SWINDON DEFEAT SETS UP NAIL-BITING SEASON CONCLUDER

Rugby Town were condemned to a 3-1 defeat to mid-table side Swindon Supermarine meaning Valley's season will now go to the wire at Bashley on Saturday.

A draw would have sufficed to ensure that Rugby avoided relegation but they will now have to wait until the final game to get the elusive point.

Swindon took a first half lead before Valley equalised just after half time through David Kolodynski's 26th league goal of the season.

Despite having chances to take the lead, Rugby fell behind again and Marine put the nail in the coffin in the closing stages with a third.

Valley boss Tony Dobson made one change from the side that defeated Mangotsfield United with David Staff returning to fitness to replace Matt Gearing on the right side of midfield.

Rugby started the game positively and played some neat football in the first half while the hosts were also keen to get the ball down and play.

The opening goal came somewhat out of the blue as Neil King was dispossessed on the edge of the area and Nick Stanley was afforded as much time as he needed to cut the ball back for Alan Harris whose blocked shot came to Joe Harris who fired in past Andrew Stevens.

Marine came close to doubling their advantage shortly after when only a combination of Liam Nicell and the woodwork prevented Ash Edenborough's fine 20-yard low drive from finding the net.

Rugby's best chance of the half fell to Kolodynski when the striker raced onto Jason Turner's simple flick on but skewed his effort wide from the edge of the area.

Kolodynski returned the favour for his strike partner but Turner headed over from his right wing cross.

Valley upped the tempo at the beginning of the second period and got their reward within five minutes of the restart.

Nicell's left-footed centre was well brought down by Kolodynski in the penalty area with his excellent chested first touch allowing a neat right-foot finish into the corner of the net via the post for his 31st goal of the season.

The visitors sensed that they could get more goals and found gaps in the Swindon defence with pacy attacking moves.

Rugby should have extended their lead when a move starting in their own penalty area after a Swindon corner involving Steve Purton, David Staff, Turner and Scott Musgrove culminated in Nicell's overlapping run and cross which eventually found Kolodynski, after King's miscued effort, but the striker lifted his effort over the bar.

Very much against the run of play, Swindon stunned Rugby with an equalising goal which really did come out of nothing.

A long hopeful ball down the left was chased down by Stanley who, with no Swindon player in support, attempted a seemingly harmless low cross/shot across the goal which Stevens allowed to agonising slip through his grasp and over the line.

The goal killed Rugby's attacking rhythm as Swindon slowed the game down and Valley found it difficult to get going again.

Delroy Gordon headed over with a good chance while Swindon almost put into their own net but for a good reflex save after Kolodynski's cross.

Rugby put plenty of balls into the box but could not find the elusive finish with Kolodynski's low shot which went just wide being the closest Valley came to an equaliser.

The hosts effectively sealed the game with little over five minutes remaining when they were given too much time on Rugby's left to cross with the ball eventually finding its way to Griffin who volleyed home from 10 yards.

The win represented Swindon's first victory in ten games and means Valley are still nine games without a win away from home.

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

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

Report by RTFC Online.