Coventry City 0 Hull City 1: Evans winner pushes Barmby’s case to be Tigers’ next manager

The only goal of a tight encounter came just before the hour when the Sky Blues failed to clear a looping Andy Dawson cross, an error for which they were punished by an accurate low finish from 15 yards by Evans.

Coming off the back of home wins against Leicester and Birmingham, Barmby was delighted with his fourth win in six since taking charge, but there is no danger of him getting carried away.

“It’s been a really good week for us,” said the 37-year-old, who is still contracted to the club as a player.

“I’m really proud of the players and their work ethic today. To come to a place like this and keep a clean sheet against a side that score in most of their home games and nick one at the other end, I am really pleased.”

He again refused to be drawn on his long-term future, adding: “All I am bothered about is how the players play and how the players react.

“We got the result we wanted today and we have had a great week but we remain humble, our feet are on the ground and we go again next week.”

Hull dominated possession for much of the match but it was Coventry who created the best chance of the first half. Richard Wood headed against the post on from a cross by Gary Gardner – who could easily have seen red for a reckless challenge on Paul McKenna.

The Sky Blues pushed for an equaliser late on but created precious little in terms of clear-cut chances, only a volley put wide by Clive Platt after a Gardner header across goal in stoppage time.

Coventry City: Murphy, Cameron, Keogh, Cranie, Wood (Christie 79), Gardner, Thomas, Baker, McSheffrey (Bigirimana 66), Jutkiewicz, McDonald (Platt 46). Unused substitutes: Dunn, Bell.

Hull City: Gulacsi, Rosenior, Chester, Hobbs, Dawson, McKenna, Evans (Dudgeon 68), Mclean, Koren, Stewart (Garcia 79), Fryatt. Unused substitutes: Basso,Cairney,McShane.

Referee: P Tierney (Lancashire).

Man of the match: Corry Evans.