Joshua Praises Academy Trio As Valley Advance In Senior Cup

Rugby Town manager Grant Joshua reflected proudly on Tuesday’s Birmingham Senior Cup victory over Coventry City.

Joshua emphasised both the importance of progressing in the competition and the value of blooding the club’s emerging talent.

The 3-1 win over the Sky Blues youngsters represented a first win in the Birmingham Senior Cup for Valley since 2017.

Joshua was clear that moving into the next round mattered: “I'm happy to be through to the next round, it’s a competition I like and value. But on the flip side, it was crucial we got some rest into our lads and gave the academy boys a taste of what’s to come.”

It was a memorable night for three academy players - Fab [Stowlowski], Alex [Dulgheru] and Dylan [Cook] - who all featured in the senior squad.

“I’m delighted for them first and foremost. I could see first hand what it meant to them to play for the first team, and that’s a real power we carry as a club.

"Rugby Town should be bringing through its youngsters with the quality of academy we possess - it’s the best in the area by a country mile. Big well done to Liam O’Neil and his staff who work with these lads every day. They carried themselves very well, and it’s not easy to play in front of nearly 500 people when you’re 16 or 17.

"The key for them now is to keep working and be ready for any opportunities that arise.”

Despite a raft of injuries, Joshua was proud of his patched-up senior group: "The walking wounded were brilliant. We tried to play a different way first half to preserve some energy because I’m asking lads to go to the well again when they’re physically not able to — but they did.

"Callum Griffin was excellent on his return, adding real class on the ball. Sam [Tye] is Sam - always knows where to be and always a goal threat. Nathan [Kabeya] played centre-back next to Bleu [McNeil], two full-backs by trade, and they did fantastically well.

"We had some really good performances and I’m pleased to be in the next round. Winning is a habit - you can’t be throwing games because it doesn’t suit the narrative.”

Joshua also explained why several regulars sat out: “It was crucial we got rest into Caine [Elliott], Greg [Tempest] and Josh [Thomas] who didn’t feature, and we hope they’ll be ok for the weekend.

"Jack [Concannon] and Cairo [Taylor] both came off after half-time with tight hamstrings so I had to bring on Ted [Rowe] and Trey [Charles], which wasn’t the plan.

"Rivel [Mardenborough], Isaac [Adegoke], Harrison [Nee] and Ethan [Hanson] are still not ready, so you can understand where we are currently - but there’s a real togetherness and spirit in the dressing room to get through this period.”

Focus now turns to Saturday’s trip to Bedworth United: “We head to Bedworth expecting the very best version of them, and we have to be the best version of ourselves to get a result. League positions are irrelevant - we have to turn up and be at it, which I’m convinced we will be.

"I hope to see as many of our supporters make the short trip as possible. Your support will be the difference.”