Baker-Joiner Midland Alliance

Tipton Town 3 Coventry Sphinx 1

Tipton had to come from behind to keep their positive start going, eventually beating a resilient Coventry Sphinx 3-1.

The home side remained unchanged from Wednesday’s draw with Boldmere St Michaels while Sphinx came into the game full of confidence following Tuesday’s demolition of Malvern Town.

The first half was dominated by offsides with both sides clocking up more offsides than shots, no fewer than 13 times in the opening 45 minutes, Sphinx were fortunate to get away without conceding an early penalty when Jozsef Jakab was hauled down but the linesman’s flag saved the defender’s blushes.

Ryan Mosedale had Tipton’s best chance on 23 minutes, Matt Sargeant’s long kick forward found the winger well placed but the shot was lacking any venom and Simon Holland blocked and the ball was cleared from danger.

Nine minutes before the break and the game burst into life with three goals and all really well taken, Sphinx opened the scoring when Kelvin Phillips burst onto Callum Woodward’s flick on and found the far corner from the tightest of angles beating he keeper at full stretch.

Not to be outdone Tipton levelled just three minutes later, Ross Brown’s cross from deep on the left hand side was superbly controlled by Danny Campbell and the striker matched his first touch with a fine finish giving the keeper no chance.

Sphinx thought they had re-taken the lead as the half came to a close, Jack Cudworth bundled the ball over the line from close range but was penalised for handball.

It was Tipton who went in at the break in front, Mosedale’s cross the Bylne picked out Jakab who headed home from 6 yards to net his fifth of the season.

The game was finely balanced after the break with both sides still looking dangerous and capable of scoring, John Hill headed Ricky Baker’s corner wide of the post while up the other end Sphinx substitute Aaron Donaldson jinked his way into the box but missed the target.

Danny Campbell looped a header against the crossbar while Tipton remained under pressure at the back as Sphinx pressed for an equaliser.

In the final minute of the game Tipton wrapped the game up, substitute Nicky Campbell worked his way into the box and used great strength to hold off the defender before squaring to Danny Campbell to slot home from six yards.

MOM: Matt Sargeant