Rugby faltered once more against rock bottom opposition, as they put in a disappointing display in Middlesex.

Just like a fortnight previously at the then last placed North Greenford, Valley struggled to break down a spirited home outfit, and this time were left pointless after a strike late in the first half by Brook skipper Jake Cass.

Town were unchanged from Easter Monday's impressive victory against champions Kettering, although they were suffering from a sickness bug which saw both strikers Richard Gregory and Justin Marsden withdrawn by the time the second period had kicked off. The hosts started the brighter when centre back Christian Barrett rose highest from a corner, but his header flew just wide.

This was followed by another goalbound header from Jordan Berry to Oladimeji Olajubu's pinpoint cross - but Valley keeper Neil Collett was equal to this. Rugby had their first effort on goal in the 28th minute through Sam Youngs, after the midfielder found himself in space - but his shot lacked accuracy and power and was comfortably caught by Sam Mazurek.

Hayes took the lead in the 41st minute, after the visitors failed to properly clear a ball that was bobbling around in the penalty area, with Cass ultimately tucking his s hot from about twenty five yards into the corner of the net leaving Collett helpless.

Marsden nearly equalised just a minute later, but his snap shot from close range was saved. Rugby had a lot more possession in the second half, but could not find the killer instinct to punish the robust Hayes defence.

Substitute Seb Lake-Gaskin saw his header agonisingly just go over the bar from Will Grocott's corner in the 47th minute, and Robbie Burns tried his luck from distance without troubling Mazarek after some good individual play from Lake-Gaskin.

Home keeper Mazurek was also in inspired form when he saved with his feet from a Lewis Rankin effort, after Rankin had done well to skip past a number of opposing defenders.

Town thought they might have been awarded a penalty in the 80th minute when Rankin was brought down in the area, but despite appeals from both fans and players, the referee waved play on and the home side held on for a rare win.

Valley Line-up: Collett; George (Gudger), Kelly, Rowley, Austin; Burns, Youngs, Blythe, Grocott; Marsden (Lake-Gaskin), Gregory (Rankin). Subs not used: None. Booked: None.

AFC Hayes: Mazurek, Eccleston, Baldwin, Barrett, Stewart, Kinsella, Cass, Olajubu, Debattista, Berry, Desagurante.