Coventry brought the curtain down at Highfield Road with a thrilling victory over Derby.

Playing the last fixture at the 106-year-old stadium before moving to the nearby Ricoh Arena in time for the start of next season, Coventry were four goals in front by half-time with Gary McSheffrey finding the back of the net twice - once from the penalty spot - before Dele Adebola and Stern John chimed in.

The Rams, who remain in the play-off zone despite this defeat, pulled one back early in the second half thanks to Adam Bolder before John netted his second of the afternoon and Coventry's fifth.

But there was more excitement to come as Paul Peschisolido struck again for the visitors before Coventry substitute Andy Whing powered home a glorious half-volley with his first touch of the game.

McSheffrey had opened the goal-fest when, in the 20th minute, he burst clear of midfield and evaded attempted tackles from Mo Konjic and Johnson before slotting a left-footed shot wide of Derby goalkeeper Lee Camp.

Eight minutes later and the hosts were awarded a penalty after former Coventry defender Mo Konjic shoved over Jorgensen in the Derby area.

And after referee Mick Fletcher had pointed to the spot, McSheffrey made no mistake from the 12 yards as he swept a left-footed shot to the goalkeeper's left.

Next, Adebola headed infield off the Coventry left and proceeded to put Konjic, Johnson and Camp on their backsides before rounding Chris Makin and slotting into an empty with eight minutes to the break.

Soon John was joining the goalscoring act when, in the 40th minute, he glanced home a Stephen Hughes corner.

Both sides ran out unchanged for the start of the second half and within six minutes of the restart the Rams stunned the hosts with a well-worked set-piece goal.

It had been Inigo Idiakez, stationed 25 yards from goal and in the left channel who rolled the free-kick into a central position for Bolder to produce a right-footed strike which screeched into the top corner of the net despite the fingertip touch of Steele's left hand.

Three minutes' later though and the Sky Blues had restored their four-goal cushion as John was allowed to control the ball and then turn in the Derby box before lashing a low drive through the legs of Camp.

The shellshocked visitors mounted a response of sorts when Konjic advanced from the back to supply Bolder, who then fed Peschisolido, introduced as a first-half substitute for head injury victim Ian Taylor.

But the Canadian's scudding shot was comfortably collected by Steele. On-loan Manchester United keeper Steele was beaten by Peschisolido in the 62nd minute though when the diminutive Rams frontman fired low and inside the righthand post.

The game took another turn in the 67th minute when Whing, who had been introduced as replacement for Claus Jorgensen, scored with a spectacular half-volley which was powered past the helpless Camp.

Late in the game Hughes tested Camp but the England Under-21 keeper comfortably collected the shot.

Teams

Coventry Steele, Duffy, Page, Staunton, Hall, Jorgensen (Whing 67), Doyle, Hughes, McSheffrey (Morrell 78), Adebola (Benjamin 73), John.

Subs Not Used: Pressman, Goater.

Booked: Staunton.

Goals: McSheffrey 20, 29 pen, Adebola 37, John 40, 55, Whing 68.

Derby Camp, Kenna, Konjic, Johnson, Makin, Idiakez, Taylor (Peschisolido 30), Bolder, Bisgaard, Tudgay (Junior 66), Smith.

Subs Not Used: Miller, Jackson, Huddlestone.

Booked: Konjic, Johnson, Idiakez.

Goals: Bolder 51, Peschisolido 63.

Att: 22,728

Ref: M Fletcher (Worcestershire).