Report: Kirby Muxloe (A) Friendlies - Nuneaton Griff

Nuneaton Griff Involved in Double Header at Kirby Muxloe

Saturday 25th July 2026

Nuneaton Griff took on Kirby Muxloe in a pre-season double header on Saturday 25th July, with two matches played across the afternoon as Wayne Hadley looked to get minutes into a large group of players.

The first match, involving more of the club's younger players and second team, kicked off at 1pm and finished 3-3. Luke Shilton cut in from the left to fire Griff in front, and the sides went in level at 1-1 at half time. Kirby Muxloe scored twice early in the second half to lead, before Jack Collins pulled one back from close range. Dillon Baker then levelled things with a stunning strike from distance into the top corner, an early contender for goal of the season, as the match finished 3-3.

The second match kicked off at 3pm and saw more of Griff's first team players in action against Kirby Muxloe's first team. The hosts opened the scoring with a direct free kick and soon doubled their lead. Keaton Blackbird worked his way in from the right to halve the deficit, but Kirby Muxloe held on to win the second match of the afternoon.

Photos from both matches can be viewed on Facebook.

Manager's Reaction

Speaking after the games, First Team Manager Wayne Hadley said:

"It was designed today so 10 players played 45 minutes in the first game and 45 minutes in the second game, to get 90 minutes under their belts."

"First friendly I think we dominated really, I think 3-3 probably flattered the other side, but they punished us and capitalised on our mistakes. Then in the second game we made a couple of early errors and we went two nil down, didn't help ourselves. But we gradually grew into the game and started to control it in periods."

"There's some players really playing on form at the minute. Luke Shilton's come in, 17 years of age playing like he's 27 years of age. Keaton Blackbird over the last two games, Louis John's come back to the club. Things are starting to go in the right direction, but it won't be until the end of August where we'll get a consistency and sorted side and start to move on."

Looking Ahead

Griff turn things around quickly for their final pre-season match of the summer, away to Step 6 side Chelmsley Town on Monday evening, before the First Team's league campaign gets underway on Saturday 1st August away to Wake Green Amateur, kick off 3pm.