RUGBY Town remain in the relegation zone following a late 1-0 derby defeat against rivals Coventry Sphinx.
A late goal from Jared Bradshaw condemned Valley to a fifth straight league defeat at the Cameron Slater Arena.
And the result means Rugby sit 21st in the Northern Premier League Midlands table, two points from safety.
Valley went close early on as Rivel Mardenborough fired wide from a tight angle.
Sphinx grew into the contest as Xander Grieves saved well from Raymond Poku late in the first period.
Coventry goalkeeper Oliver Bosworth kept out Mardenborough’s powerful effort early in the second period and then denied Nathan Kabeya when one-on-one.
The home side responded with a chance of their own as substitute Damian Kelly sent a low shot wide following a cross from the right.
And the game’s decisive moment came on 78 minutes when Bradshaw curled a shot into the net from the edge of the penalty area following a short backpass from Rugby defender Ryley Nicholson.
Sphinx almost sealed the points at the death as Grieves made a reaction stop to keep out Chris Cowley’s effort.
Rugby are next in action against St Neots Town on Saturday, February 28 with kick-off at 3pm at Kester Way.
