Coventry boss Iain Dowie received an early present for his 42nd birthday on Wednesday as his side pulled off a shock 4-1 win at Premiership Blackburn to progress through to the 4th round of the FA Cup.

This was a thoroughly deserved victory against an insipid Blackburn performance.

Once Michael Mifsud had given the visitors the lead with a fortunate deflection which looped over Brad Friedel the result never looked in doubt.

An Elliot Ward penalty made it two and veteran Dele Adebola shrugged off two weak tackles to make it three.

Rovers continued to press but the Coventry defence always looked in control and it was no surprise when Mifsud scored his second, and 15th of the season, deep into injury time.

Even David Bentley's late effort could not dampen the joy of the 3,000 travelling Sky Blue supporters.

Coventry had previously beaten Manchester United in the Carling Cup at Old Trafford this season but Dowie felt this result was more satisfying.

"Yes it probably is.

"The FA Cup is a fabulous competition and to come to a side like Blackburn, and I'm a big fan of what Mark has done here, and to take them on at football after riding our luck for the first twenty minutes, once we got our passing game together it was an entertaining game.

"Once we scored our first goal which was fortunate the rest were terrific, none better then the third.

"Once Mark began pushing forward we became very clinical on the break and tactically I think we got it right today and managed to subdue David Bentley who on his day can be unplayable.

"The defence deserves praise today for it gave us a platform for this fabulous win for our magnificent supporters."