Coventry City extended their dismal current run to four straight Championship defeats in a game of contrasting quality in each half at Preston.

Despite taking the lead against the run of play with the first of two tap-ins from Haji Wright, the Sky Blues' advantage was short lived before two goals in the space of three minutes saw the home side deservedly go in front heading into the break.

North End then added a third before Wright pounced for a second time in the 3-2 defeat that highlighted promising signs in attack and worrying deficiencies at the back. Here are some of the big talking points and things learned from another disappointing day at Deepdale.

Fans deserve better Mark Robins was keen to play down any negative pre-match talk focusing on Coventry's dreadful league record at Deepdale. The manager may even have shielded his players from the blot in the history books - many of whom are new to the club and no doubt unaware of the bogey ground tag. There's no rhyme nor reason why the Sky Blues have found it so hard to win in their 22 visits in various divisions over the years but one thing's for sure, it doesn't matter how oblivious the latest crop of City players are to unwanted records, if they perform like they did in the first half then they have got no chance of breaking the Preston hoodoo.

They were simply awful in an unacceptable 45 minutes, and the outstanding 3,000-strong Sky Blue Army deserved better. All credit to the supporters who continued to get behind their team right to the bitter end.

Coventry City fans looking dejected at Preston The big goalkeeper debate Robins admitted in his post match assessment that he thought some of his City players looked nervous. And when Ben Wilson spilled what looked to be a routine catch from a reasonably powerful shot that went out for a corner, the goalkeeper looked to be one of those to whom he was referring. Going into the game off the back of a mistake for the first goal against West Brom, when he again let the ball slip from his grasp, it's easy to see how the Sky Blues' first choice could suffer a dent to his confidence.

On this occasion it didn't lead to a goal and we can only hope that the momentary lapse doesn't get magnified and affect his performance next time out against Stoke. His form in the last two games has sparked a debate amongst some supporters about whether it's time to give summer signing Brad Collins a go, but let's not forget he's also pulled off some decent saves so far this term.

Dipping below Too many players were off their game in the first half, including the previously consistent Jay Dasilva who could well be one of the players about whom the manager was referring to after the game when he said some were "asking to come out of the team" by their level of performance. Yasin Ayari was arguably another; ineffective in the opening 45 minutes while the usually reliable quality of Ben Sheaf was found wanting in the absence of Josh Eccles alongside him - the Academy graduate so often the man mopping up loose balls in and around the box. That was rectified at half-time, after which City gave a far better account of themselves.

Time for Plan B to come to the fore? Robins made a big tactical change at the break by switching to a 4-3-3 formation which had the desired effect of City looking really threatening going forward with the two big lads either side of Matty Godden in the front three. Haji Wright had the presence of mind to be in the right place at the right time and to gamble on the follow-up for two simple tap-ins from parries from the goalkeeper in each half in another encouraging showing from the American. Ellis Simms, meanwhile, was strong and powerful driving in from his wide position on the break, and had a hand in Wright's second.

The manager is right that there are lots of positives to hang onto from the second half performance, and the Plan B is certainly one of them. He revealed afterwards that it's something he and his coaches have been working on. Whether he's ready to try it from the start remains to be seen but given recent results, there's certainly a case for it.

Back trouble City's lack of goals was a big talking point after going three games without finding the back of the net going into Saturday's match in Lancashire, but it's arguably at the back where there are greater concerns right now. The Sky Blues built last season's success on solid foundations, with a tight defence that kept a record 22 clean sheets. But this term's various combinations continue to come up short, conceding three infuriatingly poor goals - practically handed to the opposition on a plate on this occasion.

The first saw Jay Dasilva send a headed clearance straight to Duane Holmes who was afforded far too much space to drill home, while the second was the softest of penalties conceded by Kyle McFadzean who barely touched Milutin Osmajic before the Montenegro international decided to go to ground. And finally, wide man Liam Millar - who had the better of Joel Latibeaudiere for much of the match - was allowed far too much time to send in a cross to Osmajic who got between Liam Kitching and substitute Jake Bidwell to send a free header into the back of the net.

Interestingly, the second half central defensive duo of Kitching and Bobby Thomas saw the renewal of their partnership from League One Barnsley last season. Robins is still looking for his strongest back three or four to emerge, and on this showing there's a strong case for Luis Binks to be restored to the starting line-up.