FIVE-GOAL TIGERS THROW VALLEY DEEP INTO RELEGATION MIRE

Three goals inside the first thirteen minutes at Butlin Road sent Rugby Town on their way to a heavy and humilating home defeat to in-form Gloucester City.

Valley were behind as early as the third minute as Gloucester scored with their first attack with Thomas heading home unmarked from a corner.

The Tigers came out of the blocks on fire and soon doubled their lead when Alex Sykes tucked away an eighth minute penalty after Mark Edge's clumsy tackle.

It was three just five minutes later when Lee Smith got in behind Stephan Morley down Rugby's left and crossed for Marcus Palmer who slotted home from close range.

Palmer poked in from close range after another corner just before the break and the striker completed his hat-trick when he turned in from close range after Jack Pitcher's effort was saved by Anstiss.

Rugby lacked in all departments and even when they got a sight of goal, Gloucester defended in numbers and kept Valley at bay.

The best chance fell to substitute David Kolodynski but he screwed his effort wide.

Valley Lineup: Anstiss 6, Stringfellow 5, Morley 4, Herbert 4, Gordon 5, Breward 5, Edge 5 (Francis 6), King 5, Pearson 4 (KOLODYNSKI 6*), Stone 5, Staff 5.
Subs Not Used: Scott.
Bookings: None.
Sent Off: None.

Report by RTFC Online.