LATE GOAL BITES RUGBY AGAIN

Photo: Martin Pulley

David Stone threatens during an action packed first half at Butlin Road.

For the second time this season, Cambridge City inflicted a late 3-2 win over Rugby Town.

After late goals against Hitchin and Stourbridge had earnt points for Rugby recently, it was Valley's turn to again suffer last-minute agony as City converted from a late corner with one minute remaining.

Like the defeat against Cambridge in October, the result was extremely harsh on Valley who, after a poor opening twenty minutes, played well and had the chances themselves to seal the game.

Rugby boss Tony Dobson was forced into one change with the suspended Tom Breward making way for Marcel Simpson at centre back, making his league debut while new striker Jason Turner was named among the substitutes.

Valley looked way off the pace in the early stages and it was a surprise when Rugby took the lead against the run of play.

Scott Musgrove's corner was headed home at ther back post by Delroy Gordon, who made it two goals in three games.

The goal still failed to ignite Valley into action and they soon found themselves behind after a three minutes spell.

Firstly, Musgrove & Neil King's confusion in midfield allowed Cambridge a free run at the Valley defence and they punished the hosts with Steve Gentle firing home with a neat finish.

The visitors turned the score on its head just moments later as captain Adrian Cambridge picked out the top corner from the edge of the area with a pearler of a strike.

Rugby finally started playing and up until the break were on top and had numerous chances.

The equalising goal did come before the break with David Kolodynski showing good feet in the area before drilling the ball low across the goalkeeper and into the far corner.

The second half started out a more dour affair although it was Rugby who had the majority of the best chances.

Cambridge were still a dangerous threat on the counter attack and as the game went on it was clear that it really could go either way with end-to-end action.

The sickening blow for Rugby came in the final minute as the previously impeccable Andrew Stevens misjudged a corner and the mayhem that ensued in the penalty area resulted in Dean Chaffey stabbing home from close range despite the best efforts of the Rugby defence on the goal line.

Valley Line-up: Stevens; Nicell (Turner), Simpson, Gordon, Morley (Taylor); Gearing, Musgrove, King, Staff; Stone, Kolodynski. Subs not used: Purton, Fitzharris. Booked: None. Sent off: None.

Cambridge Line-up: TBC. Subs not used: TBC.

Report by RTFC Online.