Late winners a habit for table-topping United - Coventry non-league latest - The Coventry Observer

Late winners a habit for table-topping United - Coventry non-league latest

Coventry Editorial 10th Feb, 2020   0

Premier Division

ANOTHER late winner has continued Coventry United’s reign at the top of the Midland Football League Premier Division.

Chris Camwell slotted low into the bottom-right corner from the penalty spot with just five minutes remaining, ensuring a 2-1 victory over South Normanton Athletic on Saturday.

Joe Cairns had given the Red and Greens a ninth-minute lead in the encounter, only for the Shiners to reply before half-time through Martin Smyth’s penalty.

United continued to dominate proceedings at Butts Park Arena but looked unlikely to secure a second go-ahead goal to reward their efforts, until Camwell’s intervened late on.




It put Terry Anderson’s side two points clear of Newark Flowserve prior to Wednesday night’s meeting with Highgate (7.45pm).

 


LAWRENCE Rawlings was at the double to help send Coventry Sphinx up to 15th and earn a fourth win on the road this season.

Sphinx were 2-1 winners at then leaders Heather St John’s, coming from behind to secure three points after falling behind to Kieron Clarke’s 13th-minute opener at St John’s Park.

Rawlings restored parity seven minutes later when touching down a parried cross from the Heather goalkeeper Stuart Parsons before burying low in the bottom corner.

He then secured victory when rolling home a low ball from the right, beating Parsons at his near post to stun the hosts with 20 minutes remaining.

A trip to Walsall Wood on Tuesday night provides John Woodward and Shaun Thomas’ side with another tough test (7.45pm), before hosting Highgate United on Saturday (3pm).


Division One

CHRIS Lloyd fired a hat-trick to help GNP Sports edge the battle of Coventry in an enthralling 3-2 victory at Coventry Copsewood.

His trio of strikes helped secure an 11th win of the season in Division One for Shamir Alam’s side, pushing GNP up to tenth.

It took just nine minutes for the forward to find the net, dinking the ball over Dale O’Donnell with an expert finish, before scoring a carbon copy of his first 20 minutes later.

Dave Freeman cracked the frame of the visitors’ goal down the other end, while Nick Brandish threatened to reduce the deficit before the break with a drive that narrowly cleared the crossbar.

Lloyd had his hat-trick ten minutes into the second half when converting from the spot, appearing to have GNP home and hosed.

But a fightback from the hosts meant it was game on once more at Allard Way .

First, Sam Ellis performed a sublime turn before supplying the finish to match, while Sam Khan fired home from the edge of the penalty area late on to reduce the deficit to one.

It was too little, too late, however, as 15th-placed Copsewood slipped to a 15th loss this term.

GNP visit Heath Hayes on Tuesday night (7.45pm) before a trip to The Welfare Ground in a meeting with Hinckley AFC on Saturday, while Copsewood head to Leicester Road (both 3pm).


Division Two

Coventry Alvis’ attempted fightback was in vain in a 3-2 defeat to Fairfield Villa at Alvis Sports and Social Club.

The visiting Swans raced into a three-goal lead after just 18 minutes, thanks to a Ross Dempster double and one from Scott Smith.

While the away side were unable to add to their advantage, a lifeline was provided by Adam Bourn’s stunner from range just before the break.

Then, with 22 minutes remaining, Dan Purvin knocked in a second to set-up for a tantalising finish.

An equalising goal did not follow for the hosts despite their best efforts, but at least provided Jamie Burkacki and his coaching staff with some positive signs in the second half ahead of Saturday’s away day at Knowle (2.30pm).


Division Three

COVENTRIANS’ unbeaten league run now stands at eight games after a 4-2 triumph at home to Castle Vale Town.

Nathan McGarrity fired a hat-trick and Nathan Cadby registered a goal for his efforts, while Nathan Cox struck a double for the visitors.

As a result, Coventrians have moved up to sixth and will be confident going into Saturday’s clash with leaders Sutton United at Hollyfield Road (2.30pm).

A PLACE behind are Coventry Plumbing, who were out of action in the league but handed out a 5-0 thrashing to Coventry Colliery to reach the Coventry Charity Cup semi-finals.

Kev Kingham will await to see who his side will face in the last four, with Rugby Borough the only other confirmed side through to the next round.

On Saturday, Upton Town will play host to Coventry (2.30pm), on the back of Tuesday night’s test against Inkberrow.

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