COVENTRY Sphinx surrendered a half-time lead in a 1-1 draw with local rivals Rugby Town despite the visitors finishing the game with 10-men.
Sphinx took the lead through Tyler Haddow’s header on 33 minutes only for Jamie Melbourne’s fortuitous goal to draw Rugby level in the second half at the Sphinx Industrial Supplies Arena.
Valley defender Liam Francis saw red on 65 minutes although Sphinx unable to make the extra man count in the remaining time.
And the result means Coventry sit 17th in the Northern Premier League Midlands table, seven points clear of the relegation zone.
Sphinx broke the deadlock just past the half-hour mark when Haddow glanced home Matty Shipman’s excellent cross at the near post to score his first goal for the club.
However, Valley drew level when Melbourne’s wind-assisted cross from the left went all the way in after Sphinx goalkeeper Keelan Fallows misjudged the flight of the ball.
The visitors lost Francis to a red card with 25 minutes still to play after the defender picked up a second yellow card for tripping Shipman after Sphinx caught Valley on the counter attack.
However, despite their numerical advantage, Sphinx’s best effort saw substitute Ashton De Mulder fire over the bar from 25-yards out.
Coventry are next in action away at Corby Town on Saturday, February 24 with kick-off at 3pm at Steel Park.
