RUGBY Town saw their winless run in the league stretch to six matches following a 3-2 defeat against promotion-chasing Loughborough Dynamo.
Valley striker Jordan Wilson once again found himself in goal for the entirety of the second half after Rugby keeper Tomasz Bukowski was forced off with an injury.
Loughborough took the lead through Rio Molyneaux just past the half-hour mark only for David Kolodynski to equalise soon after.
However, the home side reclaimed the lead on the stroke of half time when debutant Jamie Melbourne put through his own net.
Dynamo extended their advantage through Mitchell Robinson before Mikey Taylor reduced the deficit with Valley unable to find a leveller at the Newton Fallowell Stadium.
The result means Rugby remain one point from safety in the Northern Premier League Midlands relegation zone.
Dynamo opened the scoring on 32 minutes when Melbourne lost possession which allowed Taylor Anderson to cross for Molyneaux who finished at the back post to break the deadlock.
Rugby responded seven minutes later as Kolodynski’s low angled shot found the net from Dan Summerfield’s through ball.
However, Loughborough went into the break ahead when a clearly injured Bukowski could only clear the ball up in the air and Deen Master saw his shot deflect into the net off Melbourne.
And Dynamo stretched their lead on 54 minutes as Robinson headed in a corner at the back post, capitalising on some slack Valley defending.
Valley hit back on 59 minutes when a bullet header from Taylor reduced the deficit from Chris Clements’ excellent cross.
The visitors went close to a leveller late on as MJ Semahimbo and Loyiso Recci both spurned chances to earn Valley a point.
Rugby are next in action at home to Cambridge City on Saturday, February 3 with kick-off at 3pm at Butlin Road.
