Saints suffer second successive last-four exit

A week after losing on penalties to Coventry Copsewood in the Birmingham County FA Midweek Floodlit Challenge Cup, Saints were beaten in extra-time by Alvis in a highly competitive Coventry Charity Cup tie.

“I’ve no complaints, as we got what we deserved,” said Knibbs. “We still have plenty to play for and it’s time to regroup and ensure this doesn’t happen again. Now, more than ever, we must work harder as a team.”

After a goalless first half, the match came alive in a six- minute spell early in the second period. Patrick Suffo sent a free-kick low into the corner to put Alvis ahead but Saints quickly equalised when Marc Passey scored from close range after good work down the left by substitute Tom Leaver.

Chris Murphy was denied by a fine save from Rich Roach but Alvis retook the lead in the third minute of injury time when Steve Evans put a hotly-disputed free-kick past Ollie Manuel. Saints would not be denied and Pawel Tomczak headed home to take the tie into extra-time.

Saints had a strike disallowed in the last minute of the first half of extra-time and were then rocked by a goal from substitute Cooke a minute into the second period.

Alvis centre-back Dainty received a second yellow card for a foul on Lee Thomas but his side saw out time to earn a trip to the Ricoh Arena for the final.

Tomorrow, Saints are away in the league to second-placed Bromsgrove Sporting before travelling to Bolehall Swifts on Tuesday.