The Sky Blues looked set to have to settle for a point at home to Portsmouth on Wednesday night, a result which would have seen Boro remain in the top six.
But Paterson, who had a short trial at Boro in 2021 before Neil Warnock opted against signing him, struck in the 94th minute to lift Coventry back into the play-off places. Boro have now slipped to seventh ahead of Saturday’s huge game against Millwall, who are only three points back in the Championship table.
Paterson’s trial at Boro four years ago was injury disrupted and he went on to instead sign for Swansea City. He then moved to Charlotte FC in MLS before returning to the Championship in February when he joined his hometown club Coventry.
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And his first goal for the club was hugely important in terms of the Championship promotion picture.
Delighted boss Frank Lampard said: “The technical nature of the goal was amazing. Great skill and great agility and finish – amazing.
“And the story of ‘Patto’ himself being a Coventry fan as a kid to being without a club, coming and training with us and earning a contract.
“He’s been brilliant around the group, on and off the pitch, and he’s a quality player, so I am delighted that I brought him on.
“I know he can score, he’s done it throughout his career, but that level of goal in that moment, I think it’s a collective one for the stadium, the players and the fans because we have shown that this group has got character.
“We have shown it a few times this season and we pushed and pushed against a really difficult opponent, it’s an edgy night for us and we started to feel that.
“We didn’t play at our best, Portsmouth didn’t allow us to, but we showed incredible character to push in the second half and got what we deserved.
“I feel for the Pompey lads, and I am definitely not gloating over that one because they worked hard and did everything to try to stop us, making blocks in the box and doing everything to make it difficult to play against.”
The late goal sparked dramatic scenes of celebration in the stands and on the pitch at the Coventry Building Society Arena, and Lampard said: “I am hoping the referee or anyone doesn’t decide to tell off our subs who ran round.
“It’s football, emotions, good emotions. You score a goal, the fans erupt and the players are excited and their fans are distraught.
“I feel for Portsmouth tonight. But for us, it just shows at the moment the club is very, very together. And we need to keep going with that.”
It was a second stoppage time blow for Boro this week, with Bristol City having also scored a late winner against West Brom 24 hours earlier.
After the midweek round of fixtures, Boro are seventh – two points adrift and Coventry and three behind Bristol City. The Robins head for QPR on Saturday but the Sky Blues don’t play until Monday when they’re away at Hull.
West Brom, who are three points behind Boro in the table, are at home to Watford on Saturday.
