GREENBACK WITH A VENGEANCE!

Photo: Martin Pulley

Dave Pearson led the line for the first time in six weeks after a hamstring injury

Valley's involvement in cup football was brought to an end for the season with a first round exit at the hands of local rivals Bedworth United at Butlin Road.

It was a late show in cold conditions as the game seemed destined for extra time when Scott Musgrove notched his third goal in three games five minutes from time, but Bedworth responded to win the game.

Bedworth's squad included four ex-Rugby players with Gary Moran and Jermaine Gordon starting for the Greenbacks.

Meanwhile, Rugby boss Tony Dobson used the game to rotate his line-up with just five players from the starting line-up in the 1-0 win over Tiverton Town surviving. Andy Commander, Steve Purton, Matt Gearing, Danny Williams and Dave Pearson were all given a run-out while trialist Marcel Phillips was handed a game at centre half.

The match was a very dour affair with little incident at either end - particularly in the first half.

The Greenbacks were first to strike with twenty minutes remaining with Edmonds smashing the ball into the top corner from twelve yards giving Andrew Stevens no chance.

Valley did get their equaliser when Scott Musgrove's whipped free-kick evaded all bodies in the box, deceiving the goalkeeper, and crept into the bottom corner.

Rugby's joy was short-lived as Bedworth got a deserved winner moments later as Steve Purton made a clumsy tackle in the box and Edmonds stepped up to send Stevens the wrong way with the spot kick for his second of the game.

Striker David Kolodynski did have one glorious chance to send the game into extra time but he fired over with an effort from eight yards following Matt Gearing's cross.

Valley Line-up: Stevens, Nicell, Purton, King, Commander, Phillips, Gearing, Fitzharris, Pearson, Kolodynski, Williams (Musgrove). Subs not used: Gordon, Morley, Breward, Stone..

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

Report by RTFC Online.