A Marcelo (pictured right) double strike gave Blues victory in a competitive local derby played out on a sodden St. Andrew's surface.

Home debutant Steve Vickers had the first chance of the match when he met Nicky Eaden's inviting cross at the far post but his glancing header bounced just wide.

Curtis Woodhouse required lengthy treatment after colliding with David Burrows when the two players slid in to challenge Laurent Delorge.

Lee Hughes had the visitors' first effort on goal but his shot from just inside the box curled high over the bar.

A busy Geoff Horsfield (pictured left) tried to surprise Magnus Hedman with an early shot when the Sky Blues keeper was well off his line but the striker failed to make the right connection and the ball rolled harmlessly wide.

Blues took the lead on 17 minutes after a well worked move down the left hand side involving David Burrows and Curtis Woodhouse.

Geoff Horsfield floated the ball into the box and Marcelo pulled off his marker Gary Breen and sent a diving header into the bottom corner past Hedman.      

Curtis Fleming (pictured right) made an incredible goal line clearance to prevent Lee Hughes equalising for Coventry.

The former Albion striker took advantage of a slip by Vickers and charged towards goal before slipping the ball around Purse and shooting past Ian Bennett.

But Hughes was left holding his head in his hands after Fleming's timely interception.  

Youssef Safri tried his luck with a 30-yard effort that was tipped around the post by Bennett.

Half-time: 1-0

Martin Grainger (pictured left) swung in a dangerous near post corner early in the second half that was deflected wide by Muhamed Konjic.

Coventry substitite Julian Joachim got away from Purse but his tame shot was straight at Bennett.

Marc Edworthy curled a teasing cross into the penalty area and Youssef Chippo was inches away from connecting with diving header but Bennett did well to smother the ball.

Fleming's lob found Horsfield wide on the right and his powerful shot flew wide of the left post.

Woodhouse saw his chip from the edge of the box deflected over the bar as Blues continued to press for a second goal.

That two-goal cushion finally arrived on the hour when Grainger fed Horsfield and he produced a pin point cross on to the head of Marcelo who nodded powerfully down past Hedman (pictured right).

The visitors came close to reducing the deficit when Lee Carsley's outswinging free kick was met at the far post by Breen who headed into the side netting.

Blues' loyal supporters who turned out in atrocious weather conditions were rewarded with a victory that moved their side up to 11th in the First Division table.
Blues: Bennett, Fleming, Burrows, Purse (Luntala 87), Vickers, Eaden, O'Connor, Woodhouse, Grainger, Horsfield. Marcelo.
subs not used: Vaesen, Hyde, Johnson A, Mooney.