FITZ CHIPS VALLEY TO KEY HOME WIN

Valley's players are jubliant after Kieran Fitzharris nets his first half winner

Rugby Town claimed an invaluable three points in a crucial relegation battle against fellow strugglers Mangotsfield United at Butlin Road to ease some pressure and also record the first home league win since manager Rod Brown's arrival.

Kieran Fitzharris' smart finish on 36 minutes proved enough to see off Mangoes but the margin of victory should have been far greater with Valley missing a string of opportunities, especially during the second half.

Brown handed debuts to loan signings Fitzharris and Rob Oddy in place of David Staff and Aaron Stringfellow while Dave Pearson was preferred to David Kolodynski in attack.

Rugby's goal came on the counter attack as Richard Scott's long raking pass found David Stone and the striker's lay off found Fitzharris who chipped the ball expertly past the goalkeeper from eighteen yards.

Valley could have been behind after Scott's miscued clearance but Craig Herbert made a tremendous recovery to clear the goalbound effort after goalkeeper Richard Anstiss had been rounded.

Pearson, Stone, Kolodynski, Ian King and Delroy Gordon all came close to securing the second goal in the second half but in the end Valley held out against a toothless Mangotsfield.

Full report to follow.

Valley Lineup: Anstiss 6, Oddy 7 (Stringfellow 6), Scott 6, Herbert 7, Gordon 7, Morley 6, Breward 8 (Edge 6), King 6, Pearson 7, Stone 7 (Kolodynski 7), FITZHARRIS 8*.
Subs Not Used: None.
Bookings: Edge.
Sent Off: None.

Report by RTFC Online.