Derby Res: Miller, Booth, Vincent, C Turner Nix 84), Mills, Hanson 45) Reich, Barnes, Holmes, Allen, Davies.
Subs: Richardson, Meredith.
Coventry: Tuffey, Hall, Lynch ( Gooding 71), Wood, Whing, Wall, Nicell, Thornton, Johnson, Reid, Davis (Ogarro 71).
Subs: B Turner, Bains, Sidhu.
Referee: Mr.S.J.Dorr
Attendance not given.
Last weeks' come-back from a 4 - 0 deficit against Spurs contained a second half performance that showed a desire that deserved more than the final scoreline of 5 - 2.
The feeling was that if they could start the home game against Coventry in the manner that they finished last time out then victory was on the cards.
After time out through injury Marco Reich returned to the starting line-up alongside Pablo Mills, Lee Holmes, and Jamie Vincent who were all hoping to stake a claim for a first team berth in the final run in to the playoffs.
It does not always follow that the seemingly more experienced side dominates these games as has been shown in the past.
This game was no exception and Coventry had 2 very good chances to score as Craig Reid fired against the bar. And when the Derby defence failed to clear their lines Reid fired across the face of goal and just wide of the far post.
Rams youngster Richard Davies continued with the good impression made during his reserve debut in the last home reserve game by combining with Lee Holmes to set up a chance for Oliver Allen a triallist from West Ham who was denied only at the expense of a corner.
Giles Barnes, playing in an attacking midfield role had a couple of efforts at goal though neither troubled keeper Jonathan Tuffey.
Derby's best moment in the first 45 coming from Lee Holmes whose 33rd minute shot from the edge of the box was batted away by Tuffey.
Holmes showed his deadball ability in the 47th minute with a free kick that found its way to Danny Martin who lashed his shot home from the far post to give the home side the lead.
Liam Davis had an almost immediate opportunity to level matters up but his finish from a right wing cross was wide of the target.
The same player was denied again a minute later by Kevin Miller who was off his line quickly to grab the through pass before Davis could make contact.
Chris Turner had a good low drive saved by the Coventry keeper before the hour mark.
Derby's defence was caught wanting, however on 63 minutes when Stuart Wall powerfully headed home from close range.
Davis had a chance to seal it with 10 minutes remaining but headed wide.
Holmes fired over on the run 2 minutes from the end but got the reward that his performance deserved netting the winner from 12 yards out as the game entered stoppage time.