Sutton Coldfield 3-0 Rugby

Valley's pre-season preparations continued with a defeat at Northern Premier League Division One side Sutton Coldfield.

After a closely-fought goal-less first half with minimal goalmouth action, higher league Sutton made their quality count in the second half after Rugby made a raft of half time substitutions.

Jazz Luckie came closest for Rugby twice in the first half while Matt Hill had to be alert to keep it all square during the opening period.

However the hosts scored two goals in two minute. Firstly a speedy one-two isolated Rico Alexander allowing Romario to cut back to Reece Leek to open the scoring before again Leek curled in a low free-kick after Liam Francis was forced to concede a foul on the edge of the area practically from kick-off.

The scoring was completed late on after a rapid counter attack down the Rugby right after Daniel Kavanagh had given away possession, culminating in a first time finish by Max Timms applied past Matt Hill after a brilliant cross from the left by Romario.

Valley Line-up: Matt Hill, Daniel Kavanagh, Lee Thomas, Jamal Clarke, Rico Alexander, Loyiso Recci (c), Dan White, Harry Holloway, Charlie Evans, Jazz Luckie, Kieran Fitzgerald. Subs: Sam Tamakloe, Sam Lockley, Liam Francis, Eli Bako, Justin Marsden.