RUGBY maintained their impressive run of results with a narrow 2-1 victory over mid-table Chalfont in the Southern League Central Division.
A brace from Richard Gregory hauled Town up to third in the league, the highest they have been all season, to keep their play-off hopes alive.
Manager Dave Stringer made just the one change to the side that beat Marlow last week with Justin Marsden coming back into his starting 11 in place of Lewis Rankin who dropped to the bench.
The game started slowly with both sides finding it hard to create many chances.
Seb Lake-gaskin had the first effort on target for the home side but saw his relatively weak shot comfortably saved by Mike McEntegart.
Chalfont’s pacy winger Glen Yala looked lively and he produced a decent cross by Terrel Lewis but the midfielder saw his effort go wide of the post.
The visitors were full of running midway through the half and Richard Morris had to be alert to snuff out a goalbound shot from Adam Louth.
But despite the pressure from Chalfont, Rugby took the lead through Gregory. Lake-Gaskin found himself in space and produced a cracking ball to the striker who with unerring accuracy unleashed an unstoppable shot past the helpless McEntegart.
In the second half, Rugby were in complete control and extended their lead further on the hour mark with Marsden having the assist this time.
He sent over a cross to Gregory and who duly slotted home the ball through the keepers legs.
With 15 minutes to go Richard Blythe nearly got on the scoring act with a thunderous shot which was saved well by the busy McEntegart.
Chalfont gave themselves a glimmer of hope seven minutes from time when Aaron Lansiquot pounced on a error by Mason Rowley to outrun the defence to score from 18 yards out shooting past Richard Morris.
But Rugby held out to win and have now tasted just one defeat in 13 league games.
Attendance: 255
Player ratings: Morris 6, Grocutt 7, Kelly 6, Rowley 6, Gudger 7, Burns 7, Youngs 5, Blythe 6, Gregory 7 (Piggon 5), Lake-Gaskin 7 (Rankin 5), Marsden 8 (Koriya 6).
Subs not used: George, Banks
Star Man: Justin Marsden
Alex Gudger wins an important header. (s) Photo by Martin Pulley
Seb Lake-Gaskin is closey marked. (s) Photo by Martin Pulley
Man of the match Justin Marsden in action against Chalfont St Peter. (s) Photo by Martin Pulley
