Rugby Town boss Dave Stringer ran the rule over his squad for the first time this pre-season with the first warm-up game against Atherstone Town on the 3G astro.
By RUGBYTOWNFC.COM
Stringer used the game to experiment with his side which included the three new signings Fazel Koriya, Rob Foster and Craig Kelly and the large bulk of last season's squad and some trialists.
Only Seb Lake-Gaskin, Richard Blythe, Niki Preston and Tyrone Fagan were unavailable for the game but are expected to return for the next warm-up game.
Rugby took the lead as Koriya capitalised on some hesistant defending to steal in behind the defence, round the goalkeeper and score.
Foster hit the crossbar twice with two good efforts and spurned a clear opening in front of goal before Atherstone scored on the counter-attack with Joe Boggild finishing past David Bevan.
The raft of changes for both sides in the latter part of the game meant a lack of pattern in the play and after Seb Hamilton saw a penalty kick saved after Kelly had been pushed in the area, the Adders scored two late on.
Dave Yonwin headed in from close range after a corner and Alan Carlberg scrambled in after a mix-up in the much-changed Rugby defence.
Starting XI: David Bevan; Melvin Gourlay, Ed Booth, Ross Miller; Alex Austin, Craig Kelly, Ross Oulton, Robbie Banks, Fazel Koriya; Rob Foster, Seb Hamilton. Subs used: Craig Milligan, Gary Moran, Richard Allen, Michael Williams, Nick Heath, Adam Khan, Flavien Chambaud. |
