Paul Charnley's side needed a win to keep them away from the Midland Alliance drop zone but were a goal down after two minutes and another in the 66th minute.
Chris Harris pulled one back in the 74th minute,only for Tipton to score again. Six minutes from time, Robbie Stevenson converted a penalty but Sphinx who travel to Coalville for the second leg of the semi-final of the Midland Alliance League Cup, could not produce a grand stand finish.
Kirkham & Wesham, who beat Sphinx in the FA Vase Quarter-Finals are going to Wembley on May 11th. A Matt Walyn goal was enough to give the Blackpool based a 4-2 aggregate win over Needham Market. They will meet Lowestoft Town who lost 3-0 at Whitley Bay this afternoon but won 4-3 on aggregate.
Locally, Nuneaton drew 1-1 at Gainsborough, Rugby lost 2-1 at home to Cleveedon. Leamington beat Bishop Cleeve 2-0 but Bedworth lost 3-0 at Rushall.
Atherstone Town are five points clear at the top of the Midland Alliance after a 2-0 home win over Westfields and Stratford won by the same score against Biddulph.