RUGBY CLAIM LOCAL FRIENDLY VICTORY

Valley picked up their first away pre-season friendly victory with a 3-0 defeat of local side Lutterworth Athletic.

By RUGBYTOWNFC.COM.

Martin Sockett included ex-Shepshed defender Dave Timmins in his starting line-up alongside Niki Preston while there was a place on the bench for ex-Stoke City academy striker Warwick Alexander.

Rugby got out of the blocks extremely quickly and made life difficult for their Leicestershire Senior League hosts finding plenty of space in attacking areas.

Turkish-born striker Gokhan Ulker gave Valley the lead with a chipped finish inside the first five minutes while Chad Sheppard, Ben Steane and Paddy Connolly all came close to extending the lead in the first half.

Rugby dominated proceedings throughout and barely gave Athletic a look in although goalkeeper Dave Clarke had to make a smart save with his legs as the Lutterworth striker bore down on goal in the second half.

Steane's teasing cross was turned into his own net by ex-Rugby reserve player Steven Heads after half time and when Danny Edmond was upended in the box, captain Sheppard confidently stroked the ensuing penalty into the corner of the net.

Valley Line-up: Clarke; Heath, Sockett, Preston, Timmins; Sheppard, Connolly, Steane, Civzelis; Edmond, Ulker.