Rugby Town arrived at the Dovecote in desperate need of points to stave off the threat of relegation, By contrast, Shepshed Dynamo went into today’s game in the privileged position of already having achieved safety. Nevertheless, Gary Drake was keen for his side to get one over on his previous employers.

Aaron Korpal, usually deployed on the wing, was given a central striker role to begin the contest. Alex Troke would drop slightly deeper into the number ten role to bolster the Dynamo front line. A familiar face appeared at full back for Rugby as former Shepshed defender Micah Edwards made his return to the Dovecote.

The visitors in sky blue were backed by a vocal travelling support in bright, sunny conditions. Rugby’s start to the match reflected the conditions as they looked to turn up the heat on the Shepshed defence.

Five minutes into the half, a searching ball down the left released striker Trey Charles. The Dynamo defence ended up getting left behind as Charles delivered a low ball into the near post. Ayo Lekuti rushed to meet Charles’ delivery and placed a low shot underneath Dan Wallis. Exactly the start that the travelling support had dreamed about.

The inquest then began both in the stands and on the touchline. The Dynamo faithful were adamant that Charles was offside when the ball was played through. The protests continued as Shepshed restarted the game.

Long, direct passes were now being aimed towards the Rugby rearguard. After 13 minutes, one long switch acrossfield found the head of Jude Collins. The Shepshed winger's cushioned header into Alex Troke allowed the big striker to fire an effort in on goal from just inside the area. The Rugby defence held firm and Troke’s shot was deflected away for a corner.

As Shepshed’s set play came to nothing, Rugby went up the other end to try their luck. A 17th minute corner from the left swung dangerously into the centre of the 6-yard box. Trey Charles, with 14 league goals already this season, nearly made it 15. A superb save down low from Wallis kept Charles’ downward header out.

Luke Cox then came close for Dynamo after 22 minutes. The big centre half got on the end of Jude Collins’ 22nd minute corner at the far post. Goalkeeper Paul Hathaway stood rooted to the spot as Cox’s header looped towards his far post, narrowly missing the target.

Shepshed’s reaction since the opening goal had been commendable and in the closing moments of the half, Aaron Korpal created an opportunity for himself. The ball falling on the edge of the 18-yard box, Korpal spun and got his shot away but sadly accuracy let him down and the ball sailed wide.

Dynamo emerged from the dressing room in search of an equaliser at the start of the second half. Luke Cox again causing problems in the Rugby penalty area got his head to Callum Burkey’s delivery. The ball fell to Alex Troke whose 8-yard effort deflected and subsequently took the pace off the shot making for an easy 55th minute save for Hathaway.

Cox again would get a sight of goal from yet another set play in the 63rd minute. Callum Burkey’s inswinging corner found Cox drifting towards the far post. The Dynamo centre-back got a powerful right-footed connection on his 5-yard effort from the angle but sent the ball flying over the crossbar.

In a game of corners, Rugby then thought that they had come out on top. A dangerous delivery from the right sailed to the far post where Tyreace Brown headed the ball into the back of the net. The away supporters behind the goal were celebrating until referee Robert Pealing disallowed the 72nd minute goal for an infringement in the area.

Ten minutes from time, Shepshed were presented with their best opportunity to level the scores. Louis Nicholson’s break down the left flank provided the chance to cross. Nicholson’s delivery found Alex Troke whose near post striker was denied incredibly by the feet of Hathaway. A stunning save.

As the full time whistle blew, Rugby’s players, staff and supporters could finally celebrate. The victory made all the more sweet with news that Bedworth’s 2-2 draw with Wellingborough Town means that only a single point separates the two sides. Shepshed will rue missed opportunities but have another chance to get back to winning ways on the road at AFC Rushden and Diamonds on Saturday.

Dynamo: Wallis, Timson, Nicholson, Cox, Peart, Burkey, Dixon (Fankwe 57’), Collins (Dunkley 57’), Samuels (Rogers 67’), Troke, Korpal (Tucker 67’)

Rugby Town: Hathaway, Edwards, Thistleton, Brown, Thomas, Dawkins, Lekuti (Sahota 85’), Elliott (Summerfield 88’), Charles, Nee (Ronald 81’), Flanagan

Attendance: 308