Rob Hulse ensured that Derby County will spend the weekend — and indeed the next fortnight — above the relegation zone of the Coca-Cola Championship after he returned from illness to score the goals that clinched this Midlands derby.

Derby’s leading scorer, back after a stomach bug, enabled Nigel Clough’s team to come from behind to record their third win in 12 games and should have completed his hat-trick but missed a late penalty.

Hulse had been one of 16 players missing from the Derby team who were defeated 1-0 by Ipswich Town last week, but his finishing proved the difference between two ailing sides. Coventry City, with only two wins in 14 games, have had personnel problems of their own and now lose Jordan Clarke to suspension after the 17-year-old left back was sent off for two rash tackles.

Robbie Savage, rolling over several times after the second, may not be proud of his role in the dismissal. “He showed inexperience,” the Derby captain said. “But it wasn’t his inexperience that cost them the game, it was our good football that won it for us.”

Clough, the Derby manager, said: “I’m very relieved to have won the three points and relieved to have 18 people come through unscathed. I’m pleased with the win, but even more pleased with the manner in which we came back.”

Clough was able to field his midfield triumvirate of Paul Green, Savage and Stephen Pearson, while Gary Teale was increasingly influential on the left wing. Miles Addison also returned as a late substitute to offer a reminder of the quality in Derby’s squad.

Yet it was Coventry who took an early lead. Chris Coleman’s ploy to select a three-man forward line reaped immediate dividends as Freddy Eastwood crossed from the left towards Leon Best whose header was punched away inadequately by Stephen Bywater. Best chested the ball down and steered in his seventh goal of the season.

Although Paul Dickov shot over from point-blank range just before half-time, the 37-year-old made amends by creating Hulse’s goals.

First, having dropped out wide, he crossed for his strike partner to control and jab in a precise shot. Then Dickov retrieved Pearson’s low cross for Hulse to score his fifth goal of the season. Nine minutes from time, after Chris Hussey pushed Lee Croft, Dimitrios Konstantopoulos saved Hulse’s spot-kick to ensure a nervy finish.

Derby County (4-4-2): S Bywater — F Stoor, D Leacock (sub: M Addison, 78min), S Barker, D Moxey — P Green (sub: J Livermore, 88), R Savage, S Pearson, G Teale — P Dickov (sub: L Croft, 80), R Hulse. Substitutes not used: R Atkins, P Connolly, J McEveley, B Hughes. Booked: Dickov.

Coventry City (4-3-3): D Konstantopoulos — J Clarke, E Ward, L Barnett, P van Aanholt (sub: C Hussey, 67) — A Gunnarsson, J Cork (sub: M McIndoe, 77), I Osbourne — C Morrison, L Best, F Eastwood (sub: D Bell, 74). Substitutes not used: D Ireland, G Madine, J Grandison, S Jeffers. Booked: Barnett, Clarke, Van Aanholt, Hussey.

Sent off: Clarke.

Referee: P Crossley.