RUGBY Town’s play-off hopes hang by a very thin thread after another hugely disappointing performance saw Dave Stringer’s side lost 2-0 at Daventry Town in the Southern League Central.
With other results going against Town, a win over Royston Town in their last game might still not be enough for the end of season play-offs.
Manager Stringer fielded a strong side with only Justin Marsden unavailable after failing to shake off a sickness bug.
The hosts have endured a poor season by their standards had nothing but local pride to play for.
And they had to be on their guard when Mason Rowley rose highest from Will Grocutt’s corner only to see the effort go over the bar.
Daventry slowly got into the game, with Simon King having a goalbound shot deflected for a corner and former Rugby man James Weale found himself in acres of space in the 41st minute but his shot was comfortably saved by Neil Collett.
The visitors created very little in the first half with only Richard Gregory troubling the defence seeing his shot hit the side netting.
Things improved slightly for Town after the break with Stringer’s side showing a bit more urgency in their play.
Seb Lake-Gaskin dragged a shot wide from close range while at the other end Daventry who were still trying to get their first goal when Anthony O’Connor hit a decent shot on the turn which produced a good reaction save from Collett.
And just minutes later Aaron King had a snap shot also saved from Collett.
Perhaps it was no surprise that Daventry went into the lead in the 81st minute. A massive scramble in the area which Rugby failed to clear allowed O’Connor to react quickest to put the ball into net with immense power.
Rugby’s fate was sealed just four minutes later when a poor clearance from Collett found Simon King who craftily lifted the ball over Mason Rowley’s goal into a an empty net.
Sam Youngs put in a huge effort against Daventry. (s) Photo by Martin Pulley
