RUGBY Town suffered an agonising 2-1 defeat at home to AFC Wulfrunians after the visitors scored an injury time winner to dump Valley out of the FA Vase.
The home side looked to have rescued the tie when substitute Justin Marsden equalised on 85 minutes only for Wulfrunians sub Ryan Bright to grab the winner in the first minute of time added on at Butlin Road.
And the result means Rugby exit the competition at the second round stage having enjoyed a fine run in the competition last term.
Rugby received a bye in the first round having reached the last 16 the previous year but struggled throughout against the Midland Football League Premier Division side.
The visitors took the lead on the hour mark when player-manager Craig Gregg’s shot from 25-yards out dipped over Valley goalkeeper Matt Hill and found the top corner.
However, Rugby kept the game alive five minutes from time when Marsden forced the ball home from close range after Liam Francis had flicked on Luke English’s long throw.
There was still time for one final twist as Bright headed in a rebound at the death with Hill only able to parry the initial shot.
However, Valley remain in the Birmingham Senior Cup with their second round match against Wolverhampton Wanderers moved to Wednesday, November 30 with kick-off at 7.30pm at Butlin Road.
Valley return to league action this weekend with a trip to Histon as they look to maintain their four-point lead at the top of the United Counties League Premier Division South table.
And Valley have enjoyed an excellent campaign thus far, losing just one of their 13 league matches, and are yet to be beaten on the road.
Rugby’s clash with Histon takes place on Saturday, November 19 with kick-off at 2pm at Bridge Road.
