ANOTHER OPENING DAY DISAPPOINTMENT FOR JEFFREY

Billy Jeffrey kicked-off his third season in charge at the Valley on Saturday, but is still looking for his first opening day victory at the club following a 3-2 reverse at Clevedon – despite an encouraging overall performance.

The home side did the double over the Valley last season, and they continued their good run of form against the club when they opened the scoring after just 40 seconds of the game when Mike Symons headed home after Geraint Bater's free-kick had picked him out at the far post.

Rugby responded well to this very early set-back and were back on even terms again just five minutes later, when Matt Gearing powered in from close range after Akin Aladetoun had brought a fine double save from Clevedon keeper Danny Greaves.

The early goal fest continued on 8 minutes, when Rugby again were not sharp enough at dealing with an opposition set piece, and ultimately Daine O'Connor forced home the resulting loose ball.

The Valley finished the first half the better side though, and Greaves was in fine form - first denying David Stone and then pulling off a diving save from Aladetoun's low strike.

Farhad Afandiyev then saved efforts from Symons and Mike Green shortly after the restart, although Rugby were generally on top in terms of possession and attacking endeavour.

Despite this dominance, Valley let their hosts extend their lead on 57 minutes when defender Scott Hendy glanced his header from Kris Leek's corner past a hesitant Afandiyev.

The balance of play again switched back to the visitors, and the one goal deficit was restored when new full-back Stephan Morley registered an early contender for goal of season when on 71 minutes his 25 yard volley flew past Greaves and into the net, after Scott Musgrove's corner had only been part cleared by the Clevedon defence.

Valley continued to push forward for the remaining twenty minutes, but a combination of a lack of final product and a dogged opposition back-line meant that clear goalscoring opportunities were at a premium.

Stone and substitute Mark Edge both had shots that drifted wide, and Clevedon occasionally threatened on the counter attack, but there were no more goals and Rugby were condemned to fifth defeat in six matches at the Hand Stadium.

Valley Lineup: Afandiyev 5, Stringfelllow 6, Morley 7, Harris 6, Gordon 6, BREWARD 7*, Gearing 6 (Musgrove 6), Francis 7 (Edge 6), Aladetoun 6 (Kolodynski 5), Stone 6, Staff 7.
Subs Not Used: Barcherini, Herbert.
Bookings: None.
Sent Off: None.

Clevedon Lineup: Greaves, Leek, Bater, Scott, Hendy, Trought (Bassett), Sylvester, Green, Symons, O'Connor (Page), Toppar (Haines).
Subs Not Used: Brigham, Graffagnino.

Report by Jon Venner.