Coventry maintained their charge towards a UEFA Cup spot as fit-again Darren
Huckerby's 12th goal of the season had settled the Midlands derby at Highfield
Road - and dealt a blow to Derby's own European aspirations.
Huckerby's first half effort means the Sky Blues have taken 20 points out of
the last 24 and for once they will have more than just a relegation dogfight to
look forward to into the final phase of the season.
Huckerby had been forced to miss England's Under-21 trip to Switzerland in
midweek because of an ankle problem - but he showed typical sharpness in
settling the issue in favour of Gordon Strachan's side.
Coventry certainly showed no adverse reaction to their shock FA Cup exit at
the hands of First Division Sheffield United 11 days previously.
They took a grip on the game from the first whistle against a Derby side still
looking as if they were suffering a hangover from their 5-0 home mauling by
Leeds.
Noel Whelan and George Boateng helped the Sky Blues to establish a grip on
proceedings in the centre of the park and it was one-way traffic towards the
Derby goal for long periods.
The visitors defended stoutly with Christian Dailly giving Dion Dublin few
opportunities to step up his claims for a place in Glenn Hoddle's World Cup
squad.
But with so much possession to exploit it was inevitable that the home side
would find a way through at some stage despite some fine saves from stand-in
Derby 'keeper Russell Hoult.
Derby, beaten in successive league games for the first time this season, had
precious little offer as an attacking force and their only real chance was
handed to them on a plate via a defensive error.
They quickly need to recapture the spark which has taken them into the top six
if their dreams of the UEFA Cup are not to fade into oblivion.
Hoult, deputising for the injured Martin Poom, was soon called into action to
save a low drive from Paul Telfer away to his left.
But he was relieved when a looping header from Dublin sailed over his head and
rebounded to safety off the crossbar after Whelan had flicked on a centre from
Roland Nilsson.
Derby were restricted mainly to long range efforts which were easy meat for
Steve Ogrizovic on his 600th league appearance.
But the visitors were nearly gifted a goal in the 35th minute when Gary Breen
was dispossessed by Paulo Wanchope.
The Costa Rican striker coolly slipped past the challenge of Ogrizovic and
sent in a low goal-bound effort - but Breen atoned for his error by getting back
to clear off the line.
Then a minute before the interval Coventry gained the breakthrough that their
first half efforts merited.
Paul Telfer's short corner found Whelan who sent a low fierce centre into the
box. Huckerby was first to the ball and in an instant swivelled and sent a
volley wide of Hoult from 15 yards out.
The second half began in a scrappily and Derby suffered a setback when Darryl
Powell limped out of action with an ankle injury to be replaced by Deon Burton.
But City continued to enjoy the majority of the play and George Boateng forced
Hoult to turn a 35-yard effort around the post while Whelan fired across the
face of goal.
Hoult then held onto a low drive from Whelan and then, as the Derby defence
backed off, Boateng weaved his way into the area only for the Derby 'keeper to
again deny the Sky Blues.
Huckerby had the chance to make the game safe when he left three defenders
trailing but he lofted his shot into the side netting.
Teams
Coventry: Ogrizovic, Shaw, Burrows, Breen, Huckerby, Whelan,
Dublin, Telfer, Soltvedt, Boateng, Nilsson.
Subs Not Used: Hedman, Williams, Moldovan, Strachan, Shilton.
Booked: Telfer.
Goals: Huckerby 44.
Derby: Hoult, C. Powell, Stimac (Rowett 72), Wanchope, Delap,
Bohinen, Laursen, Carsley, Dailly, D. Powell (Burton 54),
Baiano (Solis 86).
Subs Not Used: Knight, Hunt.
Att: 18,705
Ref: K W Burge (Tonypandy).
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