Valley's Zamaretto League Premier preparations continued last night with a 3-3 draw with UniBond Division One side Rushall Olympic on Butlin Road's 3G Astroturf facility.

By RTFC Online

Excellent goals from Josh Thompson, Steve Purton and Matt Wells were interspersed with some hesistant defending to allow Rushall to score three times also but overall it was a very encouraging exercise.

Thompson finished off high into the net from 12 yards after an excellent move involving David Staff, Marcel Simpson and Purton to open the scoring before Rushall responded with an equally good finish from the edge of the area.

The first half was overall a close affair although Rugby made plenty of the running with two efforts from Delroy Gordon and Thompson cleared off the line.

The second half saw a number of changes for both sides and inevitably the game lost a bit of its flow.

Purton's 30-yard curling free-kick was too good for the visiting goalkeeper before Rugby were caught flat-footed at the back to allow Olympic to slot home one-on-one.

Rushall took the lead with another cracking individual effort before substitute Wells found the target with 5 minutes remaining, drilling the ball high into the net from the edge of the area.

Valley boss Tony Dobson will clearly be pleased with the progress of his squad with fitness levels and team shape now coming together.

The side featured 18-year-old trialist Pete Williams (ex-Wolves academy) at centre half and there was also a second half appearance for ex-Aston Villa trainee midfielder Steven Clancy.

David Staff's rehabilitation from a knee niggle was encouraging as he featured for 60 minutes in centre midfield alongside Ben Twigger and Marcel Simpson, who appeared to relish his new role.

Rugby travel to Stratford Town next Thursday for their next pre-season friendly.