Kenilworth Wardens started the 2025/2026 season with their first preseason game against AFC Coventry, securing a narrow victory.

AFC Coventry were promoted into the premier division last year and are known for their possession based football and started the game the better of the two sides, keeping excellent possession without testing debutant Alfie Porter in the wardens goal. 

On 30 minutes Wardens made preplanned substitutes and tactical changes and immediately started competing.

Dan Twigger nearly opened the scoring, hitting the side netting from a chance and the returning Jack Thomas came close after beating five players but could not get his shot away.

Twigger came closest in the first half when a through ball by Eamonn Richards found him in space, but his lobbed effort beat the keeper but rebounded off the crossbar. 

After the restart AFC Coventry continued to play good football without testing Wardens' Porter. Man of the match Alex Cockburn nearly scored when his shot from the halfway line beat the keeper but narrowly went over the bar. 

Wardens' best chance came when Harrison Wright went through one on one but keeper made a good save to keep it goalless.

With 10 minutes left George Ferridge played Jack Thomas down the left. Thomas' cross was turned in by a Coventry player for the all important winner.

Wardens played out the last 10 minutes giving up long shots and half chances only. 

"AFC Coventry are an excellent footballing side and sure will do well next year in the prem," Richards said after the game.

"As first preseason games go, that was really positive.

"The tactical awareness and application was much further forward than this point last season. Alfie and Ollie Flynn were really great on their debuts and was great to welcome back Jack Thomas and James Proctor. Hayden playing centre half incredibly well gives us options moving forward too. 

"A lot of work to do before the season starts but if we're keeping clean sheets and continue with the positive attitude of the lads we'll be fine next season."