TOM Millard’s first goal of the season proved in vain as Earlswood Town were beaten 3-1 away at Coventry Alvis a result which extends their winless run to six games in all competitions.
Millard halved the deficit in the second period after Tyrike Richards-Burke scored a brace to put Coventry in command before Kymani Brade wrapped up the points in injury time at Alvis Sports and Social Club.
The result means Earlswood sit eighth in the Midland Football League Division Two table as they await a first win since Boxing Day.
Shane Doyle came straight into the Earls’ side at wing back, having re-signed for the club during the week, whilst Matt Pemberton made his first start of the season.
However, Alvis took an eighth minute lead when Richards-Burke poked home from close range after the visitors failed to deal with a hopeful ball into the box.
Both teams had a goal ruled out for offside as Tom Kinsey had the ball in the Alvis net at one end whilst Richards-Burke tapped in at the other.
The Earls spurned a glorious chance to equalise before the break when Millard latched onto Pemberton’s through ball only to shoot wide of the goal when one-on-one.
And despite making a strong start to the second half, Earlswood fell further behind on 62 minutes when Richards-Burke scored his second of the game against the run of play.
Substitute Brad Littlehales came within inches of reducing the deficit before Millard thumped home a low effort from the edge of the penalty area on 78 minutes to set up an exciting finish.
However, as Tom Reynolds’ side chased an equaliser, Brade coolly finished beyond Tom Day in injury time to settle the game before Richards-Burke hit the post at the death.
Earlswood are next in action at home to Kenilworth Sporting on Saturday, February 18 with kick-off at 3pm at The Pavilions.
