Joshua Delighted With Deserved Derby Win

Valley returned from Racing Club Warwick with all three points on Tuesday night after a strong performance earned them a league victory in front of a lively near-400 crowd.

The 2-1 victory over The Racers extended Rugby's unbeaten run to five games.

Manager Grant Joshua was full of praise for his side, who showed both attacking flair and resilience in a testing local derby: "Three points in this league are always difficult to go get, especially away from home, but I thought we were fantastic on Tuesday and worthy winners.

"Our pace and quality going forward was evident.

"I’m not sure you’ll find any complaints from anybody – we were well worthy on the night and probably should have been more clinical."

Town created a string of chances throughout, doubling their advantage after the break before a late penalty for Warwick made for a nervy ending.

"We made it an interesting last few minutes with the penalty given away, but I thought we defended their threats pretty comfortably.

"When we won the ball back, we had overloads everywhere and were able to play through them and create chance after chance.

"At half-time we reiterated the message to put the foot down, and we came out like a house on fire to get the 0-2 lead.

"From there we managed the game well apart from stoppage time.”

Joshua also acknowledged the occasion and praised his squad for their determination: "We knew it was going to be a tough game with the atmosphere, which I have to say was in good spirit and made for a fantastic evening.

"Nearly 400 on a Tuesday is some going, credit to both sets.

"Scott’s got a good side there and it’s no easy place to go.

"We are a little walking wounded at the moment – Ethan played when he really shouldn’t have and had to come off just after half-time, Isaac’s calf is troubling him, and Bleu was fantastic again.

"I’ve got boys hanging on and playing through the pain barrier and they got their just rewards. I'm delighted."

The win continues Rugby’s improving form ahead of a busy run of fixtures.