Sphinx in FA Vase Action
Coventry Sphinx, last seasons beaten quarter finalists to eventual Wembley winners Kirkham & Wesham (Now AFC Fylde), travel north to Stone Dominoes on Saturday with manager Paul Charnley optimistic his injury ravaged team can progress to the third round.
Sphinx had an amazing run last season which saw them come within one game of a Wembley appearance and Charnley insists his team is more than up for the challenge again after their good early season form, which has seen them riding high in the Midland Alliance. "We're going to Stone full of confidence despite the growing injury list. It was a great experience last season in the Vase and we all want to have another taste of it but we must be prepared to grind the result out and I'm expecting Stone to provide tough opposition. If we want to progress then we will have to earn the right but we are still playing well and I'm sure come Saturday the players will be buzzing"
Charnley has been boosted by the news that influential playmaker Rob Stevenson could be fit to return after a month on the sidelines with sprained ankle ligaments but is still without longer term casualties Adrian Fisher, Tom Haywood and captain David Drennan whilst James Halton and Jerome Murdock are both suspended.
With keeper Carl O'Neill cup tied Charnley will look to the experienced Chris Daffern to take over in goal and will also give a late fitness test to defender Jamie McAteer who picked up a hamstring strain in last weeks defeat to Westfields.