FOOTBALL: COVENTRY United put a disappointing home defeat against Highgate to the back of their minds by advancing to the second round of the FA Vase.
Terry Anderson’s men made the short trip to Lutterworth for their first round fixture, and they left it late to secure their place in the competition’s second round.
United pressed forward from the start as Dave Moli sent his early shot high and wide of the target in the opening minute.
Travelling fans didn’t have to wait long for United to open the scoring though as Lewis Ranking made progress on 20 minutes before scoring the opening goal of the game with a well-judged effort.
Strong winds made playing conditions difficult, and Lutterworth were soon back in the game following a series of attacks which resulted in a penalty.
Skipper Kade Lewis sent Richard Morris the wrong way to level the game just before the half time whistle blew.
Neither side made changes at the break as Lutterworth looked to take the lead, though chances on 49 and 50 minutes were snatched at.
Jeff Bennett shot just wide for United on 56 minutes before Tendai Daire went close for the hosts moments later.
The deadlock was broke with 15 minutes to go when Lutterworth’s Daire shot from a tight angle to score, seemingly putting a win beyond United’s reach.
But how wrong that presumption turned out to be.
Star forward Mitchell Piggon found the back of the net on 75 minutes before Dominik Alleyne was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Despite being down to ten-men, United found the winning goal with eight minutes to play when Craig Reid dodged three defenders before slotting his shot into the back of the net.
United’s opponents for the FA Vase second round are Quorn FC. They will play each other on Saturday, November 11.
Picture: Jeff Bennett.