Luton go a point ahead of seventh-placed QPR, who they now host on Sunday, and six clear of 11th-placed Coventry, who suffered their fifth home defeat of the season.

Adebayo's first goal in six games settled the outcome for Luton, who completed a season's double over the Sky Blues.

Luton had to make several changes, with defender Dan Potts returning in place of the injured Kal Naismith, while Luke Berry and Jordan Clark continued their comebacks in place of Danny Hylton and the injured Gabe Osho, and Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu made his first start since mid-February.

City had Matty Godden making his first start since 15 January following appendix surgery and boss Mark Robins also recalled fellow striker Martyn Waghorn alongside Viktor Gyokeres but, despite making an electric start, the three-man attack could not break Luton down.

Coventry had chances both before and after Adebayo broke the deadlock but Kyle McFadzean headed over Gustavo Hamer's corner, Ian Maatsen fired over from distance and Hamer's corner flicked the top of the crossbar.

However, Coventry's best chance to level came with 10 minutes left when a driving run from Fabio Tavares delivered the ball to the feet of Callum O'Hare, but he fired straight at Palmer from point-blank range.

Coventry are at home to another promotion-chasing side Sheffield United on Saturday, while Luton have an extra day to prepare for Sunday's home game with QPR.

Coventry City boss Mark Robins told BBC CWR:

"As poor as we were with the performance we gave down there when we got beat 5-0, we were really good this time. We were really unlucky. We should have won, so to lose was a right kick in the teeth.

"Our two midfield players were outstanding. We outplayed them. We created some good opportunities and just didn't take them. That seems to be something that you say too often, but that is where we're at. It's so frustrating.

"It's just the reality of our situation. There are some brilliant things, some really good things from our goalkeeper to the opposite end and creating really good opportunities.

"It's just that last little bit. At some point they will realise how good they are, have a calm brain and pass the ball into a space that contains the net."

Luton coach Alan Sheehan:

"The way the lads defend for each other is so impressive. That togetherness is worth a few points at the end of the season. When we go a goal ahead we rarely get beaten, so to get that goal and grind out was excellent.

"We're in an excellent place, the club is in an excellent place, it's a wonderful place to work with wonderful players and staff.

"Everyone is pulling together and when everyone is pulling in the right direction something good comes from it - and the togetherness at this football club is outstanding.

"It was a great finish. A long ball over the top, which is something we didn't do enough in the first half, getting in behind them. But the one time we did, that one moment of quality ended up winning the game for us."