Striker Peter Crouch provided the vital breakthrough for Portsmouth to ease the pressure on manager Graham Rix and dent Coventry's hopes of clinching a First Division play-off place.

Portsmouth came into the match with just one win in their last 10 matches while Coventry were on a four-game winning streak and seeking to strengthen their position in the top six.

But it was Crouch who provided the vital contribution as he headed home the only goal of the game in the 53rd minute to the delight of the home crowd.

Croatia international Robert Prosinecki was the provider as he delivered a perfect corner from the left for the giant striker to rise at the far post and head home for his 17th goal of the season.

Crouch was impressive throughout the 90 minutes, leaving Portsmouth's attack on his own and could have twice extended their advantage soon after his goal.

Indecision in the Coventry defence allowed the striker a shooting opportunity in the 69th minute but his shot from the edge of the area hit the outside of the right-hand post.

Crouch was then inches away from connecting with an inviting centre from winger Courtney Pitt 14 minutes from the final whistle with Coventry's defence again stretched.

The Sky Blues had won five of their last six games and enjoyed more than their fair share of the possession but struggled to find a way through a Portsmouth team showing four changes from the one humiliated 5-0 at West Brom on Saturday.

Coventry's best way of scoring was provided by former Liverpool midfielder David Thompson who was a constant threat to the home side's defence.

Frustratingly for Coventry manager Roland Nilsson, Thompson dragged efforts wide of the right-hand upright on three separate occasions when well placed.

Thompson finally managed an effort on target a minute from normal time which looked destined to provide Coventry with a late equaliser but Portsmouth goalkeeper Dave Beasant flung himself to his left to parry before saving at the second attempt as the home side clung on for a important victory.

Teams

Portsmouth Beasant, Pitt, Hiley, Buxton, Waterman, Vincent (Curtis 45), Quashie, Prosinecki, O'Neil, Crouch, Harper (Rudonja 48).

Subs Not Used: Tardif, Barrett, Biagini.

Booked: Crouch.

Goals: Crouch 54.

Coventry Flowers, Quinn, Konjic, Breen, Hall, Chippo, Safri, Healy, Guerrero (Joachim 64), Thompson, Mills.

Subs Not Used: Montgomery, Shaw, Betts, Zuniga.

Att: 12,336

Ref: G Barber (Tring).