Dennis Wise marked what could well be the final game of his career, scoring in the last minute of a 3-1 victory for the Sky Blues.
All square at the break after Steve Thompson cancelled out Stern John's early strike, the Sky Blues rode their luck a little in the early stages of the second period but stamped their authority on the tie as the game progressed and goals from Adebola and Wise sealed the win.
Richard Shaw was recalled to the Coventry starting eleven for the final game of the season against Cardiff in what may well turn out to be the centre back's last game for the Club.
The veteran defender returned to the defence with Stuart Giddings dropping to the bench after his return to the side last week. Marcus Hall resumed at his usual left back berth.
Dele Adebola was also recalled to the side while Don Hutchison was named on the bench along with Dennis Wise.
It didn't take long for the Sky Blues to stamp their initiative on the game and they were one up in the eighth minute through Stern John. Gary McSheffrey whipped in a dangerous cross which Glenn Loovens could not deal with and John was on hand to smash the ball home from inside the six-yard box.
But rather than building on their lead City were pegged back in the 21st minute. Richard Shaw lost out to Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu who ran into the area, played a square ball across the face of goal which Steve Thompson finished from close range.
Conceding a goal did seem to spur City on with McSheffrey in particular coming to life. City's top scorer made two trademark runs down the left, the second of which led to a shot from 25 yards which Neil Alexander saved. Cardiff then fired a warning shot as they broke rapidly and Ndumbu-Nsungu sent a long range effort whistling inches wide of the upright.
The Bluebirds made one change at half time with Neal Ardley replacing Jermaine Darlington and the visitors really should have gone ahead six minutes after the restart when Thompson somehow placed a free header from six yards out wide of the post.
City then made their first switch with Richard Shaw coming off to a standing ovation. Stuart Giddings replaced him for his first appearance at the Ricoh Arena, with Marcus Hall switching to centre back.
The Sky Blues were riding their luck and on 57 minutes livewire midfielder Koumas smashed the upright with a crisp strike from 25 yards. Micky Adams then brought Dennis Wise on for his final swansong in a City shirt - the veteran replaced Stephen Hughes in midfield.
Cardiff were made to pay for their missed chances in the 65th minute when the Sky Blues went ahead through Adebola. Michael Doyle threaded a delightful pass through the Cardiff defence and the big striker finished with aplomb to put City 2-1 ahead.
City then made their final switch as World Cup-bound striker Stern John was replaced by Don Hutchison who would be keen to impress as he looks for a new contract with the Sky Blues this summer. Unfortunately for him he missed a great opportunity, firing wide from close range after excellent work by Andy Whing with a quarter of an hour left in the game.
There was a major blow in the dying stages of the game when Giddings limped off and City finished the match with ten men. Hopefully the talented full-back had not suffered a recurrence of his knee trouble and in his absence Doyle slotted in at left-back.
With three minutes remaining Marton Fulop produced a fine low save as the Bluebirds looked to make their numerical advantage count.
But in the very last minute the result was in no doubt and the script could not have been written any better. Andy Whing played a delightful cross into the area after more good work from the effervescent Thornton and Dennis Wise rose the highest to place a nearpost header into the back of the net and finish his impressive playing career in style.
Coventry: Fulop; Whing; Hall; Hughes (Wise 58); Doyle; Adebola; McSheffrey; John (Hutchison 67); Heath; Shaw (Giddings 52); Thornton. Subs (not used): Morrell; Osbourne
Cardiff: Alexander; Darlington (Ardley 46); Cox; Koumas; Thompson; Parry; Boland; Loovens; Ledley; Scimeca; Ndumbu-Nsungu (McDonald 62). Subs (not used): Margetson; Barker; Cooper
Booked: Ledley (66); Loovens (75)
Referee: Mr T Kettle
Attendance: 22,536
