Rob Hulse scored twice as Derby came from behind to beat Coventry in a feisty Championship match that ended a run of three straight defeats for the Rams.
Derby started the game in 20th place and it looked as though manager Nigel Clough could be in for another torrid evening after Leon Best put Coventry ahead with a well-taken finish from 14 yards.
Paul Dickov missed a glorious chance to equalise just before the break but shortly after the restart his cross was converted by Hulse.
The Rams took the lead when Hulse, who has just returned after a stomach bug, finished a sweeping move before Coventry's Jordan Clarke saw red after picking up a second booking.
Hulse should have completed his hat-trick but he had a late penalty saved by Dimi Konstantopoulos.
Derby had lost eight of their last 11 games as Clough struggled to deal with a horrendous injury list.
But in addition to Hulse, the Rams boss was also able to welcome back Dean Leacock and Paul Green - and his team were good value for their win after an improved second-half performance.
Coventry, also battling against a lengthy injury list, scored with the first meaningful attack of the match - and it was a goal that, in part at least, was the product of awful defending.
www.bbc.co.uk
