Long Eaton won the battle of the out-of-form sides at Butlin Road as Valley fell to another defeat.
With both sides having not won for seven games confidence was low in both camps and quality was at a premium but it was the visitors who took the lead when Tristan Thompson-Matthew headed in a chipped ball at the back post.
Rugby equalised on the stroke of half time when debutant Tyler Bruck slotted home when one-on-one.
Just after the break former Rugby striker Jahvan Davidson-Miller scored what proved to be the winner when he found himself through on goal and beat Xander Grieves at the second attempt.
Bruck had a chance to equalise for Rugby but this time goalkeeper Lewis King denied him when clean through while substitute Rivel Mardenborough thought he should have won a late penalty.
