Chelsea legend Frank Lampard's dramatic Coventry City manager debut ends with last-minute penalty

Frank Lampard's debut as Coventry's head coach concluded in a 2-2 draw against fellow Championship strugglers Cardiff, courtesy of a late penalty from Victor Torp. The Sky Blues found themselves behind twice, and it seemed Alex Robertson's exceptional strike early in the second half would secure the Bluebirds their first away win since April.

However, Torp's penalty in the 89th minute ensured both teams' streak without a win extended to five games. The result allowed Coventry to move three points clear of the relegation zone, while Cardiff lingered just one point behind.

Chelsea legend Lampard's tenure began on a less-than-ideal note as Cardiff took an early lead in the fourth minute. Yakou Meite capitalised on poor marking to head in Robertson's corner, scoring his first goal of the season.

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Coventry's reaction was immediate. Their first goal under new management arrived just three minutes later when Tatsuhiro Sakamoto delivered a delightful pass into the box that was stylishly volleyed home by Ephron Mason-Clark.

This marked the winger's first goal in his 17th appearance since joining from Peterborough, providing the last touch of quality for some time in the match. Cardiff's David Turnbull reignited the game when his long-range effort in the 25th minute was narrowly managed by Coventry goalkeeper Bradley Collins.

The Bluebirds then enjoyed their best spell of the match, with Meite missing an opportunity to bag his second when he shot wide after a mis-hit clearance from Callum Robinson's cross fell to him. The visitors' failure to effectively deal with a Coventry free-kick resulted in a promising opportunity for the home side, as Mason-Clark headed the ball towards Norman Bassette, whose header was safely gathered by goalkeeper Jak Alnwick.

The first half ended with both teams level at 1-1. However, Cardiff regained their lead just three minutes into the second half when Robertson unleashed a fantastic low shot from outside the box that beat Collins.

This marked the fifth consecutive game where the Sky Blues have conceded two goals. They nearly responded swiftly when Jack Rudoni's free-kick required Alnwick to make a save at his near post.

In the 70th minute, Meite squandered another chance to increase his goal tally, sending a free-kick from the edge of the box high and wide. Bluebirds defender Dimitrios Goutas almost gifted Coventry an equaliser in the 77th minute when he connected with Brandon Thomas-Asante's cross, narrowly sending the ball over his own net.

However, the hosts were handed a lifeline in the final minute of regular time when Ellis Simms' cross was adjudged to have been fouled in the box by Calum Chambers. Torp stepped up to the spot and sent Alnwick the wrong way, securing Lampard's first point.