Sphinx still on the Trophy trail

COVENTRY Sphinx remain on the Wembley trail following victory in the second round of the FA Vase but there was disappointment for Rugby Town and Coventry United while Atherstone Town’s tie was abandoned due to floodlight failure.

Sphinx were 3-0 winners at Eccleshall of the North West Counties League. James Bryson headed in their opener early in the second half before two goals from Jordan Hayward wrapped things up.

Rugby were undone in added time as MFL high-fliers AFC Wulfrunians edged a 2-1 victory. Craig Gregg gave the visitors the lead on the hour but when sub Justin Marsden hauled Valley level three minutes from time, it looked as though the tie would go to penalties. But with 93 minutes on the clock, Ryan Bright bagged the winner for Wulfs, pouncing on the loose ball after a save from Matt Hill.

Coventry United went down 2-1 at Congleton Town in spite of Joseph Agunbiade giving them an early lead while Atherstone’s match with fellow MFL side Stone Old Alleynians was abandoned early in the second half due to floodlight failure with the Staffordshire side leading 1-0. It is expected that the game will be replayed on Saturday.

In the league, Leamington left it late before snatching an equaliser in their 1-1 draw at National League North promotion hopefuls Chester, Louis Hall with the goal.

Luke Benbow and Scott Mcmanus were on target as Nuneaton Borough beat Southern League Premier Central visitors Ilkeston Town 2-0 and Paul Mccone’s goal helped ten-man Stratford Town to a 1-1 draw at Coalville Town, Josh Hawker seeing red.

In the Northern Premier Midland Division, Bedworth United came from behind to draw 1-1 at Shepshed Dynamo but also finished the game with ten men. Elliot Parrott cancelled out an early Zayn Hakeem goal when he headed in a corner before Liam Murphy saw red late on after picking up a second yellow.

Racing Club Warwick were in MFL action and returned from Market Drayton Town with a 2-0 victory, Josh Parson and Charlie Jones with the goals.