Lge (A)
Drew 1-1
(H/T 0-0)
Moulton visited Rugby Town, for the first time in their history, to face one of the pre-season favourites for promotion and eager to bounce back after Friday’s disappointing performance.

A few changes from manager Petts saw the welcome return from holiday for keeper Adam North along with starts for Francis Boateng & Terry Falcini. Also, in a tweak to the system saw a free role for Lewis Isom playing behind the front 3. Rugby started the better with a decent amount of possession without threatening the Moulton goal. On a hot humid evening the work rate from both teams was cancelling each other out. On 20 mins Conner Baily blocked an attempted clearance and whilst off balance shot from the edge of the 18 yard box only to see the Rugby keeper tip the ball onto the bar. Terry Falcini followed in and struck the ball goal wards only to see it deflected wide for a corner. Rugby played a high line throughout the game and with their keepers positioning excellent were blunting a number of Moulton attacks. However, on 35 minutes Nat Ansu broke clear from the half way line bearing down on the keeper. Tapping the ball to one side of him he continued forwards towards the empty net for the inevitable goal. The Rugby centre half had other ideas, he sprinted back and reached the ball just before Nat to scramble it clear for a corner. At the other end apart from a couple of routine saves from Adam there was nothing to trouble the Moulton goal.

HALF TIME RUGBY TOWN 0 MOULTON 0

The second half started in much the same vein as the first with the game played out in the middle third of the pitch with little goalmouth action at either end. With 65 minutes on the clock the referee awarded Rugby a penalty! From the reporter’s position and in talking to the players post-match we are still not sure why? The penalty was duly despatched giving Rugby a 1-0 lead. Moulton dusted themselves down and proceeded to press forwards for the equaliser. Nat Ansu broke through on the right but delayed his shot allowing for the defender to block the effort. A cross from Adam Dicks on the right found Nat Ansu on the back post but his header was comfortably saved by the Rugby keeper. On 74 minutes Moulton were deservedly level. Nat Ansu drove into the box and shot from 12 yards out, the Rugby keeper saved down to his left but the ball bounced out wide to the advancing Conner Bailey, his shot was partially blocked by a diving defender but the ball looped up and into the top corner of the net. 1-1. Moulton continued to press for a winner whilst staying disciplined at the back, despite a couple of half chances the game finished with honours even.

After Friday’s disappointing performance this evening was vastly improved against a better team on their home patch. Prior to the game a point against one of the title favourites was very welcome. As the game progressed a different picture emerged which resulted in the coaching team seeing the result as 2 points dropped. A good sign for things to come.

FINAL SCORE RUGBY TOWN 1MOULTON 1

TEAM North, Dicks, Osoimoejiokhian, Boateng, Grey, Isom (Fisher 80), Falcini (Pardoe 75), White, Mensah (Aluko 66), Ansu (Stevens 85), Bailey.