RUGBY Town climbed out of the relegation zone with a crucial 2-0 win against fellow strugglers Gresley Rovers on Boxing Day before slipping to a narrow defeat at Harborough Town on New Year’s Day.
Goals from David Kolodynski and Justice Campbell helped Valley end their six-game losing run in all competitions and leapfrog Gresley in the table with a much-needed victory at Butlin Road.
However, after securing their first home win in the league since August, Rugby lost 2-1 away at table toppers Harborough on New Year’s Day.
The results mean Valley sit 18th in the Northern Premier League Midlands table, one point clear of the relegation zone with two games in-hand on the team below them.
Rugby took the lead against Gresley on 35 minutes as Kolodynski pounced on a loose pass before curling home a fine effort from 22-yards out.
And Valley sealed the points on 41 minutes when Campbell found the corner from Jordan Wilson’s through ball after the scorer hit the crossbar with a free-kick earlier in the half.
However, Rugby began the New Year with a narrow defeat at league leaders Harborough as visiting goalkeeper Tomasz Bukowski made a number of important saves to keep the game scoreless.
Harborough eventually broke the deadlock on 34 minutes as the division’s leading goalscorer Tendai Daire reacted quickest to head home the opening goal from inside the six-yard box from a long throw.
And Harborough captain Ben Williams doubled the home side’s lead from close range following some pinball in the Rugby penalty area.
Valley halved the deficit in the final minute of regulation time as Loyiso Recci scored from the penalty spot after MJ Semahimbo drew a foul in the box.
Rugby are next in action against Sporting Khalsa on Saturday, January 6 with kick-off at 3pm at Butlin Road.
