Coventry 1-0 Blackburn Rovers - Sky Blues win to climb out of bottom three
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Jamie Allen's second goal in four games secured all three points at the CBS Arena
Coventry City climbed out of the Championship bottom three for the first time this season as they beat second-placed Blackburn Rovers to deny Jon Dahl Tomasson's side the chance of top spot.
Jamie Allen struck the only goal of the game on 42 minutes with a well-taken right-foot shot from close range.
After City looked good value for their half-time lead, Rovers were a little more of a threat after the break.
But any hopes of a point vanished when midfielder Jake Garrett was sent off for a challenge on Callum Doyle 11 minutes from time.
In a game that was almost called off following ongoing concerns over their home ground at the CBS Arena, after the financial situation affecting landlords Wasps and stadium operators Arena Coventry Ltd, Mark Robins' side ended up with a fourth win in six games.
But it was revealed after the game by BBC CWR that CBS Arena operating companies ACL and ACL (2006) have now applied to enter administration.
After visiting Watford this Saturday, City have two more home games next week, against Wigan Athletic and QPR, as they continue to catch up on the fixtures lost due to their pitch problems at the start of the season.
But they face continued uncertainty as to where their next few home games will be played, now that their rented home has gone into administration.
Muted Rovers miss chance to go top
Rovers had needed to win to overtake local rivals Burnley on top, but they were always second best to a fired-up City side finally making strides up the Championship table following their bizarre start to the season.
Ben Sheaf had already gone close with a powerful shot blocked in a scramble before City rubber-stamped their first-half dominance by going ahead.
Callum O'Hare shifted the ball wide, Josh Eccles squared over a low cross and midfielder Allen, substituting as skipper for virus-hit Kyle McFadzean, got in first to turn home right-footed from the corner of the six-yard box for his second goal in four games.
Subdued Rovers rarely looked like turning it round - and their task became harder after youngster Garrett, making only his third Championship appearance, was handed a perhaps harsh 85th-minute red card by referee Tim Robinson for his challenge on Doyle.
Blackburn, who could drop out of the top two if QPR win at Norwich on Wednesday night, are also scheduled to be back in action this Saturday, when they host Huddersfield Town.
Coventry City boss Mark Robins told BBC CWR:
"Considering the illness we've had, to show the energy and desire we did was amazing. We looked as good as we've been for a long time.
"Saturday was such a real low for me but this was a real tonic. There were some really good performances throughout the side.
"You don't like to see people sent off but, if Callum Doyle hadn't pulled out of that challenge, he might have ended up with serious injury.
"Let's hope the ground situation gets sorted out for the best. Hopefully we'll be here now until the World Cup break and then, while we don't have to play here, it gives them time to sort things out."
Blackburn Rovers boss Jon Dahl Tomasson told BBC Radio Lancashire:
"It's about the performance. In the first half we were not doing the right things. In the second half it was much better.
"When you're under construction and you are building, you have these situations.
"But the lads have done a good job over the last period and you get those ups and downs, in that way."