Swans flying up the table
EARLY GOALS SINK SKY BLUES
IN-FORM Joel Piroe helped condemn Coventry to their first league defeat in their home city in 32 months.
The Sky Blues had enjoyed an excellent record since their return to the CBS Arena in August.
But Swansea ace Piroe added to Jamie Paterson’s early effort with his 10th of the season as the Welsh side went 2-0 up after just 12 minutes.
And despite Kyle McFadzean pulling one back, Mark Robins’ men could not find a way back.
Swansea are certainly improving under new manager Russell Martin. They showed just why with an exceptional start – although the hosts were architects of their own downfall.
Jake Clarke-Salter’s desperate fifth-minute clearance from Jake Bidwell’s cross fell straight to Paterson, right, who sidefooted home – even though keeper Simon Moore could have kept it out. Matt Grimes went close with a free-kick before the Swans added to the scoring.
On-loan Manchester United ace Ethan Laird stormed down the right. He seemed to be brought down in the area by Clarke-Salter but the ball fell to Dutchman Piroe, who buried his fourth goal in five games with the aid of a deflection.
But Coventry responded. Viktor Gyokeres was foiled by Ben Hamer as he burst through. And the Sky Blues reduced the arrears in the 27th minute courtesy of a bullet header by McFadzean from Gustavo Hamer’s corner.
Swansea had two chances to restore their two-goal cushion as Piroe and Paterson both saw deflected efforts go wide. But Callum O’Hare missed the chance to level before the break with a tame effort after a poor Hamer clearance. The second half was disappointing in comparison to the first with little in the way of chances.
Swans could have sealed things on the hour but Bidwell headed against the bar from a Grimes corner.
Despite having much of the ball Coventry struggled to test Hamer in the visitors’ goal. McFadzean blazed over from the edge of the area and he headed wide from another Hamer corner.
Fankaty Dabo came close to catching out Hamer in injury time before the Swansea keeper regained his balance to tip over the bar.
But Martin’s men held on though for a fourth win from their last five games. COVENTRY (3-5-2): Moore 6; Hyam 6, McFadzean 7, ClarkeSalter 4; Dabo 6, Hamer 7, Allen 6 (Jones 71, 6), O’Hare 6, Maatsen 6; Godden 5 (Walker 90), Gyokeres 6. Goal: McFadzean 27. SWANSEA (3-4-3): Hamer 6; Bennett 7, Naughton 7, Manning 7; Laird 7, Smith 7, Grimes 7, Bidwell 7; Ntcham 6 (Obafemi 62, 6), Paterson 7, Piroe 7 (Downes 73, 6). Goals: Paterson 5, Piroe 12.