CROWN JOEL!

Prolific Piroe shoots down Sky Blues’ proud home run

IN-FORM Joel Piroe helped condemn Coventry to a first league defeat in their home city in 32 months.

The Sky Blues had enjoyed an excellent record since their return to the CBS – formerly the Ricoh – Arena in August.

But Swansea ace Piroe added to Jamie Paterson’s (above) early effort with his 10th goal 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 leveller.

Swansea are improving under new boss 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, who sidefooted home

– even though keeper Simon Moore could have kept it out.

Matt Grimes went close with a free-kick shortly afterwards 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 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 through McFadzean’s bullet header (celebrating, inset) 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 then Callum O’Hare missed the chance to level before the break with a tame effort after a poor Hamer clearance.

Swans could have sealed things on the hour but Bidwell headed against the bar from a Grimes corner.

Coventry struggled to test Hamer in the visitors’ goal. McFadzean blazed over and then headed wide from another Hamer corner.

Matty Godden had a frustrating night in front of goal while O’Hare was not his usual self.

The Sky Blues’ Fankaty Dabo came close to catching out Hamer in injury time before the Swansea keeper regained his balance to tip over the bar.