JARED Bradshaw’s late goal earned Coventry Sphinx the derby day bragging rights with a 1-0 win against Rugby Town.
Bradshaw scored the game’s only goal 12 minutes from time at the Cameron Slater Arena as Sphinx returned to winning ways.
And the result lifts Coventry three points clear of the Northern Premier League Midlands relegation zone in 16th place.
The home side survived an early scare as Rivel Mardenborough fired wide from a tight angle.
Sphinx grew into the contest as Xander Grieves saved well from Raymond Poku late in the first period.
Coventry goalkeeper Oliver Bosworth kept out Mardenborough’s powerful effort early in the second period and then denied Nathan Kabeya when one-on-one.
The home side responded with a chance of their own as substitute Damian Kelly sent a low shot wide following a cross from the right.
The game’s decisive moment came on 78 minutes when Bradshaw curled a shot into the net from the edge of the penalty area following a short backpass from Rugby defender Ryley Nicholson.
And Sphinx almost sealed the points at the death as Grieves made a reaction stop to keep out Chris Cowley’s effort.
Coventry are next in action against Lichfield City on Tuesday, February 24 with kick-off at 7.45pm at the Cameron Slater Arena.
