Local Derby Marred By Crowd Violence

Last updated : 08 April 2016 By CNS Staff

Coventry United's 3-2 victory over local rivals Nuneaton Griff was marred by crowd violence.

In a game at Sphinx Drive with both teams going for the one Midland Football League Division One promotion spot, United were ahead in less than three minutes when Josh O'Grady was afforded space to fire home.

Richard Blythe forced a corner and O'Grady had a 12th minute free kick pushed over for a corner.  Blythe then set up Blake at the far post ten minutes later but Blake had his shot blocked.

In the 33rd minute, Griff were level in front of a crowd of 161 when Alex Naughton powerfully finished with a low drive.
 
Nuneaton had the better of the chances in the second half opening exchanges and with nineteen minutes left. Nuneaton Griff took the lead when the ball came over to Dave Barnett who scored from close range.
 
Naughton wasted a great chance in the 75th minute when he took too much time.
 
That proved costly as two minutes from time, Robert Prinzel was able to bundle the ball home and equalise following a corner.
 
The Griff had a header hit the bar. Coventry United attacked again and were awarded a penalty by referee Tom Reeves in the second minute of time added on . Cox stepped up and scored to make it 3-2 to United.
 
There then followed an altercation with a Nuneaton Griff player which sparked a twenty two man brawl and saw fans on the pitch with punches thrown in an unneccesary brawl. 
 
The Nuneaton Griff players were kept out on the pitch until the area was cleared.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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