Coventry City beat Derby County 3-2 to near Premier League promotion

Coventry City moved 11 points clear at the top of the Championship after substitute Jack Rudoni scored twice on his return from injury to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over Derby County on Good Friday.

The league leaders now require just eight points from their remaining six fixtures to guarantee a long-awaited return to the Premier League.

Frank Lampard’s side were made to work tirelessly for the crucial three points in front of an expectant crowd of 31,349 at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

Onyeka strike sets the tone before Rams respond

The hosts established the perfect platform in the 12th minute when Frank Onyeka curled a fabulous long-range effort into the net.

However, the visitors proved resilient and successfully pegged back the high-flying Sky Blues.

Ben Brereton Diaz found the equaliser before the break by heading home a sensational delivery from Matt Clarke.

Rudoni returns in style to secure vital points

Following a period of squandered opportunities from both sides, an inspired substitution swung the momentum back toward the home team.

Entering the fray on 62 minutes, the returning midfielder demonstrated clinical finishing to fire home from 15 yards.

Derby continued to pose a significant threat and won a controversial penalty when Carl Rushworth was penalised for a foul, despite the goalkeeper appearing to touch the ball.

Brereton Diaz confidently dispatched the resulting spot-kick in the 77th minute to level the pulsating contest once again.

Promotion beckons for Lampard’s leaders

The parity lasted merely three minutes before the impactful substitute struck his second goal of the afternoon.

That decisive intervention ignited wild celebrations among the home supporters, who ended the match singing about an impending league title.

John Eustace’s visiting outfit must now regroup following a valiant performance against the Championship favourites.