Joshua Impressed With Fighting Spirit Despite Mounting Injury List

Rugby Town were forced to settle for a point on Saturday afternoon in front of the biggest home crowd of the season

Valley boss Grant Joshua says the atmosphere made a significant difference on a difficult day for his depleted squad as they drew 1-1 against St Neots at Butlin Road: “First mention has to go to the 471 who attended,” Joshua said. “It was by far the best atmosphere since I’ve taken charge.

“Please keep that coming because with how depleted we are, we need supporters to help these 12 or 13 fit lads get results. There’s a real connection between this group and our fans, and building that was one of my main aims when I came in.”

Despite dominating territory and having a number of key chances to score, Valley found themselves behind somewhat against the run of play when St Neots broke away to score through the impressive Harvey Williams. Joshua, however, felt his side should already have been out of sight.

"They caught us out playing a different system to normal, and myself and the staff have to be better in recognising that system change.

“We really have to be 2–0 or 3–0 up by the time they score,” he admitted. “We’re just struggling to put our chances away at the moment. Their goalkeeper got man of the match, which probably tells you everything about the first half.”

Rugby’s preparations were thrown into chaos before kick-off with an injury list that already included Rivel Mardenborough, Bleu McNeil, Harrison Nee, Callum Griffin, Isaac Adegoke and Ethan Hanson. That forced a major reshuffle — including midfielder Greg Tempest being asked to play centre-back just minutes before kick-off.

“Greg found out at 2pm he was playing centre-half and I thought he handled himself brilliantly, especially having never played there before,” Joshua said. “Considering who we had missing, our performance was very good in tricky conditions.”

The afternoon became even more challenging as the match wore on. Caine Elliott, Josh Thomas and Geoffrey Lundoloki all battled through significant knocks during the game — with one injury in particular leaving Joshua stunned.

“Geoff’s injury looks horrific,” he said. “He had a stud stuck in his knee, and for an 18-year-old to play another 75 minutes on literally one leg says everything about the character we have. At one point we ended up with Caine and Greg playing centre-back. I’m not sure how some of them finished the game.”

Despite St Neots dropping deep in the second half, Valley kept pushing and eventually found the equaliser through Trey Charles, who impressed on his first start since rejoining the club.

“We stayed patient, kept moving the ball, and the change of shape helped us,” he added. “We didn’t create as many clear chances after the break but Trey took his chance really well. I thought he was good today.”

With the squad severely stretched and more players now doubts for midweek, Joshua confirmed that reinforcements are being explored — but only the right fit will be signed.

“We’re desperately trying to bring some defensive reinforcements in, but they have to be right for the club,” he stressed. “If not, we have full faith in the academy. It was a proud day to have a 16-year-old and an 18-year-old on the bench — that shows the pathway.”

Joshua ended by once again praising the supporters.

“See you Tuesday — and thank you for the support."