DOM HYAM’s header sent Coventry City into the fourth round of the FA Cup after the Sky Blues beat Derby County 1-0 at the CBS Arena.
The defender headed home at the far post on 42 minutes to ensure Coventry made a winning start to the new year.
And the Sky Blues have been rewarded with a trip to Premier League side Southampton in the next round.
Derby made a bright start and were denied the opener by a brilliant save from Ben Wilson who got down low to his right to keep out Tom Lawrence’s effort from the edge of the penalty area.
City then spurned a glorious chance to take the lead when Matty Godden blazed over after Derby midfielder Liam Thompson inadvertently played the ball into the striker’s path.
Coventry went close to taking the lead soon after when Jamie Allen’s first time effort from 15-yards put hit the outside of the post.
And the Sky Blues made their pressure count just before half-time when Hyam founded the far corner at the back post from Todd Kane’s set-piece from the right.
Derby should have equalised in the second period when Festy Ebosele was left unmarked in the box only for Wilson to make another terrific save.
The Rams had one final chance at the death after City failed to clear their lines at a corner with Derby goalkeeper Ryan Allsop heading over.
Coventry are next in action away at Peterborough United on Saturday, January 15 with kick-off at 3pm at the Weston Homes Stadium.
