Nuneaton Town FC advanced to the First Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup with a 1-0 victory away at Rugby Borough on Saturday. Jimmy Armson scored the decisive goal just before half-time, extending his run to three consecutive matches with a goal.
Manager Acton made two changes to the starting eleven from Tuesday's fixture, bringing in Eesa Sawyers and Corey Currithers for Caine Elliott and Jay Snook, who took places on the bench.
First Half
Rugby Borough started with intensity and forced Finn Osborn into an early double save. Nuneaton gradually took control, with Terry Atem causing consistent problems down the right flank.
In the 40th minute, Armson curled an effort straight at the keeper. Sixty seconds later, the breakthrough arrived. Josh Green's long throw created chaos in the Rugby area, with the ball falling to Armson, who fired into an empty net to put Nuneaton ahead at half-time.
Second Half
Rugby Borough pushed hard in search of an equaliser. Nuneaton rode periods of pressure but nearly doubled their lead when Josh Green's powerful strike hit both posts and bounced back to the keeper.
Osborn made another crucial save in the 68th minute, and Roberts cleared the ball off the line to safety. Manager Acton introduced James Harrison, Liam Murphy, and Declan Somel from the bench to protect the narrow lead.
The home team's task became significantly harder in the 78th minute when Rugby Borough's Patrick Zito was sent off for a second yellow card, leaving them with ten men.
Nuneaton pressed with the man advantage. Sawyers curled a beautiful effort towards the corner but was denied by a fingertip save from Rugby keeper Marcus Bald. Harrison then found space down the left wing but his effort was also saved. Murphy's chance minutes later dragged inches wide.
Rugby Borough used smart game management in the final moments, playing the ball into the corner to run down the clock. The attendance at Rugby Borough was 453.
Finn Osborn was named man of the match. The draw for the next round takes place on Monday.
