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Despite some good play from the Rams especially during the second half, they could not quite make up for several key injuries to players such as Rob Hulse and Chris Porter. Indeed the Rams started the game without a recognised striker on the pitch. Kris Commons and Dean Moxey were the make shift duo up front.
Coventry had much the better of play during the first period and it was difficult to see just where the Rams goals were going to come from but they managed to keep Coventry at bay until the 33rd Minute when a penalty was awarded to the sky blues. This was put away by Lucas Jutkiewicz.
The Rams looked to be hard pressed to get anything out of the game at the break but in the second half. They put together some good moves and one such move ended with a delicious cross from the right, which was skilfully tucked away to the keepers left hand corner by Dean Moxey.
Moxey continued to look the Rams main threat and must have impressed Rams manager, Nigel Clough, who was sat in the stands watching the game. Another notable face in the crowd was England U21 coach Stuart Pearce, no doubt noting one or two players out there today.
Moxey continued to have several very good chances during the second half and it was the Rams who looked favourites to bag the three points.
Coventry replied to the setback of the equaliser from Derby and continued to press but the Rams back line stood firm. The Rams however looked dangerous on the break and Moxey and Robbie Savage had shots go agonisingly wide.
Former Rams favourite Lee Carsley (The Guvnor), was impressive for Coventry and also came close to giving Coventry the lead in the second period. It was however Ben Turner who gave the Ricoh Stadium its 5th birthday present with just ten minutes of the game left. A pinpoint cross from the right was mis-judged by Shaun Barker at the far post and the ball went just over his head and left Turner an easy chance to nod the ball past Stephen Bywater in the Derby goal. It was Turners first goal for Coventry but sees them top of the Championship for a while.
Nigel Clough left the game five minutes before the game ended, not in disgust but because he was eager to watch another player in the locality, with a view to bringing him into the Rams squad...