GRANT Joshua tasted victory in his first game in charge of Rugby Town following a 2-1 win away at Stratford Town.
Valley upstaged their Step Three opponents to begin pre-season in style as Callum Griffin and Olly West both found the net at the Arden Garages Stadium.
Only four players from last season’s squad featured of the 18 selected for the fixture.
Stratford broke the deadlock on 37 minutes after a defensive mix-up allowed Cyrus Bruce through on goal.
However, Ben Newey made a fine save only for Ryan Hayes to turn home the rebound.
Rugby drew level two minutes before half time as Cairo Taylor squared the ball to Griffin who made no mistake following a blistering counter attack.
And Griffin then teed up West for the winning goal on 65 minutes as the latter headed home the former’s corner from close range.
Rugby are next in action against Tividale on Saturday, July 12 with kick-off at 3pm on the 3G pitch at Butlin Road.
