Coventry 1-0 QPR: Ward picks up the scraps

Elliott Ward was glad it was only nerves he had to fight before firing Coventry to a welcome win at the Ricoh Arena.

Ward failed to convert from the spot at Sheffield United in midweek, prompting team-mate Aron Gunnarsson to say he would scrap with the centre-half for the ball if they won a penalty against Rangers.

But the diminutive Icelander was no where to be seen in the 13th minute as Ward managed to score despite the efforts of keeper Radek Cerny.

"That was a big joke but it got built up as a fight," said Ward. "I'm a bit bigger, but he's Icelandic, a Viking and they're strong boys.

"The keeper did get a hand to it but I was always going to take it because the lads were behind me and had confidence in me.

"It was nice to get it so soon after the one I missed on Tuesday."

When Ward stroked the ball home after Mikele Leigertwood brought down Jay Tabb it looked as if City would win in equally relaxed fashion.

They were well on top and outplaying Rangers, managed by former Coventry boss Iain Dowie.

But they failed to make their advantage count and very nearly paid the price.

Dowie fired up Rangers at half time and they enjoyed the majority share of the second half.

But they showed a lack of quality in the final third. And when they did break Coventry down they found Ward equally sure inside his own area as he had been in theirs.

Dexter Blackstock had a gilt-edged chance to equalise with 18 minutes left but side-footed wide from just a few yards out.

It made for a miserable return for Dowie but midfielder Gavin Mahon said: "The manager will look for the positives from that performance and there were lots.

"At half-time he wasn't happy but in the second half we had a lot of possession should have taken one or two chances."