SECOND HALF RUGBY ROMP EDGES VALLEY CLOSER TO SAFETY

Photo: Martin Pulley

Star Man Rob Oddy made it two goals in as many games with an excellent last minute strike to finish the scoring against Yate

Rugby Town made their chances count and picked the perfect time to record their first ever win over Yate Town at Butlin Road and did so in comprehensive fashion.

The win equalled Valley's biggest win of the season and proved that Rugby's players could find the finishing touch which has been eluding them in recent weeks.

Manager Rod Brown made no changes to the side that drew 1-1 at Bashley last weekend for a game against a Yate side who had won four of their last five games.

It was the visitors who had better of the first half as Rugby looked nervous in possession and defensive situations.

The hosts created very little as Yate came close to breaking the deadlock as captain Lee Jeffries rattled his header against the upright after striker Aaron Blakemore's effort was blocked into the sidenetting.

But much against the usual pattern of games at Butlin Road, it was Rugby who pounced during their first foray forward into the opposition's penalty area. Stephan Morley's cross into the area was met by Rorey Curtis and the young striker's effort eluded the goalkeeper Tony Court and into found its way into the net.

With the opening goal, the game finally came alive and there was a flurry of chances at both ends in the final five minutes of the half.

Firstly, Yate's Darren Hawkins hit the woodwork with a powerful header before Richard Anstiss saved at the feet of Dean Griffiths. At the other end goalscorer Curtis blazed over from inside the area and was later tripped in box by Jeffries but the referee turned down the appeals.

After a poor first half, Rugby's goal clearly gave them the confidence to finish their opponents off and five minutes into the second period, they doubled their lead. Diminuative midfielder Kieran Fitzharris' clever reverse pass found David Stone who beat three defenders before sliding the ball past Court to cap another fine individual goal to add to the collection.

Valley controlled the game for the remainder of the game as Fitzharris saw his low shot well saved by Court's legs and the goalkeeper was kept busy as he made an excellent acrobatic leap to keep out Rob Oddy's curling effort.

Rugby boss Rod introduced experienced duo David Staff and Dave Pearson and this brought immeditate dividends as the two combined to extend Rugby's lead. Staff played a neat one-two with Pearson and the former sidefooted home with ease.

Morley blazed over from edge area after Gordon's low cross before Rugby wrapped up the scoring when Morley's cross was drilled home at the far post by Oddy making it two in two games for the right back.

Valley Lineup: Anstiss 7, ODDY 8*, Scott 7, Herbert 7, Gordon 7, Morley 8, Breward 8, King 7 (Musgrove 6), Curtis 8 (Pearson 7), Stone 8, Fitzharris 7 (Staff 7).
Subs Not Used: None.
Bookings: Oddy.
Sent Off: None.

Report by RTFC Online.