VALLEY MAKE A POINT BUT COULD HAVE SNATCHED ALL THREE

Rugby battled hard on a heavy Liberty Way pitch to earn a point from Tuesday evening’s local derby, but will again be kicking themselves after they squandered a late chance to complete an unlikely ‘smash and grab’ against play-off contenders Nuneaton.

By Jon Venner.

Photo: Martin Pulley

Rugby winger David Staff provided the cross for the equalising goal against his former employers

In normal circumstances a point from such a testing encounter would be considered a success, but with still just one win on the board this season and the gap between them and safety still extending, Valley could really have done with a maximum return from the game.

Matt Brown’s first goal for the club soon cancelled out Rob Oddy’s opener for the home side just after half-time, but with the last attack of the game both Shawn Richards and David Staff had opportunities to snatch victory at the death.

Colkin had made three changes from the side beaten at Banbury at the weekend – with Josh Thompson replacing the injured Gez Murphy upfront, Michael Love coming into the centre of defence for the unavailable Andy Commander and recent signing Ross Oulton preferred to Richards.

The first half had generally been a dire affair, with the home side having the best of the period – especially in the opening fifteen minutes, when Rugby keeper Andy Stevens was in good form to keep out James Armson’s shot.

Lee Moore should also have done better with a header early on and his fellow striker Chris Dillon went close, with the visitors’ only chance of note seeing Liam Nicell’s long range effort comfortably dealt with by Nuneaton keeper Darren Acton.

The half-time entertainment provided by Alan Carr provided some light relief for the spectators, with the comedian predictably confirming a lack of footballing prowess with a series of penalty kicks.

Fortunately the second half was a more eventful affair than the first, and the hosts took the lead on 47 minutes when Valley’s assistant manager Love’s touch in his own box let him down – providing the opportunity for his old colleague Oddy to unleash an unstoppable low shot past Stevens.

Rugby responded well though when Brown’s header to Staff’s cross looped past Acton and into the net just four minutes later – sparking an enthusiastic celebration from the young forward, the Rugby bench and the travelling supporters in general.

The equaliser visibly knocked the home side’s confidence, and despite dominating possession Nuneaton rarely threatened from there on.

When they did, they found Stevens back to his best - especially when he flung himself full-length to keep out substitute Adam Walker’s well-struck free-kick.

Although Walker had another chance late-on - dragging his effort wide of the goal – it was Colkin’s side that mounted a late flurry, and after Sam Youngs had done well down the right, Richards mistimed his attempted volley at the near post.

Shortly after, Richards was again in the action when he latched onto a speculative ball down the middle and found himself free on goal.

After checking back, he saw his initial effort blocked and the rebound fell to another Nuneaton old-boy Staff, but unfortunately he struck the ball straight at the prostrate Acton.

The final whistle was blown seconds later, and once more Valley were left considering what could have been.

Valley Line-up: Stevens; Nicell, Tullin, Gordon, Love; Staff, Fellows, Oulton, Youngs; Staff, Thompson (Gearing), Brown (Richards). Subs not used: Kewgyir. Booked: Brown. Sent off: None.

Nuneaton Town: Acton, Oddy, Forsdick, Dean, Hadland, Pierpoint, Armson, Noon, Moore, Dillon, Storer. Subs: Foster, Matthews, Spacey, Walker, Marsden.