Dominic Hyam fired Coventry to a 1-0 win over Wayne Rooney’s Derby in the third round of the FA Cup.
The defender scored his first goal since May as the 1987 winners put themselves into the fourth-round draw with victory over their Championship rivals.
Coventry goalkeeper Ben Wilson pulled off a string of fine saves to keep the Rams at bay as the hosts held on late on.
It was the first time the sides had met in the coveted cup competition for 24 years. Back then they were both in the top tier of English football and the game was played at the old Highfield Road.
Rooney, who lifted the trophy in the 2015-16 season with Manchester United, named his strongest possible Derby line-up for the tie — while Sky Blues boss Mark Robins was almost at full strength despite making five changes.
Fankaty Dabo and Gustavo Hamer returned after catching Covid-19, while Jake Clarke-Salter made his first appearance since November after sustaining an ankle injury.
Rooney’s side were unfortunate not to go ahead early on as Wilson produced an incredible stop to keep out Tom Lawrence’s strike.
Coventry striker Matt Godden pounced on a poor back-pass before firing over for the hosts.
Rams keeper Ryan Allsop did well to keep out returning Hamer’s deflected effort on the half-hour mark.
And Derby were indebted to the woodwork moments later after Jamie Allen’s effort from Todd Kane’s pull-back hit the furniture.
The hosts’ dominance paid off just before the break as Hyam headed home Kane’s corner at the back post for a deserved lead.
Coventry started brightly after the break as Allen fired wide.
Wilson ensured his side’s lead with a good stop from Festy Ebosele’s 12-yard strike after the hour.
Derby defender Curtis Davies headed over the bar with five minutes to go.
The Sky Blues had to withstand the pressure as the Rams desperately pushed for a late leveller.
Allsop was almost a late hero when sent up for a stoppage-time corner but headed over the bar from Phil Jagielka’s second-time cross.
