Ephron Mason-Clark’s second-half finish proved decisive as Championship leaders Coventry returned to winning ways with a hard-fought victory over a spirited Bristol City at the CBS Arena.
In an open and entertaining first half, both sides went close to breaking the deadlock.
Coventry’s Haji Wright struck the woodwork after 16 minutes, with Cameron Pring well placed to block Viktor Torp’s follow-up.
Bristol City responded when Sinclair Armstrong, handed his first start in five games, smashed a fierce effort against the post before forcing Carl Rushworth into a sharp save with a powerful volley moments later.
Wright dragged another chance wide as Coventry continued to threaten, while Armstrong thought he had given the visitors the lead just before the interval.
However, his close-range effort was ruled out by referee Stephen Martin after it was deemed the ball had struck his hand in the build-up.
Bristol City manager Gerhard Struber was forced into a defensive reshuffle before kick-off, with Zak Vyner and George Tanner sidelined, and Coventry looked to exploit that disruption after the break with a series of crosses into the box.
The breakthrough arrived from a set-piece.
Bobby Thomas’ header cannoned off the post from a corner and, with the Robins unable to clear their lines, Mason-Clark reacted quickest to tap in from close range and give the Sky Blues the lead.
Despite falling behind, Bristol City pushed hard for an equaliser and finished the match with nine shots on target compared to Coventry’s four.
Rushworth, though, was in inspired form.
He produced a string of outstanding saves, including tipping Adam Randall’s header over the bar, blocking Anis Mehmeti’s effort with his legs and denying substitute Fally Mayulu in stoppage time with an outstretched arm.
Further chances came and went for the visitors as Emil Riis headed over from close range and Haydon Roberts sliced wide, but Coventry held firm.
The win extends Coventry’s lead at the top of the Championship to five points and marks their seventh successive home victory - their best run at the CBS Arena since 2021.
Bristol City, meanwhile, drop to 11th, left to rue missed opportunities on a night when they did much right but came away empty-handed.
