Rugby Town's squad got their first warm-up game under their belts during a 0-3 reversal against Barwell on Butlin Road's 3G astroturf.

By RTFC Online

Valley boss Tony Dobson put a focus on the fitness levels of his squad and used the game to very much experiment with formations and different line-ups.

The game also provided a chance for Dobson to have a look at a number of trialists including strikers Leon Kelly (ex-Worcester & Hinckley), Jason Ramsey (RC Warwick) and Josh Thompson (Crewe) while new midfielders Ben Twigger (Bedworth) and Allondo Davis (Evesham) also featured.

There were also many familiar faces featuring including Andy Stevens, Craig Herbert, Delroy Gordon, Tom Breward, Steve Purton, Stephan Morley, Matt Gearing and Jason Turner while Andy Commander also had a run-out.

Barwell took the lead with a well-taken finish before the visitors took full advantage of Valley's chopping and changing to open up the Rugby defence to slot again in the second half.

A controversial free-kick wrapped up the scoring for the Midland Alliance side, managed by ex-Valley coach Marcus Law and featuring ex-Rugby midfielder Craig Dutton.