JOE BLOW FOR FRANK AS SKY BLUES SLIP UP

COVENTRY saw their lead at the top of the Championship cut to eight points as CHARLTON came from behind to draw 1-1 at The Valley.

- BY SIMON CASS

The Sky Blues made the perfect start with just two minutes gone as Ellis Simms produced a clinical finish.

But Joe Rankin-Costello opened his account for the Addicks, tapping in from close range in the 69th minute.

Coventry boss Frank Lampard was not too downhearted and said: "Teams will come here and find it hard. I'm a bit disappointed with the point. But there is also the reality of coming to a tough place."

IPSWICH are now Coventry's closest challengers as they climbed into the automatic promotion places, above Middlesbrough, following a 2-1 victory over struggling OXFORD.