DESERVED WIN IS PERFECT PREPARATION FOR BROWN ERA

Midfielder Scott Musgrove netted thirteen minutes from time to surprise 2nd-placed Halesowen Town

In the final game before new manager Rod Brown takes the reigns, Rugby Town produced an excellent home performane to come from behind to defeat high-flying Halesowen Town.

The result marked Rugby's seventh game without defeat at Butlin Road and was another excellent performance since Billy Jeffrey's resignation.

Caretaker boss Craig Herbert made one change in his final game in temporary charge with Scott Musgrove replacing Mark Edge.

Rugby started well but found themselves behind just before the half hour mark when Herbert's slip allowed space on the right for Dean Brennan to tap home.

Valley were level when the outstanding Dave Pearson latched onto Aaron Stringfellow's throughpass to round the goalkeeper and score his second of the season.

The home side continued their good performance into the second half and eventually got their deserved winner when Pearson again broke down the right pulling back for David Stone who saw his effort blocked before Scott Musgrove was on hand to divert the ball home from eight yards.

Full report to follow.

Valley Lineup: Thomas 7, Stringfellow 7, Morley 7, Herbert 6, Gordon 6, Musgrove 7, Evans 7, Breward 7 (Francis 7), Stone 6, PEARSON 8*, Staff 6.
Subs Not Used: Aladetoun, Bolt, Kolodynski, Edge.
Bookings: None.
Sent Off: None.

Report by Jon Venner.