Match Report: One goal enough to see off Sphinx

Tuesday 2nd October - Dovecote Stadium
RESULT: SHEPSHED DYNAMO 1-0 COVENTRY SPHINX
GOALS -
75’ Thomas (Shepshed Dynamo)
Attendance: 111
Coventry Sphinx were looking for a reaction after their heavy home defeat at the weekend but they never really got going in Leicestershire on Tuesday evening. A 75th minute goal was enough for the hosts to take the points on what was a disappointing night for Sphinx.
Manager Lee Knibbs made changes to his team with Lower, Woodward, Faulkner and Jackson all coming into the side. Rhys Deehan made a return to the squad too. It was a gusty night at the Dovecote Stadium and Sphinx had the wind behind them in the first half. Sphinx were struggling to get to grips with the wind with through balls all too often running away from the intended target. Sphinx had started well enough though and they were soon awarded a penalty for handball. There were vigorous protests from Shepshed but the referee maintained his decision and Callum Woodward stepped up for penalty duties. Eventually he got the ball to stay on the penalty spot but his strike was comfortably saved by Ganley. It was a gift of an opportunity for Sphinx to take the lead but they failed to make it count. That was the trigger for the hosts to lift their game and Sphinx were left to rue the penalty miss.
The second half took a similar track to the first with the defences mainly on top. It was looking more and more likely that one goal would be enough to win it and the key goal came with fifteen minutes to go. More Sphinx substitutions followed but it would have little impact on the game in the end. It was a surprisingly flat performance from Sphinx and despite the efforts of Towers up front; Sphinx couldn’t create a clear cut chance to equalise. Shepshed continued to threaten on the break but one goal was enough for them to take the points.
Coventry Sphinx have been below par in their last two games and they will need to liven up for the visit of league leaders Ilkeston Town on Saturday. Sphinx have proven time and time again they are good enough to compete with the best in this division and Saturday’s game provides them with a perfect opportunity to prove they are up to the task.

FULL TIME: SHEPSHED DYNAMO 1-0 COVENTRY SPHINX
COVENTRY SPHINX MAN OF THE MATCH: JAMIE TOWERS
The experienced striker led by example and looked like the most likely source of a Sphinx goal all night. His work rate was exceptional and his attitude was first class on the pitch.
COVENTRY SPHINX TEAM: CROSS, LOWER ©, HUDSON, DOWNIE (Cairns 78 mins), QUIRKE, STRINGFELLOW, TOWERS, WOODWARD, HARKIN, FAULKNER (O’Grady 76 mins), JACKSON (Phillips 70 mins). Unused subs: Deehan, Guest
Coventry Sphinx return to league action on Saturday 6th October with league leaders Ilkeston coming to Coventry.

Updated 11:20 - 30 Aug 2019 by Sharon Taylor