Coventry City

George Hirst scored in the opening minutes and Wes Burns’ wonder-strike put the hosts 2-0 ahead at half-time.

The visitors’ improved in the second half and missed the opportunity to narrow the gap when Matt Godden’s spot-kick cannoned off the underside of the bar, before they got a late consolation goal when Brandon Williams headed the ball into his own net.

It was the Tractor Boys’ ninth win in 10 home games and their second three-point haul in four days, maintaining their seven-point cushion over third-placed Leeds and keeping them within a point of leaders Leicester.

Coventry, who had not conceded a goal in their three previous games, slipped two places to 17th as a result of this defeat.

The game was only six minutes old when Hirst opened the hosts’ account. Nathan Broadhead’s pass dissected the Coventry defence and the striker fended off the close attention of City’s centre back Liam Kitching to coolly side-foot home past Brad Collins.

Ipswich tails were up and nine minutes later Broadhead held his head in his hands after he missed a good chance to extend the lead. Harry Clarke found the Welsh international clear on goal with just the Coventry goalkeeper to beat but he slipped his shot just wide of the left hand post.

Ipswich were dominating proceedings and a shot from Burns went just over the bar, then Broadhead’s header was just off target following a free-kick.

Ipswich goalkeeper Vaclav Hladky had to dive full length to his left to keep out an effort from just outside the penalty area by Jake Bidwell in the visitors’ first real attack of intent after 29 minutes.

American international Haji Wright had the ball in the Ipswich net after 36 minutes but he was ruled offside as the Sky Blues again threatened but Ipswich went further in front six minutes later in impressive fashion.

Burns bent a right-footed shot with the outside of his boot, which looked like it was going wide, before curling into the top left corner and past a stunned Collins to double Ipswich’s lead.

Hladky dived at the feet of Wright following a crossfield ball from substitute Tatsuhiro Sakamoto and fellow sub Godden wasted a good chance when well placed inside the penalty area.

Broadhead was fouled on the edge of the box in the 55th minute but Leif Davis’ free-kick was charged down by Callum O’Hare, then a long range shot from Clarke arrowed into the sidenetting.

Coventry had the chance to reduce the arrears in the 73rd minute after Clarke was adjudged to have tripped Sakamoto in the penalty area but Godden struck the bar and the ball bounced clear.

However, the visitors did get on the scoresheet in the sixth minute of added time with Williams’ own goal.

Matt Godden’s close-range header gave the Sky Blues the advantage midway through a closely fought first half at The Den.

Tatsuhiro Sakamoto doubled the visitors’ lead in the 67th minute before Ben Sheaf made sure of things with two minutes remaining.

The result was Edwards’ first defeat as Millwall manager and leaves his team 18th in the table.

He said: “Overall, I would still say that we should be pretty disappointed with the performance because I think there were a lot of the basics, basics that this team are usually good at.

“There were a lot of duels in the middle of the pitch, second balls and players running off us in transition.

“It is just basic work ethic and basics of the game regardless of what kind of style of play you deploy as a team.

“We did not do well enough and they looked sharper than us, so I am still disappointed.

“3-0 was probably a harsh scoreline, but we were on the other end of that ourselves in our last game, we were clinical and won 4-0 so that is how it can go.

“There are definitely positives to take, we have spoken about being on the front foot and being aggressive here at The Den.

“The big thing for me today was us with the ball, we had a lot more of the ball than a Millwall team would typically have, and at times we looked composed and like we had a clear idea of how we wanted to build up.

“But in the opponent’s half and particularly in the final third we did not ask nearly as many questions as you need to ask of an opponent’s back four here at The Den, that was the disappointment.”

The result was Coventry’s first win since the start of October, only their second away triumph of the season, and leaves them 20th in the table.

However, manager Mark Robins felt it was well earned after some unfortunate results on the road.

“We have been in every game this season, we went to Leicester away on the first day of the season and could have won that,” he said.

“We have got good players but it does dent confidence a little bit, that’s just been it.

“They have trained really well in the last nine days, and you could see that they had the bit between their teeth, they were really courageous with the ball.

“The fact that we have kept two clean sheets on the bounce is another positive, we have got a tough run of games before the run into Christmas which is really heavy.

“Everybody has got to be ready, we have got a decent squad there that are all fit, that is a positive and the performance and the result today were also positives.

“I felt we were really good today, it is a difficult place to come at the best of times and on the back of not too many wins.

“When you have got the bit between your teeth, the players are all on the front foot, you could see that they were confident today.

“There was no lack of confidence, they’re good players, they’re positive and when they’re positive and have that courage they can hurt teams at this level.”

George Hirst scored early on and Wes Burns’ cracker put the hosts further in front, before Matt Godden’s penalty cannoned off the underside of the bar.

Although the visitors did manage a breakthrough thanks to Brandon Williams’ headed own goal, it could not stop Ipswich recording a ninth win in 10 Sky Bet Championship matches.

McKenna said: “(It was) a fantastic result and a top, top performance in the first half so (I’m) really pleased, really proud of the players.

“I thought (our) first half performance was outstanding. I know how much hard work goes in to deliver a performance like that, especially a couple of days after your last game. (There’s) so much to enjoy.

“Of course (the) second half (is a) different half…we could have got through the pitch a little bit quicker.

“I think the intent on the pitch was right, to try and control the game. But we just needed to control it higher up the pitch.

“(There are) things to improve there but even having said that apart from two moments really – the penalty and then the goal at the end, which I think is a foul – they have (had) very, very few chances and we controlled a lot of the game well.

“(It was) an excellent effort from everyone. The atmosphere was great, the football was great, the goals were great, it was a super first half of football.

“We’ve executed really well the last two games and got off to great starts and backed it up with goals.”

Opposing boss Mark Robins said: “It felt like watching us last season.

“You could see that the connections have been made between the players so for instance Conor (Chaplin) and Wes Burns in those positions, they link up really well together.

“Hirst off the back and (Nathan) Broadhead comes in off that left hand side and makes good runs and they have got some pace and power within the team and they keep the ball pretty well, so they make it difficult for you.

“There’s a couple of moments we get it clearly wrong, the first was the first goal and the second was a worldly goal so I don’t think you can really put that down to anything other than a great finish.

“The second half we grew into it a little bit more but they had plenty of possession.

“The penalty came and went, it just hits the underside of the bar, it’s just one of those things, had we taken that chance that would have put them on the back foot.

“We just looked like we were a little bit timid at times. It’s one of those games that we have to learn from.”

Leicester are aiming to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking under former Manchester City coach Maresca.

But they were made to work hard by a Coventry side who could have had more than the one goal they scored when skipper Kyle McFadzean’s close-range header gave them a deserved lead.

With Leicester struggling for a foothold in the game, midfielder Dewsbury-Hall equalised with a header before netting a spectacular winning goal.

Both sides named four debutants in the starting line ups following their summer transfer activity; but Coventry manager Mark Robins chose to leave new record signing Haji Wright, a USA international, on the bench after completing his £7.7million move on Friday. He would make an appearance with 19 minutes to go.

Maresca gave the Leicester captain’s armband to veteran striker Jamie Vardy.

The game was played in front of a sell-out crowd at the King Power Stadium, and had the atmosphere of a Premier League game.

Robins has rebuilt his squad with nine new signings following their Championship play-off final defeat to Luton last May but the Sky Blues showed Leicester they were not going to have it all their own way.

Kasey Palmer was a threat for Coventry and, after 26 minutes, he found space 20 yards from goal and produced a shot which drifted just over the crossbar.

Leicester came more into the game as the half drew on and former Coventry loanee Callum Doyle saw a header blocked at the near post from Stephy Mavididi’s corner.

Palmer continued to cause problems and it took an excellent interception from Harry Winks to stop him getting a shot in on goal.

Leicester youth product Kasey McAteer was put through by Ricardo Pereira before the break but he was denied by Coventry goalkeeper Ben Wilson.

Coventry should have scored straight after the break when Ellis Simms was put clear but took his shot first time and sliced wide.

Robins’ side went ahead after 47 minutes when Gustavo Hamer delivered a corner to the near post and McFadzean glanced home from close range.

Coventry then created a string of chances, with Leicester’s new goalkeeper Mads Hermansen twice saving from Matt Godden.

Leicester equalised after 77 minutes when substitute Dennis Praet delivered a cross into the Coventry area where Dewsbury-Hall was on hand to head past Wilson.

Coventry almost regained the lead when Hall broke clear and saw his shot deflected on to the crossbar.

But with three minutes left, Dewsbury-Hall scored the winner. He played a one-two with Mavididi before finding the net with a powerful left-foot drive.

Brighton loanee Yasin Ayari, 19, had seemingly ended the Sky Blues’ five-game winless run in the Sky Bet Championship with a first-half goal he knew little about.

However, Terriers defender Helik equalised five minutes into stoppage time to ensure former Sheffield Wednesday boss Moore avoided defeat in his return to management.

It meant Coventry stopper Ben Wilson’s string of fine second-half saves were in vain as he was eventually beaten, meaning Huddersfield are now unbeaten in four matches.

Former Sheffield Wednesday boss Moore, who got the South Yorkshire club promoted last season before leaving in the summer, made four changes as he took the helm for the first time.

There was a sedate start to the game before Ayari fired a speculative 25-yard strike wide of the mark.

Town caught the hosts on the counter attack and Mark Robins’ charges were indebted to Liam Kelly as he blocked Josh Koroma’s effort.

The deadlock was broken in the 27th minute as summer signing Ellis Simms, still seeking his first Coventry goal, saw his rasping drive tipped onto the bar by Town goalkeeper Lee Nicholls and bounce in off an unsuspecting Ayari.

Moore’s men finished the first half strongly without creating any clear-cut chances to equalise and they also threatened early in the second period without any end product.

Jack Rudoni created space to get a shot off from outside of the box, but his left-footed strike flew high and wide.

Minutes later the former AFC Wimbledon man squandered another chance as his scuffed effort, after being nicely teed up by Jaheim Headley, was easily saved by Wilson.

After a routine first save of the evening, Wilson was forced into a much tougher save to beat away Delano Burgzorg’s powerful strike.

Josh Eccles produced a last-gasp diving block to deny a Koroma strike after a spell of sustained pressure in the hosts’ box.

Wilson produced another fine save to deny substitute Sorba Thomas’ free-kick from the left-hand corner of the box.

Nicholls pulled off a super save from Bobby Thomas’ snapshot to keep the visitors in the game, before substitute Haji Wright poked the rebound over from close range, with just three minutes left.

That huge save was worthwhile as Helik took advantage of a scrappy clearance in the Coventry box and expertly found the top corner with his guided left-footed volley.

Ellis Simms nodded in his 17th of the season inside the first 10 minutes before Haji Wright’s brilliant finish shortly after half time but the Sky Blues in control

Joel Piroe gave Leeds hope with 14 minutes remaining but Mark Robins’ men remain within four points of the top six.

It was an important victory for Coventry, who kept pace after Norwich’s 1-0 victory over Ipswich in the lunchtime kick-off.

Simms put the Sky Blues ahead with his 14th goal in 11 games in all competitions when he nodded in from close range.

It followed good work from Bobby Thomas, who hooked Josh Eccles’ corner back into the danger zone before Liam Kitching’s header found Simms inside the six-yard box.

It was a welcome contribution for Kitching, who had scored two own goals in Coventry’s 2-1 home defeat to Cardiff on Monday.

From there Robins’ men went in search of a second as they carved the shaky Leeds back-line apart minutes later.

Kasey Palmer’s smart pass played in the returning Callum O’Hare but his shot was well blocked by the legs of Illan Meslier in the Leeds goal.

Palmer then saw his effort ricochet off a Leeds defender to safety, while Simms flashed an effort wide following Haji Wright’s knock down.

At the other end, Junior Firpo’s cross looked to be on a plate for Patrick Bamford but the forward couldn’t make a clean contact in what proved to be Daniel Farke’s side’s best chance of the first half.

Coventry deservedly doubled their lead after the break after an incisive breakaway from Crysencio Summerville’s free kick.

Milan van Ewijk brought the ball away from danger and laid off to Eccles, whose mesmerising ball into the box was met by a brilliantly-improvised finish by Wright with the outside of his right foot.

Leeds went in search of a goal to halve the deficit and looked most threatening through Summerville, who forced Brad Collins into action for the first time in the afternoon at his near post.

Jake Bidwell’s acrobatics then prevented the Dutchman from equalising as he cleared Summerville’s effort off the line for a corner.

Substitute Piroe gave Leeds hope in the closing stages when he calmly side-footed home following persistent work from Georginio Rutter.

Piroe had a golden chance to salvage a point in injury time but his effort was kept out by Collins as Leeds’ automatic promotion hopes were dealt a blow at the CBS Arena.

Norwich’s lunchtime defeat at Leicester presented the Sky Blues with a chance to close to within one point of the top six and they appeared to be on their way when Ellis Simms struck to extend his superb goalscoring run.

However, the luckless Kitching twice put the ball into his own net to give the mid-table Bluebirds their first win in three games and keep the gap between Coventry and the Canaries at four points.

The first chance of the game fell Coventry’s way after six minutes when Haji Wright charged through the middle before playing in Kasey Palmer, whose effort was held by Cardiff goalkeeper Ethan Horvath.

A bright start by the Sky Blues continued with midfielder Ben Sheaf bending a superb effort from outside the area narrowly over the bar, with Horvath well beaten.

Against the run of play, Cardiff believed they should have been awarded a penalty in the 15th minute when Perry Ng went down under Jake Bidwell’s challenge but referee Leigh Doughty was unmoved.

The hosts took the lead after 22 minutes when Palmer played the ball right for Milan van Ewijk and his low cross was tapped in by Simms for his 11th goal in seven games.

However, the Bluebirds drew level in bizarre fashion seven minutes later when Joe Ralls’ corner caused problems, leading to Kitching slamming in the first of his own goals.

The best chance the Sky Blues had to regain the lead before half-time came when Van Ewijk pulled the ball back for Palmer, who miscued his effort wide.

Cardiff then almost completed the turnaround within 23 seconds of the restart when Josh Bowler hammered a long-range strike narrowly past the post.

An even better chance for the Bluebirds then came when Yakou Meite’s pass put Karlan Grant clean through on goal, only for the striker to shoot well wide.

Having started the second half shakily, Coventry began to reassert themselves with Van Ewijk quickly sorting his feet out after Wright’s pass ran his way before shooting off-target.

However, Kitching’s tortuous afternoon took a further turn for the worse when Bowler’s cross deflected off him and looped into the far corner past a stranded Brad Collins to gift the visitors the lead.

Coventry boss Mark Robins turned to his bench in trying to salvage the situation but going behind had clearly rocked the hosts, whose passing now lacked its earlier accuracy.

They did have the ball in the net with six minutes left when Wright headed in Sheaf’s cross but the linesman’s flag quickly silenced Coventry cheers as their promotion hopes took a hit.

The Sky Blues fell to a sucker punch in first-half stoppage time, allowing centre-back Rob Dickie to rise and head his first Bristol City goal from a Taylor Gardner-Hickman free kick.

Coventry had dominated to that point without finding a finish, clipping the crossbar twice through Ben Sheaf and Matt Godden, as well as missing several chances.

Boss Robins said: “I should be talking about a brilliant away performance because that’s what it was.

“Instead, we are reflecting on a defeat because we lacked that finishing touch and have lost to set-piece goal we should have defended better.

“We could have played until midnight and not scored. It wasn’t our day, but you make your own luck and some of our decision-making on the ball was lacking.

“We have to be better in that respect. When you don’t take your chances, you are always vulnerable.

“I am disappointed with the goal because Rob Dickie has just moved Kyle McFadzean out of the way. Ben Wilson has done well even to get a hand on the header because there was pace on it.

“They changed shape to cope with us and offered more what we expected.

“I’m so frustrated because we should be looking back on a brilliant three points against a good side.

“They had injuries, but still boasted a lot of experience in the likes of Andy King and Matty James.

“We remain a work in progress, but we still created enough chances to have won. That’s the disappointment, but we will take the positives out of the game and move on.”

The hosts improved after manager Nigel Pearson made a 37th-minute substitution, replacing youngster Haydon Roberts with the more experienced Jason Knight and switching from a back-three to a four-man defence.

Pearson is still struggling with a back problem so assistant Curtis Fleming met the written press after the game.

“Nigel has partly a neurological problem, which will not require surgery,” he said. “It is just a case of coming up with a treatment plan.”

Of the game, Fleming added: “We lost a couple of players to injury in the build-up to the game and it was a great win in the circumstances.

“Coventry were really good, but sometimes you have to win horribly and the change of shape made a big difference.

“It was tough on young Haydon coming off in the first half, but the change needed making.

“We didn’t start with Jason Knight because he had run 12k in two games on international duty with Ireland and picked up a 24-hour bug on his return.

“He has gone on and done a great job for us. But the team as a collective responded so well in the second half. I thought Andy King was superb at the back

“We can’t shy away from the fact that Coventry were better in the first half.  But we showed a real character with several players operating out of position and put bodies on the line.

“Rob Dickie has shown his worth at both ends, with a big challenge at the end. He lost his place through being sent off against Birmingham and he has come back strong.”

Robins agreed a new four-year deal with the club he took over in 2017 on the eve of Wednesday night’s 1-0 semi-final, second-leg victory at Middlesbrough which kept alive their hopes of making it all the way from League Two to the Premier League.

A thrilled Robins said: “We’ve beaten Middlesbrough over two games to get to Wembley and the final, I’m really proud of the players regardless of what happens.

“They’ve all worked as hard as they possibly can, they all try their best every day, so for that, I’ll always be proud. That’s all you can do.

“Whatever happens next happens, but it won’t be for the want of trying, that’s for sure.”

Victory was sealed by the only goal of a tense 180-minute shoot-out when Gustavo Hamer fired into the top corner after City had pounced on a loose pass by Ryan Giles and Viktor Gyokeres had rounded keeper Zack Steffen.

Boro belatedly launched an all-out assault, during which substitute Matt Crooks headed home from an offside position and Cameron Archer stabbed over the crossbar, but the visitors, who have spent 22 long years outside the top division, held firm to extend their fairytale season.

Asked about Hamer’s contribution, Robins revealed he had undergone a painkilling injection before the game.

He said: “He was phenomenal. I’m surprised he didn’t faint – he had an injection in his knee before the game so he could play. I don’t know what was worse, whether it was the injury or the needle going in.

“He was brilliant. When Vik’s gone through and he’s taken it round the goalkeeper and it falls then to Gustavo, you just breathe out because he just does it every day.”

For Boro head coach Michael Carrick, an evening which promised so much ended in bitter disappointment, although he urged his players to learn from the experience.

Carrick said: “Hopefully it’s the start of something. That’s up to us to make the next step, as hard as it is right now. It’s a tough one to take, it’s a tough experience for some of the boys.

“Most of the time I’ve felt through my career in life in general the tough moments are the ones that you end up learning from and coming back stronger when you come through it, so as tough as it is now and horrible to go through – and we’ve got a lot of time to think about it over the summer – we’ve got to come back stronger.”

The midfielder netted twice as the hosts scored three goals in the final 11 minutes to beat the 10-man Foxes 3-1.

O’Hare levelled before Milan van Ewijk fired Coventry ahead with two minutes left and then added a third in stoppage time.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s penalty gave Leicester the lead but Abdul Fatawu’s red card in first-half injury time gave Coventry the impetus.

O’Hare’s deal expires in the summer and Robins insisted the club will do everything they can to keep him, with the O’Hare having recovered from a serious knee injury.

Robins said: “You’ve got to wait for that. We can only do so much but we will 100 per cent want to keep him. Whatever happens it won’t be for the want of trying or not wanting to do it from our part.

“Looking at characteristics of people in teams, he epitomises what we want to do. He is brave, goes after things, a good communicator, an effervescent character and has added goalscoring to it.

“He deserves all the plaudits he gets. We missed him greatly.

“I thought we were brilliant. It was one of the best performances we’ve had this season, in many seasons. You have to understand how good the opponent is and then pick the bones out of the performance.

“Even with 11 v 11 we were outstanding.”

The leaders slipped to a first defeat in 11 league games after the Sky Blues’ grandstand finish.

Coventry dominated for long spells – Tatsuhiro Sakamoto hitting the post early – but fell behind a minute before the break.

Van Ewijk lost possession and Bobby Thomas caught Dewsbury-Hall, despite winning the ball first, as he attempted to recover the situation.

Dewsbury-Hall converted from the spot but the Foxes were soon down to 10 men when Fatawu recklessly clattered into Jake Bidwell for a straight red.

Matty Godden headed at Mads Hermansen but Coventry had to wait until 11 minutes from time to start their comeback.

Ellis Simms and Jay Dasilva combined for O’Hare to roll into the corner and van Ewijk put the Sky Blues ahead with two minutes left, firing in from the edge of the box after Leicester failed to clear a corner.

O’Hare then wrapped up the victory when he volleyed in from close range after Godden’s shot was blocked.

Leicester boss Enzo Maresca said: “We played two games, the first half was one and the second half was another.

“The red card changed the game completely. Abdul is very young, he needs to learn many things – in some moments you need to be more calm.

“It’s part of his process and he has to improve many things, at 1-0 up he tried to recover the ball not with the right thing. It happens.

“I feel proud when we win, win, win but today I feel more proud. We continued to play, fight and we didn’t concede important chances until the goal. It’s part of the game, with so many games it can happen.”

Sakamoto joined Coventry from Oostende last summer, but the Japanese winger failed to score in his first 13 matches for the club.

His performance levels were good though, and Robins always felt it was only a matter of time before things started clicking for the 27-year-old in front of goal.

Sure enough, Sakamoto has now netted five times in his last four matches, with his double at the Riverside helping to secure a win that lifted Coventry to within three points of the play-off places in the Sky Bet Championship.

Robins said: “He’s been really good, and the confidence is coming. We’ve been waiting for it. He’s got the ability, and now he’s got the confidence and belief too.

“That’s really good for us, and really good for him. He also creates. He’s technically outstanding, and to get through the games that he has done is a real credit to him.”

Sakamoto won two international caps in 2021, but was not named in the Japan squad for the upcoming Asian Cup, meaning he can continue to play for Coventry this month.

That is a relief to Robins, although if the winger continues to perform as he has in the last few weeks, an international recall could well be in the offing.

Robins said: “They’ve got some really good players. The Japanese are outstanding, you could see that in the World Cup last year.

“They’ve got some excellent players, and there’s more and more of them playing in Europe and the UK. Tatsu is a brilliant outlet for us, and you can see the connections that are being made and that he’s starting to form. That’s pleasing for us for the second half of the season.”

Middlesbrough were without 13 senior players because of injury or call-ups to either the Asian Cup or Africa Cup of Nations, and having established a first-half lead through Josh Coburn, Michael Carrick admitted his side ran out of steam as Coventry dominated in the second half.

Carrick said: “I think it’s understandable. It felt like the tank just emptied at the wrong time for us today, in terms of their energy.

“I can’t fault them. It’s such a small pool of players we’ve had to pick from a patch-up game to game over recent weeks. It probably just caught up with us at the wrong time today because first half I thought we were fantastic.

“I thought we played some fabulous football and should have, could have, been up at half-time. In the end, they are a good team, they’re dangerous and they’re on a good run as well.”

The former Rangers and QPR boss was appointed as Tony Mowbray’s permanent successor at the start of the week but saw his team finish well beaten on home soil following goals from Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, Callum O’Hare and Kasey Palmer.

Beale was also forced to listen to a significant section of the home support at the Stadium of Light chanting his predecessor’s name during the defeat.

He said: “Today couldn’t have gone any worse, let’s be honest about it. We have to apologise to our fans and we have to respond in a couple of days’ time.

“He (Mowbray) did a good job here, and I have no issue with the fans showing their affection towards him because he was a man who they were fond of and he did a good job.

“Ultimately, that’s now gone and we need to look forward. The team needs to get better results than it did today.

“Consistency has maybe been a bit of an issue for the group. That’s our 10th game that we’ve lost this season in 23, and we’ve won 10. So, at the halfway stage of the campaign, we have to decide what team we’re going to be moving forward. We certainly can’t let in three goals a game, that’s for sure.”

Mark Robins, meanwhile, feels his Coventry side have put themselves into a great position to be able to attack the second half of the season after moving to within six points of the Championship play-off places.

Coventry started the campaign slowly, having lost two of last season’s star players, Viktor Gyokeres and Gustavo Hamer, in the summer transfer window.

A number of signings have gradually bedded in, with the win at the Stadium of Light meaning Robins’ side have now lost just one of their last eight matches.

Robins said: “We lost two brilliant players in the summer, and had a turnover of 25 players. Fourteen players left the club, and 11 came in.

“You’re starting again, and that’s frustrating. It can be frustrating for everyone, but we brought quality in, we know that, it just takes time.

“If you bring in players from abroad who haven’t experienced the Championship before, it can take a while for them to get used to the intensity and the quality of the league.

“It may have surprised one or two, but now, I think they’re starting to see what it’s like and the places you’ve got to come to. The noise in this stadium today was fantastic, so the fact we’ve done what we’ve done shows there’s a bit of growth there going on.

“We can look forward to the second half of the season, although I think this division this year is probably harder than it’s been for a long time because of the teams that are in there and the fact that people have strengthened.”

Portsmouth hammered Frank Lampard's Coventry City 4-1 at Fratton Park on Saturday, while Ruben Selles earned his first win as Hull boss.

Haji Wright put the Sky Blues ahead before Duane Holmes swiftly equalised, and Preston skipper Alan Browne put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot before half-time.

Milutin Osmajic headed North End’s third after the break, before Wright grabbed his and Coventry’s second before full-time.

The win sees Preston move into sixth place while Coventry remain in 20th and have now lost four games in succession.

Both sides went into the clash out of form and Preston’s Jordan Storey had the afternoon’s first chance, side footing over from close range.

From a Sky Blues corner, Preston countered through Liam Millar who fed in Osmajic but he fired straight at Ben Wilson after 10 minutes.

The hosts continued to have better opportunities as Liam Lindsay nodded Mads Frokjaer-Jensen’s right-wing cross wide on the quarter-hour mark.

Coventry stopper Wilson was fortunate not to concede after failing to hold on to Browne’s effort but saw it bobble just wide.

The visitors took the lead against the run of play when Freddie Woodman parried Matt Godden’s shot into Wright’s path and the Sky Blues man put Coventry ahead after 33 minutes, though there were suggestions of offside.

However, Preston were back on level terms not long after when Coventry failed to clear and Holmes blasted a low effort past Wilson seven minutes from half-time.

North End won a penalty shortly after when Kyle McFadzean bundled Osmajic over in the box and skipper Browne duly converted to give Preston the lead.

Ryan Lowe’s side looked for a third before the break, but Osmajic could not direct Brad Potts’ dangerous low cross to the target.

Following an open start to the second half, Coventry substitute Ellis Simms fired at Woodman as the hour-mark approached, before the Preston stopper tipped Ben Sheaf’s fierce drive over.

Sheaf rifled through a crowd as Coventry sought an equaliser, while Millar’s deflected shot was claimed by Wilson at the other end.

But Preston got their third when Millar’s floated cross was nodded home from close range by Osmajic with 19 minutes to go.

Wright tried to reduce the deficit with a long-range effort but could not find the target, while Simms lashed against the side-netting shortly after.

Coventry did grab another back when substitute Josh Eccles fired at Woodman and, though he kept the 83rd-minute effort out, Wright was again first there to tap home.

But it was not enough for the Sky Blues to avoid defeat with late pressure not yielding an equaliser.

Having survived incessant pressure, the home side took the lead in first-half stoppage time when Dickie rose to net with a downward header from Taylor Gardner-Hickman’s free-kick.

Coventry had squandered several chances and were not the same force after the break as their opponents leapfrogged them in the table with a dogged display.

Both managers made four changes, injury-hit Bristol bringing in Haydon Roberts, Andy King, Andreas Weimann and Tommy Conway, with five academy players on the bench, while Coventry named Ben Sheaf, Luis Binks, Milan van Ewijk and Matty Godden in their starting line-up.

The half-time score was completely against the run of play. Cheered on by one of the loudest contingents of travelling fans at Ashton Gate this season, Coventry dominated from the opening whistle without finding a finish to match impressive approach play.

Tatsuhiro Sakamoto had a fourth-minute shot palmed over by Max O’Leary and three minutes later Sheaf clipped the crossbar.

City, with experienced midfielder King operating in the middle of a back-three, looked all over the place as their former player Jay Dasilva revelled in yards of space on Coventry’s left flank.

Sakamoto went close again and Ellis Simms fired narrowly wide before the visitors hit the bar again through Godden’s drive.

A head injury to midfielder Matty James after 20 minutes allowed Bristol time to regroup. He continued swathed in a bandage, but still Coventry piled forward and Godden shot wide after being set up by Simms.

The hosts at last featured as an attacking force after 34 minutes when a crunching tackle by James led to Weimann cutting in from the right to force a diving save from Ben Wilson.

Even so, by the 38th minute City manager Nigel Pearson had seen enough and sent on Jason Knight for youngster Roberts, switching to a back-four, with Mark Sykes dropping to right-back. His team improved, but Dickie’s goal just before the break still came out of the blue.

The hosts looked better-balanced at the start of the second half and Cameron Pring had a 53rd-minute shot blocked. Nine minutes later Knight’s powerful long-range effort was held by Wilson.

Sakamoto fired wide, but Coventry were struggling to re-establish their first-half superiority.

Chances were few and far between after the break, substitute Haji Wright shooting wide of the near post for the Sky Blues after 79 minutes.

The home side were better organised and more tenacious, Sykes nullifying the threat of Dasilva and Dickie producing a goal-saving challenge in injury time to complete what for 45 minutes looked an unlikely success.

Luton eye promotion to the Premier League for the first time and a win over Coventry would round off their fourth promotion in 10 seasons.

Manager Edwards refused to romanticise the club’s journey and highlighted the importance of a grounded mentality ahead of Saturday’s all-or-nothing showdown.

“I try and keep a clear head but I know the magnitude of the game and we all do, there’s no point in not talking about it, there’s nothing wrong with dreaming and aiming for (promotion), Edwards said.

“We are there now, in touching distance. It’s one game, we know we are capable.

“But the one thing we need to do is make sure we are the best version of us and prepare as normally as possible. We have to work as hard as we usually do, organise the same and if we get those bits right you stand a chance – the basics.

“If we get carried away then you have got no chance in a game like this so my job is to make sure we concentrate on the stuff we can control and we have to work as hard as we always do.”

Edwards heaped praise on Coventry, whose 22 clean sheets this season were the most of any Sky Bet Championship side.

The two sides met twice over the course of the season, drawing 2-2 in September and 1-1 in February.

“We have a decent idea of them and they have a decent idea of us as well, we’ve looked at each other twice during the season and watched countless numbers of games as well so there won’t be too many surprises on the day, said Edwards, adding that his side cannot just focus on Coventry’s star men Gustavo Hamer and Viktor Gyokeres.

“They have some more good players than just those two – who are excellent, they are top individuals.

“But they have got quality all over the pitch and really well coached by Mark (Robins) and Adi (Viveash) so they have got a real clear way of playing and that helps you over the course of a season.

“They’ve been building over a good few years and it’s served them well so of course they are more than two players, but you need outstanding individuals to make the difference and those two lads are the key ones this year.”

Edwards admitted the playoff final is the biggest occasion in his seven-year managerial career and understands the importance of victory.

“There’s not a comparable game I’ve been a part of with this level of interest and what it is worth financially and people watching, it is a new experience for me,” he said.

“I am pleased to have been involved in big games at big stadiums and our players have as well but me stood on the touchline, it will be a great experience.”

The former Manchester City winger had been an unused substitute in the Saints’ last three outings, but came off the bench to cancel out Haji Wright’s opener.

Russell Martin’s men pushed tirelessly for a winner in the closing stages, but the draw keeps Southampton firmly in the play-off positions – 12 points behind second-placed Ipswich.

The Sky Blues were forced to withstand heavy pressure against the possession-hungry Saints in the first half as Adam Armstrong attempted to add to his 12 Sky Bet Championship goals this season.

The forward scored 20 goals for Coventry on loan from Newcastle in the 2015-16 season and forced home goalkeeper Brad Collins into action after 10 minutes when he cut inside from the right and fired a low effort at goal.

Bobby Thomas came flying out of defence to block Armstrong’s next effort after a smart short corner routine before Ellis Simms hooked off the line.

Ryan Manning almost put Southampton ahead when he met a Kyle Walker-Peters cross midway through the first half.

But Coventry withstood the pressure, seeing just 24 per cent of the ball in the opening 45 minutes, before Jamie Allen fired wide from the edge of the box.

Simms had scored in just one of the 21 appearances for the Sky Blues prior to the Saints’ arrival and Gavin Bazunu stood firm to block the former Everton man’s effort after he was played in by Tatsuhiro Sakamoto.

Coventry’s positive end to the half gave Robins’ men confidence after the break and they were inches from going ahead through Callum O’Hare, fresh off his first goals in over 18 months against Birmingham last time out.

Milan van Ewijk created space for himself down the right and pulled back for O’Hare, whose sweetly struck effort crashed off the crossbar and away to safety.

The Sky Blues were ahead just two minutes later when Wright found himself in acres of space inside the box and shifted the ball inside before slotting home his sixth of the season.

The opening goal came following some good work from O’Hare, who held off Manning before calmly slotting in Wright with the Southampton defence all at sea.

Southampton’s search for an equaliser saw Stuart Armstrong force Collins into a low save to his left, whilst Martin introduced Edozie alongside Ryan Fraser from the bench.

Both substitutes were heavily involved in the equaliser just seven minutes later as Fraser’s cross was nodded on by Adam Armstrong to Edozie, who controlled the ball with his chest before finding the far corner.

From then on it was all Southampton as Joe Aribo’s left-footed effort whistled past the upright.

Thomas had his heart in his mouth when he diverted Fraser’s cross agonisingly wide of the post, whilst Adam Armstrong’s first effort was blocked and his well-struck follow-up brushed the top of the crossbar.

Beale was confirmed as Tony Mowbray’s successor on Monday, but his maiden outing in charge of his new club did not go to plan as Coventry swept to an emphatic success.

Tatsuhiro Sakamoto opened the scoring for Mark Robins’ side in first-half stoppage time, with Callum O’Hare and Kasey Palmer also finding the net in the second half.

Coventry’s win means they have now lost just one of their last eight matches, and while the Sky Blues might have started the season slowly after losing both Viktor Gyokeres and Gustavo Hamer in the summer, they look increasingly well set for another tilt at the play-offs.

That will also be Sunderland’s ambition, although Beale’s side will have to improve markedly if the former Rangers and QPR boss is to build on Mowbray’s good work over the course of the last 15 months.

Beale made one change for his first game in charge, restoring Jobe Bellingham to the starting line-up. The teenager had a famous face watching him from the stands, with his brother, Jude, observing from the directors’ box after returning to England at the start of Real Madrid’s winter break.

Jobe was stationed as an attacking midfielder, with Abdoullah Ba playing ahead of him as a false number nine, and the latter should have opened the scoring in the 20th minute.

Coventry goalkeeper Brad Collins could only parry Jack Clarke’s shot from just outside the area, with the ball rebounding invitingly for Ba, who was unmarked 10 yards out. The 20-year-old looked certain to score, but instead skied a poor effort over the crossbar.

Sunderland were on top at that stage, but the hosts were indebted to their goalkeeper, Anthony Patterson, for a fine double save from Haji Wright and O’Hare that kept the scoresheet blank midway through the first half.

However, the Sunderland goalkeeper was beaten as Coventry took the lead just before the break. O’Hare delivered a low cross after Luke O’Nien’s error enabled him to break down the left-hand side, and while Sakamoto’s initial shot was saved at the back post, the ball rebounded back off the Japanese midfielder and into the net.

Clarke twice went close to claiming an equaliser at the start of the second half, firing in shots that were saved by Collins, and Bellingham also saw an effort blocked close to the goalline as Sunderland tried to crank up the pressure.

Coventry remained a significant threat on the break though, and the visitors doubled their lead in the 67th minute. Wright pulled the ball back from close to the byline, and O’Hare curled a clinical finish into the far corner.

The second goal was the cue for a section of the Stadium of Light support to begin chanting Mowbray’s name, and the singing became louder when Coventry added a third goal three minutes later.

Patterson failed to hold on to a low cross from the left, and substitute Palmer was left with the simple task of rolling home from close range.

Although the Sky Blues remain in mid-table, they now find themselves just three points behind the play-off places following their third win in five games unbeaten.

While Mark Robins’ side are looking upwards in hope, the Owls do so in desperation after Huddersfield’s victory over Blackburn left them eight points adrift of safety.

The match got off to a scrappy opening with neither team able to keep hold of the ball for sustained periods.

The flow wasn’t helped by an unfortunate head injury to Wednesday forward Callum Paterson and it was while he was about to be substituted off that Coventry took the lead in the 20th minute.

It was USA international Haji Wright who pulled the ball back from the left for Sakamoto, and although his shot was not the cleanest it found the bottom corner.

The opening goal of the game actually came from its first effort, a feat the Owls could not replicate when Marvin Johnson shot tamely at Brad Collins after working himself into space.

The best chance the visitors had to draw level before half-time was when Johnson was given plenty of time to cross, only for George Byers to miscue his header off target.

Sakamoto had an opportunity to double his and Coventry’s tally seven minutes after the restart when he shot wide from just outside the area after Josh Eccles’ corner was cleared his way.

Wednesday managed to ride out what was a bright start to the second half by the Sky Blues and they really should have equalised after 64 minutes when substitutes Anthony Musaba and Ashley Fletcher both had efforts from point-blank range blocked.

The hosts then had a great opportunity to put clear daylight between themselves and the Owls when Eccles played in a fine cross that was headed wide by Wright at the back post.

Chances were finally stating to flow, with a mistake from Coventry’s Bobby Thomas letting in Bailey Cadamarteri, whose effort was beaten away by Collins with what was his first real save.

Bambo Diaby then headed Barry Bannan’s free kick over as the visitors continued to press for an equaliser, but time was now running out for Danny Rohl’s side.

Instead, the Sky Blues put the game beyond them in the 89th minute when Sakamoto was found in space on the right and he cut inside before bending a fine finish beyond Cameron Dawson.

Frustration boiled over after the final whistle, as Diaby was shown a red card following a fracas with Coventry’s Liam Kitching, who was also sent off.

The Sky Blues were awarded a controversial penalty after 20 minutes with Watford defender Ryan Porteous adjudged to have handled the ball.

Despite Matt Godden’s spot-kick being saved by Daniel Bachmann, Ismael did not hold back and felt his side were playing the game a man down.

“It’s a very good performance, especially when you play against 12 men with the referee,” he said.

“We had meetings with the referees before the season and they showed us exactly the same situation Ryan Porteous was in and they told us it won’t be a penalty.

“What is the rule? His arm is against his body so it can’t be a penalty. It’s very difficult to accept this but we fought well.

“The referee helped Coventry very strongly but we have a lot of positives, we scored three goals.”

Watford opened the scoring through Mileta Rajovic which was then cancelled out by a stunning free-kick from Milan van Ewijk.

A Matheus Martins goal and a second from Rajovic had Watford ahead twice more, but an own goal from Wesley Hoedt and a late strike from Godden secured a point for Coventry.

Despite not being able to hold on to multiple leads, the Watford boss remained positive.

“Compliments to the players, I think that’s a great reaction following the two games we lost,” he continued.

“We come to a very tough away game at Coventry and I think naturally we were strong. Until the second goal when we conceded on our own.

“But we came back into the game and showed great mentality. We scored a great goal and played great football and we wanted to have that bravery in our game.

“The attitude of the players was really good and we continue to move forward now and adjust the mistakes.”

Coventry manager Mark Robins recognised the mistakes that his side made but could not fault their bravery.

“There were too many decisions that we made that were wrong, but there were so many we made that were right,” he said.

“Defensively we got one or two things wrong. We became too open and ended up coming out when we shouldn’t have.

“Knowing that that’s the way they play, they try and suck you out to create space. They have got quality and they are rapid.

“If you want to sit in against them then fine, but you’re not going anywhere and they will pin you in.

“I thought we were good, I thought we were brave and went after the game all the time. We just got things wrong defensively.”

Last season both sides also shared the spoils in another thrilling encounter that finished 2-2, and Robins was excited by the threat Coventry posed this time.

“We created some brilliant chances, the football was scintillating and the crowd were magnificent and got behind us,” he continued.

“We’ve come back three times, but we’ve got to be a little bit more confident. Other than that we look at a real threat.

“Today has been a really difficult game but it’s the same as we had last year, we get a point.”