Nick Proschwitz missed the chance to give Coventry City a priceless lead at fellow strugglers Crawley Town as his penalty was saved late in the first half.

The Sky Blues, who need only a point to be sure of avoiding relegation, started brightly with captain Jim O'Brien firing an early volley just over the crossbar.

Crawley, looking to secure their own League One status with a win in front of a sell-out crowd at the Broadfield Stadium, tried to force an opening of their own, with Josh Simpson having a right-footed shot from the edge of the box blocked by the Coventry defence.

On 11 minutes, Town almost drew first blood through Kelly Youga's strike, which was just too high to trouble Lee Burge.

Midway through the opening period, Crawley again threatened as Izale McLeod unleashed a strike that was inches away from dipping under the Coventry bar.

With the interval approaching, Gavin Tomlin conceded a penalty for a foul on Marcus Tudgay, but Proschwitz's spot kick was tipped away by Brian Jensen to take the hosts in on level terms.