Coventry City posted a key success and their first Championship win in four as Brandon Thomas-Asante ended his goal drought with the winner against Bristol City at the CBS Arena on Saturday.

Thomas-Asante was played in by Jack Rudoni just after the hour mark and belted in a stinging shot into the roof of the net to win the game and give himself a shot in the arm, in a week when his own future at the club has been the subject of speculation.

Frank Lampard made just the one change from the side who edged out Sheffield Wednesday on penalties in the FA Cup third round last week, that alteration coming in the back-line where usual occupant Bobby Thomas dropped to the bench in place of the recalled Joel Latibeaudiere.

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Bristol City carved out the first major opportunity of the first half. Veteran forward Nahki Wells, who remains a lively prospect for centre halves, was sent through on goal and he forced a very smart save out of Oliver Dovin, away down to the keeper's left. After that, though, the Sky Blues began to warm to the task.

Liam Kitching's deep cross to the far post was sliced over the bar by Milan Van Ewijk, who dragged another attempt wide moments later after good work by Rudoni as part of a generally impressive collective move which also involved Ellis Simms.

Jay Dasilva, against his former club, wanted a penalty after a mazy run into the box, but referee Lewis Smith waved the appeals away. Victor Torp, Thomas-Asante and Ellis Simms all had attempts on goal before half time without any luck, as the Sky Blues' recent toothless troubles looked to continue.

By the hour mark, the game was rather ambling. Simms had one big chance at the back post which he fired wide. The forward then looked as though he'd set up the opener when cut back for Rudoni, who somehow missed a clean contact with the ball. Rudoni himself, though, was the provider for the opener, when he slipped in Thomas-Asante who, despite a tightening angle, fired into the roof of the net with aplomb.

The Sky Blues did, though, manage the game from thereon out with composure and bravery. Indeed the only real chance that the Robins had came from substitute Yu Hirakawa who, with the very last kick of the game, dragged a low shot wide of the post. City clung on to three very valuable points.

Coventry City player ratings

Dovin 7

Big save to keep out Wells and ensure City didn't fall behind early on. Calm when receiving the ball and space tightening. Big again when denying with his legs after City had taken the lead.

Van Ewijk 6

Had as decent a chance as anyone in the first half when he sliced one effort over the bar and then dragged another low shot wide. Important interception as the Robins grew a little stronger towards the end of the first half. Brought energy down the right in the second half.

Latibeaudiere 7

In the starting XI ahead of Bobby Thomas on the right of the back three. A little erratic with his short passing in the opening stages but made one crucial interception when facing up to his man inside the area, a tackle he had to execute correctly. Ultimately justified his recall.

Binks 7

A little rushed with his passing, although he wasn't alone, in the first half, but Binks' reading of the game was important for City. There was one scenario when he had to contend with two players on the counter and was able to shield the ball out of play. Set up a chance for Simms.

Kitching 6.5

A player who is looking to enjoy a sustained spell in the side again after waiting his turn. Helped to create Van Ewijk's early chance when he burst forwards down the left to join in the attack.

Dasilva 6.5

Kept his place against his former side, who he played especially well against earlier in the season. Wanted a penalty in the first half but was clever with some of his passing in tighter spaces. Nice combinations with Rudoni.

Allen 6.5

The captain tidied things up as the deepest operator of the midfield three. An important line of defence as Bristol City's tidy ball players in the middle looked to work it through City. There was a lovely spin to lose his man, too, at one stage which demonstrated the cool head he possesses. Not flashy but an important role.

Torp 6

Bright early doors. Made a run down the left having won the ball back. Dragged a half chance wide of goal from the edge of the box. Ticked things over and brought energy and bite against a tidy midfield.

Rudoni 7

Some really decent moments in the first half. Lots of good decision making with his passes, energy in abundance, took up positions through the middle but also out wide on the left. Should've scored when Simms cut the ball back in the second half but teed up Thomas-Asante's opener. Good showing.

Thomas-Asante 7*

The forward's work-rate is never in doubt, but that desirable cutting edge isn't always apparent. Work hard, though, and sometimes things will fall for you. This barren run he's endured is over with a brilliant finish from a narrow angle.

Simms 7

Worked ever so hard as the outlet for City throughout. He dropped deep, collected the ball, won headers, worked the channels and had openings of his own too. Important contribution.

Substitutes

Eccles (for Rudoni 72) 6

Took up Rudoni's role in the middle with fresh legs for the final 20 minutes or so. One sticky moment when he lost possession but otherwise a useful cameo.

Bassette (for Thomas-Asante 88)

Substitutes not used: Collins, Thomas, Bidwell, Sakamoto, Raphael, Tavares, Sandiford Jr

Bristol City: O'Leary; Dickie, McNally, Vyner, McCrorie (Sykes 64), Roberts (Hirakawa 85); Bird (Williams 85), Knight, Twine; Mehmeti (Bell 64), Wells (Armstrong 77)

Substitutes not used: Bajic, Naismith, Tanner, Earthy

GOALS

Coventry City - Thomas-Asante 62; Bristol City -

The ref: Lewis Smith

Attendance: 26,695

Up next: Blackburn Rovers (A) - Tuesday 21 January, 7:45pm kick off