Hamer back in boss’ good books after show-stopper

BAD boy Gustavo Hamer had the Sky Blues singing as he took Coventry within a point of getting out of the bottom three.

The Dutch ace starred in his first full game after a four-match suspension.

“He has been as hurt by what’s happened as we have,” said boss Mark Robins.

“Hamer has had two sendings off despite him working on his game to not pick up stupid bookings. For the second sending off he got punished for a kick out at an opponent.

“That is infuriating and part of the game no one wants to see.”

Coventry’s start to the season has been wrecked by being unable to play at home because of the condition of the pitch.

But now they have enjoyed three successive wins, have games in hand, and three home fixtures coming up.

Their defence is as tight as any in the league with 14 conceded. Stoke couldn’t find a way through despite dominating the first half.

“It’s frustrating,” said Potters boss Alex Neil.

“I thought we were the better team, didn’t take our chances, and then lose to two defensive mistakes. It’s no good me saying we played well if we don’t win.”

Hamer took control in the 51st minute, sending Jamie Allen through for his first goal in 14 months, before he dodged between Ben Wilmot and Josh Laurent and curled a wonderful shot into the far top corner.

STOKE: Bursik 6; Wilmot 6, Jagielka 6, Fox 6; Sterling 5 (Clarke (46) 5), Laurent 6, Baker 6, Fosu 6; Smallbone 6 (Delap (73) 5); Campbell 5 (Brown (57) 5),

Gayle 5 (Powell (57) 5)

COVENTRY: Wilson 7; Rose 7,

McFadzean 7, Panzo 7; Dabo 7 (Kane

(89) 6), Hamer 8 (O’Hare (76) 6), Eccles 7, Bidwell 7; Palmer 7, Allen 7 (Waghorn (66) 6); Gyokeres 7

STAR MAN: Gustavo Hamer – Made one, scored one and looked a class above. REF: James Linington 7