Rob Hulse scored his first goal in 15 games as West Brom moved level with Norwich at the top of Nationwide Division One with a scrappy victory in this west midlands derby.

The former Crewe frontman last netted in the 4-3 win over West Ham in November but was on hand in the 53rd minute to tuck away a rebound after Scott Shearer had saved Geoff Horsfield's effort.

Horsfield had earlier scored his fifth goal for the Baggies to set them on their way against a battling Coventry side before Mark Kinsella took advantage of a defensive error to claim the third.

Coventry made the brighter start and Russell Hoult had to be quick off his line to snuff out the threat of the lively Gary McSheffrey.

West Brom should have gone in front when James Chambers caught out Calum Davenport with a long ball from the back and sent Hulse clean through on goal.

But Hulse showed his lack of confidence by drilling the ball straight against Scott Shearer's legs.

Strike partner Horsfield missed a fine chance minutes later after Thomas Gaardsoe nodded the ball down from a corner.

However, as the crowd waited for the net to ripple Horsfield mis-kicked in front of goal allowing Shearer to clear the danger.

But the Albion faithful had to wait until only the 23rd minute before Horsfield put the home side in front.

The striker used his physique to muscle Steve Staunton off the ball in the box before firing through Shearer's legs.

Coventry continued to pass the ball confidently and almost created an equaliser when Warnock got in front of his marker in the six-yard box but could only glance a header past the upright.

The Sky Blues controlled the opening minutes of the second half without threatening Hoult's goal and were made to pay when Hulse doubled Albion's lead.

Horsfield again got the better of Staunton as he spun the veteran defender from James Chambers' throw-in and fired in an angled shot. Shearer could only parry his effort and Hulse pounced to end his drought.

Coventry substitute Dele Adebola just failed to get the final touch to a McSheffrey flick-on with the goal gaping before a disastrous mistake by fellow substitute Craig Pead handed Albion their third after 79 minutes.

Pead should have cleared a hopeful West Brom cross but instead laid the ball into the path of Kinsella who tucked the ball past Shearer.

Teams

West Brom Hoult, Robinson, Gaardsoe, Moore, Gregan, Chambers, Johnson, Kinsella, Koumas (Dyer 78), Hulse (Facey 76), Horsfield (Skoubo 86).

Subs Not Used: Murphy, Clement.

Booked: Kinsella, Robinson.

Goals: Horsfield 23, Hulse 53, Kinsella 79.

Coventry Shearer, Grainger, Davenport, Staunton, Clarke, Warnock (Pead 76), Deloumeaux, Doyle, Gudjonsson (Adebola 76), Joachim, McSheffrey.

Subs Not Used: Ward, Konjic, Shaw.

Booked: Grainger.

Att: 25,414

Ref: M Pike (Cumbria).