RUGBY Town suffered relegation from the Northern Premier League Midlands despite producing a late fightback to draw 2-2 with rivals Bedworth United.
Valley knew only a win would keep their survival hopes alive only for Bedworth to take a two-goal lead at The Oval courtesy of strikes from Liam Murphy and Leo Stone.
However, Trey Charles reduced the deficit eight minutes from time before scoring a penalty deep into injury time to draw the teams level.
The visitors had one final chance to snatch the points but were unable to find a winner which confirmed the club’s relegation.
Rugby now sit four points from safety with one match left to play meaning Ian King’s side will play in Step Five next season.
Valley have spent much of the season in the bottom three and parted company with former boss Carl Adams in December with the club five points adrift of safety.
After losing just one of their first five league matches of the campaign, Rugby embarked on a nine-game winless run throughout September and October.
King’s appointment failed to turn the tide as Valley won just one of their first nine matches following the departure of former boss Adams.
Results picked up in mid-February, losing three of their last 10 matches.
However, a draw with relegation rivals Bedworth confirmed Rugby’s relegation while also securing the home side’s place in the division next season.
Bedworth broke the deadlock on 31 minutes when Murphy headed in Callum Morris’s corner at the near post.
And the home side doubled their lead on 71 minutes as Stone volleyed home from eight-yards out after the ball fell kindly into his path.
Rugby halved the deficit on 82 minutes when Charles squeezed a shot under Liam O’Brien from a tight angle.
And Charles scored from the penalty spot five minutes into injury time after the referee penalised Bedworth for handball in the box.
Valley had one last chance to save their season only for Caine Elliott to see his effort blocked at the death.
