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A second-half brace from Rob Hulse gave Championship strugglers Derby County a hard-earned 2-1 win over 10-man Coventry City at Pride Park.

The visitors made the dream start when Irish striker Leon Best (4) opened the scoring with a sweetly-struck shot from the edge of the penalty area.

The goal stung the Rams into life and they had strong claims for a penalty turned down when Elliott Ward appeared to foul Shaun Barker in the box.

Paul Dickov spurned a gilt-edged chance to equalise at the end of the first half when he hammered his shot high over the bar from six yards out.

Derby were not to be denied and were level straight after the break when an unmarked Hulse (48) poked the ball home from eight yards out.

The Rams striker (62) then grabbed his second with a fierce strike that gave goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos no chance.

City's hopes were dealt a huge blow moments later when teenager Jordan Clarke was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for bringing down Robbie Savage.

Hulse had the perfect chance to get his hat-trick late on but missed from the spot after Lee Croft was fouled in the area.