Three weeks after running out in front of 58,000 at Old Trafford, Jason Robinson made his long-awaited Sale debut in the more modest surroundings of Heywood Road on Sunday.

The former Wigan winger took his place alongside fellow Grand Finalist and code convert Apollo Perelini in a Sharks side that made hard work of their Tetley's Bitter Cup fourth-round clash with Coventry.

Robinson found the ball coming his way far too infrequently in a largely quiet debut - but he eventually gave the supporters what they came for with a 79th-minute try.

The 2,547 crowd had roared in anticipation with his every touch but tough-tackling National League strugglers Coventry frustrated him for most of the game.

Robinson scored 171 tries in eight glorious years with Wigan but a side with only two wins all season almost held out to delay his first for Sale for at least another week.

His marker Kurt Johnson, with his bright red hair and large number 14 emblazoned across the back of his head, proved in particular that life in the 15-a-side game will be far from easy.

Perelini's performance was similarly unspectacular and his game ended prematurely with a 32nd-minute sin-binning for a high tackle.

Their new side eventually overcame the National League One basement side after a tremendous tussle that saw them head into the break 11-10 down.

Coventry's spirit belied their lowly league position as they forced their way into the lead after 10 minutes when Mike Hurrell barged over.

The home side responded with a quick-fire try from Matt Moore under the posts but two Martyn Davies penalties edged them back in front at half-time.

The tide turned after the break when Mel Deane darted in by the posts despite a huge forward pass from Niki Little.

Full-back Steve Davidson then put the result beyond doubt with a well-worked try and Robinson rounded things off with virtually the last play of the game and his first touch of the half.

Little ended the game with four conversions and four penalties for an overall points tally of 15.

Andy Smallwood grabbed a late Coventry consolation with a try in the corner - but it is sale who now meet Rotherham in the fifth round next weekend.