NOT until Gareth Taylor's late cross was deflected home by visiting defender Callum Davenport could Burnley feel confident of beating ten man Coventry.

Robbie Blake's penalty and Tony Grant's first goal for the club had given the Clarets a comfortable half time lead.

The advantage looked even more secure when on loan Blackburn striker Craig Hignett was sent off seven minutes before the break, apparently for foul and abusive language.

But Gary McAllister's 66th minute penalty gave them hope, Gary McSheffrey missed a great chance to level and the cruel deflection that beat keeper Fabien Debec settled the match.

Stan Ternent kept faith with the players who turned defeat into victory against Spurs, meanign a start for winger Glen Little. He named a very attacking bench as he looked to end a run of three league defeats.

Burnley

Beresford

West Davis Gnohere Branch

Little Weller Grant Briscoe

Blake Taylor

Coventry City

Debec

Caldwell Konjic Davenport Gordon

Pipe Safri McAllister Partridge

Mills Hignett

FULL TIME: BURNLEY3 COVENTRY CITY 1