Football
Impressive Town win again

Rugby Town 4 Burnham 1

Southern League Division One Central

RUGBY made it five wins in a row on Saturday as they kept their play-off push firmly on track with a comfortable victory.

Boss Dave Stringer made two changes to the side that overcame Daventry in mid-week, with Richie Allen and Tyrone Fagan coming in for Ben Steane and new signing Steve Palmer.

The home fans were celebrating after just two minutes when a long punt upfield from keeper David Bevan found Tyrone Fagan and his deft touch found Seb Hamilton to score his tenth goal of the season.

A strong response from the visitors saw Lewis Driver fire into the side netting before Harry Pritchard made it 1-1 after 15 minutes when Kieron Knight’s cross gave him the chance to slot past Bevan.

Richard Blythe’s first goal for the club put Valley ahead again five minutes later. Luke Leahy’s excellent free kick found the midfielder and he scrambled the ball home after his initial downwards header had been blocked.

To cap a brilliant first half hour for the home side, Rugby increased their lead on 27 minutes when Allen managed to free himself from the attention of a Burnham defender and his precise pass found Robbie Banks who beat a stranded Andy Bayliss.

Burnham offered very little in reply for the remainder of the half, Toby Ayala coming closest to a second goal but his effort went way wide.

Despite being two goals to the good, Rugby did not drop the pace and they went further clear in the 64th minute thanks to sheer persistence and determination from Michael Williams.

A good ball from Moran found Williams just inside the Burnham half and his run took him past four players before he poked home from close range and complete the scoring.

Buy photos» Richard Blythe maintains possession during the success against Burnham. Picture by Martin Pulley. Buy photos» Michael Williams was on target during Rugby’s 4-1 victory at Butlin Road. Picture by Martin Pulley. Buy photos» David Bevan holds on to the ball. Picture by Martin Pulley.