LATE SHOW KEEPS VALLEY ON TRACK FOR PLAY-OFF CHARGE

Two late goals from Rugby Town strikers Tyrone Fagan and Seb Hamilton settled this local derby against struggling Daventry Town at Butlin Road.

By Jon Venner Tweet

Photo: Martin Pulley

Rugby midfielder Richard Blythe tries to get things moving during a dour first half at Butlin Road

Late strikes from Rugby’s Tyrone Fagan and Seb Hamilton plunged neighbours Daventry into more trouble at the foot of the table, and came at the end of a predictably tight encounter.

Valley boss Dave Stringer kept faith with the side that had ground out a single goal victory at Biggleswade four days earlier, meaning no place in the starting line-up once more for club captain Nik Preston and regular full-back Gary Moran.

The visitors had the best of the opening exchanges though, with Adam Confue heading Greg Kazaboni’s cross just wide of the target after just three minutes and ex-Rugby youth player Tom Berwick blazing over from a tight angle.

Stand-in skipper Robbie Banks made a timely goalmouth clearance from Josh O’Grady’s free-kick, before the hosts finally had a shot when Fagan’s effort drifted wide on twenty six minutes.

Apart from a Richard Blythe volley which was easily caught by Joe Mellings, Rugby created little more of note in that opening period.

However referee John Law did deny them a potential opportunity when he adjudged Mellings was fouled spilling a corner, when in reality no contact was made to him.

Valley came out of their shell after the restart though, and began to push back their relegation threatened opponents.

Mellings pulled off a good save from Luke Keen’s header, Michael Williams had a shot blocked after a powerful run and another volley from Blythe was over the target.

An excellent through ball from Luke Leahy then released Fagan through the middle, but he dragged his effort wide, and the striker had another chance shortly after – lifting the ball over the frame this time.

Just when it appeared the game was meandering to a draw, Rugby made the breakthrough on 82 minutes.

Richie Allen broke deep from his own half, before playing in Williams – who unfortunately fell over the ball.

However somehow it squirted out to land at the feet of Fagan, who showed good composure to stroke it into the right hand corner of the net from ten yards out.

Williams and Fagan combined again to create Rugby’s second in the final minute of normal time, with the latter squaring for Hamilton to smash home after Williams had done well on the right flank.

Valley Line-up: Bevan; Austin, Leahy, Miller, Booth; Banks (Moran), Williams, Blythe, Allen; Keen (Hamilton), Fagan. Subs not used: Preston, Wilson, Palmer. Booked: Leahy, Fagan, Williams.