VALLEY FALL TO FRIENDLY DEFEAT

Photo: Martin Pulley

Forward Rory Curtis battles for possession in the opening exchanges of Valley's first home friendly against Worcester

Two second half goals from Worcester's Jemiah Richards overturned an early Town opener by Matt Gearing, as Rod Brown's side continued their preparations ahead of the kick-off of the Southern League Premier campaign on August 16th.

The visitors fielded a full-strength line-up for the game, and whilst they were deserved the victory on the day, the Valley were far from outclassed against the higher level opponents from the Blue Square South division.

Gearing's 8th minute goal came after the same player had shown good speed and purpose running at the City defence, before being clearly taken out in the box by Ollie Barnes. Gearing then stepped up to take the penalty kick, which was well-saved by Danny McDonnell. Fortunately the ball fell kindly for Gearing, who tapped the rebound home from close range.

Right winger Matt Dodd was the main dangerman for Worcester in the first period, causing problems with his pace and trickery. Jamie Price also went close on a couple of occasions with long range efforts, the second of which - a well-struck volley – was turned over by a equally good one handed save from Rugby keeper Andrew Stevens.

Town generally absorbed the pressure well in the first half though, with Richard Scott and Andy Commander both putting in effective performances at the heart of the defence. New striker Daren Dykes also showed a good touch and awareness up-front, and Gearing showed further glimpses of threat from an advanced central midfield position.

Brown made six changes at half-time, and the reshuffle seemed to affect the home side's rhythm. Despite this, Dave Pearson went close after his strike partner David Kolodynski had picked him out with a searching ball into the box.

Rugby held on until the 72nd minute when the talented Price found the head of Richards with his free-kick, and the substitute flicked the ball past Stevens.

Richards grabbed his second seven minutes later, when he wriggled free in the box and slotted home into the corner. The stand-in striker - who normally features as a defender - had a chance of an unlikely hat-trick shortly after, but instead blazed well wide of the goal from a dangerous position.

Having struggled with their link play for most of the second half, Valley did in fact finish with a mini-flourish. Neil Melvin's strong run and pass released trialist Steve Purton down the left, and his cross/shot was palmed away by McDonnell. In the closing minutes, Ashley Robinson also headed just over the bar.

Valley Line-up: Stevens, Walker, Commander, Scott (Robinson), Gordon, Ryan (Purton), Jephcott (Herbert), King (Fitzharris), Gearing (Melvin), Curtis (Kolodynski), Dykes (Pearson). Subs not used: Martin.

Report by Jon Venner.