ENCOURAGING PRE-SEASON OPENER

Photo: CS

Club Captain Craig Herbert returned to the squad for the first game of the season after considering having a break from football

Valley opened their pre-season schedule with a 2-2 draw at UniBond Division One side Willenhall Town.

On a difficult Noose Lane pitch and in humid conditions, manager Rod Brown exercised his whole squad, with the inclusion of 22 players including seperate XIs in the first and second halves.

The first half line-up included new goalkeeper Andrew Stevens, defender Ashley Walker, wingback Kevin Banner and striker Daren Dykes. Ex-Walsall trio Rorey Curtis (forward), Andrew Bentley (central midfield) and Edward Ryan (centre back) were also included.

The second half saw the introduction of returning winger Matt Gearing as well as triallist Steve Purton, formerly of Corby and Rothwell, in the left wing-back position. 42-year-old ex-Shrewsbury & Sheffield Wednesday veteran Mark Taylor was also given a run-out alongside Neil Melvin, making a return to first team action after a three and a half year absense due to injury, in midfield.

Willenhall started well but soon faded as Rugby began to take control of possession and played some good football at times.

Rugby took the lead in the first half as Delroy Gordon flicked the ball into the path of Avun Jephcott, who finished into the corner of the net.

Valley extended their lead in the run up to half time when a flowing move across the pitch culminated in Gordon providing the ball for Rory Curtis to smash the ball low into the net.

The start of the second half saw the introduction of nine new players with Gordon reverting to centre back and Stevens continuing in goal.

Valley continued where they left off against the tired Willenhall legs and controlled affairs for the first 25 minutes of the second period.

The hosts got reward for not giving up and secured two late goals with Lucan Spittle heading home from a corner and Josh McKenzie scoring with a neat lob past 16-year-old goalkeeper James Martin.

Rugby had a chance to claim the win with the very last kick of the game but after being tripped in the area, Kieran Fitzharris saw his resulting penalty saved.

Valley 1st Half Line-up: Andrew Stevens, Craig Herbert, Ashley Walker, Edward Ryan, Delroy Gordon, Kevin Banner, Neil King, Andrew Bentley, Avun Jephcott, Daren Dykes, Rory Curtis.

Valley 2nd Half Line-up: Andrew Stevens (James Martin), Richard Scott, Delroy Gordon, Andy Commander, Steve Purton, Matt Gearing, Mark Taylor, Neil Melvin (David Kolodynski), Kieran Fitzharris, Ashley Robinson, Dave Pearson.

Report by RTFC Online.