Marlon Pack and Kieran Agard scored to give table-topping Bristol City a 2-0 half-time lead over Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena.
The Sky Blues have endured a miserable run of late, including a 2-1 defeat at struggling Crewe Alexandra last weekend, but made a bright start when Mohamed Coulibaly unleashed a shot from the edge of the box that was blocked by the Robins defence.
However, City soon hit the front when Pack, in for the injured Korey Smith in midfield, fired a right-footed effort to find the bottom corner of Ryan Allsop's net from 25 yards out.
The hosts pushed for an immediate equaliser and went close when Jim O'Brien's strike was stopped by Frank Fielding, and the midfielder had another shot blocked a minute later.
Despite Coventry's industry in attack, they were vulnerable to conceding a second goal and almost did when Luke Freeman saw his effort kept out by Allsop.
That sparked a good period of play from Steve Cotterill's men as Wade Elliott, Mark Little and Derrick Williams all went close to extending Bristol's advantage before the half-time whistle.
In stoppage time, Agard netted his fifth goal of the season to give City control despite a spirited showing from the hosts.
Chris O'Keefe
