Town narrowly lost out to runaway league leaders Stafford in what was at times a bruising encounter at Butlin Road.

Ben Haseley’s clever finish for Rangers three minutes after the interval ultimately settled the game, ending Rugby’s nine match unbeaten run in the process.

Jonathon Thorpe replaced Tom James at left-back in the only change to the starting line-up from the previous week’s game at Kidsgrove, whilst there was also a place on the bench for the latest addition to the Valley squad – Mitchell Piggon.

The match was far from a classic and significant goalmouth action was therefore at a premium, although Town did threaten twice in the opening quarter of an hour, with Kevin Thornton’s low shot taken at his post by Stafford keeper Adam Whitehouse and David Kolodynski putting in a weak effort from distance when he appeared to be in behind the visitors’ defence.

For Rangers, Josh Craddock fired a decent attempt on the turn just wide, and with their best chance of the first period Christian Dacres was denied by Sam Andrew after the burly striker had broken clear.

The hosts had to wait until first half stoppage time for their stand-out opportunity, which saw Whitehouse pull off a fine reflex save to Kurtis Revan after Kolodynski’s initial strike had fallen to the winger.

The visitors struck early after the restart, when a Matt Wood throw found its way through to Haseley with his back to goal, and the striker somehow managed to flick the ball over his shoulder and past a surprised Andrew.

Immediately following the goal, the table toppers put in their best spell of the game, increasing the pressure on a Town defence now minus the concussed Tom Ryan with their direct approach play.

The introduction of Piggon from the bench boosted Rugby’s physical presence though, and the substitute was soon in the game when he had a shot blocked in a crowded penalty area.

Piggon then helped one onto Kolodynski, whose subsequent header was cleared off the line by Alex Melbourne, with Rob Parker another to see a shot smothered away after Thornton had picked him out.

Callum Powell chipped one just off-target, and the same Valley man was later denied by a well-timed Wood tackle just as he was about to pull the trigger in the box.

Haseley and Rangers’ sub Ryan Wynter did have chances to round off the victory late in the game, as Town continued to push for that ultimately elusive equaliser, but both times their efforts drifted narrowly wide of the post.

Valley Line-up: Andrew; Curley, Thorpe (Delaney), Tullin, Ryan (Wilkins); Parker, Towers; Revan (Piggon), Powell, Thornton; Kolodynski. Subs not used: Healy, Johnson. Booked: Towers.

Stafford line-up: Whitehouse, Melbourne, Wood, Johnson, Miles, McNaught, Rooney, Craddock, Dacres, Haseley, Reid. Subs: Griffiths, Till, Rowley, Cater, Wynter.