Rugby Borough 1–1 Bourne Town
A first visit to the other football club in Rugby was my first match of the month- and it was a cup tie that went all the way
A bright and breezy February afternoon saw me visit The Nationwide Windows Arena for a UCL Cup Quarter Final. Rugby Borough welcomed Lincolnshire side Bourne for a game that would see two out-of-form teams battling it out.
There was a real low winter sun over this leafy area of Warwickshire, with the ground’s address being in neighbouring Kilsby as opposed to Rugby itself. After a few drinks in town watching the Sunderland game (the less said the better) my party of three hopped in a taxi to the ground. A bus can take you to the ground, but you need to get off in Kilsby and walk over. This isn’t something we had time for.
Admission was £7 and cash or card options were handy. We clicked through the turnstiles just minutes before the two sides made their way onto the pitch. The bar was our first stop, with a good choice of beers for a decent price. We viewed an early Bourne surge up the pitch from within the bar, and the setting sun would be a bit of a viewing hindrance come the second half.
The 4G astroturf pitch has a scoreboard and two small stands lined with orange and white seats, the colours of Rugby Borough. In position along the side of the pitch that Bourne attacked in the first half, the visitors made decent in roads and created some half chances. A header from a set piece wasn’t too far wide and it was a positive start. A free kick from just outside the box was taken by Robbie Ellis, but Borough keeper Meadows made a comfortable save.
At the other end, Rugby were quick on the counter and some quick passing moves threatened to open up Bourne. The visitors stood firm, but it was Rugby who would take the lead. A rare ball in behind the Bourne defence was picked up by Thabang Lethabo Dube who tucked the ball into the bottom corner. This was harsh on Bourne, but Rugby were good value for their lead.
Half time came and as the players went back for their briefing, we headed to the bar. It was a change of ends for both the teams and ourselves as we set up shop behind the goal Bourne would attack in the second half. The visitors pushed hard for the leveller but despite having a lot of the ball it looked like it wouldn’t be their day.
Rugby still looked dangerous on the break and the game could have been put to bed if not for some strong saves by Bourne keeper Daniel Swann. Bourne’s second-half changes freshened things up and they began having a lot more joy down the right-hand side. It was from the right-hand side that a late, late leveller came.
Deep into injury time, Bourne were awarded a corner which from where we were looked as though it was headed out by one of their own players. The delivery into the box was fantastic and the assist can be credited to Bourne keeper Swann who was up for the set piece. Brad Marshall got the final touch and the ball was squeezed just far enough over the line for the linesman to notice.
A draw after 90 minutes was a fair result, but the agony of penalties was to follow. The two sides went blow for blow, but the key moment was Harry Dunn missing his spot kick. Rugby were flawless in the shootout and this made sure they booked a spot in the semi-finals.
It was harsh on Bourne, but they have plenty of big games coming up starting with a FA Vase Quarter Final on Saturday. Promotion is also still on the cards, as it is for Rugby Borough who also sit in the playoff spots. These two sides are at the right end of their respective leagues for good reason, and they served up a good cup tie.
