Ellis Simms struck his second goal in two games as Coventry City defeated Stoke City to secure their fifth Premier victory since the turn of the year.

Callum O’Hare set up the summer acquisition from Everton, who also scored in the 2-2 midweek draw at Plymouth, to score the game’s sole goal on 52 minutes, finding the bottom corner for his sixth of the season.

Sixth-placed Coventry City, who have only lost one Championship game since early December, are now just one point behind fifth-placed West Bromwich Albion.

Stoke’s fifth defeat in six league games left Steven Schumacher’s side in 19th place, only three points clear of relegation – and, despite a 1-0 home triumph over QPR last weekend, they were once again booed off.

Both managers made six changes to the squads that began their midweek matches. As a result, there was a noticeable lack of flow in the first half, but Coventry came near in one triple let-off for the hosts.

Stoke goalkeeper Jack Bonham stopped Haji Wright’s header with a deflection off Ben Wilmot before denying Simms’ attempt. The rebound then dropped beautifully to O’Hare, who appeared certain to score, but Wilmot deflected the ball off the line, onto the post, and away from danger.

Stoke fell behind on 51 minutes after Wright intercepted Ki-Jana Hoever and sent the ball to O’Hare, who found Simms to score from close range.

Stoke manager Schumacher made three substitutions shortly after the hour mark in a bid to breathe new life into his team.

Nathan Lowe’s left-footed shot on the turn went just over, while Lewis Baker’s goal-bound attempt was diverted behind for a corner by Sky Blues defender Bobby Thomas, and substitute Million Manhoef could only hit the side-netting.

But, by then, Coventry should have extended their lead when, following a lovely one-two with Josh Eccles, US international Wright fired over.

Following their first clean sheet since before Christmas, Coventry return to action next Friday night against bogey side Preston North End.

Stoke City’s next game is the following day against Cardiff City.

“The guys’ effort is undeniable, but losing to a mistake is a crushing blow.

“No one intends to make such types of blunders, but having it be the deciding moment of the game is upsetting.

“We kept going right to the end and showed good energy but we just didn’t have that little bit of quality you need.”

“That was the finest Ellis Simms has played for us; he picked his spot well for the goal. It was a great finish.

“It’s excellent for us to have a clean slate. That will boost our confidence tremendously, given it is our first in 12 games.

“When we saw the fixture schedule, we believed it was going to be a challenging week. The fact that we’ve picked up seven points is fantastic.”