COVENTRY Sphinx dropped out of the play-off places after slipping to a 3-0 defeat away at rivals Rugby Town.
After a goalless first period, Rugby scored three second-half goals to leave the visitors stunned at Butlin Road.
The result means Coventry sit sixth in the Northern Premier League Midlands table, six points behind leaders Belper Town.
Sphinx fell behind three minutes after the break as Sam Tye finished on the rebound after Charlie Woods saved Caine Elliott’s penalty.
And Rugby doubled their lead on 73 minutes when Josh Thomas nodded home Tye’s initial header.
The home side completed the scoring five minutes from time as Stan Anaebonam lifted the ball over Woods.
Coventry are next in action against Bourne Town on Saturday, October 25 with kick-off at 3pm at Abbey Lawn.
