Coventry Sphinx 3, Littleton 1

LITTLETON lost only their second game of the season at high flying Premier Division side Coventry Sphinx in the Challenge Cup.

They can have no complaints about the result in a game that was marred by strong winds and a bone hard pitch.

Sphinx were like a team of giants compared to Littleton, the two centre halves being at least 6ft 4ins tall and big with it!

The visitors made the best possible start when they took the lead after two minutes when Simon Brain flicked home from eight yards following a free- kick.

However, the host were level within 90 seconds when a free-kick across the box eluded defenders and attackers alike and crept in at the far post.

Worse was to follow two minutes later when, attempting to clear, a Littleton defender sliced the ball into his own net.

For the next 20 minutes Sphinx dictated play and looked capable of adding further goals. However, Littleton dug in and gradually turned the tide.

In the final quarter of the first they created chances. A cross shot from Robert Hands was just wide, while a free-kick from Matty Edwards was hacked clear with the keeper beaten.

On the strike of half-time Sphinx were reduced to ten men, however, they made light of their handicap as Littleton pushed men forward in an effort to capitalise on their numerical superiority.

It was the hosts who scored next as Rob Stevenson netted on the hour to leave the visitors 3-1 down.

Try as they might Littleton couldn't find a way through and they were lucky not to fall further behind as Coventry proved dangerous on the break.

There's knockout action again when Littleton visit Burntwood Town in the President's Cup on Saturday.