FIVE WINS ON THE BOUNCE AND EARLY CUP PROGRESS

Rugby Town progressed into the next round after beating league rivals Leighton Town at the Lake Street with a satisfactory and workmanlike performance, stretching their winning run to five consecutive games.

By Craig Webb.

Photo: Martin Pulley

Striker Tyrone Fagan made another telling contribution in his second game for the club assisting Seb Hamilton's first half strike

After dominating the first half, Rugby could and should have had more than Seb Hamilton's 25th minute goal to show for on impressive opening period.

Valley lost some of their rhythm after the break but did enough to hold out against their Bedfordshire hosts.

Manager Martin Sockett recalled players after resting them for the Birmingham Senior Cup tie in midweek including Ben Steane, Marvin Gourlay and Tyrone Fagan.

The home side nearly had a dream start and probably the fastest goal ever, when after just eight seconds, striker James Hatch’s shot hit the post, after defender Chris Charles bad pass allowed him an effort.

This barnstorming start continued three minutes later, when Ben Gallant couldn't twist his body enough to connect to Hatch’s cross.

Rugby finally got into the game when Seb Hamilton had the team’s first effort on goal, his strike hitting the woodwork from midfielder Andy Gundelach's excellent play.

To the delight of the away fans, Rugby took the lead in the 24th minute with Hamilton scoring his sixth goal of the season.

He collected a cracking through ball from fellow striker Fagan and despite being closely marked by the defender, he composed himself to shoot stab the ball under the goalkeeper.

After taking the lead, Rugby were now in the ascendency with the ever impressive Ben Steane running the game from central midfield.

Valley wide man Richard Wesley had a shot after playing a one-two with Hamilton but his effort was way over.

In the second half, Leighton tried to breach the Rugby defence with long range shots, and the woodwork came to Rugby’s rescue on the hour mark when Stuart Deaton unleashed a rasping effort.

Neither side were creating many chances in the second period, with both goalkeepers having little to do, but in the last ten minutes Rugby could have increased their lead if somebody had connected with Wesley’s excellent cross and in injury time Gundelach’s thundering header skimmed the post.

The victory made up for the early exit in the FA Cup and now Valley face Southern League Premier Hemel Hempstead in the next round on the 16th October.

Valley Line-up: Clarke; Moran, Heath, Charles, Gourlay; Connolly, Steane (Phipps-Hall), Gundelach, Wesley; Fagan (Edmond), Hamilton. Subs not used: Sockett, Alexander, Manuel. Booked: None. Sent Off: None.

Leighton Town: Leggett, Moulds, Bewley, Fryer, Chapman, Deaton, McBride, Silvestri, Gallant, Hatch, Copson.