Roland Nilsson’s honeymoon period as Coventry boss is officially over at the Sky Blues fell to their first home league defeat under the Swede against Burnley.

No defeats in 11 matches for Nilsson has quickly turned into two defeats on the bounce after this easy 2-0 win for Stan Ternent’s side and the 3-2 reverse at Millwall a fortnight ago.

The City boss had five key players missing this afternoon and that certainly helped the visitors to control the match. Lee Carsley, Youssef Safri and David Thompson were missing through suspension, while Mo Konjic and Lee Hughes were out with injury.

Barry Quinn, who made a rare start in the absence of City’s suspended midfield trio, had a chance early on, but he tried to be too precise with his effort from the edge of the box and his shot was blocked by the impressive Ian Cox.

Burnley began to take charge and edged in front on ten minutes through Gareth Taylor. The former Manchester City striker rose to meet Paul Weller’s corner and headed into the top corner of the net with a touch from Richard Shaw on the goal line.

The Sky Blues went in search of an equaliser but were wasteful with their passing and were limited to one effort from Marcus Hall which cleared the bar.

The Clarets got on top again and doubled their lead just after the half-hour mark in controversial circumstances.

Calum Davenport, who was making his first start for City, and Gary Breen were caught trying to play pretty football in their own half by Ian Moore.

The Burnley striker drove towards the Sky Blues goal and was brought down on the edge of the area by Quinn. Davenport showed his anger at the decision by kicking the ball away and was booked by referee Frazer Stretton, who moved the free-kick forward by ten yards into the Coventry box.

Former City midfielder Paul Cook stood over the ball and spotted Glen Little unmarked at the far post who fired home from two yards to put the game out of the home side’s reach.

The Sky Blues tried to pick up the pace in the second half but were, once again, struggling to keep the ball in Burnley territory.

LEE FOWLER IS TACKLED BY GLEN LITTLE

Nilsson introduced Gary McSheffrey and Lee Fowler as substitutes in the second half and the latter provided a much-needed spark to the City midfield.

The 18-year-old midfielder, similar in style and build to West Ham’s Joe Cole, sent Sky Blues’ supporters home cheered by his skilful, intelligent display.

The young Welshman set up a chance for Jairo Martinez late on but the Honduran’s first touch let him down and the chance was gone.

Moments later, Fowler went close himself from the edge of the box, but his effort drifted just wide.

City have to improve on this performance when they take on Birmingham next Sunday, but they will have the bite of Carsley and Safri back in midfield, something which was badly missed today.

COVENTRY CITY :
Magnus Hedman; Richard Shaw, Gary Breen, Marc Edworthy, Calum Davenport, Laurent Delorge, Barry Quinn (Lee Fowler, 64), Youssef Chippo, Marcus Hall, Jay Bothroyd (Gary McSheffrey, 54), Jairo Martinez
Subs not used : Andy Goram, Runar Normann, Tomas Antonelius

BURNLEY :
Dimitrios Papadopoulos, Dean West, Ian Cox, Arthur Gnohere, Glen Little, Tony Grant, Paul Cook (Alan Moore, 76), Paul Weller, Lee Briscoe (Kevin Ball, 45), Gareth Taylor,  Ian Moore
Subs not used : Luigi Cennamo, Lenny Johnrose, Andy Payton

GOALS :
Burnley - Taylor (10), Little (33)

REFEREE : F Stretton (Nottingham)

BOOKINGS :
Coventry - Davenport (32, dissent), Breen (55, foul)
Burnley - Taylor (35, dissent), Cook (56, foul), Little (74, foul)

ATTENDANCE :  16,849

COVENTRY LEAGUE POSITION : 8th with 31 points