TWO late second half goals by Mykel Beckley and Kai Williams earned Coventry United a 2-0 victory at home to Shawbury United on Saturday in the Midland League Premier Division.
In what was the third meeting between the two sides already this season, Coventry boss Terry Anderson fielded a weakened starting 11, giving games to five under-21 players.
The deadlock was almost broken midway through the first half when Josh O’Grady picked out Ben Mackey with a free kick which resulted in a shot being tipped onto the post by goalkeeper Nick Ashley.
Shawbury were soaking up the pressure with the emphasis on counterattack but neither side could find the opening goal.
O’Grady saw an effort cleared off the line and Chris Cox saw his header rebound over the bar shortly before half-time while at the end Nathan Hodge was unlucky too see his 30-yard shot come back off the post.
As the second period started Pierre Moudime cleared a Shawbury effort off the line before an injury to Mackey saw the introduction of pacey Williams.
The hosts looked determined to break the deadlock and they did just that with 15 minutes remaining as Williams skipped clear to be denied by Ashley, but the rebound fell kindly for the Coventry player who set up Beckley for an each finish.
As the match drew to a nervy close, Shawbury had another effort cleared off the line but the result was put beyond any doubt with one minute of normal time remaining as Beckley crossed for Williams to slide home.