RACING Club Warwick suffered a 1-0 defeat away at AFC Rushden and Diamonds in the club’s final pre-season outing ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. A late goal from Rhys Thorpe condemned the Racers to defeat as Step Four Rushden sprung a surprise at Hayden Road. Warwick play one level above the Diamonds but slipped to their only pre-season defeat from six matches against the Northern Premier League Midlands side. And a trialist hit the post for Rushden minutes later as the first half finished goalless. Racing Club Warwick begin the competitive season Peterborough Sports on Saturday, August 8 with kick-off at 3pm at Townsend Meadow.