportunities in last Saturday's match at the Ricoh Arena, but he nodded wide from a Leon McKenzie cross and then headed the ball against the crossbar from Darren Currie's centre.
"They were good chances but I'm not going to hammer the big man," said Sky Blues manager Adams. "He's been on fire and I think he's contributed to a very hard-working performance and on another day, those chances will go in."
Adams was half-expecting a goalless draw, given the quality of defenders in both teams, but says that Coventry's best hope of winning came when they dominated the first half.
"I'm pleased with where we are to a degree," Adams said. "My teams generally get better as the season progresses. I don't know why but we do and I'm hoping that continues.
"We're certainly in a better position than we were this time last season."
