RUGBY Town were unable to climb out of the relegation zone following a narrow 1-0 home defeat against Anstey Nomads.
Valley succumbed to Tayo Alexander-Tucker’s deflected goal after just nine minutes despite an improved performance from Carl Adams’ side at Butlin Road.
The result means Rugby remain in the Northern Premier League Midlands relegation zone, one point from safety, after suffering a fifth successive league defeat.
Anstey scored the game’s only goal early in the first half as Alexander-Tucker’s deflected half-volley from a tight angle proved decisive.
Valley improved after the break as Courtney Lashley saw his goalbound effort cleared off the line by Anstey player Lewis Gibbens.
However, the visitors almost sealed the points when Zak Harris clipped the top of the crossbar with a shot from distance.
The home side went close to an equaliser late on as Edwin Ahenkorah’s low effort came back off the post and into the arms of Anstey goalkeeper Conrad Logan.
At the other end, Anstey hit the woodwork for a second time in the dying moments as Andy Kange-Mandjoba’s shot struck the post with Valley unable to find an equaliser.
Rugby are next in action at home to Loughborough Dynamo on Saturday, October 21 with kick-off at 3pm at Butlin Road.
