An inspirational double substitution from Bristol City manager Gary Johnson proved decisive in his side's 2-0 victory over Coventry at Ashton Gate.

Following a lacklustre first half, the tide of pressure dramatically turned after Johnson introduced Dele Adebola and Peter Styvar midway through the second period, resulting in second-half goals from Jamie McAllister and Lee Johnson.

Fresh from their FA Cup elimination at the hands of Chelsea last weekend, the Sky Blues dominated a furiously-paced opening period and came inches away from taking the lead but Clinton Morrison's effort cannoned back off the post.

Further chances fell to Leon Best and James McPake but the visitors could find no way past Robins goalkeeper Adriano Basso, and Chris Coleman's men were made to pay for their missed opportunities.

With little forthcoming in the way of creativity, boss Johnson hauled off strikers Stern John and Nicky Maynard in the 62nd minute. And, just three minutes later the change proved decisive as McAllister hammered home the opener.

The substitution had swung the game in the home side's favour and they went on to double their lead in the 80th minute as Gavin Williams' sweeping cross from the left was met by Johnson who added the easiest of finishes from six yards.

Sky Blues boss Coleman had made two changes to the side who lost 2-0 to Guus Hiddink's Chelsea in the FA Cup, with new boy James McPake coming in for Scott Dann while Guillaume Beuzelin replaced promising youngster Aron Gunnarson in midfield.

There was a frantic start to the match as the visitors immediately laid siege to the Robins' goal.

Michael Doyle and Freddy Eastwood both registered their attacking intent early with efforts from distance while centre-back Louis Carey was twice required to produce last-ditch blocks to prevent an early opener for Chris Coleman's men.

It was not all one-way traffic though as the home side came to life with an electric counter-attack in the 10th minute which culminated in a rasping drive from Robins midfielder Michael McIndoe, forcing a fine save from Keiren Westwood.

But it was the Sky Blues who were very much in control and they came inches away from breaking the deadlock as former Crystal Palace striker Morrison hit a ferocious drive from 25 yards which cannoned back off the post.

The visitors continued to pile forward and dominated possession as two deep crosses in quick succession were met by Leon Best and McPake but neither troubled Basso as the goalless first half drew to a close.

There was none of the opening period's high octane pace as the second half got underway but it remained the home side who had most cause for concern as John and Maynard becoming more and more isolated in the final third.

Something had to be changed and manager Johnson decided it was time for Adebola and Styvar in the 62nd minute.

Then the home side took an undeserved lead in spectacular fashion.

Revived by the fresh injection of life, McIndoe cut the ball inside to fellow midfielder McAllister who unleashed a venomous drive from 25 yards which arrowed into the top left-hand corner.

The home side were suddenly in the ascendancy and went on to double their lead as Williams delivered an incisive ball the from the left side of penalty area and striker Johnson was on hand to tap home.

Teams

Bristol City Basso, Carey, McCombe, Fontaine, Orr, Williams,Johnson, McIndoe, McAllister, John (Adebola 63),Maynard (Styvar 63).

Subs Not Used: Weale, James Wilson, Sproule.

Booked: Carey.

Goals: McAllister 66, Johnson 80.

Coventry Westwood, Wright, McPake, Turner, Hall,Henderson (Simpson 79), Beuzelin, Doyle, Eastwood (Bell 61),Morrison, Best.

Subs Not Used: Marshall, Ward, Osbourne.

Booked: Morrison, McPake.

Att: 15,706

Ref: Phil Crossley (Kent).