COVENTRY SPHINX 1-0 SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN BY KEV MONKS
Sphinx
Daffern, Long, Kay, Stevenson, Ward, McAteer, Ruff, Rhodes, J.Cudworth (Donaldson 65), Phillips (Hopkins 76), Knibbs (Holmes 90+2) SNU Holland, Pawlings,
Sutton Coldfield
Lewis, Quiggan, Jackson, Male, Booth, Murrell, Dodd, Owen, Marshall, Blenkinsopp (Matt 57), Milligan (Harris 57), SNU Stamps, Gilks, Hands
HT CSFC 1-0 SCFC FT CSFC 1-0 SCFC ATT 110
GOAL Robbie Stevenson (40)
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Coventry Sphinx booked their place in the FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round with a 1-0 victory over Sutton Coldfield Town.
Facing a team from the higher Evostick League Division One South, Sphinx put two defeats in the last seven days behind them with a workmanlike performance in the first half.
Town, who included former Coventry City youngster David Blenkinsopp, in the starting eleven, had the initial early play but with Terry Ward back to superbly marshall the Sphinx defence, the visitors became restricted to half chances.
The best of which came in the 23rd minute when Blenkinsopp picked out Nathan Dodd on the right and a cross into the centre fell for Craig Marshall to fire a shot from ten yards that Chris Daffern in the Sphinx goal was able to smother.
Sutton attacked again with Daffern diving to his right to deny Marshall but Sphinx regained their composure and started to push forward.
Jamie McAteer was unlucky with a header in the 29th minute and ten minutes later, Sphinx attacked and were awarded a free kick, some twenty five yards out. Robbie Stevenson stepped up and curled a free kick into the net past a goalkeeper who was rooted to the spot.
The Sphinx support were more than delighted with this goal and it was not until the hour mark that the visitors who made a double change in the 57th minute, even threatened the Sphinx goal.
With Owen's long ranger flashing wide, Sphinx, with every player giving their all, continued to keep a tight ship.
Defender Jamie McAteer was unlucky when his 67th minute header was scrambled away following a corner and with five minutes remaining, Josh Ruff volleyed over.
Sutton could offer nothing in reply and Coventry Sphinx, who play Heath Hayes at home on Tuesday night in a league match were left to celebrate another FA Cup shock.