RUGBY Town dropped into the relegation zone after surrendering an early lead in a 2-1 defeat against Boldmere St Michaels.
An early goal from Stan Anaebonam put Valley ahead after Boldmere’s Harry Wakefield saw his fourth-minute penalty saved at Butlin Road.
However, Danny O’Callaghan drew the visitors level before the break and struck again from the penalty spot on 77 minutes to complete the turnaround.
Rugby’s Bleu McNeil saw red after conceding the penalty which led to Boldmere’s winner with Valley unable to find an equaliser in the remaining minutes.
The result means Valley drop into the Northern Premier League Midlands relegation zone, two points from safety.
Rugby made the worst possible start when goalkeeper Ethan Pheasey fouled Charlie Manners in the box after just four minutes and the referee pointed to the spot.
However, Pheasey saved Wakefield’s resulting penalty onto the post to make amends for his error.
And Valley broke the deadlock on 10 minutes when Anaebonam cut in from the right and saw his deflected effort from 20-yards out find the net via the aid of the post.
Boldmere equalised on 37 minutes as O’Callaghan headed in Frankie Ealing’s free-kick unmarked at the back post.
However, the game turned on 77 minutes when McNeil fouled Jayden Bailey-Hunter in the box and the defender received a second yellow card.
O’Callaghan made no mistake from the spot to complete the turnaround with Valley’s 10-men unable to draw level in the remaining minutes.
Rugby are next in action against Worcester City in the FA Trophy on Friday, October 3 with kick-off at 7.45pm at Sixways Stadium.
