Coventry manager Andy Thorn admits his team desperately need an injection of firepower in front of goal after they suffered another narrow defeat against a Derby side who celebrated a fifth consecutive victory.
A sweet strike from Callum Ball in the 76th minute was enough to secure the points and highlighted just why Coventry are marooned at the foot of the npower Championship table.
To add to Thorn's woes, he has lost striker Lukas Jutkiewicz to Middlesbrough and although Alex Nimely arrives on loan from Manchester City on Monday, he knows he needs more reinforcements.
"I am really disappointed to be losing Lukas, it's a big blow for us," he admitted.
"Alex comes in on Monday and I would like to bring some more in as well.
"I didn't think there was anything between the teams and we acquitted ourselves well but I think it's evident what we need. We need someone who can put the ball in the net.
"It's about fine lines, I didn't feel we were under any severe pressure but at the same time, I didn't feel we had a massive cutting edge. That's how I've felt for a while now and something needs to be done about it.
"We didn't have that killer instinct and although we had some great opportunities, a lack of quality in front of goal was evident. If we had that killer instinct in front of goal we would be in the top 10."
Derby coach Andy Garner sympathised with Thorn when he he said: "The players know they have been in a game. Full credit to Coventry, I thought they were excellent, especially in the first half.
"We were delighted to come in at half-time (on level terms.) We were struggling a bit but the most important thing is we don't concede and a couple of months ago we might have come in losing 1-0."
Garner pinpointed the save by Frank Fielding 90 seconds before Derby scored as a pivotal moment in the contest.
"It was a massive moment," he admitted.
"I think their manager would probably say it sums their season up.
"It was a brilliant save and then fortunately for us and unfortunately for them, we go 1-0 up but it was a great goal.
"We had to grind it out today but the pleasing thing for us is that if we have to roll up our sleeves and it's not very pretty but that's what it takes, then we will do that."
Coventry had been the better side for much of the game but that two minute spell in the second half summed up their season.
A brilliant save by Fielding from Gary McSheffrey's header denied them the lead and then Derby broke away to claim the winner with one of the few chances they created.
Gareth Roberts robbed McSheffrey in Derby's half before starting a move that saw Paul Green release Craig Bryson down the right.
When the midfielder played the ball across, Ball swept it into the bottom corner to continue Derby's surge up the table.
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