Wolves 3-1 Coventry

Dean Sturridge joined Wolves just before Christmas

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An electrifying burst of three goals shortly after half-time swept Wolves back into second place in the First Division.

After a goalless first half, Dave Jones' side smashed Coventry's fragile resistance to erase the memory of two defeats in their previous three home games.

Coventry survived to the break despite contributing little in an attacking sense - but they were blown away in an onslaught inspired by Dean Sturridge.

I don't think Coventry knew what had hit them. They didn't know where we were coming from next

Wolves boss Dave Jones

Wolves' pre-Christmas signing opened the scoring in the 51st minute driving home on the run from 15 yards after good work by Nathan Blake.

Three minutes later, it was 2-0 when an inspired Mark Kennedy delivered a curling early cross from the left.

The delivery caught Coventry goalkeeper Magnus Hedman in two minds and left Sturridge free to race in and head home superbly.

Although David Thompson crashed a stunning shot narrowly wide at the other end, Coventry were on the rack.

Wolves' home form has been inconsistent

A third goal duly arrived in the 58th minute, Kennedy and Shaun Newton cleverly making the running for Colin Cameron to hook home from close range off the hand of the diving Hedman.

Wolves' win could have been even more decisive.

But Blake, having won a penalty with a burst of speed which led to a foul on him by the fit again Gary Breen, miserably dragged his spot-kick wide as Hedman dived the other way.

Thompson remained a handful, bringing a good diving save from Michael Oakes from 25 yards before flying past Paul Butler and slamming a left-foot drive off target.

But the former Liverpool midfielder, booked in the 28th minute for a late tackle on Kevin Muscat, was fortunate to stay on the field for hacking down Kennedy.

Thommo has a bit of a problem with his temperament and, if you have had a yellow card, the referee will always have an extra look out for you

Roland Nilsson on Thompson's dismissal

Eventually Thompson was shown the red card six minutes from time when he lunged in late on Oakes.

Even with 10 men, Coventry pulled one back in injury time when Lee Carsley's corner from the right went in off home defender Joleon Lescott and Sky Blues substitute Jay Bothroyd, who was credited with the goal.

Wolves might have had further goals in the final stages from Kennedy, Muscat and Alex Rae.

Blake and Sturridge each had the ball in the net in the first half, but both were clearly off-side.