TREY Charles’ penalty earned Rugby Town a 1-0 victory against 10-man Darlaston Town on the opening day of the season.
Charles scored the only goal on 55 minutes while Darlaston had Lewis Gill sent off for two yellow cards later in the second half at Butlin Road.
The result means Rugby sit ninth in the Northern Premier League Midlands table after one match.
In an even first half, the hosts created the better chances as Tayo Tucker lifted a shot over the crossbar from close range.
And Darlaston goalkeeper James Storer then made a smart save low down to deny Charles a goal on his league debut for Valley.
At the other end, Kieran Miller’s looping header clipped the crossbar as the teams went into the break level.
Rugby made a bright start to the second period as Ethan O’Toole fired wide when well-placed to hit the target.
However, the game’s decisive moment came on 55 minutes after Zac Kourouyianni pulled down Damien Osoimoejiokhian in the box and Charles stepped up to score the resulting penalty.
Darlaston spurned a golden chance to draw level only for Miller to slip as he attempted to meet Rivel Mardenborough’s cross.
And the visitors then lost midfielder Gill to a red card on 68 minutes for a second bookable offence.
The away side finished the game on top despite their numerical disadvantage as Mardenborough twice went close but Valley held on to secure an opening day victory.
Rugby are next in action away at Corby Town on Wednesday, August 14 with kick-off at 7.45pm at Steel Park.
