Coventry City win Midlands derby against Walsall

Coventry City eased their relegation fears after winning the Midlands derby 2-0 against Walsall this afternoon.

The Sky Blues were given the chance to take an early lead when Jim O'Brien was bundled over in the penalty area by Romaine Sawyers.

However, Marcus Tudgay produced a spot kick that was comfortably stopped by Saddlers keeper Richard O'Donnell.

Coventry made amends within a matter of seconds as O'Brien's shot from distance proved too good for O'Donnell, nestling in the top corner of the net.

Walsall responded well, with James Baxendale and Anthony Forde denied by Ryan Allsop before Tudgay saw his header come back off the woodwork soon after.

Walsall, who had lost only one of their previous nine games, started the second half on the front foot as Forde struck the right post with keeper Allsop beaten.

The Saddlers were again denied by the woodwork before the hour mark as Michael Cain's effort came back of the left post.

Aaron Phillips was denied a chance to double Coventry's lead midway through the second half, but the visitors made sure of victory when Tudgay headed home late on.