Jim O'Brien's long-range strike has given Coventry City the lead at half time in the Midlands derby with Walsall at the Bescot Stadium.

Coventry had looked to have made a dream start when they were awarded a penalty after Romaine Sawyers brought down O'Brien.

However, Marcus Tudgay couldn't capitalise from 12 yards as Richard O'Donnell produced a comfortable save to deny the Sky Blues.

Steven Pressley's men wouldn't be denied for long as O'Brien unleashed a fierce strike from the edge of the box that beat O'Donnell and gave Coventry a sixth-minute lead.

Walsall, with only one defeat in their previous nine matches, responded well as James Baxendale and Anthony Forde brought saves out of Ryan Allsop.

The Saddlers needed O'Donnell to keep them from falling further behind as he tipped away John Fleck's shot, which had looked destined for the top corner.

Tudgay, looking to make amends for his earlier spot kick, then rattled the crossbar with a strong header.

Chances arrived for both teams as the half wore on, with Matthew Pennington being denied for the visitors.

Michael Cain then saw his strike turned away by Allsop before full-back Andy Taylor's free kick was inches away from nestling in the top corner.