MATTY Shipman scored a brace as 10-man Coventry Sphinx ended their three-game losing run in the league with a 3-2 victory at Coleshill Town.
Shipman struck either side of half time with Finlay Shorrock also on target as Sphinx secured their first win since the turn of the year at Pack Meadow despite Callum Woodward’s red card on the stroke of half time.
The result means Coventry sit 16th in the Northern Premier League Midlands table six points clear of the relegation zone.
After making a bright start, Sphinx broke the deadlock on 22 minutes as Shipman rose highest to head home Woodward’s corner at the back post to give the visitors a deserved lead.
And the away side doubled their lead four minutes before half time as full back Shorrock cut inside before curling a fine effort into the top corner.
However, Sphinx captain Woodward saw red just before the break following a heavy challenge on Coleshill’s Alex Tomkinson.
Sphinx defended well after the interval before Coleshill eventually halved the deficit on 71 minutes as Gio Dainty lifted the ball into the roof of the net from close range.
However, Sphinx restored their two-goal cushion four minutes later when Shipman showed strength, speed and a cool finish to score his second of the game.
The home side kept themselves in the game as George Washbourne found the net on 83 minutes, curling home from a short corner.
Sphinx goalkeeper Keelan Fallows made a stunning fingertip save to divert the ball onto the post in injury time as the visitors held on to claim a vital win.
Coventry are next in action away at AFC Rushden and Diamonds on Saturday, February 3 with kick-off at 3pm at Hayden Road.
