Report: Coventry Sphinx (A) Friendly - Nuneaton Griff

Nuneaton Griff Fall to Late Coventry Sphinx Surge in Pre-Season Opener

Saturday 4th July 2026

Credit: Grace Lee McDonald - @graceleemcdphotos

Nuneaton Griff First Team opened their pre-season schedule with a tough test away at Coventry Sphinx on Saturday 4th July, battling hard but eventually going down 2-0 to the Step 5 opposition.

Sphinx, who dropped from Step 4 last season and will be targeting an immediate return, made home advantage count late on, with goals arriving well into the second half against a young Griff side.

Manager's Reaction

Speaking after the game, First Team Manager Wayne Hadley said:

"It was a really good first friendly to get under our belts, a great set up and team to play. I can only thank Joe [Joe Conneely, Coventry Sphinx Manager], he used it to see trialists and at the same time I blooded youngsters."

"Second half overall I believe it was a worthy exercise for both parties involved, I learnt a lot. First half not a lot in the game at all, second half Sphinx dominated, however for a young side average age 18/19 we hung in there and learnt a lot."

"If anything, we grew into the game, hitting the woodwork and missing a really good opportunity just before we conceded the second goal of the game on 87 minutes."

"I used 23 players and I am now looking to move on to the next set of friendlies. The future looks bright."

Looking Ahead

Griff now turn their attention to their next friendly, as they face fellow Step 7 opposition in Burbage & Huncote on Friday 10th July, with a 6:30pm kick off.