IT WAS a busy double header for Coventry Sphinx as they failed to take any points from a Midland Premier League encounter at home to Alvechurch on Saturday but they did bounce back against AFC Wulfrunians to progress Birmingham Senior Cup.
Alvechurch on Saturday was always going to be a tough game and so it proved with the visitors running out 2-0 winners with a ten minute spell towards the end of the first half deciding the game.
Alvechurch eventually made one of their numerous corners count on the half-hour mark with Joshua March opening the scoring.
Minutes later Sphinx midfielder Luke Downes was sent off after receiving a second yellow card and Alvechurch rammed home their advantage with a superb goal just before half-time with Mark Smith cutting inside the Sphinx full back and curling home into the far corner to leave Sphinx keeper Jack Farthing with no chance.
Sphinx battled hard in the second half but they were unable to find a way back into the game against a strong Alvechurch defence.
Two days later Sphinx welcomed fellow Midland Football League Premier Division club AFC Wulfrunians for a First round Birmingham Senior Cup tie.
Sphinx were again blighted by a dismissal with midfielder Reece Blackmore getting a straight red card midway through the first half for a poor tackle.
Despite this the hosts took a 1-0 lead into the break thanks to a Darren Eggleton volley from a corner.
Wulfrunians committed more men forward in the second half but Sphinx continued to look dangerous going forward and young striker Ryan Harkin doubled their lead on 71 minutes with a good strike.
A late goal from the visitors set up a tense finish but Sphinx had done enough to book their place in the next round.