Preston maintained their playoff challenge with a deserved 3-1 victory against Coventry at Deepdale.

North End saw their unbeaten run extend to 15 games thanks to first-half goals from Adam Nowland, Graham Alexander and Chris Sedgwick.

Nowland confidently struck from close range in the 25th minute and five minutes before half-time Alexander converted from the spot after Andrew Whing fouled Patrick Agyemang.

Seconds before the referee blew for the break Sedgwick put the match beyond the visitors with a volley from inside the box.

Stern John's 59th-minute strike was just consolation for the visitors as they succumbed to their seventh away defeat of the season.

Preston boss Billy Davies selected Callum Davidson on the bench after the defender recovered from a hamstring injury, but North End were still without midfielder Paul McKenna (leg).

For Coventry, midfielder Micky Doyle missed out through a one-game suspension incurred for his dismissal in the 1-1 draw with Crewe - a sending-off for which the player issued a public apology to fans, team-mates and Adams.

And a double fracture to Robert Page's cheekbone sustained in the same game meant Matt Heath was recalled following his recovery from a back problem.

The home side started brightly and tested Coventry goalkeeper Marton Fulop early with Nowland's close-range seventh-minute shot forcing a save.

North End then came tantalisingly close to taking the lead three minutes later but David Nugent's fierce effort hit the post.

Preston continued to have the better of the attacking play and deservedly took the lead through the lively Nowland when the midfielder struck from inside the box after good work by Lewis Neal on the left.

Preston then doubled their advantage five minutes before the interval when Alexander scored from the spot after Whing fouled Agyemang.

And just before half-time Sedgwick connected with a Neal cross to volley into the top left of goal for his third of the season.

Both goalkeepers were forced into action minutes after the interval, but Fulop dealt comfortably with substitute Chris Lucketti's header while Carlo Nash punched Gary McSheffrey's shot away from danger.

Adams' decision to bring on John for Don Hutchison paid dividends when the Trinidad and Tobago striker scored with a 30-yard volley.

Matters improved for Adams when the home side were forced to substitute the injured Nowland with Davidson in the 63rd minute, but the visitors were unable to take advantage of Preston's plight.

Teams

Preston Nash, Alexander, Mawene (Lucketti 47), Davis, Hill, Sedgwick, Nowland (Davidson 64), Jones, Lewis Neal, Agyemang, Nugent (Hibbert 81).

Subs Not Used: Dichio, Mears.

Booked: Mawene.

Goals: Nowland 26, Alexander 41 pen, Sedgwick 45.

Coventry Fulop, Whing, Shaw (Hall 46), Heath, Impey, Scowcroft, Osbourne, Thornton (Morrell 58), Jorgensen, McSheffrey, Hutchison (John 45).

Subs Not Used: Ince, Adebola.

Booked: Osbourne.

Goals: John 59.

Att: 12,936

Ref: L Probert (Gloucestershire).