MARCUS Bald saved an injury-time penalty as Rugby Town drew 0-0 at Boldmere St Michaels while both teams had a player sent off after full time.
Bald came to Valley’s rescue at the death as he saved Danny O’Callaghan’s penalty and kept out the subsequent follow-up to ensure the game ended goalless at the Amber Arena.
Tensions boiled over following the final whistle as Rugby’s Bleu McNeil, who has since left the club, and Boldmere’s Pedro Lima both saw red.
The result means Rugby sit 16th in the Northern Premier League Midlands table, two points clear of the relegation zone.
Chances were at a premium in the first half with the best chance falling to Valley debutant Kobi Bivens who failed to apply the finishing touch to Cairo Taylor’s cross.
Boldmere’s only real chance in the first period saw James Tague lash a shot over the crossbar in a cagey contest.
The game burst into life on the hour mark when Bald brought down Harry Crook outside the penalty area after racing off his line.
However, the referee showed Bald a yellow card after deeming Will Harris had provided sufficient cover as the last defender.
Valley searched for a winner as Boldmere goalkeeper Jono Brown tipped Bivens’ header over the crossbar.
And substitute Trey Charles saw his goalbound effort blocked from Sam Tye’s cutback.
However, Boldmere won a penalty deep into stoppage time after the referee penalised Josh Thomas for a foul in the box.
But Bald denied substitute O’Callaghan from the spot and then saved the follow-up to earn his side a point.
Rugby are next in action against Lichfield City on Saturday, January 24 with kick-off at 3pm at Butlin Road.
