RUGBY Town suffered their first league defeat of the season after Valley were beaten 2-0 at home by local rivals Coventry Sphinx having played half the game with 10-men.
Rugby fell behind to James Bryson’s header, minutes after Jordan Wilson had been sent to the sin bin, before Loyiso Recci was sent off on the stroke of half time and Callum Stewart compounded Valley’s misery in the final minute at Butlin Road.
Despite tasting defeat, Rugby remain top of the United Counties League Premier Division South table and are one point above Sphinx who sit second.
Manager Carl Adams signed a new 18-month contract to remain at Butlin Road until at least May 2024 last week.
Adams guided Valley to their best ever start to a season in the club’s history this term having placed third in each of his last two seasons in charge.
Adams said: “I’m over the moon to sign this deal. I’ve really enjoyed my time so far with Rugby – it’s a proper football club.
“I really like a lot of things about Rugby – the supporters, the people around the club, the ground, the facilities and this group of players and I would love to help the club to the success it deserves.
“I am glad the club is backing me and I’m looking forward to building a great future together.”
Valley Director Neil Melvin added: “We are delighted to have Carl’s commitment.
“Carl knows the club inside out now and we have worked really well with Carl since he came to the club.
“He shares our ambitions to return the club to its former glories and we are firmly resolved to achieve this.”
And Rugby learned their opponents in the second round of the FA Vase and will host AFC Wulfrunians who they beat 1-0 in last year’s competition.
Rugby are next in action at home to GNG Oadby Town on Saturday, October 29 with kick-off at 3pm at Butlin Road.
