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Former Chelsea and England midfielder Joe Cole joined Coventry City on loan from Aston Villa in October

Joe Cole's first goal for Coventry City helped the Sky Blues to a thrilling victory over Barnsley in League One.

Ryan Kent's solo effort put City ahead before Adam Armstrong turned in Aaron Phillips's cross to double the lead.

Alfie Mawson pulled one back for the Tykes after the break, but Armstrong doubled his tally moments later.

Josh Scowen's low shot gave Barnsley hope, but Cole's free-kick sealed victory, despite Scowen adding his second from the penalty spot late on.

Barnsley remain 22nd after a seventh consecutive league defeat - the club's worst run since losing eight straight matches in the old Second Division in March/April 1959. Coventry stay fourth, but Tony Mowbray's men are now just a point outside the automatic promotion places.

Armstrong's second brace in as many games takes his tally to 12 League One goals, making him now this season's Football League top scorer.

Coventry's good use of the loan system

All four Sky Blues goals were scored by Premier League loan players.

The opener came from Liverpool's Ryan Kent before Newcastle United striker Adam Armstrong's double - and then the fourth from Joe Cole, who is on a 35-day loan from Aston Villa.

Joe Cole told BBC Coventry & Warwickshire:

"It's nice to get on free-kicks, as I've played with many great free-kick takers like David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard and I've not taken too many in my career.

"But, most importantly, we got the three points against a side that probably shouldn't be where they are.

"It shows that we should be higher in the leagues. It's up to us players, management and staff to put the club in a higher position, particularly with the facilities and the city."