Hinckley AFC fell to defeat as two goals late in the first half helped Coventry Sphinx to a 3-0 friendly win.
It was a well-contested game for large spells between Hinckley and their higher level opponents – but Sphinx were more clinical in both boxes to take the honours.
Hinckley started brightly and had a good chance cleared off the line, and a goal ruled out for offside in the first 20 minutes.
But Sphinx then scored twice in three minutes towards the end of the half to swing the game their way.
They took the lead on 38 minutes, and doubled it on 41 as they took advantage of slack Hinckley defending.
The home side added a third midway through the second half but it was a night with plenty to take from it for new manager Joe Conneely.
Hinckley are back in action on Wednesday evening for our home friendly against Saffron Dynamo at Kirkby Road.
