CAINE Elliott’s penalty earned Rugby Town a point in a 1-1 draw away at league leaders Belper Town.
Elliott levelled the game from the spot on 73 minutes after Louis Keenan put the home side ahead five minutes earlier at the Raygar Stadium.
The result means Rugby sit 19th in the Northern Premier League Midlands table, inside the relegation zone on goal difference.
Grant Joshua’s side produced a much-improved performance to end a run of three straight league defeats.
Valley forward Harrison Nee went close with two efforts early on the second of which forced a fine reaction save from Kieran Preston.
And Preston then denied Callum Griffin before Marcus Bald tipped Jacob Gratton’s powerful effort over the crossbar at the other end.
The chances continued to flow as Preston made a diving stop to keep out Elliott’s free-kick just before half time.
In a frantic start to the second period, Keenan almost diverted the ball into his own net before James Tague fired wide at the other end with Bald stranded.
Valley went close again as Ryan Sahota’s effort from 25-yards out hit the crossbar.
However, the home side broke the deadlock on 68 minutes when Nathan Kabeya inadvertently diverted Keenan’s cross-shot into his own net following a set-piece.
Rugby deservedly drew level just five minutes later as Belper substitute Diego Edwards fouled Ethan Hanson in the box.
And Elliott duly stepped up to score from the penalty spot and draw the visitors level.
Valley almost snatched the points late on only for Rivel Mardenborough to head against the woodwork from Elliott’s free-kick.
Rugby are next in action against Racing Club Warwick in the FA Trophy on Saturday, September 6 with kick-off at 3pm at Butlin Road.
