LAWRENCE Rawlings’ 12th-minute strike ensured Coventry Sphinx bounced back at the first attempt from their humbling to Newark Flowserve.
The 1-0 victory at AFC Wulfrunians was the perfect response to an 8-1 defeat in Midland Football League Premier Division the previous week, with wholesale changes made by manager Lee Knibbs as a result.
Randane Larmond had an early opening for Sphinx after being put through by the returning Charlie Faulkner, but he was unable to test Wulfs’ keeper Connor Hopkins.
Faulkner then diverted wide from Lewis Noon’s cross, although he was able to thank teammate Rawlings for making amends moments later.
After a free kick was headed out by a Wulfs’ defender, Noon played a quick one-two before dinking the ball into the path of Rawlings – who rounded the keeper and finished off a fine move.
Patsun Tufan felt aggrieved not to have doubled the lead moments after when failing to direct a header on goal, though he, alongside his fellow defenders, were able to ensure that the hosts’ did little to threaten Sphinx goalkeeper Tom Cross.
Hopkins was later rounded a second time, on this occasion by Larmond, after another fine attacking move, but this time the finish into the back of the net was not provided.
Down the other end, Charlie McConnachie had to be well placed to clear off the line when Wulfrunians posted their first effort on target of the afternoon, atoning for an error to ensure Coventry were still in front at the break.
The second half by contrast was a drab affair with few chances of note, though a major talking point did eventually crop up when Mark Albrighton’s mis-timed tackle resulted in a penalty for the hosts.
After a long delay, Cross was on hand to bat the ball away and preserve Coventry’s lead, one which they managed to see out for their third win of the campaign.
Sphinx are in action on Tuesday night (7.45pm) against South Normanton Athletic, ahead of Saturday’s (3pm) home game against Heather St John’s.
