PHIL BABB, a former Coventry defender, returned to Highfield Road to pile on the agony for Ron Atkinson with a second half winner for Liverpool.

The Republic of Ireland international scored his first goal for Liverpool since his £3.5 million move to Anfield two years ago.

It extended Liverpool's unbeaten start to the season, but leaves Atkinson's side looking for their first win of the campaign and with only one point from, four starts.

Babb's winner climaxed an unhappy week for Atkinson and assistant manager Gordon Strachan, with each facing an FA disrepute charge after the reserve team bust up with referee Tony Green last week.

Coventry showed plenty of fight and commitment with Brian Borrows competing well in midfield, but Liverpool always looked threatening and carried the greater composure.

John Salako was booed every time he touched the ball by the Liverpool fans - a reaction after his challenge on Steve Harkness had resulted in the Liverpool player suffering a broken leg in the last clash between the sides.

He also felt the wrath of Jason McAteer in the eighth minute and the Republic of Ireland international was booked for a late challenge on Salako.

Liverpool were soon into their stride and a mistake by Eoin Jess let in Stan Collymore. But he was denied by Coventry's veteran goalkeeper Steve Ogrizovic who came out to save bravely at his feet.

Coventry made little attacking impact in the opening half hour and Collymore was again denied by Ogrizovic who turned his low drive around the post.

Coventry, who had conceded six goals in the previous three games, showed plenty of commitment and they started to create problems towards the interval. Jess was prominent in midfield and Coventry created their best chance of the opening 45 minutes when Dion Dublin flashed a fierce header a foot wide from a David Burrows centre.

In the second half Gary McAllister, promoted to captain in place of Dublin, then carved out an opening after a one two with Jess, but he mishit his shot straight at James.

They paid the penalty in the 69th minute after Burrows had fouled McAteer. Michael Thomas played a short free kick to McAteer and his swinging centre was side footed in by Babb at the far post.