RUGBY Town were beaten 2-0 by step three Redditch United in their first home pre-season friendly ahead of the new season.
Ryan Nesbitt and Dylan Hart struck in either half for the Reds, who play two steps above Rugby, at Butlin Road.
Valley boss Carl Adams handed a start to trialist defender Sean Doy whilst also including MJ Semahimbo and Caine Elliott in the lineup from the off.
And Rugby almost made the perfect start when Elliott saw his effort cleared off the line in the opening seconds after he was played through by Ryan Seal.
However, Redditch took the lead when Nesbitt ran off the shoulder of Doy to chase a speculative long ball before coolly finding the net.
Rugby spurned chances to equalise with David Kolodynski sending a volley over the bar following some good work from substitute trialist Hayden Seymour down the left.
And Kolodynski then struck the underside of the bar from inside the area after being played in by Seal before Redditch wrapped up the win.
Former Rugby full-back Lewis Hudson delivered a dangerous free-kick into the box which was met by the head of Hart who flicked the ball into the net.
Rugby are next in action away at Gresley Rovers TONIGHT (Tuesday, July 19) with kick-off at 7.45pm at Moat Street.
