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Community
Hopefully you have all noticed that we have tried to ‘up our game’ in our approach to community issues. It has been a long standing issue that we have not been promoting ourselves and in tandem, not playing a very active part in our local community. To turn this around, the Board approached me to try and make something of this area of the football club. Below is a snapshot of what has happened so far.
Schools
We have recently signed a new agreement with Extended School Activities (ESA) to run a Stafford Rangers after school football scheme. This scheme will use a qualified FA Coach and will promote health and fitness in primary schools whilst hopefully allowing the football club to find the first team squad of 2018/2019 season! The scheme starts this September within the Borough.
Juniors/Youth Set Up
Effective communication between the Board and the SRFC Juniors set up is a priority. The lines have been reopened between the two and we are both working to help each other and ultimately, attract the best local players and coaches to the football club. All of the coaches and administrative set up of SRFC Juniors/Youth now have a direct point of contact within the club.
(Match Report - FA Youth Cup – Preliminary Round)
Reserves
The club have made the decision to re-invest in the Reserve team and commit the team to a league for this season. With attendance’s and income as they are, this is a big commitment from the club. With the dynamic duo of Mick Hathaway and Tom Holroyd in charge, we are looking to use the majority of the under 18’s which will help provide a future for the football club. Of course, there will be a mix of first teamers and triallists involved with the full backing of Steve Bull. All home games will be well publicized in the local press and keep looking in the programme for reports, scores and fixtures. Entrance will be 2 quid and the lads would really appreciate your support, so please come and support us. The more of you who attend, the more successful the reserves will be.
Beyond the above, we are also looking at increasing our links with the Council and the Staffordshire FA for the benefit of all parties. In coming programmes, I will continue to update you on what is happening but if you have any comments or suggestions, please email at community@staffordrangersfc.co.uk, or just find me at most home games.
Adam Checkley
SRFC Community Relations
Pictured Below, Stafford Rangers in the Community at the recent event held in the Guildhall Centre in conjunction with the ESA
  
FA Youth Cup – Preliminary Round
Stafford Rangers 4 Newcastle Town 0
An entertaining game with two committed sides saw a high tempo Rangers side ease past Newcastle 4 -0 into first qualifying round of the FA Youth Cup.
In a very even opening to the game, each side probed and tested through the midfield, but both defences held strong.
On 10 mins a cross into the box was met by Bettany whose ensuing header caught the Newcastle keeper off balance, but he recovered to hold onto the ball well. Rangers kept the pressure on with Newcastle playing counter-attacking football but Ellis continued to snuff out the danger with a safety-first approach.
On 17, the Newcastle left winger hobbled off with an ankle injury to be replaced by the eventually impressive 16.
Half way through the first half, came the most controversial moment of the game. On the Lotus side, a curling ball was placed through to Phillips who chased on and lobbed the keeper, only for the ball to drop agonisingly wide. After the ball had gone the Newcastle keeper clumsily clattered into the Phillips and knocked him to the floor. Despite protests from the players and support that to the contrary, the referee deemed the challenge to be outside the box and the keeper was lucky to escape with a yellow card.
On 30 came the first real chance of the half when Phillips slid in A Gough on the left wing who darted into the box and attempted to dink it past the rushing keeper. Off balance, the keeper did exceptionally well to hold onto the ball with his finger tips. Rangers kept probing and on 39 they got their reward. A shot from Robinson in the box was rebounded to Tonks who, on the turn, shot into the far corner past the despairing dive of the Newcastle keeper.1-0 Rangers. Buoyed by his goal, Tonks then tried his luck again just before half time, only to be denied by the Newcastle keeper.
The second half continued where the first ended, and Rangers were once again on the attack. Newcastle defended stoutly and blocked everything that was thrown at them.. On 47 the keeper made a fine double save from Phillips and Bettany within seconds of each other, but the keeper’s luck was about to run out.
On 50, an innocuous looking shot from A Gough found its way from 25 yards through the Newcastle defence and under the Newcastle keeper for 2 – 0. However, Rangers were not getting it all their own way. The Newcastle side continued to probe with the pace of 16 on the left wing, who dazzled in his red boots, but was did not have the strength to keep the Rangers defence at bay for long. Immediately after the restart, Newcastle tested Rangers resolve after a free kick was given on the left hand side. A floated ball bobbled around the box only for the Rangers defence to block on the line and get clear.
On 57 Rangers extended their lead to 3 after the excellent Bettany played in Phillips who used his strength to shrug off the defender and fire past the keeper at an acute angle. Rangers were now attacking at will, but Newcastle were posing questions on the counter attack on the left hand side.
The lead was extended for the last time on 67 as Hodnet fed Phillips who calmly tucked the ball under the advancing keeper. The fourth goal rallied Newcastle who were determined to leave with a consolation and keep Orme busy until the final whistle. First no 9 had a shot saved smartly and this was followed swiftly by 16 who shot past the keeper only to see his attempt thwarted by the bar. This was to be Newcastle’s last shot on target as Rangers continued their high tempo passing game, which, on the night, Newcastle could not match.
Team: Orme; Bell; Ellis; Wain; Kroll; Bettany; Jones; Tonks (Warren 85); A Gough (S Gough 70); Phillips; Robinson (Hodnet 52).
Goals: Tonks 39, A Gough 50, Phillips 57, 67.
Att: 113
Rangers MoM : Bettany. |
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