VALLEY GAIN DRAW FROM BRUISING FRIENDLY

Rugby Town safely came through a bruising encounter against Leicestershire Senior side Thurnby Nirvana.

By RUGBYTOWNFC.COM.

Photo: Martin Pulley

Valley f orward Gokhan Ulker played a part in each of the goals including the third as he broke through the Thurnby defence

Valley boss Martin Sockett included goalkeeper Dave Clarke in his line-up with Rob Webb missing through injury. Clarke had a spell with Rugby back in 2008 under Tony Dobson and featured in the FA Cup 3rd Qualifying tie against Bishop's Stortford.

Again Martin experimented with a different line-up and formation for the game with Paddy Connolly moving to left back and a three pronged attack including Gokhan Ulkar, Seb Hamilton and Danny Edmond.

Played on a bobbly pitch, the home side battled for every ball and certainly made life difficult for Valley.

Rugby took the lead when Connolly picked out Ulker whose snap shot beat the oncoming goalkeeper with Edmond on hand to slide the ball into the net to make sure from close range for his third pre-season goal.

Hamilton powered in from close range to double Rugby's advantage.

Thurnby started the second half brightly and soon got their reward with a penalty award given against Connolly for handball which the Thurnby player comfortably slotted home.

The home side were soon level as the Nirvana striker left Preston and Charles standing on the edge of the area with a nifty change of direction and fired across Clarke into the far corner.

The goals didn't stop their as straight from kick-off Ulker's mazy run from the half way line penetrated the opposition box and his shot found its way to Ben Steane who applied the finishing touch.

Rugby made wholesale changes with a first pre-season appearance for defender Dave Timmins and late on there was time for a Thurnby equaliser.

Valley Line-up: Clarke; Heath (Timmins), Connolly, Charles (Lee), Preston; Sheppard (Hall), Steane (Crawford), Civzellis; Ulkar, Hamilton, Edmond (L Thomas).