FOOTBALL: A STOPPAGE time equaliser denied Coventry United three points on Saturday as relegation candidates Shawbury United fought back to earn a hard-fought point.
Shawbury struck the game’s first meaningful chance on 19 minutes when they broke with pace down the left.
Joe Cuff who raced into the area following a cross, but new United keeper Scott Dutton – who was on debut – denied him with a confident take low at his feet.
Aron Wint went close for Coventry moments later when his flick went just wide of the target before Shawbury had a chance of their own through Ben Cullen.
Terry Anderson’s men eventually broke the deadlock on 36 minutes when a Lewis Rankin corner found Aron Wint.
Though Wint’s shot was blocked, Dave Moli stabbed home the loose ball to hand Coventry the lead.
The home side soon doubled their lead when Joshua O’Grady struck from ten yards on 38 minutes. And Coventry held onto their lead by time the half-time whistle was blown.
Scott Dutton had to be on his a-game once more at the start of the second half when Ross Jones’ strike on 50 minutes was well saved.
Lewis Rankin was then denied by the post minutes later before Shawbury hit back with their first goal when Ben Cullen headed home the visiting side’s first goal.
Joshua O’Grady was then fouled inside the penalty area, but Aaron Opoku failed to convert Coventry’s chance from the spot as Shawbury remained firmly in the game.
Boosted by their opening goal and the penalty save, Shawbury were soon level when Sean Evans’ strike from outside the box gave Scott Dutton no chance.
Coventry were handed their second penalty of the game on 65 minutes. And this time Mitchell Piggon made no mistake from the spot.
A period of end-to-end play followed before United were dealt a hammer blow in stoppage time when Steve Faux’s cross found the back of the net.
The draw means United remain fifth in the Midland Football League Premier Division table, 11 points short of Coleshill Town with two games in hand.
