A first-half penalty converted by Dean Ashton proved just enough for Crewe as they edged to victory over Coventry at Highfield Road.
The 21-year-old netted on 25 minutes after David Vaughan was allegedly obstructed inside the box.
But Dario Gradi's men were forced to hang on for all three points as City poured forwards, reigning shot after shot on the impressive Clayton Ince.
The Sky Blues kicked off with a barrage of attacking football in the opening 20 minutes.
Gary McSheffrey had the first sight of goal on seven minutes when he met Andy Morrell's cross, but his looping header was smothered by Crewe keeper Ince before Dele Adebola could pounce.
McSheffrey then cost Eddie Johnson the chance to score when he accidentally blocked his shot inside the box.
With pressure building and the visitors showing no signs of the form which has seen them win two of their last three games, Coventry's rejuvenated striker Adebola should have netted.
He seized a loose ball six yards out and spun free of his marker only to blast the ball over.
Crewe then mounted their first attack of the match on 25 minutes and seized an undeserved lead when Welshman Vaughan was foolishly obstructed by defender Adie Williams.
The Railwaymen's top scorer, Dean Ashton, took the spot-kick and though his effort cracked the base of the right-hand post, it crossed the line for his 14th of the season.
And the 21-year-old looked to have made it 2-0 five minutes before the interval, prodding home Chris McCready's delicate flick, but the far-post strike was correctly ruled offside.
Coventry started better again in the second half and were only denied a goal by brave goalkeeping from Ince.
The veteran shot-stopper palmed away McSheffrey's stinging 20-yard free-kick before preventing both Adebola and Johnson from converting the rebound.
Mark Rivers wasted a glorious opening for Gradi's men on 58 minutes. He blazed over after being found unmarked by Ashton.
And as the game switched from end to end, Adebola headed wide for the home side from McSheffrey's pin-point left-flank cross.
Desperation set in in the closing stages as Coventry threw men forward. McSheffrey curled what looked like a certain equaliser towards the far corner only for Ince to tip the ball away.
And even the arrival of super-sub Patrick Suffo was not enough for the Sky Blues as his searching free-kick was kept out by Crewe's inspired keeper.