Shaun Goater's luck in front of goal finally ran out last night when Manchester City went down 4-3 at Coventry.

The Bermudian had netted nine times this season, including a pair in the weekend victory over Birmingham City.

He was in the thick of the action at the very start, although not at the right end.

In the fourth minute Coventry's players appealed for a penalty when Goater appeared to handle in the box during the home side's first attack.

However, the appeals were in vain and minutes later the big striker was the focus of attention at the other end.

New signing Ali Bernabia floated in a cross from the right but Goater's header drifted just past the upright.

City went a goal down in the 16th minute when Stuart Pearce put through his own net.

Bernabia brought the sides level after half-an-hour after good work by Goater.

His header into the box allowed the Algerian to take possession and he drilled the ball past the Coventry goalkeeper.

However, the good work was undone right on the half-time whistle when Muhamed Konjic headed into an empty goal after a mistake by 'keeper Nicky Weaver.

Kevin Horlock gave City hope when he hammered home the rebound from his initial shot in the 57th minute.

But once again Coventry took the lead when Lee Hughes scored in the 65th minute.

An own goal by Marcus Hall seemed to have rescued a point for Goater's team but a minute before the end David Thompson netted the winner.