Torp-edo strike is a final blow for Rams

SKY BLUES HAVE LAST WORD IN EIGHT-GOAL THRILLER AT PRIDE PARK

- By LEIGH CURTIS

return to Derby County as his Coventry City side secured a 5-3 win in a dramatic Championship clash at Pride Park.

Derby had found themselves a goal behind inside 10 minutes when Victor Torp's cross ended with Jacob Widell Zetterstrom punching a clearance against Bobby Thomas to give the visitors the lead.

But it was not long before John Eustace’s side were level when Ebou Adams was fouled outside the area to win a free kick at a tight angle in the 12th minute.

In what was almost a carbon copy of Joe Ward’s free kick against West Bromwich Albion in midweek, Callum Elder struck a terrific effort that flew past keeper Carl Rushworth.

Jack Rudoni was becoming an increasingly influential figure as Coventry looked to regain the lead and they eventually struck when Ephron Mason-Clark raced into the box and drew Dion Sanderson to throw a leg out.

The winger went over, leaving the referee to point to the spot, from which Haji Wright thundered the ball past Zetterstrom to make it 2-1 after 25 minutes.

But in what was becoming a gripping Championship clash, Derby had their own penalty in first half-stoppage time when Ryan Nyambe’s cross was handled by Thomas.

Carlton Morris took the spot-kick and confidently sent Rushworth the wrong way.

After Brandon Thomas-Asante struck a shot just wide for the Sky Blues after the break, Derby forced themselves in front for the first time after 50 minutes.

The Coventry defence did not deal with a long throw into the box and Ebou Adams was able to strike a shot past Rushworth for his first goal of the campaign.

Coventry attempted to find an equaliser but Danny Batth made a super tackle to block Wright before Torp saw an effort from outside the box claimed by Zetterstrom.

But the visitors were level after 72 minutes when Thomas-Asante lashed the ball in on the goal-line after Thomas had seen a header saved by Zetterstrom.