Match Report

Cardiff City maintained their strong run of form with a convincing win at Coventry.

Goals either side of the break by Jay Bothroyd and Ross McCormack lifted Dave Jones's team up to fourth in the Championship table and condemned the Sky Blues to their first defeat at the Ricoh Arena since November.

Coventry handed a debut to on-loan Chelsea midfielder Lee Sawyer and the home team started the match well.

Freddy Eastwood had two great chances inside the first 13 minutes but failed to take them.

In the 11th minute, Michael Mifsud set-up the Wales international but he shot wide from the edge of the area and then, two minutes later, he fired straight at Peter Enckleman when one-on-one.

Coventry defender Elliott Ward, who spared the Sky Blues' blushes with a late goal in the FA Cup at Torquay at the weekend, had a couple of opportunities but one flew over and the other was deflected clear in the 22nd minute.

From that moment, Cardiff took over and completely controlled the remainder of the first half.

Bothroyd should have scored in the 24th minute but he fired over after being given too much time and space in the box.

The former Coventry striker went close again two minutes later but, after cutting inside, he shot wide.

McCormack was looking a class act in terms of touch and movement and he produced a stunning volley in the 29th minute but it was matched by an athletic save from Keiren Westwood.

Coventry were being pushed further and further back by Cardiff and the pressure told in the 34th minute.

Mark Kennedy swung in a cross from the left, which Bothroyd met with a header. Westwood made another good save but Bothroyd blasted in on the rebound.

Cardiff had three further chances before half-time but Coventry managed to survive without conceding again before the break.

The Sky Blues were looking to get back on level terms straightaway in the second period and had a chance three minutes in. Eastwood crossed to the back post but Ward's header was soft and easy for Enckleman to save.

Cardiff got their second goal just after the hour mark when Sawyer gave the ball away in his own half. Gavin Rae picked out McCormack who raced towards goal and calmly shot under the body of Westwood.

Corners

Fouls

Goal attempts

Shots off target

Offsides