Coventry kept their pressure on for the Championship play-offs with a 2-1 win over Sunderland at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
Jamie Allen opened the scoring in the 25th minute, scoring his second goal in as many games after Viktor Gyokeres’s pullback slid in a second to cap off an outstanding performance in his 100th appearance for the Sky Blues.
Amad Diallo, on loan from Manchester United, made a neat turn to halve the deficit in second-half stoppage time, but it was nothing more than consolation for Tony Mowbray’s side, who missed the chance of jumping into the play places. -off after extending their winless run at Coventry in the league since April 1985.
The Sky Blues, meanwhile, move up to 10th, two points behind the top six with 13 games to go.
How Sky Blues closed in the top six
With valuable points up for grabs, the pace was high from the start. Both teams tested the water with half chances early on, with Danny Batth sending the alarm bells ringing when he leapt over Kasey Palmer to send a header off the post.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Danny Batth of Sunderland heads the goal which bounces off the crossbar during his team’s league match against Coventry
Sunderland soon took control of possession but it meant little to Coventry – who have won 11 of their games this season in which they have less than 50 per cent possession.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Coventry’s Jamie Allen arrives in the penalty area to put his team ahead of Sunderland 1-0 in the Championship
Shortly after Gyokeres ran into a misplaced pass and shot over the crossbar, he marked his 100th appearance for the Sky Blues with an assist, breaking into the area and pulling the ball back for Allen to guide in the opener.
The Swede then went it alone as the hosts looked to double their lead, sending a low shot inches wide of the left post.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Viktor Gyokeres scores Coventry’s second goal against Sunderland in their league match
Much of the second period passed without incident. Coventry defended well and severely restricted Sunderland in the final third, then doubled their lead when Gyokeres took advantage to guide home substitute Matt Godden’s cross for his 15th goal of the season.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Amad Diallo scores a superb consolation goal for Sunderland in their league defeat to Coventry City
The visitors finally got their breakthrough when Diallo controlled a cross and beat Ben Wilson with a sublime shot, though it wasn’t enough to provoke a dramatic equaliser.
Player of the game – Viktor Gyokeres
What is the next?
Coventry are next in action at 7.45pm on Tuesday, February 28, when the face Preston in Deepdale, in a live match in Sky Sports football red button.
sunderlandin turn, they return at 3 pm on Saturday, March 4, when they will face Stoke at the Stadium of Light.