TABLE-TOPPERS Coventry United had to grit it out to keep themselves on their Midland Football League Premier Division perch after a 1-0 win over Heather St John’s.
Jake Holt’s 18th-minute goal was enough to edge the clash against the Leicestershire side at Butts Park Arena, who proved a stern outfit throughout the contest.
The result provides additional momentum for Terry Anderson’s side before the Red and Greens head into an FA Vase fourth round tie away to fellow Premier Division rivals Worcester City on Sunday (3pm) – with a place in the last 16 on the line for the winner.
A visit to Division One side Kirby Muxloe then awaits United on Tuesday (7.45pm) in the second round of the Midland Football League Cup, Coventry’s first participation in the competition this term having received a bye in round one.
ELSEWHERE in the division, Coventry Sphinx suffered a hit to their morale after Saturday’s 4-1 drubbing away to Stourport Swifts extended their winless run to three games.
The hosts got off to a swift start and were two goals to the good within a matter of eight minutes, first from Nick MacPherson before Drew Canavan sent a penalty out of the reach of Sphinx keeper Tom Cross.
A third goal from Matthew Fulloway mid-way through the second half further added to Coventry’s misery, with a second for MacPherson following after Charlie McConnachie netted his first goal for Sphinx with ten minutes remaining.
Defeat leaves Sphinx fourth from bottom in 17th prior to Tuesday’s (7.45pm) meeting with Newark Flowserve, before visiting high-fliers Lye Town on Saturday (3pm).
DIVISION One side GNP Sports fell to a 2-1 defeat in their first game in a month at home to Ashby Ivanhoe.
Shamir Alam’s side made an impressive start to proceedings but found themselves behind when Macauley Holmes struck in the 18th minute, prior to a second from Jacob Conkay’s header just before the break.
While GNP pulled a goal back through Chris Lloyd in the second half, it was not enough to rescue the game.
Now in 11th place, Sports hope to improve their standing when hosting Hinckley AFC on Saturday (3pm), following Wednesday night’s (7.45pm) Coventry Evening Telegraph Cup tie with Polonia Coventry.
A SECOND-HALF collapse by Coventry Copsewood led to an agonising 4-3 defeat at the hands of Nuneaton Griff last weekend.
Going into their first fixture of the year at Allard Way, Copsewood looked on course for all three points when Madundo Semahimbo and a Jordan Wilson double put their side 3-1 in front at the break after conceding early to Ben Martin.
But when Ashley Gray headed home moments after the restart, it was game on once more.
Minutes later, the sides were level when Lewis Collins’ free kick flew into the net, giving Griff the momentum needed to steal all three points through Joe Miles excellent turn and strike at the death.
Following Tuesday night’s (7.45pm) home game against Brocton, Copsewood head to Paget Rangers on Saturday (3pm) desperate to regain some form.
A RESOUNDING 6-0 victory over WLV Sport sealed Coventry Alvis’ progression to the quarter finals of the Les James Challenge Cup.
In the battle of Division Two against Division Three, it was the higher-tier hosts who advanced after a goal-laden second half.
Dildale Linton’s header from Lewis Ludford’s corner was enough to give Coventry the lead at the break, before completing a brace alongside Ryan Palmer and Tyrike Richards in the second half.
A trip to division rivals FC Stratford awaits for a place in the semi finals on Saturday January 25.
After facing Coventry Plumbing on Wednesday night (7.45pm) in the re-arranged Coventry Evening Telegraph Cup meeting, Alvis welcome Northfield Town on Saturday (3pm).
COVENTRY Plumbing have been without a fixture over the festive period, but will host Welland in the Midland Football League Challenge Vase on Saturday (1.45pm) – following Wednesday night’s CETC tie against Alvis.
COVENTRIANS will also wish they had the weekend off after being eliminated from the Birmingham Saturday Vase by Enville Athletic.
While the 3-1 defeat ended their progress in the competition, they will immediately return to cup action when hosting WLV Sport in the Challenge Vase on Saturday (1.45pm).
