Saturday saw Sphinx entertain Causeway United at Sphinx Drive and though the scoreline suggests it was a dour affair both sets of players’ effort and endeavor kept the crowd entertained for the full 90 minutes.

Causeway had the majority of possession in the first half and had the ball in the back of the net on 17 minutes but the goal was disallowed for a push on Terry Ward prior to the centre forward shooting home. The referee was not well positioned to see the offence but it was clear to the near side Assistant who flagged immediately. Ramon Manak started his first game for 2 months following injury and his calmness and passing ability was having great effect on the game. He came close to scoring when he just fired over from a direct free-kick.

Callum Woodward then created space on the edge of the area but could not find the power behind the shot to cause the ‘keeper any real problems. Causeway’s front two were causing problems with their movement and willingness to work but any real threat was snuffed out by the Sphinx back four.

Adam Kinder looked lively as he linked up well with Kyle Rhodes resulting in a shot flashing just wide of the keeper’s post. The first half finished with Kinder’s header going wide with the keeper looking beaten if it had been on target.

If the first half belonged to Causeway in terms of possession then the second half belonged very much to Sphinx but as with Causeway, Sphinx never tested the keeper to any real effect with shots from Woodward, Rohdes and Ruff either flashing wide or straight at the keeper.

If anything Causeway had the best chance to get the first goal with the centre forward having a shot on goal which O'Neill saved well with his feet. At the other end Phillips met Muldoon’s cross and instead of having an effort on goal he headed across for the on rushing Woodward who stretched but could not connect.

Overall a hard fought game fromwhich both teams would have been unlucky to be on the receiving end of a defeat. The draw stopped the rot of three successive defeats in the league for Sphinx and next up is Rocester away where three pointd is a must if Sphinx are to maintain their assault for a top six finish.

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Sphinx:

 

Causeway:

 

Attendance: 54

 

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