Football
Local rivals lie in wait in FA Cup

RUGBY Town will host old foes Bedworth United in the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup if Dave Stringer's side are able to see off the challenge of either Bloxwich United or Studley in their preliminary tie.

Valley will travel to meet the winners of the extra preliminary round fixture between Bloxwich of the Midland Combination and Midland Alliance outfit Studley on August 25 with the first qualifying round game set for September 8.

Studley finished 17th in the Alliance last season, which is one level below Town's, whilst Bloxwich ended seventh in their league, which is a further step down the non-league football pyramid.

Bedworth were promoted into the Southern League Premier Divison via the play-offs at the end of last season and their manager, former Rugby defender Steve Farmer, has had a busy summer strengthening his side with his new signings including former Valley strikers Luke Keen and David Kolodynski.

The draw for the opening stages of the FA Trophy has also been made and Town have been handed a home tie against Evostik Northern League Premier Division side Stafford Rangers in the first qualifying round on September 29.

RUGBY got their pre-season campaign underway with a 3-1 defeat against Atherstone on the Butlin Road Astroturf on Saturday.

The warm-up game was spilt into thirds and Rugby dominated the first period - taking the lead thanks to a neat finish from new signing Fazel Koriya.

However, the hosts were unable to build on that lead and the Adders equalised in the second period before scoring twice more in the final third of the game - with Seb Hamilton missing a penalty in that section.

Stringer’s other two confirmed close season signings to-date, Craig Kelly and Rob Foster, also featured from the off, whilst midfielder Ross Oulton - who has had two previous spells at the club - was also given a start. Returning trialist Nick Heath made an appearance from the bench.

Town’s next practice match - again on the astroturf - is scheduled for tonight (Thursday) against Alvis, with Blue Square Conference North outfit Solihull Moors due to visit Butlin Road on Tuesday for a friendly on the main pitch.

The Alvis game kicks-off at 7.30pm with free attendance whilst the Solihull fixture starts at 7.45pm and costs £5 for adults and £3 for concessions.

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