Southampton 2-1 Coventry: Saints end three-game winless streak

Southampton beat Coventry City with two first-half goals, ending a three-game winless run and keeping alive a glimmer of hope for automatic promotion to the Championship.

Adams scored his 12th goal of the season 20 minutes later, scoring from close range after Taylor Harwood-Bellis' header crossed the goal.

Coventry, chasing the play-offs, were unable to make a comeback despite Jake Bidwell scoring a goal in the second half.

Wright had a chance to give the Sky Blues an early lead from the penalty spot, but slipped on his final step and the ball hit the bar.

Mark Robins' team missed a huge chance to get closer to the playoffs. They are currently five points behind sixth-placed Norwich City.

Southampton appeared to stumble at key moments in their bid for promotion, drawing with Blackburn Rovers and Middlesbrough and losing to Ipswich Town with two wins from seven games.

However, coach Russell Martin's team achieved a much-needed victory after a solid first-half performance.

Walker-Peters scored with a fine finish from outside the penalty area before Adams scored a classic poacher's goal.

Adams was perfectly placed to receive a cross from the right and Harwood-Bellis' header found the Scotland international six yards inside the area.

With this victory, Saints extended their winning streak against the Sky Blues to 16 years and increased their lead over third-placed Ipswich to nine points with one game remaining.

Southampton manager Russell Martin told BBC Radio Solent:

“I thought we played great, we played with real energy in the first half and we should have scored more.

“We had about 10 to 15 minutes and we conceded a goal because we didn't handle the ball well enough, so we were feeling a bit anxious after a tough couple of weeks.

“I was really proud of our guys. It was a tough night against a good team and we knew it was going to be difficult. We had to show a different side at the end.”

“We needed it. We finally crossed the line. We were tired of people questioning us and how much we were for each other.” I said I didn't want to ask questions about running, and I answered that.”

Coventry manager Mark Robins told BBC CWR:

“The first half really killed us. We didn't get off to a good start at all. Hitting the bar with the penalty spoke volumes for the first half, we were dragged around and looked long legged.

“If we want to be a team that operates at the top end of the division, we have to be better than that. We have to hone our performance, even against good opponents.”

“We talked at half-time and the players decided they could do better. We won the second half, but that's no consolation considering what happened in the first half.”

“We were much, much better back then, created one or two chances and were much more positive. It meant we were in the game.”