Rugby Give Good Account at Hednesford
Valley narrowly lost in a pre-season friendly fixture at Southern League Premier Central side Hednesford Town.
There was a first start of pre-season for new goalkeeper Matt Hill while former Stratford Town midfielder Charlie Evans featured from the start along with forward Simeon Tulloch who had recovered from injury.
As in the previous pre-season outings Rugby were a match for their higher level opponents and really should have led early on when Danico Johnson found himself in space in the area after a defensive mix-up but his shot was straight at the goalkeeper.
Valley pounced on more hesistancy soon after and a nice flick from Tulloch released debutant Evans but he dragged his shot wide when he perhaps should have scored.
Hednesford grew stronger as the first half wore on and missed a couple of opportunities before they took the lead just after the break with the striker nipping in at near post to flick a header past Hill after a cross from the right.
Soon after substitute Jamal Adams saw his shot brilliantly cleared off the line after he had beaten the goalkeeper before the hosts doubled their lead almost immediately after a long throw.
Rugby striker Johnson was directly rewarded for his hard work in chasing down the goalkeeper's clearance when it ricocheted kindly for a close range tap-in.
Johnson almost had his second when he met a deep cross with a volley at the far post but the goalkeeper produced a fantastic save to keep the score at 2-1.
Valley Starting XI: Matt Hill; Loyiso Recci, Luke Edwards, Trialist; Keenah Rosser, Lee Thomas, Richard Blythe, Charlie Evans, Lewis Rankin; Danico Johnson, Simeon Tulloch. |