Superb goals from Gary McAllister and Richie Partridge gave Coventry the honours against Wolves in a frantic Midlands derby at Molineux.

The midfield duo produced two quality finishes to condemn Wanderers to their first defeat in 11 games, and improve City's play-off chances in the process.

The Sky Blues played much the better football in the opening period, and could easily have added to the goal they scored.

Player-manager McAllister put Coventry into an early lead with an unstoppable right-footed drive which left Wolves keeper Matt Murray with no chance.

Dean Holdsworth laid the ball off to the former Scottish international, who smashed the ball into the top-left corner from 25 yards.

Wolves lifted the tempo towards the end of the half, but failed to fashion a noteworthy chance despite some clever wing play from Mark Kennedy.

Chances for Wolves

Dave Jones' side looked a far more dangerous attacking unit after the break, with the influential Kennedy testing City keeper Morten Hyldgaard early on from 20 yards.

Midfielder Alex Rae then saw a powerful 20-yard drive just clear the crossbar, and on-loan Chelsea striker Carlton Cole forced Hyldgaard into a smart save after 57 minutes.

Coventry defender Gary Caldwell then had to block Kevin Cooper's left-footed shot on the hour, a block made all the more valuable three minutes later when the visitors doubled their lead.

Holdsworth again set the chance up, holding the ball well before laying off to Partridge who curled in a stunning right-footed shot from just outside the area.

It was the midfielder's third goal for City since he joined on loan deal from Liverpool in September.

Wolverhampton: Murray, Irwin, Lescott, Clyde, Edworthy, Andrews, Rae, Cameron, Kennedy, Cole, Miller. Subs: Oakes, Butler, Sturridge, Cooper, Newton.

Coventry: Hyldgaard, Caldwell, Konjic, Shaw, Quinn, Partridge, Safri, Hignett, McAllister, Holdsworth, Bothroyd. Subs: Montgomery, Pead, Pipe, McSheffrey, Davenport.

Referee: H Webb (S Yorkshire)