All Square In Local Derby

Last updated : 31 March 2009 By Covsupport News Service
The big local derby between Nuneaton Town and Atherstone Town tonight finished in a 2-2 draw at Liberty Way.

In front of a massive gate of 1820, Jez Murphy put Nuneaton ahead in the 28th minute. Both sides needed a win to close the gap on Southern League Midland Division leaders Leamington and it was third place Atherstone who were to score next when former Sky Blue Tom Bates levelled in the 62nd minute with a penalty.

Bates, who played for Coventry Sphinx last season, fired Atherstone ahead on 79 minutes but two minutes later, another former City youngster David Blenkinsopp equalised for Boro.

Bedworth United did their bit to help both Nuneaton and Atherstone's bid for promotion with a 1-0 win over Chasetown at The Oval. Robbie Beard scored the only goal of the game in the 85th minute.

In the Midland Alliance, former Sky Blue Paul Hall scored for Stratford to earn them a 2-2 draw at Rocester.

In the Midland Combination Premier Division, a goal from Craig Martin gave Coventry Copsewood a 1-0 win against Cadbury Athletic.

Coventry Sphinx Reserves went down to a 4-2 home defeat by Coleshill Town Reserves. The visitors were three goals up after ten minutes and then added a fourth eighty one seconds into the second half.

A low finish from Dave Freeman on 64 minutes pulled one goal back for Danny McSheffrey's side and eight minutes later, Scott McHugh blasted in for a second goal. Both sides had a player sent off as Coleshill ran out 4-2 winners.

Paul Furlong scored for Barnet in a 1-1 draw at Wycombe Wanderers.

Stuart Pearce, who faces an announcement about his future as England U21 manager this week saw a very weak England U21 side lose 2-0 to France at Nottingham Forest FC.