TYRIKE Richards struck just before the hour mark to hand Coventry Alvis their third win of the season, after beating Earlswood Town 1-0 in Midland Football League Division Two.
A drab affair was lit up by Richards’ moment of quality, in a match that the Earls finished with ten men – following an injury to Andy Matthews with all three substitutes already used.
Alvis enjoyed the better share of possession in the opening half at The Pavilions, though it was hosts Earlswood who forced the best openings of the half, going close through efforts from Danny Holliday and Jon Hamer from promising positions.
With the second half following in the same manner, the deadlock was eventually broken when Dildale Linton’s flick on into Richards was fired first time into the back of the net.
A huge save by Jack Hartopp denied Earls’ striker Matthews in a one on one, moments before his injury ended both his afternoon and effectively Town’s chances of salvaging a point.
Coventry continue their MFL Division Two campaign with a visit to third-placed Feckenham at Studley Sports and Social Club on Saturday (3pm).