Rugby 2-0 Warwick
Valley got off to a winning start in their first game of pre-season with a 2-0 victory over MFL Premier Division newcomers Racing Club Warwick on the astroturf pitch at Butlin Road.
Rugby boss Carl Adams included some new signings in his line-up with winger Kieran Fitzgerald and midfielder Dan White involved from the start along with a number of familiar faces including ten of last season's squad.
The starting XI also included ex-Stratford and Chasetown striker Jazz Luckie and former Daventry Town defender Rico Alexander.
The first half did not offer up too much goalmouth action with Luckie coming closest for Rugby early on but the main event of the opening period came when Justin Marsden was sent off for two bookings following a tackle on the Warwick left back close to the break.
Despite playing with ten in the second half, Rugby managed to get on top and led soon after half time when Fitzgerald and substitute Sam Lockley exchanged passes in the penalty area before the former was upended.
Lockley confidently stepped up to stroke in the penalty before he was involved in the second goal when he forced ex-Rugby centre back Sam Castleton to lose possession in a dangerous area and Lee Thomas was on hand to steal in and sidefoot into the corner.
Valley Line-up: Matt Hill, Daviel Kavanagh, Lee Thomas, Rico Alexander, Liam Francis, Loyiso Recci (c), Kieran Fitzgerald, Dan White, Justin Marsden, Jazz Luckie, Charlie Evans. Subs: Eli Bako, Harry Holloway, Sam Lockley, Lewis Padmore, Trialist. |