FOOTBALL: HIGHGATE failed to break down a resolute Coventry United defence as they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat in the Midland League Premier Division.
Chris Cox scored what proved to be the only goal of the game for the visitors who seemed content to hold onto the lead as Gate failed to find the all important breakthrough.
Gate fielded an attack-minded line-up with Luke Rogers, Ashley Sammons, Isaac Jagroop and Marco Adaggio returning to the starting line-up, but the hosts failed to live up to expectations.
Brown lifted an early pass into the opposition box for Adaggio who was not far wide with a first time volley, while Rogers headed down Brown’s pass only for keeper Richard Morris to sneak in ahead of Dale Edwards to rescue the loose ball.
There was not much between two sides intent on patient build up play and when Dale Edwards went on a solo run the resulting shot was charged down.
A 25th minute free kick 30 yards out led to the only goal of the game with Cox firing in through the wall and between Brendon Bunn who ws unsighted as the ball swung past the keeper’s right-hand post.
The game had developed into a scrappy affair of little quality with the first half finishing with Brown stinging Morris’ fingers.
Immediately after the break Bunn saw early action by palming Ben Mackey’s drive round the post while another Gate free kick was wasted when again Sammons could only find Morris’ gloves.
Dale Edwards went close with a diagonal shot just beyond the far post before Bunn’s legs kept out Pierre Moudime’s effort.
At the other end Sammons fizzed a 30-yard attempt off target as Gate enjoyed their best period of play so far.
Substitute Kai Williams was not far off doubling his side’s lead with a drive fired narrowly wide before Gate had one last opportunity to level the score but Morris got a hand on Sammons’ 35-yard free kick and deflected the ball onto the underside of the cross bar and out to safety.
On Saturday Highgate entertain Westfields before Heath Hayes are the visitors to Gate for a J W Hunt Cup match.
