Shepshed Dynamo returned to the Dovecote to face Coventry Sphinx in Saturday’s action. The game was marked by a remembrance ceremony prior to kick off with veterans and club officials leading a fine tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Dynamo were looking to get back on track after a 1-0 defeat last time out away at Mickleover. Meanwhile, the footballing scene in Coventry is going incredibly well with City top of the Championship and Sphinx making a blistering start to the season. A defeat in midweek to Anstey Nomads saw the visitors begin the day's play sitting 8th in the table.

A bright start from the home side was quickly brought to a brief halt as Coventry took the lead after 12 minutes. A neat passage of play on the edge of the Dynamo 18-yard box saw the ball roll back into the stride of Kyle Carey. A devastating right-footed curled effort into the top corner left Dan Wallis no chance in the Shepshed goal with Carey giving Sphinx a 1-0 lead from 25 yards out.

The sublime strike did little to dampen Shepshed’s spirits and soon Gary Drake’s men were back on the attack in search of an equaliser. A 19th minute long throw from Declan Peart found the head of Jesse Friend at the near post. Friend’s connection was good but the direction was slightly lacking as the ball landed wide of goalkeeper Charlie Woods’ near post.

Friend would become Coventry’s foe three minutes later as he collected the ball to the left of the penalty area. Friend’s attempt to pull the ball back onto his right foot was halted by a challenge from Callum Woodward. The Sphinx captain conceded a stonewall penalty giving Dynamo the chance to level the game.

Having won the spot-kick, Jesse Friend stepped up to fire past goalkeeper Woods. A powerful drive into the top right-hand corner was helped on its way by the fingertips of the Coventry ‘keeper. After 21 minutes, the game was all square.

The momentum was firmly with the home side as Dynamo looked to launch attacks from wide positions. A cross from the left, courtesy of Declan Peart, looped towards the penalty spot with 40 minutes played. Leaping to meet the cross was midfielder Niall Prenderville to tower above his man and plant his header into the top corner giving Shepshed the advantage going into half time.

Sphinx decided to make changes at half time bringing on Jack Downes and Damian Kelly in an attempt to rescue the game. Kelly set about trying to do just that with a powerful 50th minute effort whilst heading towards the byline on the angle. The near post drive rifled into the side netting served as a reminder to Shepshed that Coventry were by no means out of the game.

Dynamo reacted eight minutes later following a good spell of possession. Jesse Friend again was involved, this time playing Jude Collins in behind the Sphinx defence 12 yards from goal. Collins couldn’t replicate his fine goalscoring form on this occasion with his shot heading wide of the near post.

A minute later however, Coventry had Dynamo’s hearts in their mouths as substitute Jack Downes collected the ball 30 yards from goal and unleashed a low drive that beat Wallis but thankfully not the near post. The ball cannoned back out off the upright and Shepshed’s lead remained intact.

Sphinx were looking dangerous mainly from range and in the 79th minute another effort flew in on the Dynamo goal. Kyle Carey, having scored a cracker earlier from 25 yards decided to try again, this time forcing a low save from Wallis at the near post.

As the game entered stoppage time, Shepshed looked to wrap up the points with a third goal. Jesse Friend got the better of his man and tried a 25-yard strike from the right of the penalty area that sailed agonisingly past the far post with Woods a mere spectator in the 92nd minute.

It had been a second half of defensive grit from the home side but Gary Drake’s side managed to get the result they so desperately needed. A well-earned three points raises Dynamo up a place in the table to 13th while Coventry Sphinx drop a place to 9th. Shepshed are next in action with another Derbyshire away day, this time at Belper Town on Saturday.

Dynamo: Wallis, Samples, Peart, Collins (Reason 89’), Friend, Rogers (Korpal 84’), Dixon (Palit 66’), Prenderville, Bayliss (Timson 67’), Partridge, Burkey

Coventry Sphinx: Woods, Nicholson, Bowman, Shorrock, Zito (Draper 89’), Monger (Kelly 46’), Hayward, Woodward (Redhead 81’), Adams, Carey, O’Sullivan (Downes 46’)

Attendance: 278