Sheffield United 1 - 2 Coventry City

Leaders Coventry overcome Sheff Utd with clinical comeback



Coventry City once again showed their mettle to come from behind and beat Sheffield United to move five points clear at the top of the Championship.

City's quest to end a 25-year exile from the top flight looked under threat when Harrison Burrows slammed the Blades into a deserved lead at the start of the second half.

But Frank Lampard's side showed a clinical touch to score with their first two shots on target and take the lead within nine minutes of falling behind.

Haji Wright found space to hammer through Blades goalkeeper Michael Cooper and Jack Rudoni then flicked in a fine header in front of 3,000 travelling fans.

Defeat leaves Chris Wilder's side nine points shy of the play-off places and possibly ends their hopes of an unlikely promotion push.

It is only eight seasons since Coventry found themselves in League Two but they are edging closer to a Premier League return after a potentially pivotal week.

Tough-looking games against second-placed Middlesbrough, West Brom and Sheffield United have brought a maximum haul of nine points which could be worth more than their weight in gold.

They were made to show resilience in a first half which was bossed by the hosts with Andre Brooks a particularly lively threat down the United right.

Wilder's side rained in 15 shots in the first 45 minutes with Patrick Bamford fluffing their best chance producing a tame shot at Carl Rushworth.

Burrows, who scored against relegated rivals Wednesday at the weekend, did find a way through at the start of the second half after collecting a sublime reverse pass from former Coventry midfielder Gus Hamer.

That awoke City though and Wright managed to equalise with a powerful shot that Cooper should have dealt with.

And just five minutes later Rudoni timed his run to perfection to meet an inswinging cross from Ephron Mason-Clark with a telling header.

United substitute Tyrese Campbell had the home crowd on their feet in the last few minutes when he tumbled under a challenge from Bobby Thomas - but the striker was booked for a dive instead of winning a penalty.

The Sky Blues now host Stoke on Saturday while United must regroup at QPR.

Coventry manager Frank Lampard told BBC Coventry & Warwickshire:

"It was always going to be tough, they are a good team on the rise. We had to defend our box in the first half, we weren't at our best and we made blocks. The character to come from behind and score two good goals is all credit to the boys.

"There was a lot of pressure, the crowd get involved, we needed personality and that was first class.

"It was textbook Rudoni to arrive and score, he is a top player who is so hungry to do well and produce.

"We have let teams have moments against us away from home this season but we were compact and it's unseen things that get you results on the road.

"The boys have worked hard to get these three wins - but there is so much still to play for."