First-place Coventry extended their outstanding winning streak with a decisive three-one scoreline against a player-down Watford.
The Coventry manager's squad started to a flying beginning with their striker and the midfielder netting the goal within the initial minutes.
Another Coventry attacker contributed a three-goal lead just before the interval, while the visitors' player was dismissed before the half.
Imran Louza netted a penalty for the losing squad, but it proved nothing more than a consolation effort.
Coventry's shot-stopper the keeper had before denied a one-on-one opportunity for the winger, which could have changed the contest early on.
Frank Lampard stated: “This was a tough game this afternoon because they are a strong outfit.”
Jack Clarke came off the bench to fire the decisive goal in a one-nil victory over the visitors.
The home side dominated the match but only secured the tie late thanks to his fifth goal of the campaign.
Ryan Mason's side thought they had scored in stoppage time, but the header was ruled out for a foul in the penalty area.
A Portsmouth defender headed a second-half mistake to give Mark Robins' team a narrow result.
The home side have at present managed just one match since the conclusion of August.
Mark Robins said: “It was one of the most important successes we’ve achieved this season.”
A passionate sports journalist with over a decade of experience covering local athletics and community events in the Padua region.