RUGBY Town ended their pre-season schedule with a narrow 2-1 home defeat against Atherstone Town with all three goals coming in a five-minute period.
Valley took the lead through Tom Fielding’s low shot only for Nathan Astill and Conor Gudger to strike twice in the space of as many minutes for Atherstone at Butlin Road.
There was a first appearance of pre-season for Edwin Ahenkorah on the Rugby left while Matt Hill, Dan Summerfield, Roger Lee and Karabo Motshweni all returned to the starting XI.
And Rugby took the lead against the run of play on 24 minutes when Fielding’s smart turn and shot found the bottom corner.
However, the Midland Football League Premier side drew level just three minutes later when Astill smashed the ball home from close range following a set piece.
And the Adders completed a quickfire turnaround on 29 minutes when Gudger flicked a near post cross into the net past Valley goalkeeper Hill.
Atherstone could have extended their lead before half time as Valley boss Carl Adams made six changes at the break.
Valley should have equalised in the second period with Fielding sent clean through on goal by Sahota’s through ball only to squander the chance with teammates in support.
And substitute Kyle Crawford spurned an excellent chance late on after good work from David Kolodynski.
Rugby begin the competitive season at home to Malvern Town in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary round on Saturday, August 5 with kick-off at 3pm at Butlin Road.
