Newcastle striker Kieron Dyer signed off in style as he inspired his side to victory over struggling Coventry.

The England international scored one and set up a first-ever senior goal for 19-year-old partner Shola Ameobi in a game which could have ended in a glut of goals.

Gary Speed's sixth goal of the season gave United an early lead, but it was not until Ameobi struck 13 minutes after the break that the home side really opened up.

Dyer's superb individual effort capped a fine afternoon's work for a man who starts a two-game suspension next week, but in truth, his side were slightly flattered by the final score.

City pulled a goal back 11 minutes from time when substitute Stephen Glass failed to prevent David Thompson's corner from drifting into the top corner, but keeper Steve Harper made excellent saves from the former Liverpool striker and Craig Bellamy, who also had a header blocked at point-blank range by debutant Wayne Quinn.

Quinn was handed his Premiership debut as Bobby Robson took an early opportunity to cast a eye over the Sheffield United wing-back, Andy Griffin making way in the only change from the side which drew 1-1 with Aston Villa last weekend.

Coventry boss Gordon Strachan was forced into two changes with Moroccans Moustapha Hadji and Youssef Chippo away on international duty, John Eustace and John Aloisi getting the nod in their place.

Chris Kirkland had initially been named as goalkeeper, but he suffered a hamstring strain during the warm-up and his place was taken by Magnus Hedman, himself just back in the fold after an ankle problem.

The Swede may have been delighted to be back in the thick of it, but his side got off to the worst possible start as he found himself picking the ball out of the back of the net within four minutes.

Newcastle had already threatened on a couple of occasions when City were forced to concede a left-wing corner, and when Nolberto Solano delivered the ball to the near post, Speed rose to direct a header into the net to open the scoring.

But if the home fans then expected their side to take the game by the scruff of the neck, they were to be disappointed as the Magpies turned in a strangely disjointed display.

Ameobi and partner Dyer took their time to get into the game, and once they did, both passed up good opportunities to score, Dyer side-footing over on 37 minutes and Ameobi miskicking in front of goal four minutes later.

Newcastle's failure to push home their advantage encouraged the visitors, and with former Robson target Bellamy keeping marker Aaron Hughes on his toes throughout, they were never able to relax.

City always looked capable of causing problems on the break as United were punished for surrendering possession all too easily, and they were almost made to pay twice within seconds at the end of the first half, defender Paul Williams heading over from a Thompson corner, and midfielder Eustace missing the target after Harper flapped at a Marc Edworthy cross.

The frenetic pace of the first-half finale was maintained after the break as Dyer for Newcastle and Aloisi and Williams for the visitors passed up good opportunities.

But Coventry should have been level with 53 minutes gone when Aloisi put Thompson away, but Harper blocked with his legs.

Solano could do no better at the other end two minutes later after good link-up play between Quinn, Ameobi and Dyer, but it was 2-0 on 58 minutes when Dyer again raced free to square for Ameobi to slot home the goal his recent form has so richly deserved.

The unmarked Aloisi shot horribly wide after Newcastle's marking system malfunctioned badly, and his side was made to pay with 66 minutes gone when Dyer scythed his way through the blue shirts before dispatching an audacious right-foot shot past the stranded keeper.

Harper produced another fine save from Bellamy 18 minutes from time, but the visitors finally found their way on to the scoresheet in bizarre circumstances seven minutes later when substitute Stephen Glass appeared to head Thompson's corner into his own net.

Bellamy's afternoon finished in further disappointment as he picked up a late booking and then wasted an injury time chance to pull another goal back.

Teams:

Newcastle: Harper, Barton, Goma, Hughes, Quinn, Solano, Bassedas (Glass 76), Acuna, Speed, Ameobi, Dyer.

Subs Not Used: Given, Marcelino, Cordone, Lua-Lua.

Goals: Speed 4, Ameobi 58, Dyer 66.

Coventry: Hedman, Quinn, Edworthy, Breen, Williams, Thompson, Telfer, Carsley, Eustace, Aloisi (Bothroyd 73), Bellamy.

Subs Not Used: Palmer, Strachan, Guerrero, Konjic.

Booked: Carsley, Thompson, Bellamy.

Goals: Glass 78 og.

Att: 50,159

Ref: J Winter (Stockton-on-Tees).