RUGBY Town slipped to a late 1-0 defeat at Halesowen Town despite a promising display in their latest pre-season outing.
After an evenly contested first half, Valley succumbed to Adi Yussuf’s last-minute winner at Butlin Road.
With only Barry Fitzharris missing through injury, Rugby manager Carl Adams had a full squad at his disposal and started three trialists looking to earn a deal.
The Yeltz went close early on through Conor Tee before Mikey Taylor failed to hit the target from close range although the offside flag spared the striker’s blushes.
Valley goalkeeper Paul Hathaway twice denied McKauley Manning before Taylor headed a gilt-edged chance wide from Trey Charles’ corner at the other end.
After the break, Rugby’s trialist left back fired a shot into the side netting while Manning and Tee had half chances for the visitors.
Valley substitute Harrison Nee somehow failed to find the net from close range late on for the home side.
And Halesowen won the game at the death as Manning’s scuffed shot fell to Yussuf who found the corner of the goal.
Rugby host Aylestone Park in their next pre-season outing on Tuesday, July 23 with kick-off at 7.45pm at Butlin Road.
