FOOTBALL: COVENTRY Sphinx cemented their position in the Midland Football League Premier Division top six following a 3-2 win against strugglers Shawbury United.
New manager Lee Knibbs made it three wins out of three on Saturday, though his side had to work hard to claim the three points on offer.
Knibbs opted to grant places on the pitch to Charlie Faulkner and Danny Bowes.
Sphinx made a good start when striking first on 11 minutes when Harkin’s turn allowed Woodward to put the home side ahead.
Shawbury responded well on 18 minutes when Jake Allingan was forced into a good save to keep Sphinx’s lead in tact.
Fortune favoured Shawbury twice throughout the rest of the second half.
Sphinx had a goal ruled out for offside while moments later appeals for a separate goal were washed off when the referee deemed the ball had not crossed the line.
Knibbs’ men did eventually get their second goal when Louis Guest struck on the turn following a throw in to double the home side’s lead.
But Shawbury cancelled out this strike before the half ended when Dan Beddows kept the visiting side in the game with the last kick of the half.
Shawbury then levelled the game ten minutes into the second half when skipper Sean Evans’ free kick from range found the back of the net.
Though home side responded well as Harkin struck the post after rounding the keeper before substitute Maagbe’s strike whistled inches wide.
With ten minutes remaining, Sphinx put themselves back in front when Harkin showed great determination to drive away from Shawbury’s defender to score at the far post.
Though Shawbury had chances, Sphinx held on to claim the three points.
Next up is another home fixture on Saturday, November 4, when Quorn visit Sphinx Drive.
