RUGBY Town secured safety with an impressive 3-0 victory at Boldmere St Michaels on the final day of the season.
Valley led at the break courtesy of Loyiso Recci’s penalty before late goals from Theo Rowe and Ryan Sahota made sure of the club’s survival at the Trevor Brown Memorial Ground.
And the result means Rugby have secured their Northern Premier League Midlands status for another season after finishing above AFC Rushden and Diamonds on goal difference.
Valley’s victory proved all the more crucial after Rushden also won on the final day meaning anything less than three points would have seen Rugby relegated.
The visitors broke the deadlock after just 14 minutes when Recci scored from the penalty spot after Kieran Boucher brought down Mikey Taylor in the box.
Valley almost doubled their lead on two separate occasions as MJ Semahimbo and Taylor went close but ultimately went into the break with a one-goal advantage.
With relegation rivals Rushden also in front at the interval in their game, Rugby went into the second half knowing a single goal could see the club drop into the bottom two.
A nervy second-half ensued before Rowe collected substitute Silvano Obeng’s pass, cut in from the left and curled a powerful shot into the corner from just inside the penalty area six minutes from time.
And any remaining nerves were quashed in injury time as Sahota arrowed a shot into the net from the edge of the box via the aid of the post.
Carl Adams’ side celebrated with the travelling supporters upon hearing the full time whistle with the club’s Step Four status secured.
