Coventry City moved closer to an immediate return to the Premier League with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Derby County, as Jack Rudoni scored twice after coming back from injury.
Frank Onyeka put the hosts ahead with a spectacular long-range curling effort, but Ben Brereton Diaz nodded Derby level from an excellent Matt Clarke cross. Frank Lampard — who previously managed Derby in 2019 — made a triple substitution shortly after the hour mark, bringing on Rudoni at the 62nd minute. Rudoni needed only minutes to make an impact, firing in from about 15 yards to restore Coventry’s lead.
Both teams had further chances before a contentious moment handed Derby a penalty. Brereton Diaz was awarded a spot-kick after an incident with goalkeeper Carl Rushworth; replays suggested Rushworth got a touch on the ball but the referee judged a foul. Brereton Diaz converted to make it 2-2.
Rudoni responded again, scoring his second of the night to put Coventry back in front with roughly ten minutes remaining, sending the home crowd into jubilant celebrations. The win is Coventry’s eighth in nine Championship matches and stretches their lead at the top to 11 points. They now require just eight more points from their remaining six fixtures to secure promotion.
Lampard praised the occasion and his players’ resilience, telling reporters to enjoy nights like this and applauding the fans’ role and the squad’s character. Derby manager John Eustace, while disappointed to lose, highlighted his side’s strong performance against the division leaders and lamented the sloppy nature of the goals conceded, adding that his players will be ready for the run-in.