A late Lewis Barry goal was not enough for Kenilworth Wardens to overcome a two goal deficit against Coventry Alliance Premier side Stockton in a preseason friendly.

Kenilworth got off to a shaky start, unable to hold onto the ball and beat the Stockton press as they continually lost the ball in their own half.

Despite their poor start, it was Kenilworth who had the first clear chance of the game through Tom Griffith who failed to convert a Eamonn Richard's free kick to the back post, his hooked shot sailing across the six yard box.

The breakthrough then came from a set piece at the other end. On 25 minutes Luke Evans rose above all the Wardens' defenders to powerfully head home a corner and put Stockton is full control.

From here Kenilworth looked unlikely to get back into the game. Even switching from a diamond to a three in midfield midway through the first half seemed to make little difference.

Wardens then went 2-0 down midway through the second 45 as a long ball over the top bounced over centre back Matt Legg who, in trying to clear the ball, managed to chip the ball over his own keeper Andy Whitehouse into the back of the Wardens net.

Despite going further behind, the away side did manage to find some rhythm on the ball as the game progressed, stringing some passes together and pinning Stockton back for the first time.

However, chances remained at a premium, with Sean Povey the only Wardens player to test the home goalkeeper consistently.

With 20 minutes left on the clock there was hope for the Kenilworth side who had Barry's shot cleared off the line, before his 80th minute cross come shot sailed into the top left hand corner of the Stockton net.

With the deficit halved Kenilworth Wardens were unable to find an equaliser and were left frustrated by a mixed performance.

Kenilworth Wardens are proudly sponsored by LPC Sports Therapy and Yoga.

Lead-therapist Lily is a Level Four qualified sports massage therapist and yoga Practitioner, specialising in anxiety support.

Lily is trained to diagnose injuries, rehabilitate, and is fully recommended by players of Kenilworth Wardens.