Kyle Lightbourne failed to cash in on Coventry City's biggest win in almost two years on Wednesday night.

But by all accounts the Bermudian striker enjoyed an outstanding game as understrength Coventry thrashed Everton 4-1 at home in the third round of the Coca Cola Cup.

"Most definitely this was my best game for Coventry,'' said Lightbourne.

"This is the third game I've started, all in the Coca Cola Cup, and I'm pleased with the way I played. I think the fans also appreciated the way I played.'' The win was the biggest for goal-shy Coventry since they put five past Blackburn back in December, 1995. Two goals were scored by John Salako and one apiece by Marcus Hall and Simon Haworth.

Lightbourne is still waiting for his first Premiership goal since his 500,000 summer transfer from Walsall, but he's now confident he has turned an important corner.

A week ago he moved from his Walsall home and now lives on the border of Birmingham and Coventry, which is closer to the club. He lives on the same estate as some of his Coventry team-mates.

Starting the match in the absence of the suspended Dion Dublin and injured trio Noel Whelan, Darren Huckerby and Paul Telfer, Lightbourne linked up well with fellow summer signing Haworth (from Cardiff) and "the rookie strikers never gave the visitors a moment's peace'', according to one English newspaper report.

"He (Haworth) also played well and it gives the manager something to think about,'' said Lightbourne.

"Everton aren't any pushovers. I just need to get my performances more consistent.'' Lightbourne came closest to scoring in the final minute when he chipped a shot against the post. Earlier the lanky Bermudian striker used his pace to get past Dave Watson only to fire his shot wide.

The former Walsall top scorer helped put Coventry back in front 2-1 when his stinging drive was not held by goalkeeper Paul Gerrard and Salako easily scored his second goal of the season.

Coventry have been drawn to meet Arsenal away in the fourth round of the competition next month. Their earlier visit to Highbury in August resulted in a 2-0 league loss, their first of the season.

Lightbourne's former team Walsall are also in the last 16 of the cup. They face an away match against another London side, West Ham.

Lightbourne's performance should guarantee him a starting place in the Coventry team for next Monday's televised match at Barnsley as Dublin still has to serve two matches of a three match ban. The match will be seen on ESPN-TV at 4.00 p.m.

Shawn Goater has suffered a setback in his attempted recovery from a pulled stomach muscle.

Goater played for Bristol City reserves on Tuesday night and was experiencing some soreness on the side of his ribs, which makes him doubtful for tonight's home league game against York.

"The side of my ribs are very stiff and sore and it's touch and go right now whether I'll be fit for Friday night's game,'' explained Goater who has been reserve in the first team's last two matches. "My head is telling me I should rest and try to get myself fit for the following week.'' Kyle Lightbourne