Nuneaton Town 1 – Coventry United 0

League Cup – Saturday 1 November 2025

Nuneaton Town edged past Coventry United with a 1–0 win at The Oval to reach the Quarter-Finals of the League Cup, thanks to a first-half goal from Kyle Jardine.

Pre-match and atmosphere

Before kick-off, both teams and supporters joined in a two-minute silence for Remembrance Day, with representatives from the Royal British Legion and local cadets present. The sunlight fell low across the pitch, adding a stillness and warmth to the moment, one of those quiet frames that says more than action ever could.

First-half action

Coventry United started on the front foot, moving the ball quickly and forcing the Nuneaton defence into some early clearances. From behind the camera, it was a case of tracking fast transitions and close duels in bright, shifting light.

The breakthrough came in the 27th minute. Kyle Jardine turned sharply and drove a low shot into the bottom corner to put Nuneaton ahead. Unfortunately, he celebrated on the opposite side of the pitch, away from my corner, so I missed the celebration shot. It happens!

Coventry almost levelled before the break with a looping effort that just cleared the bar, while Danico Johnson went close at the other end with a well-struck effort that was blocked.

Second-half moments

The game stayed open after half-time. Jardine nearly doubled the lead with an instinctive flick and volley that flew just wide, and Johnson curled another effort narrowly off target. Coventry pushed hard for an equaliser, forcing a series of defensive blocks and one excellent stop from Brandon Bache.

From a photographic point of view, the afternoon light was both a gift and a challenge. The sun sat low, throwing sharp reflections across pitch markings, and players’ faces. Shooting into that glare meant constant exposure tweaks to avoid losing detail in highlights, especially on the near side where shadows cut hard across the pitch

It wasn’t a high-scoring match, but it was a rewarding one to shoot. The single goal told the story.

Final score: Nuneaton Town 1 – Coventry United 0

Attendance: 474