Valley made it three pre-season wins from three with a narrow win in sweltering conditions at Wolverhampton Casuals.

The North West Counties Division One side were Valley's toughest test so far with ex-Darlaston Town manager Dean Gill at the helm with a side of experienced players.

But a Louis Samuels goal midway through the first half separately the sides in extremely testing conditions on a fast, hard pitch in baking sunshine.

Samuels showed great pace to race onto a long ball forward before rounding goalkeeper Jono Brown to find the net.

Rugby mostly dominated the opening period without having too many clear cut chances to show for it although Devonn O'Sullivan headed a good chance off target after good work by Rivel Mardenrborough a few minutes before half time.

The hosts certainly made a brighter start to the second half and were nearly gifted an equaliser when Academy goalkeeper Logan Cooper was caught on the ball but managed to recover enough to force the resulting shot off target.

Casuals hit the crossbar before Jake Wormleighton did the same for the visitors to narrowly miss out on doubling Rugby's lead.

Valley Line-up: Cooper; Scott, Morley, Bridgewater, Wormleighton; Duffy, Tilley, O'Sullivan; Samuels, Nuttall, Mardenborough. Subs used: Ashmore, Boothe, Richards, Dulgheru, Petkovic, Barker.