The newly-reformed Rugby Town Reserves got off to a winning start away to Barwell in the Midland Combination Reserve League One.

By RUGBYTOWNFC.COM

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Two goals from Tom Rawlings and a Luke Leahy effort which all came in the first half sealed an excellent result for Rugby.

Valley's Reserves, made up of Strachan Football Foundation apprentices, played their league fixture at Barwell FC , Kirkby Lane Ground.

Rugby started brightly and kept the ball very well a few early saves by veteran keeper Paul Shepherd steadied the ship and Rugby began to take charge in the midfield, the central pairing of skipper Tommy Glasscoe and 16 year old American Jon Lee began to run the midfield and create many waves of attack.

Luke Leahy and Tom Rawlings linked well in the final third Rawlings work rate and physicality gave the Barwell centre backs a torrid time.

In the 22nd minute a flowing passing move in midfield gave space for Dom Alleyne wide on the right, Alleyene beat his full back with pace and skilfully whipped in a firm right footed cross into the path of advancing Rugby striker Tom Rawlings who neatly laced a half volley into the corner of the Barwell net.

Rugby didn't allow the goal to unsettle them and continued with their dominance in possession both wide man Alleyne and McGinley finding space with consummate ease, Alleyne showed great composure to beat his opponent with regularity and provide good service into the opponents penalty area.

Rugby full backs Tom Quinn and Matt Budd provided excellent cover in wide areas allowing the wingers to express themselves.

Rugby central defence pairing of Jeff Woodward and Nic Whittam played with composure and maturity defending very well and showed confidence and played very well together.

They carried the ball very well and pass completion was exceptional by both players.

Luke Leahy playing in his preferred role in behind the front man and linked up very well with striker Rawlings and showed some excellent intricate passing, Luke was very creative in the pocket and very strong in the air.

Rugby added to their lead on the 29th minute when Glasscoe played into Alleyne and then onto Leahy who span turned on a six pence allowed a bouncing ball to settle and bending his shot into the bottom left corner of the net.

Rugby played with maturity and dealt with their lead very well, Barwell pressured, Rugby stayed resolute in defence and kept their shape very well making it hard for Barwell to find a breakthrough.

Another swift counter attack led to led to Tom Rawlings holding his position breaking the offside trap finding himself 1 on 1 Tom showed composure to slide to ball beyond the advancing Barwell goalkeeper.

The second half was a case of keeping a clean sheet and maintaining possession, the boys followed their instructions very well with the aim of keeping a clean sheet.

Chances at both ends made the 2nd half a enjoyable half, Rugby continued to maintain possession and create many chances. An impressive start to the season.

Reserve team manager Dan Elliott said: "The boys were fantastic today, the reserve league is vital step in preparing our apprentices for senior football.

"We were unaware of the standard of the league and to beat a team who came 2nd in the league last year, playing their 4th game of the season to win is a great start to our season.

"To play with such confidence , maturity and intelligence was pleasing to for the staff of SF.

"It is a long season next week Stratford away is a different task and another step into the unknown, what we can promise is that we will attempt to play football the right way the way it should be played.

"Our first home is in two weeks time it would be great to get some support at Butlin Road, I promise any football fan would enjoy watching this team play."