Rocester: Romans bow out after plucky cup showing

A YOUNG Rocester side gave a good account of themselves in their League Cup quarter-final on Tuesday evening.

But they bowed out of the competition by a single goal.

Rocester's Matt Redshaw was just edged out as he looked to fire an equaliser in the League Cup clash.

Sphinx striker Callum Woodward grabbed the all-important winner after 17 minutes.

Woodward found himself in the clear after a goal-kick was flicked on from midfield.

And he comfortably slotted the ball past Rocester keeper Richard Froggatt to give Sphinx a decisive lead.

The Romans pushed their hosts all the way but struggled to create any clear chances until the final few minutes.

Matt Redshaw looked a good bet to send the tie into extra-time, but he was just beaten to the ball by Sphinx keeper Carl O'Neill.

Sphinx are joined in the last four of the competition by Coleshill Town, who beat Coalville Town 3-1 in their quarter-final tie.

Andy Cameron gave Coleshill the lead, before late goals from Jon Powis and Marvin Johnson secured the victory.

Rocester's attention now turns back to the league and tomorrow's away clash at Oadby Town.

Saturday's hosts have lost ground in recent weeks in their bid to finish best of the rest with the Midland Alliance title already Barwell's to lose.

Oadby currently lie sixth in the division.

But they have dropped five points from their past three games and Rocester will also be buoyed by Oadby's poor defensive record over those Midland Alliance fixtures.

Tomorrow's opponents conceded eight goals in successive matches against Stratford Town, Alvechurch and Studley.

However, the Romans will have to be wary of in form Oadby striker Danny Spencer, who has been on target four times in their past two games.

The Hillsfield outfit are also back in action on Tuesday in what will be the second of an incredible eight games Rocester are scheduled to complete this month.

And the Romans will be hoping lightning doesn't strike twice when they again come up against Coventry Sphinx.

On Tuesday, Rocester will at least enjoy home advantage in what will be new manager Dave Langston's first match in charge.

Rocester: Froggatt, McGinley, Butler, Mason, Justin, McComisky, Bailey, Wain, Watkiss, Redshaw, Littler. Subs used: Johnson.