Improving Wolves moved into the top six with a hard-fought win in a bruising Midlands derby at Highfield Road.

Joleon Lescott's first goal of the season gave the visitors an interval lead.

And Wolves survived some heavy Coventry pressure in the second half before clinching the points through Alex Rae 13 minutes from time.

Coventry's Youssef Chippo and Calum Davenport were both booked inside the first seven minutes, with team-mate Youssef Safri joining them within a further quarter-hour.

Things got worse for the Sky Blues when player-manager Gary McAllister was forced off injured before Wolves went ahead as half-time approached.

Fabien Debec could only parry Rae's effort and Lescott drilled home the rebound for his first goal of the season.

Coventry's Craig Hignett forced Matt Murray into a flying save in the Wolves goal and Chippo sent a long-distance drive just wide as Coventry pressed after the break.

Sky Blues substitute David Pipe then crashed a shot just wide and Murray made another good save from Hignett.

But Wolves suddenly broke clear to stretch their lead against the run of play 13 minutes from time.

Rae raced onto a long pass to tuck the ball expertly into the bottom corner.

Coventry: Debec, Caldwell, Konjic, Davenport, Gordon, Chippo, Safri, McAllister, Partridge, Mills, Hignett. Subs: Montgomery, Shaw, Eustace, McSheffrey, Pipe.

Wolverhampton: Murray, Edworthy, Clyde, Lescott, Irwin, Newton, Rae, Ince, Kennedy, Sturridge, Miller. Subs: Oakes, Butler, Andrews, Ingimarsson, Melligan.

Referee: G Laws (Tyne & Wear).