VALLEY BOW OUT OF BIRMINGHAM SENIOR CUP AT BANBURY

Rugby Town exited the Birmingham Senior Cup at Evo-Stik League Southern Premier side Banbury United.

By Jon Venner Tweet

Photo: Martin Pulley

Captain Niki Preston clears under pressure during the first half at the Spencer Stadium

Valley extended their run of matches without a win to six with a defeat in the Birmingham Senior Cup on Tuesday evening at the Spencer Stadium.

Another poor first half display saw the hosts take a comfortable two goal advantage into the interval, but Town did at least show some renewed vigour after the break and having reduced the arrears just past the hour mark, they then pushed hard for an equaliser.

However a late Banbury strike secured them the tie on the night and meant Rugby exited a cup competition this season at the opening stage for the third time.

Dave Stringer handed Adam Cayless a first start for the club in the centre of midfield, although he had to alter his pre-match preparations somewhat when Alex Austin injured himself in the warm-up - meaning a place at full-back for Jamel Wilson instead.

The hosts took the lead after just seven minutes when Town lost possession far too cheaply in their own half allowing Glenn Walker to break free down the wing, before picking out ex-Valley man Simeon Williams with his cross – who then drilled home the opener.

Rugby created very little throughout the entire first period, and United could have easily extended their lead on a number of occasions before they grabbed a second when Stefan Bayley scored with a speculative shot from distance which flew over the head of Louis Connor.

Connor did keep the scoreline to a respectable level in the lead up to half-time with a number of saves and blocks, with second best Valley lacking punch and any real cohesion.

Stringer replaced Cayless with Andy Gundelach at the start of the second half, and Town began to look a more determined outfit in the opening exchanges of the new period.

The introduction of Tyrone Fagan on 59 minutes to give Rugby three up front sparked the visitors into the life further, and the rewards were almost immediate when Luke Keen cracked home a neat goal into the corner of the target from around the edge of the penalty area.

Fagan had a great chance of an equaliser, but unfortunately he screwed his effort just wide of the post, as Valley pushed the hosts onto the back foot for long periods.

Keen also went close on a couple of further occasions and long range efforts from Ben Steane and Robbie Banks failed to trouble United keeper Andy Kemp.

As is often the case in these situations however, Town were caught on the counter-attack when Banbury substitute Courtney Herbert followed up on a Ryan Howell shot which had come off the woodwork to force home from close range on 87 minutes to seal Rugby’s fate.

Valley Line-up: Connor; Moran, Wilson (Fagan), Preston, Gourlay (Gundelach); Banks, Wesley, Cayless, Steane (Leahy); Hamilton, Keen, Sub not used: Da Costa. Booked: Moran, Preston.