The two outside hopes for a play-off slot played out a draw at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field last Saturday, with Kevin Thornton’s 56th minute equaliser cancelling out the hosts’ first half opener.

There was late drama at the end of the game though, when Town substitute Jake Healy’s direct corner into the net was controversially ruled out – denying Valley the chance of a maximum haul from an improved second half display.

Rugby boss Dale Belford had made one change to his starting line-up, recalling Tom Ryan to the heart of his defence following a two week absence through concussion.

The visitors made a bright enough start - without creating a clear cut chance, before they found themselves behind in the 19th minute when Dan Lawlor’s pinpoint angled cross picked out Dan Banister, and the striker neatly volleyed the ball home from close range.

The home side were now in control and Matt Curley was soon making made a wonderful tackle to prevent Joe Curtis from increasing the lead.

Town's first real opportunity came in the 35th minute when Mitchell Piggon was denied by Spalding keeper Michael Duggan, with the loose ball falling to Callum Powell – whose shot rebounded off the outside of the post to safety.

Piggon went close again just before half time when his glancing header to Jonathan Thorpe's cross went agonisingly wide, as Valley ended the period on the up.

Belford’s men re-emerged after the break still looking determined to grab an equaliser though, and Thornton was soon whistling a 25 yard free-kick just the wrong side of Duggan’s post.

However there was no denying the Irishman shortly after, when he applied a composed finish to Steve Towers assist, after the skipper had done well to pick him out in space in the box.

Chances came and went for Rugby to take the lead with Towers and Powell both going close - the latter doing a neat turn before putting his effort straight at Duggan.

James Tricks did fire a half-volley just over for Spalding, but it was clearly the visitors that looked the more likely to grab a late winner.

Having seen Duggan do well to tip behind his own defender Ellis Humble’s back header, from the resulting corner Healy curled the ball straight into the net, but the effort was ruled out by referee Andy Park for an alleged push on the keeper by David Kolodynski.

Valley Line-up: Andrew; Curley, James, Tullin, Ryan; Parker, Towers; Thorpe (Kolodynski), Powell (Revan), Thornton (Healy); Piggon. Subs not used: Delaney, Wilkins. Booked: None.

Spalding line-up: Duggan, Walker, Jackson, Spafford, Stainford, Murphy, Banister, Lawlor, Waumsley, Tricks, Curtis. Subs: Humble, Sanders, Lockie, Hussey.