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Frank Lampard's team came into this clash having seen its lead at the summit cut down after losing to Ipswich Town and drawing with Preston North End.

But the hosts got back on track at Coventry Building Society Arena, with Mason-Clark finishing from close range in the 64th minute. Haji Wright and Bobby Thomas also hit the woodwork for Coventry.

However, the visitors also struck the post through Sinclair Armstrong, who had a goal disallowed, too, and Coventry goalkeeper Carl Rushworth came up big to deny Fally Mayulu late on.

It was a great day for Rushworth between the sticks, as he pulled off nine saves to frustrate the Robins and help Coventry preserve a clean sheet.

Coventry is five points clear at the top, with Middlesbrough keeping within reach by beating Queens Park Rangers 3-1.

Lampard knew there was a lot riding on this match after the wobble in recent matches.

"To lose a game and draw a game probably put a bit more importance on this, a bit more feeling. People would have been looking at us to see how we reacted against a strong team," he said.

"It was great, the players' attitude from minute one was really good, really sharp and continued that.

"We pushed them back and they're one of the highest pressing teams in the league, highest regains, and we played a lot of the game in their half.

"Absolutely not our best performance but sometimes in the endurance test of a season, you look at all the games, your comfortable wins, the games where you have to fight and dig in for the win – games that give you challenges like that [but you] keep a clean sheet, get a goal and we showed a lot of spirit in the team."