Two first-half goals were enough to give Ipswich victory over Coventry in Roy Keane's first home match in charge at Portman Road.

Winger Giovani dos Santos broke the deadlock on 24 minutes and striker Pablo Counago doubled the advantage two minutes later in the Coca-Cola Championship clash.

Coventry netted a late consolation through Clinton Morrison but could not prevent Keane making it two wins out of two since his since his appointment.

Keane, who emerged to a rapturous reception, brought in Jonathan Stead and Tommy Smith for Matt Richards and Ivan Campo.

For Coventry, Chris Coleman called up Leon Best and James McPake for Marcus Hall and the suspended Daniel Fox.

City winger Robbie Simpson had the first effort on goal but dragged his left-footed shot wide.

But Ipswich dominated the early stages in blustery conditions and striker Pablo Counago came agonisingly close with a 25-yard curling effort.

His strike partner Stead, who latched on to a Counago pass, had the ball in the net in the 22nd minute but was flagged offside.

Loanee dos Santos found the net soon after when he cut inside from the right flank and curled home from 20 yards out. The ball took a slight deflection off visitors' full-back Ben Turner.

The home side doubled their advantage in the 26th minute, with Counago calmly slotting home after a Stead shot had been blocked.

Despite conceding twice in quick succession, Coventry remained dangerous on the break.

Best shot wide after a jinking run down the left and it needed a last-ditch challenge from Ipswich full-back Jaime Peters to deny Freddy Eastwood.

Coventry had an extraordinary escape in the 52nd minute when Counago managed to divert a Norris shot on to the crossbar, with City goalkeeper Keiren Westwood beaten.

The Spaniard had crouched down on the goal-line in an attempt to avoid his team-mate's effort on an open goal but inadvertently guided it to safety.

With Ipswich holding on to a comfortable lead, Mexican waves started to go round the stands as the game developed an end of season feel.

Ipswich substitute Danny Haynes, on for Giovani, shot just wide with an attempted lob after running on to a Stead diagonal pass but there was little goalmouth action.

Coventry had created little in the second half until captain Morrison pulled a goal back in the 79th minute with a poacher's effort, turning in a knock-down from central defender Elliott Ward after an Eastwood corner.

The goal gave the visitors renewed vigour and Eastwood had a hooked effort deflected over by Ipswich substitute Veliche Shumulikoski.

Simpson hit the bar with a 25-yard free-kick with virtually the last kick of the game as an equaliser evaded the Sky Blues.

Teams

Ipswich Richard Wright, Peters, Bruce, Smith, Balkestein,Giovani (Haynes 63), Norris, Garvan, Lisbie (Shumulikoski 84),Counago (Quinn 75), Stead.

Subs Not Used: Bialkowski, Richards.

Goals: Giovani 24, Counago 26.

Coventry Westwood, Osbourne (Beuzelin 59), Ward, Turner,McPake (Grandison 33), Simpson, Gunnarsson, Doyle,Best (Cain 65), Morrison, Eastwood.

Subs Not Used: Ireland, Thornton.

Booked: Morrison.

Goals: Morrison 79.

Att: 27,225

Ref: Graham Laws (Tyne & Wear).