LETHAL NUNEATON SHOW VALLEY CUTTING EDGE

Nuneaton maintained their Zamaretto Premier play-off push with a comfortable victory at Butlin Road, although the final margin of victory was perhaps a little harsh on a Valley side who continue to show no small measure of spirit despite their desperate position.

By RUGBYTOWNFC.COM.

Photo: Martin Pulley

Valley midfielder Sam Youngs was in typically energentic mood in the Rugby midfield

A James Armson tap in on 13 minutes gave the visitors the lead after Andrew Stevens had pulled off a double save from Eddie Nisevic’s shot across the box and Justin Marsden’s follow-up.

The home side’s best chance of the opening period saw Darren Acton down well to keep out Matt Gearing’s low effort, and for Nuneaton, Marsden powered one over the bar and Armson went close again, but was denied by the legs of Stevens.

Gearing squandered Rugby’s best chance of the game after the restart, when after rounding Acton he delayed his shot on goal long enough to Gareth Dean to get on back on his line to block.

Armson grabbed his second on 71 minutes - applying a neat finish into the bottom corner, and then could have completed a hat-trick not long after when he put his effort from just inside the box wide.

Rob Foster rounded off the scoring in added-on time with a close range finish after Chris Dillon had shown good skill on the edge of the penalty area to create the opening.

Valley Line-up: Stevens; Tullin, Commander, Love, Gordon; Oulton, Nicell, Fellows; Gearing, Brown, Youngs. Subs not used: TBC. Booked: None. Sent off: None.