RUGBY Borough sealed a historic promotion to Step Four following a 2-1 victory against Aylestone Park in the play-off final.
Borough took an early lead courtesy of Lewis Wilson’s goal only for Corey Armeni to draw the home side level at Saffron Lane in a frantic opening to the contest.
However, Sam Fitzgerald restored Rugby’s lead just before the half-hour mark as Borough achieved promotion from the United Counties League Premier Division South.
Borough boss, Dave Stringer said: “This is a monumental day for Rugby Borough. The commitment and passion shown by the players and staff have been outstanding all season.
“To achieve promotion in such dramatic fashion is a testament to the unity and ambition within this club.”
Aylestone had home advantage in the final by virtue of finishing higher in the league table than Borough.
However, Rugby stunned the hosts after just three minutes when Wilson expertly headed in Will Grocott’s cross.
The home side equalised two minutes later as Armeni turned the ball into the net following a scramble in the Borough box.
Borough reclaimed the lead on 27 minutes when Fitzgerald hammered the ball home after Matt Dawson’s cross from the right deflected into the scorer’s path.
Rugby kept Aylestone at bay for the majority of the second half while Harry Sawyer produced a heroic goalline clearance in injury time.
Borough held on in the final moments to secure a first-ever promotion to Step Four in the club’s history.
