HAPLESS DEFENSIVE DISPLAY SENDS VALLEY OUT

Photo: Martin Pulley

Scott Musgrove strokes home a first half penalty to bring the scores level at Butlin Road but Nantwich went on to win comfortably.

UniBond Premier Division side Nantwich Town were well worth their place in the 3rd Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy after overcoming an out-of-sorts Rugby Town at Butlin Road.

The game was characterised by a defensive horrorshow by Valley who continuously failed to clear their lines leading to chances gifted on a plate to Nantwich.

The visitors took the lead inside fifteen minutes when they broke quickly from a Rugby corner and after some hesitancy at the back they won a corner.

After seeing a header rebound off the post, Walker was on hand to find the net from close range with the rebound.

Valley were back in the game when David Stone was brought down in the penalty area and Scott Musgrove stepped up to equalise from the spot.

Rugby posed more of a threat to Nantwich after the goal but on the stroke of half time advantage was handed back to Nantwich.

Steve Purton inexplicably tried to turn his man in his own penalty area despite being the last man and Carter easily slotted home.

Just five minutes after the break, Nantwich effectively wrapped up the tie when a square Rugby backline was caught out by a long ball and Carter added his second.

Valley failed to make an impact as Nantwich closed the game out impressively to book their deserved place in the next round.

Valley Line-up: Stevens, Nicell (Pearson), Purton (Gordon), Commander, Herbert, Gearing (Dykes), King, Breward, Stone, Kolodynski, Musgrove. Subs not used: Fitzharris, Clarke. Booked: Commander. Sent off: None.

Nantwich Line-up: TBC. Subs not used: TBC.

Report by RTFC Online.