RUGBY Town failed to end their miserable run of form following a narrow 1-0 home defeat against AFC Rushden and Diamonds.
The game’s only goal came courtesy of Aidan Webster on 55 minutes at Butlin Road with Valley winless in all competitions since August.
And the result means Rugby remain in the Northern Premier League Midlands relegation zone one point from safety.
Valley twice went close in a goalless first half as Mikey Taylor fired a first time shot at Rushden goalkeeper Ben Heath before shooting wide of the post soon after.
At the other end, Rugby stopper Paul Hathaway kept out Cairo Taylor’s low effort with his feet before Valley’s Ryan Sahota and Diamonds’ Jamal Adams both went close with shots from the edge of the penalty area.
Rushden eventually broke the deadlock 10 minutes into the second half when Webster fired home from close range after Ethan Johnston’s initial strike hit the top of the post and rebounded into the scorer’s path.
Valley searched for an equaliser as Damien Osoimoejiokhian saw his header saved by Heath with the rebound scrambled clear off the line.
The home side created one final chance as Tarik Dallas blocked Trey Charles’ shot from eight-yards out with the referee waving away Rugby’s protests for a handball.
Rugby are next in action against Worcester City on Saturday, October 26 with kick-off at 3pm at Butlin Road.
