Michael Mifsud marked his return to club football in style when he scored two goals in Coventry's 4-2 win over West Bromwich Albion in the Midlands derby at The Hawthorns last night.

The Malta striker was making his first appearance for the Sky Blues since his dismissal in the 4-0 defeat to West Brom in the corresponding first-round fixture at the Ricoh Arena which cost Mifsud a three-match ban.

During Mifsud's absence, Coventry had struggled in The Championship winning only one point from three matches. But his return transformed the team as they took a two-goal lead inside the opening 11 minutes.

Coventry were ahead after six minutes when Leon Best lobbed the ball over West Brom goalkeeper Dean Kiely from just inside the area.

Five minutes later Jay Tabb found Leon McKenzie in space on the left and the City striker sent in a dangerous cross which Mifsud headed home unmarked from two yards.

West Brom came back strongly after the break and goals from Roman Bednar (52) and Chris Brunt (65) restored equilibrium. However, their hopes were jolted by dismissal of Paul Robinson 19 minutes from time.

Coventry quickly profited from their numerical advantage and Best made it 3-2 on 83 minutes and then Mifsud sealed the points three minutes later when he netted his team's fourth goal.

Mifsud traded passes with Best to carve open the Albion defence and slot home into an empty net.

In the Championship standings, Coventry are 11th on 28 points.