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Alfreton Town 2 Stafford Rangers 0 - B.S.B.N. - Mon 30th August 2010
Stafford Rangers went down by two goals to nil in their Bank Holiday Monday match away to Alfreton Town.
Rangers kept the same starting line up for the fourth consecutive game as forwards Ben Mills and Nick Wellecomme continue to miss out through injury.
Rangers found themselves up against a taller, stronger and quicker side that held the last remaining 100% record in the league at the start of play. Alfreton's England 'C' striker Paul Clayton was the first to create an opening when he turned smartly past Andre Francis before letting go with a good shot that Lee Evans held on to at the second attempt. Soon after, Chris Shaw curled an inswinging free kick just outside of Evans' right hand post.
The home side continued to create chances and Liam Hearn should have done better when the ball fell to him after a scramble in the area but he could only put in a tame shot at Evans. Alfreton finally got themselves in front midway through the half when Josh Law drove in a free kick from the left hand touch line and Clayton was there at the near post to flick the ball past Evans.
Poor finishing saw a number of Alfreton chances wasted and Rangers nearly made them pay when Kelvin Mellor's shot through a crowded penalty area was pushed on to the post by Paddy Gamble.
Alfreton almost went two up just before the break when Clayton combined with Anthony Wilson but Evans made a great stop from Wilson's close range effort.
Rangers were more competitive in the second half but chances were still a rare commodity and Ross Davidson needed to do better when he ran at the Alfreton defence just after the restart but his shot went harmlessly wide. Evans kept Rangers in the game on more than one occasion as he pushed away a powerful shot from Anton Brown and then dived to his right to keep out a header from the same player.
Aden Flint went close for the home side with a couple of headers and Evans saved well again from Hearn after the Alfreton had broken clear. Nathan Arnold put the rebound wide of the empty net.
Any lingering hopes Rangers had of salvaging a draw disappeared in the final minute when Hearn scored from the penalty spot after Alex Forde had tripped Anthony Wilson, giving Alfreton their sixth win out of six this season.
Alfreton Town: Paddy Gamble, Josh Law, Chris Shaw, Aden Flint, Darren Stride (16 Jordan Hall 81m), Matt Wilson, Liam Hearn, Anton Brown, Paul Clayton (15 Nathan Arnold 66m), Anthony Wilson, Connor Franklin.
Unused subs: Ian Ross, Chris Hall, Ross Turner
Stafford Rangers: Lee Evans, Andre Francis, Mark Dudley, Craig McAughtrie, Harry Davis,
Kelvin Mellor, Levi Reid, Ross Davidson, Tyree Clarke (14 Tom Moss 68m), Chris Sterling,
Fabrice Kasiama (15 Alex Forde 81m)
Unused subs: Jon Patrick, Joe Rogers, Tom Harrison
Referee: Mr R Wootton
Attendance: 744
Report by: Chris Elsley
Stafford Rangers 1 Worcester City 1 - B.S.B. North Sat 28th August 2010
Stafford Rangers and Worcester City continued their unbeaten runs and fought out a competitive draw at Marston Road.
Rangers were unchanged after the midweek victory at Ilkeston Town with Joe Rogers replacing the injured Ben Mills on the substitute’s bench. Worcester included four Rangers players in their line-up and came to Marston Road on the back of three successive victories. The visitors had an early opportunity when a mistake by Levi Reid allowed Neil Cartwright to win the ball and his low cross evaded everyone. A foul by Craig McAughtrie on Mark Danks saw the Rangers skipper booked for dissent. From the free-kick taken by Jamie Price, Lee Evans’ punch reached the unmarked Matt Birley and his low drive flew through the crowded penalty area and into the bottom corner. On 20 minutes, Kevin O’Connor jinked past two defenders and his clipped cross hit the arm of André Francis but the referee waved away the penalty appeals. Worcester had the ball in the net again on 27 minutes.
Tom Thorley’s free kick was fired goalwards by Danny Glover but his goalbound effort was deflected into the net by Mark Clyde from an offside position. A rare Rangers incurrence into the Worcester half saw Chris Sterling’s shot on the turn go wide of the post. Rangers were second best in the middle of the park and when Reid lost a 50-50 challenge with Glover, Danks hit his 30 yard effort wide. Rangers created a decent chance three minutes before the break when a long raking ball from Harry Davis picked out Kelvin Mellor but his header was over the bar.
Rangers re-jigged their line-up in the second half with Mellor moving forward to partner Sterling and Tyree Clarke moving to the right hand side of midfield. The aerial presence of Mellor gave a different dimension to the Rangers attack and there was a more balanced look to the home side. Worcester should have doubled their lead 5 minutes into the second half. Danks shrugged off McAughtrie and Francis, rolled the ball away from Evans but delayed his shot and lost possession. Tim Sandercombe cam top Worcester’s rescue after 52 minutes. A cross from Fabrice Kassiama on the Rangers right was met with a spectacular overhead kick from Mellor and the Worcester keeper had to scramble to his right to push the ball away. Sandercombe wasn’t so lucky two minutes later when Rangers grabbed their equalizer.
A deep free-kick from Mark Dudley picked out the unmarked McAughtrie and his header was poked home at close quarters by Sterling. Rangers continued to improve but it was Worcester who went close when Price’s fee-kick was saved by Evans. Rangers went close after 78 minutes. A driving run by Sterling saw him play the ball wide to Kassiama and his cross was fumbled for a corner by Sandercombe. From the resulting Kassiama corner, Mellor climbed above the City defence and his header was tipped over by the flying fingers of Sandercombe. Again, the corner from Kassiama caused problems for Sandercombe and Ross Davidson failed to hit the target with his drive. With the clock ticking, both sides had half chances but a draw was a fair result.
Stafford Rangers: Lee Evans, André Francis, Mark Dudley, Craig McAughtrie, Harry Davis, Kelvin Mellor, Levi Reid, Ross Davidson, Tyree Clarke (Tom Moss 80), Chris Sterling, Fabrice Kassiama
Subs (unused): Jon Patrick, Alex Forde, Joe Rogers, Tom Harrison
Worcester City: Tim Sandercombe, Graham Ward, Jamie Price, Tom Thorley, Tom Evans, Mark Clyde, Neil Cartwright, Kevin O’Connor, Mark Danks, Danny Glover (Marc McGregor 68), Matt Birley (Simon Richman 61)
Subs (unused): Gary Walker, Dan Polan, Mark Wright
Booked: McAughtrie (Stafford), Glover (Worcester)
Referee: P Davies (Altrincham)
Attendance: 557
Report by Gary Hazlehurst
Ilkeston Town 0 Stafford Rangers 2 - B.S.B. North Tues 24th August 2010
A battling performance from Stafford Rangers saw them return home with all 3 points from crisis club Ilkeston Town at The New Manor Ground.
Rangers were unchanged from the side that drew with Guiseley 3 days earlier. After a quiet opening, Rangers took the lead after 15 minutes with the first piece of quality in the game. Tyree Clarke dispossessed Ryan Clarke in the penalty area and played the ball out wide to Fabrice Kassiama. The Congolese midfielder clipped the ball to the far post where the unmarked Kelvin Mellor nodded into the empty net. Rangers went close 10 minutes later when Levi Reid brought out a fine save from Ilson keeper Dan Lowson. Reid missed a great chance two minutes before the break when driving wide after good work from Chris Sterling. Rangers were nearly made to pay in stoppage time. An almighty goal mouth scramble saw Gary Rickets’ header rebound off the cross bar and Chukkie Eribenne return deflected for a corner.
The start of the second half was delayed 20 minutes with a public search for a qualified referee to replace an injured referee’s assistant. Graham Mitchell, a lifelong Rangers supporter, stepped up and ran the line despite struggling to find boots big enough to fit him! The delay seemed to have a negative impact on Stafford and the home side began to dominate territory. On 49 minutes, a fine double save from Lee Evans, first from a free-kick from Laurie Wilson then saving the follow up from Eribenne, kept Rangers in front. Evans picked up a knock in the process and he was later substituted with possible concussion. Rangers missed a chance to seal it when Mellor sidefooted wide after being teed up by Reid.
Evans again came to Rangers rescue saving well from Eribenne as the giant Ilson forward beat the Rangers offside trap. Ilson were now creating chances but failed to hit the target. They were made to pay when Rangers doubled their lead with quarter of an hour remaining. Ross Davidson picked up the ball on the right and his shot was deflected past his own keeper by Liam Green. Both sides had further opportunities but failed to stretch the goalkeepers. The paltry crowd was stunned when the board for additional time at the end of the 90 minutes showed the number 10, partly down to injuries but perceived to be due to time wasting by Rangers keeper, Lee Evans. Thankfully for Chris Brindley’s men, Rangers held firm to clinch a valuable three points.
Ilkeston Town: Lowson, R. Clarke, Green (Lee 78), Dempsey, Wilson, Picton, Graham (Watts 58), Burge, Ricketts, Eribenne, Morgan-Smith.
Subs (unused): Only two named
Rangers: Evans (Harrison 85), Francis, Dudley, McAughtrie, Davis, Mellor, Reid, Davidson, T. Clarke (Mills 69), Sterling, Kassiama (Patrick 79)
Subs (unused): Forde, Moss
Booked: Lee (Ilkeston)
Referee: C Grundy (Sheffield)
Attendance: 292
Report by: Gary Hazlehurst
Stafford Rangers 2 Guiseley 2 - B.S.B. North Saturday 21st August 2010
Injury-hit Stafford Rangers and newly-promoted Guiseley shared the spoils in an entertaining game at Marston Road.
With strikers Ben Mills and Nick Wellecomme absent through injury, Rangers gave starts to Chris Sterling and Tyree Clarke as they attempted to build on the midweek victory against Solihull Moors. Rangers also saw skipper Craig McAughtrie return from suspension with Jon Patrick dropping to the bench. Lee Evans flapped at a cross in the second minute but did enough to knock the ball off the head of James Walshaw. Evans wasn’t so lucky 2 minutes later when a poor punch was knocked back into the box for Walshaw to turn home. Walshaw went close again after 19 minutes, deflecting an effort from Luke Sharry goalwards. Clarke used his pace to race clear but his cross was cut out by Simon Ainge.
Rangers equalized after 21 minutes when Craig McAughtrie’s played the ball into the path of Sterling and the young striker sidefooted the ball past Steven Drench. Guiseley almost regained the lead inside two minutes.
A free-kick from Warren Peyton was met with a firm header by Walshaw but the ball hit the cross bar and bounced to safety. The game was end-to-end and Clarke went close, toe-poking wide after shrugging off his marker. The impressive Walshaw again went close before some trickery from Fabrice Kassiama forced a save from Drench. In stoppage time, Evans did well to turn a free-kick from Peyton past the post before Walshaw missed a glorious chance for Guiseley, volleying over the bar when in an ideal position.
Rangers almost grabbed the lead seconds after the break when Sterling raced through only to be thwarted by a brave save at his feet from Drench. The respite was short lived and Rangers did take the lead after 49 minutes. A poor defensive header by Ainge failed to reach Drench and Clarke stepped in, took the ball past the keeper and rolled the ball into the empty net. Evans came to Rangers rescue saving at the feet of Liam Needham, before the visitors drew level on 57 minutes.
Excellent vision from Gavin Rothery picked out the unmarked Walshaw and he made no mistake to grab his and Guiseley’s second. Guiseley were in complete control and Rangers had to resort to some last ditch defending to preserve the status quo. With 8 minutes left, Lee Evans did well to palm away a free-kick from Peyton and in stoppage time Joe O’Neill’s shot on the turn was straight into the grateful arms of the Rangers keeper as they clung on for a precious and hard earned point.
Stafford Rangers: Lee Evans, André Francis, Mark Dudley, Craig McAughtrie, Harry Davis, Kelvin Mellor, Levi Reid, Ross Davidson, Tyree Clarke (Jon Patrick 83), Chris Sterling, Fabrice Kassiama (Tom Moss 9)
Subs (unused): Alex Forde, Joe Rogers, Tom Harrison
Guiseley: Steven Drench, Ryan Toulson, Dave Merris, Warren Peyton, Danny Ellis, Simon Ainge, Gavin Rothery, Luke Sharry (Tom Penford 90), Joe O’Neill, James Walshaw, Liam Needham
Subs (unused): Jake McEneaney, Darryn Stamp, Steve Burton, Dave Scarsella
Booked: Walshaw (Guiseley)
Referee: Mark Ackerman (Manchester)
Attendance: 438
Report by Gary Hazlehurst
Stafford Rangers 1 Solihull Moors 0 - B.S.B. North Tuesday 17 August 2010
A goal from substitute Chris Sterling was enough to give Stafford Rangers their first win of the season, defeating Solihull Moors in an entertaining match at Marston Road. Sterling had only been on the pitch for a couple of minutes when he struck the only goal of the game on 53 mins following some good work on the left from Fabrice Kasiama.
Both sides played some positive football and Adam Cunnington missed a golden opportunity for the visitors when he blazed over on 7 mins. A minute later, Cunnington glanced a header wide from Joel Grandison's cross.
Rangers responded with Ross Davidson forcing a fingertip save from Jashir Singh. A minute later, Singh made another good stop to keep out a Ben Mills header from a pinpoint cross from Kasiama.
Rangers lost their way a little mid way through the first half and the tall Cunnington who again went close, firstly with a long range drive that Lee Evans pushed away and then seeing a header cleared off the line by Jon Patrick. The half ended with Rangers back on the attack with a series of unproductive free kicks coming their way.
An injury to Ben Mills early in the second half gave Sterling his chance and he immediately made his mark with a well taken goal from inside the area.
Evans had to make saves from Cunnington and Alex Pride in the space of a minute to maintain the Stafford lead.
Rangers missed out on several chances to add to their score as they began to look more comfortable with their lead. Kasiama again produced some excellent football before Levi Reid drove his shot wide then Davidson just failed to convert a centre from Sterling.
After being set free by Sterling, Wellecomme was denied by Theo Streete with a challenge that had Rangers appealing unsuccessfully for a penalty, but for Wellecomme, it was game over as he hobbled off with a foot injury.
In added time, Kasiama almost capped off a super second half display with a goal when his shot flashed off the Solihull cross bar.
Stafford Rangers: Lee Evans, Andre Francis, Jon Patrick, Mark Dudley, Harry Davis, Kelvin Mellor, Levi Reid, Ross Davidson, Ben Mills (Chris Sterling 51m), Nick Wellecomme (Alex Forde 84m), Fabrice Kasiama.
Unused subs: Tom Moss, Joe Rogers, Tom Harrison
Solihull Moors: Jashir Singh, Colm Tiernan, Dominic Langdon, Alex Pride, Theo Streete, Charlie O'Loughlin, Joel Grandison (Ross Dempster 77m), Junior English, Adam Cunnington (Dean Lea 75m), Sam Adkins (Mark Gardner 79m), Ryan Beswick.
Only 3 subs named
Referee: Mr R Bartlett
Attendance: 501
Report by: Chris Elsley
Boston United 1 Stafford Rangers 0 - B.S.B. North 14th August 2010
Stafford Rangers began the Blue Square Bet North season in disappointing fashion with a defeat at newly promoted Boston United.
Rangers gave starts to two 19-year old loanees from Crewe Alexandra, Harry Davis in central defence and Kelvin Mellor is central midfield. The Pilgrims, buoyant following their promotion from the Unibond league, started brightly with Yates firing wide from a free-kick. Rangers settled quickly and passed the bass nicely without showing any real cutting edge. Fabrice Kassiama tried his luck from distance but the ball sailed over the bar. Boston continued to create opportunities but thankfully for Rangers, they failed to trouble Lee Evans. It took Rangers 25 minutes to make any real inroads. Skipper Ben Mills’ 25 yard effort was straight at McKeown and then after combining with Nick Wellecomme, he failed to hit the target.
The home side took the lead on the half hour and it was a goal of simplicity. Another pinpoint cross from Yates, saw Church rise above the Rangers defence and plant his header into the top corner. Rangers wasted an excellent chance to draw level, 5 minutes before the break. Good approach play from Rangers saw Mellor spin his defender and play a perfectly weighted ball into the path of Mills. The big striker chose to sidefoot the ball straight at keeper McKeown when a more powerful finish was called for.
The second half was all Boston. A minute into the half, Rangers were indebted to Lee Evans who made a flying fingertip save to thwart Semple. A clever ball over the top of the Rangers defence picked out Church whose shot was brilliantly blocked by Jon Patrick. From the resulting corner, Levi Reid was on hand to clear Canoville’s shot off the line. Mellor was the next to provide a goal line clearance blocking an effort from Murphy. Boston should have doubled their lead on 55 minutes.
An overlap from Canoville saw a whipped cross into the rangers box. The ball evaded everyone, picked out Weir-Daley at the far post but the striker failed to control the ball and the chance was missed.
Boston missed an even better chance after 69 minutes. A cross from Semple found Newsham at the far post but he failed to get enough on the ball allowing Evans to scramble back and grab the ball on the line.
A rare Rangers foray forward saw Sterling flick the ball goalwards but the ball was straight into the arms of McKeown. Boston introduced former Rangers triker Danny Davidson into the fray and he received a warm welcome from the travelling support. Boston again went close when Davidson played the ball inside to Hunter and his shot rattled the upright. The rebound fell to Davidson but he was unable to provide the finish. In stoppage time, Davidson set-up Cullingworth but his shot was deflected past the post by Davis.
Boston United: James McKeown, Lee Canoville, Gareth Jellyman, Anthony Church, Shaun Pearson, Kieran Murphy, Jamie Yates (Danny Davidson 69), Danny Sleath, Marc Newsham, Spencer Weir-Daley (Miles Hunter 86), Ryan Semple (James Cullingworth 86).
Subs (unused): Harry Deane, Aaron Butcher
Rangers: Lee Evans, André Francis, Jon Patrick, Mark Dudley, Harry Davis, Kelvin Mellor (Chris Sterling 70), Levi Reid, Ross Davidson, Ben Mills, Nick Wellecomme, Fabrice Kassiama (Tom Moss 85)
Subs (unused): Alex Forde, Joe Rogers, Tom Harrison
Referee: Nigel Smith
Attendance: 1604
Report by Gary Hazlehurst
Stafford Rangers 1 Nantwich Town 1 - 7th August 2010
Stafford Rangers grabbed a late equaliser to draw with Northern Premier League Nantwich in their final pre-season friendly.
With the start of the league campaign only 7 days away, Rangers fielded a makeshift defence with Craig McAughtrie and Jermaine Johnson missing.
The Dabbers, managed by former Rangers midfielder Kevin Street, should have taken the lead after 15 seconds but the normally reliable Michael Lennon lifted the ball over the bar. Former Derby County striker, Marvin Robinson proved to be a handful all afternoon and he forced Lee Evans into a fine save after shrugging off the challenge from Gavin Caines. Rangers first attempt came on the quarter hour when Ben Mills headed over a cross from Alex Forde. Jon Patrick sent Fabrice Kassiama clear on the left and his left-footed drive just skimmed the post. Nantwich took the lead after 31 minutes. Lennon fed Robinson in the inside right channel and his low cross was turned in at the far post by Ashley Carter. It should have been two a minute later when Caines’ slip let in Robinson but with only Evans to beat, the big striker’s effort hit the corner flag. Nantwich continued to dominate and Michael Carr was wide with a volley after excellent approach play by Robinson.
With Chris Brindley’s words ringing in their ears, Rangers were a more determined side after the break and Caines put a header wide from a Dominic Merella free kick. Rangers should have equalised on 52 minutes. A clever ball from Kassiama was perfectly weighted for Nick Wellecomme but the striker pulled his shot wide when he should have hit the target. Kassiama was again the architect 3 minutes later and Merella was the culprit this time as he blazed well wide.
Nantwich could have sealed their win on 59 minutes. A cross from Jake Sedgemore picked out Robinson in the box but he took an age to settle himself and somehow Evans managed to avert the danger. Rangers equalised on 78 minutes when Ben Mills out jumped keeper Ben Chapman and headed the ball into an empty net following a long ball from Mark Dudley. With time almost up, Dabbers sub Jordan Foster rounded keeper Evans but the angle was too tight for a finish.
Stafford Rangers: Lee Evans, André Francis (Joe Rogers 55), Jon Patrick, Mark Dudley, Gavin Caines, Alex Ford, Dominic Merella, Ross Davidson, Ben Mills, Nick Wellecomme (Chris Sterling 63), Fabrice Kassiama
Subs (unused): Tom Moss, Chris Brindley, Tom Harrison
Nantwich Town: Ben Chapman, Lee McNulty (Danny Kirkham 65), Dave Tickle, Danny Adams, Darren Tinson (Danny Griggs 71), Jake Sedgemore, Kylie Blake, Michael Carr, Marvin Robinson (Nathan Souther 83), Michael Lennon (Jordan Foster 83), Ashley Carter
Subs (unused): Josh Lane
Attendance: 200
Report by Gary Hazlehurst
Stafford Rangers 2 Port Vale 3 - Tuesday 3rd August 2010
Stafford Rangers went down to an odd goal defeat to a youthful Port Vale side.
Rangers gave starts to triallists Gavin Caines and Nathan Woolfe as they continued their preparation for their tilt at Blue Square North. The visitors included former Rangers defender Richie Sutton in their starting eleven.
Port Vale almost took the lead after 24 seconds but the impressive Anthony Malbon lobbed the ball over the bar. A back heel from Malbon teed up Louis Dodds after 4 minutes but his shot grazed the Rangers cross bar. Rangers first attempt on goal came courtesy of a Ben Mills header from a Mark Dudley free-kick. Nathan Woolfe drove a shot wide before Ben Mills missed the target from a Fabrice Kassiama cross. Rangers had keeper Tom Harrison to thank when the youngster pulled off two excellent saves thwarting Malbon ay his near post and then tipping over a volley from Dodds. Rangers had an excellent chance just before the break when Levi Reid played an inch perfect ball into Ben Mills but the Rangers striker failed to make contact.
The visitors took the lead after 47 minutes. A pinpoint cross from Dodds picked out Malbon at the far post and he slid the ball home. Rangers equalised within two minutes. Kassiama chased down a through ball and his cross was not taken by Johnson. The bell fell invitingly to Reid who finished with aplomb. Vale regained the lead after 62 minutes. Excellent approach play saw Rob Taylor’s shot strike the post but Dodds was on hand to rifle home the rebound. Malbon almost doubled the visitor’s lead but his shot was somehow scrambled off the line. Rangers should have equalised after 73 minutes. Nick Wellecomme was played clean through but his shot was against the legs of keeper Johnson.
Port Vale scored their third on 82 minutes and it was the best of the night. An excellent run from McLeod saw the ball played into Malbon and the striker flicked the ball past Evans. Rangers were not done yet and they pulled a goal back two minutes later when Woolfe marked his debut with a goal, heading home a superb cross from Joe Rogers. With barely a minute left on the clock, Rangers almost snatched an equaliser but Johnson did well to save Kassiama’s effort.
Stafford Rangers: Tom Harrison (Lee Evans 45), Alex Forde (Jon Patrick 83), Mark Dudley, Gavin Caines, Craig McAughtrie, Fabrice Kassiama, Levi Reid (Joe Rogers 83), Ross Davidson, Ben Mills (Chris Sterling 68), Nick Wellecomme, Nathan Woolfe
Subs (unused): Scott Embury
Port Vale: Sam Johnson, Charlie Raglan, Kris Taylor (Kris Cox 68), Joel Ndombasi, Richie Sutton, Matty Bell, Kevin McLeod (Grant Jefferies 87), Ryan Lloyd (Liam Rice 74), Anthony Malbon, Louis Dodds (Joe Davis 68), Rob Taylor (Ryan Connolly 68)
Subs (unused): Mark Cooper
Attendance: 463
Report by: Gary Hazlehurst
Stafford Town 2 Stafford Rangers 3 - Saturday 31st July 2010
STAFFORD Rangers made it four successive pre-season victories with a reasonably comfortable victory over neighbouring Stafford Town.
In what was their first ever visit to Evans Park, Rangers went into the friendly without a recognised goalkeeper after Tom Harrison cried off with a mouth infection and last season’s top scorer Nick Wellcomme took up the gloves.
Rangers manager Chris Brindley also gave first starts to Fabrice Kasiama and Dominic Merella, who finished last season with the Boro, but who had not figured in the previous four friendlies and both figured prominently as Rangers dominated the first half, taking a 3-0 lead. As the visiting defence kept the pressure off Wellecomme it was Merella who cut the ball back for Levi Reid to thump the first past a helpless Paul Burn in the home goal on 18 minutes.
Two minutes later, Merella was again the provider, crossing to the back post for Andre Francis, whose header came down off the bar and trialist Chris Sterling tapped in.
It was virtually all Rangers in the first period and further chances came and went before the visitors increased the lead. Kasiama collected on the corner of the Town area and beat Burn with a curling shot.
However, Town surprised Rangers by cutting the deficit on 53 minutes when Matt Buckham replied with a similar effort from the edge of the area.
Kasiama then saw his 18 yard drive rebound off the Town bar, before the home side surprised Rangers again when Ishmale Reid, brother of Levi, beat Wellecomme with a low drive.
Brindley sent on Ben Mills midway through the second half, but good defending by Craig McAughtrie denied Town substitute Sam Hollingsworth a possible equaliser.
Rangers went close to adding to their tally in the closing stages as efforts from Mills and Merella were blocked.
Rangers team: Wellecomme, Rogers, Patrick, Francis, McAughtrie, Goodhead, Reid, Forde, Sterling, Merella, Kasiama. Subs (used), Mills, Embury;
Att: Appox 250.
Report by Dave McLean - Staffordshire Newsletter
ROCESTER 0 STAFFORD RANGERS 1 - Tuesday 27th July 2010
Rangers got off to a flying start against Midland Alliance club Rocester.
Striker Chris Sterling netted what proved to be the winning goal after just 19 seconds. Sterling seized an early opportunity after a mistake by the home keeper and a blocked attempt by strike partner Nick Wellecomme.
Sterling maybe should have added a second on 27 minutes after he ran onto a long ball out of defence from Craig McAughtrie and it was this duo again 4 minutes later who combined to create a chance, this time blocked by former rangers reserves player Sam Wain.
Manager Chris Brindley chose this game to try out a few more trialists with Levi Reid, Jermaine Johnson. Niall Maguire and Ben Mills all nursing injuries and Andre Francis unavailable.
Another useful pre-season workout with a positive result.
Hednesford Town 2 Stafford Rangers 3 (Chase Cup) - Saturday 24th July
(Rangers win 4-2 on aggregate)
STAFFORD Rangers lifted the Chase Trophy for the first time after completing a winning double over local rivals Hednesford Town.
It was an encouraging, workmanlike performance by Chris Brindley’s side who, having held a one goal advantage from the first leg, virtually had the tie sewn up with two goals in three minutes towards the end of the first period.
Rangers looked the most likely scorers in a first period that saw both sides create chances. Ten minutes from the break, good approach work lead to Levi Reid squaring the ball to trialist Tom Moss, whose initial shot was parried by home keeper Dan Crane, but he tucked away the follow up.
Three minutes later, Rangers were very much in the driving seat as the tireless Nick Wellecomme flicked on a long clearance into the path of Ben Mills and he held off challenges from two home defenders to fire home.
However, the Pitmen pulled a goal back on 43 minutes when Dave Bridgwater converted a penalty, awarded for what the referee judged was a push by Craig McAughtrie on Craig Marshall.
That gave Town the incentive to press at the start of the second half and Craig Clements levelled the scores with a well struck goal that curled round Tom Harrison on the hour.
But Rangers were not to be denied and former Derby County defender Jermaine Johnson met a corner from Moss to head home Rangers’ winner on 64 minutes.
Rangers team: Harrison, Johnson, Patrick, Goodhead, McAughtrie, Ford, Reid, Davidson, Mills, Wellecomme, Moss. Subs: Love (for Johnson 67), Brindley, Maguire (for Ford 63), Sterling (for Mills 73), Jones.
Report by Dave McLean - Staffordshire Newsletter
Stafford Rangers 1 Hednesford Town 0 (Chase Cup)
Stafford Rangers take a one- nil lead to Keys Park as they won an entertaining game in the first leg of the Chase Cup.
Rangers welcomed back Craig McAughtrie and Levi Reid to the starting line-up and gave a trial to former Kidderminster midfielder Dean Bennett. The visitors included former Rangers players Chris Clements and Dorryl Proffitt in their squad.
Southern Premier Hednesford almost made the perfect start when Marshall shot into the side netting after only 8 seconds. Nick Wellecomme wasted a good opportunity after a minute when he delayed his shot following a good cross from Tom Moss. Wellecomme was again too slow on 10 minutes when presented with a shooting opportunity by Ben Mills. André Francis came to Rangers rescue with an excellent block to thwart Marshall. Ben Mills went on an excellent run but his effort was blocked by Pitmen keeper, Crane. The game continued to be end to end and Tom Harrison did well making a diving catch from a Mark Bellingham effort. A poor defensive header from Francis fell invitingly for Clements but his 35 yard volley was just over the bar. Hednesford should have opened the scoring after 25 minutes. Excellent work by Bellingham found Marshall in front of an empty net but his shot was dragged wide. A pinpoint cross from the impressive Moss found the head of Mills, but his header flew over the bar. Hednesford missed another glorious opportunity on 38 minutes. Clever approach play from Bellingham and Marshall found Clements who drifted through the static Rangers back-line but his shot beat the advancing Harrison and the post. Rangers made Hednesford pay for their profligacy by taking the lead two minutes later. An incisive ball from Dean Bennett was controlled by Wellecomme and played into the path of Mills who beat Crane with a low drive.
Rangers started the second half slowly allowing Hednesford to build up pressure. Marshall attempted the spectacular but his overhead kick clipped the cross bar. Marshall missed a god chance heading over a cross from Platt. Rangers did not create an opportunity until the 74th minute when Levi Reid beat his defender but shot wide. Harrison was forced into a full length save from a Bellingham free-kick as the Pitmen continued to press for an equaliser. It was Rangers who were next to show, with Mills forcing Crane to save with his legs. The impressive Bennett forced Crane into a further save as the defences began to tire. Harrison was again called into action, saving from Bellingham after the Pitmen striker had shrugged off the challenge from Grant Goodhead. Hednesford’s afternoon of missed chances was completed four minutes from time when Watkins fired wide after being teed up by Clements.
Stafford Rangers: Tom Harrison, André Francis, Jon Patrick, Grant Goodhead, Craig McAughtrie, Dean Bennett, Levi Reid, Ross Davidson, Ben Mills, Nick Wellecomme, Tom Moss (Ben Love 64)
Subs (unused): Niall Maguire, Charlie Jones, Ollie Parker, Justin Worthington
Hednesford Town: Dan Crane, Sean Platt (Jamey Osborne 64), Aaron Gibson (Scott Fuller 54), Ben Bailey, Louis Keenan, Jay Denny, Elliott Durrell (Dorryl Proffitt 35), Dave Bridgwater (Aaron Roberts 84), Mark Bellingham, Craig Marshall (John Watkins 71), Chris Clements
Attendance: 372
Gary Hazlehurst
Biddulph Victoria 3 Stafford Rangers 2 - Friendly Tue 13th July 2010
Despite two Danny Glover goals, Rangers were beaten in their opening pre-season game at Midland Alliance Biddulph.
Rangers took the lead after 25 minutes when Danny Glover headed home a pinpoint cross from Ben Love. Rangers held the lead until the hour mark when Biddulph equalised with a far post header. Within a minute the home side were ahead, one of numerous Biddulph subs hitting a screamer from 25 yards into the roof of the net. Biddulph extended their lead with 8 minutes remaining when the livewire Biddulph sub grabbed his second of the game, capitalising on a mistake by Parker and lobbing Harrison, Rangers pulled a goal back with 5 minutes remaining. Ross Davidson waltzed through the midfield and played the ball perfectly for Glover who finished with style.
A disappointing result but Chris Brindley will have learnt something about his players. Triallists Love and Maguire were certainly worth another look and the partnership between Mills and Glover augurs well for the future.
RANGERS:
1. Tom Harrison
2. André Francis (captain)
3. Jon Patrick
4. Niall Maguire
5. Justin Worthington
6. Grant Goodhead
7. Ben Love
8. Ross Davidson
9. Ben Mills
10. Nick Wellecomme
11. Danny Glover
12. Tom Moss (for Love 62)
13. Charlie Jones (for Goodhead 75)
14. Joe Rogers (for Wellecomme 68)
15. Ollie Parker (for Patrick 80)
16. Chris Brindley
Workington 1 Stafford Rangers 1 - B.S.N. Sat 24th April 2010
Ten-man Stafford Rangers completed their season with a creditable draw against play-off bound Workington at a sunny Borough Park.
Rangers were unchanged from the side that beat Gainsborough in their last game while Workington, destined for a play-off semi-final against Alfreton Town, rested five players with their eyes focused on the battles to come. Workington almost made the perfect start when Lee Evans fumbled a cross from Wright but the danger was averted. The home side came close to opening the scoring after seven minutes when Evans was forced to palm a shot from Shannon round the post. Clever play from Arnison gave Blake an opportunity but the youngster chose to pass when a shot was a better option. Little was seen from Rangers as an attacking force until Reid managed to get the wrong side of the Reds defence but his shot was blocked by Hewson. Against the run of play, Rangers took the lead after 29 minutes. Danny Glover flicked the ball into the path of Nick Wellecomme who beat his defender with a clever flick and then hit a low drive past Taylor in the Workington goal. Evans came to Rangers rescue after 36 minutes when Hindmarch picked out the overlapping Hewson and the shot from the right back was well saved by Rangers player of the season. Evans was called upon again to block an effort from Arnison as Workington looked for an equalizer. Rangers defence was standing firm and skipper Craig McAughtrie was on hand to block a drive from Hindmarch.
Rangers started the second half in confident mood and when Dominic Merella’s shot was blocked, Wellecomme volleyed the rebound high and wide. Wellecomme then combined well with Danny Glover but the Port Vale loanee’s effort was blocked. On the hour mark, a corner from Blake fell to May but his shot was deflected for another corner. This time, Blake’s delivery picked out Anthony Wright at the far post who volleyed home. Rangers were reduced to ten men after 63 minutes when skipper McAughtrie was red carded for foul and abusive language after a ‘conversation’ with the linesman. The ten men of Stafford continued to look comfortable and despite Workington throwing three substitutes into the fray, keeper Evans remained untroubled. Rangers went closest to snatching all three points but Tom Thorley’s stoppage time 25-yarder was saved by Taylor.
Workington: Aaran Taylor, Dave Hewson, Gari Rowntree (Jonny Wright 64), Kyle May, Andy Langford, Jonny Blake, Stephen Hindmarch (Conor Tinnion 76), Adam Main (Phil McLuckie 64), Dan Shannon, Gareth Arnison, Anthony Wright
Subs (unused): Shaun Vipond, Tony Caig
Rangers: Lee Evans, Ashley Woolliscroft (André Francis 39), Fabrice Kassiama, Tom Thorley, Grant Goodhead, Craig McAughtrie, Levi Reid, Ross Davidson, Nick Wellecomme, Danny Glover, Dominic Merella
Subs (unused): Jon Patrick, Joe Rogers, James Davis, Tom Harrison
Booked: Langford (Workington), Goodhead (Stafford)
Sent Off: McAughtrie (Stafford)
Attendance: 656
Referee: PT Kettlewell
Report by Gary Hazlehurst
Stafford Rangers 2 Gainsborough Trinity 1 - B.S.N. Sat 17th April 2010
Stafford Rangers finished their home campaign with a second rare league double over Gainsborough Trinity.
Rangers welcomed back Craig McAughtrie and Levi Reid to the starting line-up after injury and illness respectively. It was the visitors that started the brighter and they almost took the lead after 4 minutes. A shot from Ryan Toulson was saved by Evans into the path of Luke Beckett but his goalbound header was blocked on the line by Ashley Wooliscroft. Beckett missed a glorious chance three minutes later heading over the bar from a Toulson long throw. Trinity continued to ask all the questions and Lewis McMahon was unfortunate to see his shot rebound off the post with Evans beaten. The visitors took the lead after 12 minutes. A deep cross from Mark Greaves found its way to Toulson at the far post. The full back lofted the ball back into the box and Beckett was on hand to head home.
The goal shook Rangers out of the doldrums with Tom Thorley forcing Philip Barnes to save with his legs. Gainsborough seemed content to sit on their lead with Rangers making no impression as an attacking force. Toulson had claims for a penalty turned down after clashing with Fabrice Kassiama. Rangers first worthwhile effort on goal came after 35 minutes when Danny Glover’s shot on the turn flashed wide of the post.
The second half continued in similar soporific mood with little to encourage the sun-drenched spectators. After 57 minutes, Ashley Burbeary played a neat ball inside to Lewis McMahon who turned Goodhead but shot over the bar. With 20 minutes remaining, Stafford finally began to get a grip of the game. Levi Reid saw his shot blocked by Gavin Cowan as Rangers strove for an equaliser. A cross from Dominic Merella was headed over his own bar by Cowan before Rangers grabbed the equaliser with 8 minutes remaining. Rangers were awarded a dubious free-kick on the edge of the area when Glover was adjudged to have been blocked. Thorley’s free-kick was saved by Barnes but Nick Wellecomme followed and forced the ball over the line despite the best efforts of Mark Robinson to clear the ball off the line.
Stafford now had three points in their sights and their second goal came after 87 minutes. A driving run from Thorley sent Reid clear down the left. Reid drilled the ball low towards goal where it was missed by both Trinity central defenders and the ball found its way into the bottom corner. Ross Davidson almost put the icing on the cake a minute from time when his delightful chip rebounded off the bar with Barnes well beaten.
Stafford Rangers: Lee Evans, Ashley Wooliscroft (Jon Patrick 90), Fabrice Kasiama, Tom Thorley, Grant Goodhead, Craig McAughtrie, Levi Reid, Ross Davidson, Nick Wellecomme, Danny Glover, Dominic Merella (André Francis 75)
Subs (unused): James Davis, Joe Rogers, Tom Harrison
Gainsborough Trinity: Philip Barnes, Ryan Toulson (Ashley Burbeary 42), Mark Robinson, Mark Greaves, Gavin Cowan, Andrew Boyce, Darren Williams (Wesley Parker 64), James Hunt, Lewis McMahon, Luke Beckett (Darryn Stamp 83), Nathan Peat
Subs (unused): Joshua Davies, Gareth Grant
Referee: Miss Garrett
Attendance: 506
Gary Hazlehurst
Gloucester City 2 Stafford Rangers 0 B.S.N. – Sat 10 APRIL 2010
(played at the Corinium Stadium, Cirencester)
A goal at the start of each half was enough to sink Stafford Rangers in their match at Gloucester City last Saturday but the defeated Marston Roaders at least had the consolation of learning that their future in the league had been assured following Harrogate Town's loss at home to Blyth Spartans.
Rangers went into the game without two of their most experienced players after Craig McAughtrie (injured) and Levi Reid (unwell) both reported absent ahead of the journey. There was a surprise return for Nick Wellecomme following his non appearance at Solihull Moors on Easter Monday while Jon Patrick also returned to the starting line up following a ten match absence due to injury.
On a hard, bumpy pitch that made conditions difficult, Rangers almost made the perfect start with less than two minutes on the clock. Fabrice Kasiama delivered an inswinging centre with the outside of his left boot that glanced off the cross bar before being cleared. Gloucester quickly went on the attack and Lee Evans made two saves in a matter of seconds as he beat away a shot from Lee Smith and then pushed over a looping header from Mike Symons. But it was from the resultant corner that Marc Richards was allowed to head Gloucester in front on 4 mins.
Rangers recovered from this early set back to match their opponents who were also fighting their own battle against relegation and another Kasiama centre caused problems for the home side with keeper Mike Green being forced to push the ball over the bar. Smith dragged a shot wide for Gloucester before Danny Glover did likewise at the other end after Stafford's best move of the half.
A well placed free kick from from Tom Thorley found Wellecomme in space but, rather than take the chance of a first time header, the leading scorer chose to control and that allowed Neil Mustoe to clear. Shortly after Green had been cautioned for handling outside of his area, Patrick put in a good strike from 30 yards out but it was straight at the Gloucester keeper.
Whether or not news of Harrogate's half time score (they were 4-1 down at the time) had reached the Rangers players or not, who can tell, but they were certainly not on full alert when Symons played the ball in for Will Morford to double Gloucester's lead just four minutes after the restart.
Neither side then posed a real threat for some twenty minutes until Smith hit the Stafford bar from 18 yards out. Evans did well to keep out another effort from Smith following a slip from Kasiama before Niekell Plummer put the rebound wide. The closest Rangers came to getting on the score sheet was with virtually the last kick of the game when Tom Thorley's deflected strike struck the Gloucester bar.
GLOUCESTER CITY: 1 Mike Green 2 Neil Mustoe 3 Jack Harris 4 Marc Richards 5 Tom Hamblin 6 Matt Rose 7 Lee Smith 8 Tom Webb (capt) 9 Will Morford (14 Niekell Plummer 76m) 10 Mike Symons (17 Jack Pitcher 67m) 11 Ryan O'Hara (15 Greg Lake 60m)
Unused subs: 12 Lee Molyneaux 16 Rob Aldrich
STAFFORD RANGERS: 1 Lee Evans 2 Ashley Wooliscroft (capt) 3 Jon Patrick (14 James Davis 70m) 4 Tom Thorley 5 Grant Goodhead 6 Andre Francis (12 Joe Rogers 76m) 7 Fabrice Kasiama 8 Ross Davidson 9 Nick Wellecomme 10 Danny Glover 11 Dominic Merella
Unused subs: 15 Chris Brindley 17 Tom Harrison
Report by Chris Elsley
Solihull Moors 1 Stafford Rangers 1 - B.S.N. Monday 5 APRIL 2010
Stafford Rangers picked up a point in their Bank Holiday fixture away to Solihull Moors on Monday. Rangers were forced to make one change from the side that beat Vauxhall Motors as skipper Nick Wellecomme failed to show up following a fall out after Saturday's match. Into the side came Andre Francis who played wide right while Dominic Merella switched to partner Danny Glover in attack.
There wasn't a great deal for the fans to cheer in the early stages and the game was approaching the 15 min mark before either goal came under serious threat but, on that occasion, Jake Edwards' shot rolled through tamely to Stafford keeper Lee Evans. A slip from Fabrice Kasiama let in Ryan Amoo soon after but Evans was alert to the danger and made a good save.
Rangers were finding it hard to get beyond the Solihull back line where Theo Streete was winning everything that came his way but an error from the Solihull defender gave Glover a hope but Danny Crane came out to win the 50-50 ball. Crane was again in action five minutes before the break when he had to push a looping header from Glover over the bar.
The second half was faring little better until a quick free kick from Kasiama picked out Glover on the edge of the area. The Port Vale loanee touched the ball into the path of Merella whose quick movement created the opening and he fired past Crane to give Stafford the lead on 58 mins. But it was to be short lived joy for Rangers. Within seconds, Craig McAughtrie had tripped Alex Price and Edwards levelled the scores from the spot.
Solihull raised their game and Tim Gould flashed a shot just wide while Evans pushed a header from Amoo against the post before grabbing the ball at the second opportunity. Edwards sent in a powerful drive straight at Edwards while Glover went close to grabbing the match winner for Stafford when his header was blocked instinctively by Crane.
SOLIHULL MOORS: 1 Danny Crane 2 Danny Miley 3 Phil Midworth 4 Theo Streete 5 Liam Murray 6 Alex Price (16 Lee Downes 84m) 7 Junior English 8 Tim Gould 9 Jake Edwards (12 Mark Gardner 82m) 10 Ross Dempster (14 Dean Lea 72m) 11 Ryan Amoo
Unused subs: 15 Indy Khela 17 Jamie Atkins
STAFFORD RANGERS: 1 Lee Evans 2 Ashley Wooliscroft 3 Fabrice Kasiama 4 Tom Thorley 5 Grant Goodhead 6 Craig McAughtrie 7 Levi Reid (12 Jon Patrick 72m) 8 Ross Davidson 9 Andre Francis 10 Danny Glover 11 Dominic Merella
Unused subs: 14 Joe Rogers 15 James Davis 16 Chris Brindley 17 Tom Harrison
Referee: Mr G C Law
Attendance: 236
Report by Chris Elsley
Stafford Rangers 3 Vauxhall Motors 1 – B.S.N. Saturday 3 APRIL 2010
Stafford Rangers took a major step forward in their battle to avoid relegation with victory over struggling Vauxhall Motors. The result meant that Wirral based Vauxhall can no longer catch the Boro while bottom club Harrogate Town were 16 points behind with just seven games remaining.
With the same starting line up that went close to upsetting leaders Fleetwood a week earlier, Rangers got off to a perfect start when Danny Glover slid the ball under Vauxhall keeper James Coates after just 36 seconds of play.
They nearly doubled the lead a couple of minutes later when Ross Davidson forced a save from Coates but it was the visitors who got themselves on the score sheet after 5 mins when Brian Moogan scored from the penalty spot after Josh Wilson had been tripped. It wasn't long before Rangers were back in front. Craig McAughtrie did well to keep the ball in play following an over hit corner and his cross was met by fellow central defender Grant Goodhead who restored the lead after 16 mins.
Tom Thorley fired straight at Coates after some first time passing had created the opening and Glover headed over as Rangers continued to look the most threatening. In between, Vauxhall had seen a couple of chances fall their way but Josh MacAuley sliced badly wide while Wilson also went wide after his initial effort had been blocked by Nick Wellecomme.
Rangers' third goal came on 37 mins. A long ball from McAughtrie sent Levi Reid away on the left and his cross was met by Dominic Merella who finished smartly with a side footed volley past Coates. There could have been more goals before the break as Glover (twice) and Merella both forced saves out of the Vauxhall keeper.
The visitors showed more fight in the second half. A nice turn on the edge of the area by Wilson created himself some space but his shot went over the bar. Both sides were sending in shots on goal but it was all from distance and neither keeper was seriously threatened in the opening twenty minutes of the half.
Lee Evans then had to react well to keep out a header from Wilson following a corner then he made a brave save a couple of minutes later when subs Lee Furlong and Karl Noon broke clear but Evans came out quickly to block the Noon's shot.
Taking the warning on board, Rangers looked for a fourth that would have put the game out of reach. Wellecomme had a shot saved by Coates and an acrobatic effort from Andre Francis was blocked on the line. Coates saved well from Glover before Wellecomme produced the miss of the match, putting the ball over the bar from less than a yard out after a superb run from Reid.
In the end, Rangers had to settle for the their three first half goals but they were enough to enable them to record their first victory in twelve games.
STAFFORD RANGERS: 1 Lee Evans 2 Ashley Wooliscroft 3 Fabrice Kasiama 4 Tom Thorley 5 Grant Goodhead 6 Craig McAughtrie 7 Levi Reid 8 Ross Davidson 9 Nick Wellecomme 10 Danny Glover 11 Dominic Merella (12 Andre Francis 69m)
Unused subs: 14 Jon Patrick 15 James Davis 16 Joe Rogers 17 Tom Harrison
VAUXHALL MOTORS: 1 James Coates 2 Lee Owens 3 Lee Dames 4 Chris Lane 5 Brian Moogan 6 Jonathan Egerton 7 Chris Noone (12 Lee Furlong 60m) 8 Paul Brown 9 Josh MacAuley (16 Karl Noon 60m) 10 Josh Wilson 11 Tom Grice (15 Keith Smith 69m)
Unused subs: 14 Anthony Wright 17 Zharir Mustafa
Referee: Mr M T Jones
Attendance: 463
Report by Chris Elsley
Stafford Rangers 2 Fleetwood Town 2 B.S.N. – Saturday 27 MARCH 2010
Stafford Rangers twice let the lead slip but this was still a valuable point gained against the Blue Square North leaders. After poor performances in their previous two home games, manager Chris Brindley brought in a couple of new faces with Ross Davidson and Danny Glover both joining on loan from Port Vale. Midfielder Davidson had actually started the season with Rangers before returning to Vale Park.
Both players added bite to Stafford's game and allowed Dominic Merella to stay in a wide right position – one which led to him creating the opening goal of the afternoon on 13 mins. A minute earlier, a flick from Davidson had sent Merella clear. He chose to pass to Levi Reid instead of taking the shot himself but Reid's effort struck Shaun Beeley on the line. But when Merella got away again, he sent in a first time centre that keeper Danny Hurst could only manage to push into the path of Reid and this time there was no mistake.
Fleetwood, whose early plans had been unsettled by a nasty looking injury to Sean Clancy after just six minutes – the midfielder having to leave the field looking heavily concussed – responded with two headers from Jamie Maguire that weren't too far off the target while leading scorer Adam Warlow also missed out on a couple of openings that came his way.
Fleetwood had control of the game and Maguire forced an acrobatic save from Maguire before Ashley Wooliscroft went close for Stafford when his drive from 18 yards was deflected for a corner.
Fleetwood got back on level terms eight minutes into the second half when a deep centre from Beeley caused problems at the back. Nathan Pond got the ball back into the danger area and Warlow sent a looping header over Lee Evans.
Nick Wellecomme had two chances to restore the lead for Stafford within a minute of Fleetwood's goal. His first effort he put wide but just seconds later, Merella sent him away in the inside right channel and, from the tightest of angles, he beat Hurst via the underside of the cross bar.
The goals continued to flow and Warlow levelled again on 58 mins when he powered home a header from Anthony Barry's cross as the Stafford defence stood watching. Warlow was in search of his hat trick and turned Craig McAughtrie on the edge of the area but his shot drifted wide of goal.
At the other end, Hurst was only able to block a shot from Wellecomme and Steve McNulty had to hack the ball clear.
Jamie Mullan went just wide and then set up a chance for Lee Thorpe but his header went straight at Evans as Fleetwood went in search of the winner. Warlow missed out on a couple more chances late on with McAughtrie making a vital block in front of goal five minutes from time to earn a deserved share of the spoils for Stafford.
STAFFORD RANGERS: 1 Lee Evans 2 Ashley Wooliscroft 3 Fabrice Kasiama 4 Tom Thorley 5 Grant Goodhead 6 Craig McAughtrie 7 Levi Reid 8 Ross Davidson 9 Nick Wellecomme 10 Danny Glover 11 Dominic Merella (12 Andre Francis 76m)
Unused subs: 14 Tony Dinning 15 Joe Rogers 16 James Davies 17 Tom Harrison
FLEETWOOD TOWN: 1 Danny Hurst 2 Shaun Beeley 3 John Hills 4 Michael Taylor 5 Steven McNulty 6 Nathan Pond 7 Sean Clancy (12 Jamie Milligan 10m) (14 Jamie Mullan 46m) 8 Jamie McGuire 9 Lee Thorpe 10 Adam Warlow 11 Anthony Barry
Unused subs: 15 Nick Rogan 16 Gareth Seddon 17 Craig Dootson
Referee: Mr J Hull
Attendance: 580
Report by Chris Elsley
Stafford Rangers 0 Ilkeston Town 1 B.S.N. – Saturday 20 MARCH 2010
Stafford Rangers slipped to their second successive home defeat on Saturday despite playing against only ten men for most of the game. Tony Dinning also missed a golden opportunity to snatch a point when his late penalty was saved by Dan Lowson.
Rangers were down to the bare bones after left back Richard Vauls made himself unavailable, forcing manager Chris Brindley to name only four subs which were himself, reserve keeper Tom Harrison, young defender Joe Rogers and recent singing James Davies.
It was a competitive opening although there were few chances at either end. Tom Thorley had two strikes at goal from the edge of the area but that was about it as far as Rangers were concerned in the opening half hour. It wasn't much different at the other end and Ilkeston's first threat ended with striker Gary Ricketts getting a yellow card for deliberate handball as he rose to meet a cross from the left wing.
Dan Holmes volleyed over after a punch from Lee Evans found the Ilkeston midfielder on the edge of the area. Ricketts' earlier moment of madness was compounded after 20 mins when he made a poor challenge on Fabrice Kasiama and the referee had little alternative than to dismiss the Ilkeston front man.
But Rangers were unable to break down the Ilkeston back line and the better chances were falling for the visitors. Ashley Wooliscroft had to clear a centre from Jimmy Ghaichem from underneath his own cross bar as Ilkeston continued to look the most threatening.
Ghaichem was lucky to escape a caution on 37 minutes for theatrically going to ground as he went past Grant Goodhead but it was the Ilkeston midfielder who had the last laugh when he netted what proved to be the only goal of the game in controversial circumstances just three minutes later. Ghaichem and Goodhead were both chasing a flick from Amari Morgan-Smith when Goodhead went to ground. The referee saw nothing wrong and Ghaichem was able to continue unchallenged to fire past Lee Evans. Goodhead was cautioned for his subsequent protests.
Rangers opened the second half brightly with a good effort from Levi Reid but it was the visitors who once again came closest to scoring when Charlie O'Loughlin headed against the Rangers bar and Luke Waterfall's follow up was headed straight into the arms of Evans.
Tom Thorley was on the end of a deep centre floated in by Wooliscroft on the hour mark but he planted his header straight into the body of Lowson. Late on, Craig McAughtrie moved up to add some physical presence to the attack and it was his challenge with five minutes remaining that resulted in O’Loughlin handling in the area.
Rangers best hope of getting something from the game vanished with Dinning's spot kick striking the legs of Lowson. Rangers' misfortune continued a minute later when a shot from Reid deflected off Tom Bonner but with Lowson wrong footed, the ball span just a couple of inches wide of the post.
STAFFORD RANGERS: 1 Lee Evans 2 Ashley Wooliscroft 3 Fabrice Kasiama 4 Tom Thorley
5 Grant Goodhead 6 Craig McAughtrie 7 Levi Reid 8 Michael Burns 9 Nick Wellecomme 10 Tony Dinning 11 Dominic Merella (12 James Davies 80m)
Unused subs: 14 Joe Rogers 16 Chris Brindley 17 Tom Harrison
ILKESTON TOWN: 1 Dan Lowson 2 Kieran Murphy 3 Tom Bonner 4 Dan Holmes 5 Charlie O'Loughlin 6 Luke Waterfall 7 Jimmy Ghaichem (16 Paul Dempsey 80m) 8 Josh Burge 9 Gary Ricketts 10 Amari Morgan-Smith (15 Jack Watts 84m) 11 Liam Green
Unused subs: 12 Alex White 14 Tobin Zoomers 17 David Coombes
Referee: Mr T Massey
Attendance: 434
Report by Chris Elsley
Northwich Victoria 2 Stafford Rangers 2 B.S.N. – Saturday 13 MARCH 2010
Stafford Rangers recorded their sixth draw in seven games at a chilly Victoria Stadium last Saturday. Rangers made two changes to the side that drew at Eastwood seven days earlier with Craig McAughtrie returning in pace of Manny Udoji and Nick Wellecomme back after suspension replacing Fabrice Kasiama who dropped to the substitutes bench.
Rangers played some good football in the first five minutes without creating anything positive and it was the home side who should have gone ahead on 8 mins with their first meaningful attack. Mark Danks released Wayne Riley intot he area and he pulled the ball back for the unmarked Michael Connor but the Vics' midfield man fired wide.
Connor went someway to making amends for his miss when, two minutes later, he played the ball over the top of the Rangers defence and Brian Dutton picked his spot well to squeeze the ball beyond Lee Evans and in via the inside of the right post. The home side enjoyed the better of the chances that followed with Danks and Danny Meadowcroft both going close but Rangers were nearly presented with a gift equaliser on 24 mins when confusion between Nat Kerr and his keeper Curtis Aspden saw the former poke the ball just wide of his own goal. But the Vics remained in control as Kerr and Harry Winter both fired over from outside the area while Riley ended a fine solo run with a shot wide.
Rangers' chances were few and Tony Dinning should have done better with a rare one that came his way after a lay off from Wellecomme but his sliced effort ended up going for a throw in.
At the other end, Riley missed the target once more after Rangers failed to deal with a throw from Junior Brown but the sides went in at half time on level terms when Craig McAughtrie forced the ball home two minutes before the break after Aspden had only been able to parry Tom Thorley's shot following a well worked free kick.
Rangers began the second half well with Dominic Merella firing over from the edge of the area. It was Merella who fired the Boro ahead on 53 mins when a dreadful header from Brown, just inside the Northwich half, put the Rangers man clear and he delivered the maximum punishment. Skipper Wellecomme had a couple of chances to extend his side's lead before Northwich got themselves back on level terms on 68 mins.
Dutton was allowed to run at the Rangers defence unchallenged and he played the ball into the path of Danks who drilled his shot into the corner of the net.
It was only in the closing stages that either side went close to snatching a winner. Grant Goodhead almost sliced a tame shot from Danks into his own net on 89 mins before Kasiama and Levi Reid both put great chances over at the other end.
NORTHWICH VICTORIA:
1 Curtis Aspden 2 Junior Brown 3 Michael Aspin 4 Nat Kerr 5 Danny Meadowcroft 6 Harry Winter 7 Wayne Riley 8 Michael Connor (17 John Newby 78m) 9 Mark Danks 10 Brian Dutton 11 Jamie Vermiglio (14 Ian Herring 88m)
Unused Subs: 12 Luke Horrocks 15 Ryan Clarke 16 Wes Bancroft
STAFFORD RANGERS:
1 Lee Evans 2 Ashley Wooliscroft 3 Richard Vauls 4 Tom Thorley 5 Grant Goodhead 6 Craig McAughtrie 7 Levi Reid 8 Michael Burns (14 James Davies 90+2m) 9 Nick Wellecomme 10 Tony Dinning 11 Dominic Merella (12 Fabrice Kasiama 84m)
Unused subs: 15 Joe Rogers 16 Chris Brindley 17 Tom Harrison
Referee: Mr S A Oldham
Attendance: 630
Report by Chris Elsley
Eastwood Town 0 Stafford Rangers 0 B.S.N. – Saturday 6 MARCH 2010
Stafford Rangers played out their first goal less draw of the season in a drab match away to play off chasing Eastwood Town.
Rangers were without defender Craig McAughtrie, who is on loan from Eastwood, and Andre Francis who was injured in the midweek defeat against Redditch while forward Warwick Alexander failed to show up although he was still named as one of the substitutes. In came Ashley Wooliscroft, following his release from Fleetwood Town, while Emmanuel Udoji was back from injury. Dominic Merella replaced Alexander in attack.
Eastwood's main threat came from wide midfielder Lindon Meikle and it was he who had the first effort on goal after just one minute but Boro keeper Lee Evans was able to watch the shot drift wide of the target.
Michael Burns went close for Stafford after picking up possession midway inside the Eastwood half and advancing to the edge of the area but his left foot drive went just over the cross bar. Levi Reid saw his effort take a slight deflection but it was just enough to divert the ball out for a Stafford corner.
Neither side was able to create too many openings but Rangers were grateful to Evans to ensure that the two sides went in all square at the half time when he dived acrobatically to his left to push away a shot from Danny Holland.
Eastwood looked a little more assertive after the break but Sam Duncum wasted a rare chance when he volleyed well over after a good delivery intot he box from Meikle. A couple of minutes later, Jon D'Laryea hit a drive just over from 18 yards out.
Meikle missed out when he struck a tame shot straight at Evans while the Stafford keeper made two good saves late on to keep out Anton Foster and Meikle.
Stafford's best effort of the half came via Reid in the closing stages but his shot on the turn failed to trouble Ian Deakin.
Both sides had penalty appeals turned down which may have been given on another day but this was a game where 0-0 was the appropriate result.
EASTWOOD TOWN:
1 Ian Deakin 2 Scott Gardner 3 Paul Riley 4 Jon D'Laryea 5 Mat Bailey 6 Russell Cooke 7 Lindon Meikle 8 Anton Foster 9 Ian Holmes (12 Marc Smith 50m) 10 Danny Holland 11 Sam Duncum (17 David Brown 78m)
Unused Subs: 14 Tom Marshall 15 Emeka Nwadike 16 Ross Gardner
STAFFORD RANGERS:
1 Lee Evans 2 Ashley Wooliscroft 3 Richard Vauls 4 Tom Thorley 5 Grant Goodhead 6 Emmanuel Udoji 7 Levi Reid 8 Michael Burns 9 Dominic Merella 10 Tony Dinning 11 Fabrice Kasiama
Unused Subs: 12 Craig Holland 14 Joe Rogers 15 Chris Brindley 16 Warwick Alexander 17 Tom Harrison
Referee: Mr D Lawrence
Attendance: 442
Report by Chris Elsley
Stafford Rangers 0 Redditch Utd 1 B.S.N. – Tuesday 2 MARCH 2010
Stafford Rangers’ unbeaten run came to an end at a chilly Marston Road as fellow strugglers Redditch took all three points with a late penalty. Rangers were without the injured Emmanuel Udoji, allowing a first start for Grant Goodhead, while Warwick Alexander returned to the starting line up in place of Dominic Merella.
The game began slowly and never really got going. Chances at either end were few and far between and it took almost a quarter of an hour before a first time volley from Redditch’s Jack Byrne brought some applause from either set of fans. It was midway through the half before Rangers created their first real opening. Fabrice Kasiama sent Michael Burns away down the left. His cross found Alexander but Richard Munday blocked the goal bound shot.
Just beyond the half hour, a deep ball in from Joseph Clarke cleared the Rangers defence to find Byrne at the back post. The Redditch midfielder played the ball back across goal but Craig McAughtrie was on hand to clear the danger.
Hopes of an improved second half soon evaporated. Levi Reid did get in a shot that went just wide on 55 mins although his effort would probably have been ruled out as the linesman had his flag raised for an inexplicable offside. Soon after, Tony Dinning scuffed a great chance following Stafford’s best passage of play with Kasiama and Tom Thorley involved in the build up.
Midway through the half, Matthew Blair fired over for Redditch with a finish which lived up to the overall quality of the game.
The referee was being particularly petty with his handling of Stafford throw ins and subsequently angered the Stafford bench when he failed to demonstrate the same approach towards the visitors with the result that assistant boss Darren Read was sent off.
With a first 0-0 draw of the season looming for Stafford, Levi Reid brought down Michael McGrath just inside the area and Clarke scored from the spot with four minutes remaining to give the visitors the victory that neither side deserved.
STAFFORD RANGERS:
1 Lee Evans 2 Andre Francis (16 Craig Holland 38m) 3 Richard Vauls 4 Tom Thorley 5 Grant Goodhead 6 Craig McAughtrie 7 Levi Reid 8 Michael Burns 9 Warwick Alexander (12 Dominic Merella 60m) 10 Tony Dinning 11 Fabrice Kasiama (15 Aaron Lloyd 80m)
Unused subs: 14 Joe Rogers 17 Tom Harrison
REDDITCH UNITED:
1 Daniel Lewis 2 Gary Moran 3 Asa Charlton 4 Joseph Clarke 5 Richard Munday 6 Darren Campion (15 Myron Semper 90+3) 7 Jack Byrne 8 Matthew Blair 9 Danny Scheppel (17 Jozsef Jakab 64m) 10 Marco Adaggio 11 Michael McGrath
Unused subs: 12 Daniel Carter 14 Godwil Moraka 16 Matthew Gardiner
Referee: Mr P P Davies
Attandance: 353
Report by Chris Elsley
Stafford Rangers 1 Alfreton Town 1 B.S.N. – Saturday 27 FEB 2010
Stafford Rangers recorded their fourth successive draw in the league as they came from behind against high flying Alfreton Town.
The Derbyshire side, managed by former Boro defender Nicky Law, were first to show and Liam Hearn had a shot charged down by Andre Francis and a Kyle MacFadzean header went just over the bar inside the first five minutes.
Rangers who were without suspended captain Nick Wellecomme had a new face up front but it wasn't that of Saul Otobo who the club signed the day before. Instead Otobo was elsewhere and making his debut up front was another product of the Glen Hoddle Acadamy, Dominic Merella
and the new signing was involved as Rangers went close with their first chance of the afternoon when he ran on to a flick from Fabrice Kasiama. Spotting Levi Reid in space, Merella picked out the Rangers wide man but McFadzean got back to block the shot on the line.
Kris Bowler forced a save from Lee Evans but Alfreton went in front on 16 mins when Paul Clayton headed in a Jake Moult cross from close range. Evans did well to deny Hearn a couple of minutes later following a slip by Craig McAughtrie and then saw Clayton shoot wide of an empty goal after a poor clearance from the Boro keeper. Alfreton looked in control and only another good block from Evans denied Clayton following a slip from Emmanuel Udoji.
The turning point came in first half stoppage time when Alfreton captain Chris Shaw received his second yellow card of the game – both for fouls on Reid – and the visitors were forced to play the second half with ten men.
Rangers looked to play a more passing game in the second half as they kept the ball on the floor but apart from a Michael Burns effort five minutes after the restart, they were still struggling to find a way through the Alfreton defence. That changed as they dominated a ten minute spell midway through the half. Reid and Merella combined to dispossess Anton Brown only for Kasiama to shoot over from about ten yards out.
Penalty appeals were waved away as McFadzean appeared to block a powerful drive from Burns with his hands – Burns received a caution for his protests – while Tony Dinning's follow up was drilled straight at the Alfreton keeper.
Udoji made a superb tackle to halt a dangerous run from Clayton as Alfreton threatened to put the game beyond doubt, but the improved Rangers performance was rewarded on 72 mins when Kasiama was pushed over in the area by Josh Law and Dinning smashed home the equaliser from the penalty spot.
Neither side was able to find a winner although Rangers did come close in the final minute when Kasiama's shot was blocked by Chris Hall.
STAFFORD RANGERS:
1 Lee Evans, 2 Andre Francis, 3 Richard Vauls(15 Warwick Alexander 65m), 4 Tom Thorley, 5 Emmanuel Udoji(14 Grant Goodhead 70m), 6 Craig McAughtrie, 7 Levi Reid, 8 Michael Burns, 9 Dominic Merella, 10 Tony Dinning, 11 Fabrice Kasiama
Unused subs: 12 Aaron Lloyd, 16 Craig Holland, 17 Tom Harrison
ALFRETON TOWN:
1 Paddy Gamble, 2 Josh Law, 3 Chris Shaw, 4 Aden Flint, 5 Kyle McFadzean, 6 Ian Ross, 7 Jake Moult, 8 Anton Brown, 9 Paul Clayton(12 Ben Mills 83m), 10 Liam Hearn(14 Andy Todd 84m), 11 Kris Bowler(17 Chris Hall 77m)
Unused subs: 15 Jack Muldoon, 16 Dominic Roma
Referee: Mr J L Madine
Attendance: 466
Report by Chris Elsley
Stafford Rangers 1 Hyde United 1 B.S.N – Saturday 20 FEB 2010
Stafford Rangers were held to a draw by lowly Hyde United in a scrappy affair at Marston Road on Saturday.
Rangers made one change from the side that was humiliated by Chasetown in midweek with Tony Dinning replacing Warwick Alexander and the experienced midfielder took just 13 minutes to make his mark when he fired home from 20 yards following a clever knock down from Nick Wellecomme.
Wellecomme himself had earlier gone close when he got in behind a hesitant Hyde defence but by the time he was able to bring the ball in to a shooting position, Chris Lynch was back to block.
A minute after Dinning's goal, Nathan D'Laryea had a chance to equalise following Matty Burke's corner but Lee Evans reacted well to the close range header.
After a good start to the season, Hyde have been struggling for much of the campaign but successive wins from their last two matches have given them a boost and they brought their new found confidence with them to Marston Road.
Kevin Holsgrove tried his luck after cutting in from the right but badly miscued his effort while Evans felt the full force of Nathan Arnold's back post volley a couple of minutes later. Michael Jones did well to tip over a Craig McAughtrie header on 38 mins after the Hyde keeper had initially failed to deal with a corner from Tom Thorley.
But Hyde broke away following the resultant corner. The ball ran nicely for David McNiven who drilled in an accurate shot from outside the penalty area that went in via the inside of Evans' right hand post. Celebrations from the former Stafford striker and current Player of the Year were muted.
Rangers struggled to create much in the second half and Hyde looked the more likely to add to the scoring. McNiven controlled a long ball from Chris Lynch only to send his chip just over the bar but Hyde were presented with a golden opportunity on 57 mins when McNiven was brought down in the area by Emmanuel Udoji.
McNiven put his spot kick wide of Evans but the ball struck the post and was cleared for a corner.
Midway through the half, Jones pushed away a cross-shot from Andre Francis as Rangers created a rare opening. At the other end, the defence was not allowing Hyde much more of a look in although it needed a good block from Dinning to deny Daniel Douglas-Pringle.
But Rangers should have snatched it in the closing minutes. McAughtrie's header was cleared off the line by Mark Lees. The tall defender played the ball back in but sub Aaron Lloyd was unable to convert from close range.
STAFFORD RANGERS:
1 Lee Evans 2 Andre Francis 3 Richard Vauls 4 Tom Thorley 5 Emmanuel Udoji 6 Craig McAughtrie 7 Levi Reid 8 Michael Burns (14 Aaron Lloyd 76 mins) 9 Nick Wellecomme
10 Tony Dinning 11 Fabrice Kasiama
Unused subs: 12 Joe Rogers 15 Grant Goodhead 16 Craig Holland 17 Adam Whitehouse
HYDE UNITED:
1 Michael Jones 2 Dean Stott 3 Mark Lees 4 Matty Burke 5 Chris Lynch 6 Nathan D'Laryea
7 Lee Rick 8 Tom Manship 9 David McNiven (12 Scott Mooney 80 mins) 10 Kevin Holsgrove
11 Nathan Arnold (15 Daniel Douglas-Pringle 71 mins)
Unused subs: 14 Glynn Hurst 16 Chris Rimmer 17 Ben Rowbotham
Referee: Mr M Duncan
Attendance: 507
Report by Chris Elsley
Stafford Rangers 0 Chasetown 4 S.S.C. – Tuesday 16 FEB 2010
Once more, Rangers became the victims of a giant killing act as a near full strength side succumbed to Chasetown.
It might have only been the Staffs Senior Cup and the Boro’s Unibond League First Division South opponents were the side that knocked Port Vale out of the FA Cup a couple of years ago but this was still a humiliating night for the home side.
In front of a respectable crowd of 311, Stafford began well with Michael Burns and Warwick Alexander both forcing saves from Chasetown keeper Ryan Price in the opening five minutes.
A great ball from Levi Reid found Nick Wellecomme free in the inside left channel but as the skipper cut in on to his right he found his path blocked. The visitors responded with Duncan Horler shooting just wide and Grant Ryan scooping a good chance over. A good effort from Fabrice Kasiama skimmed the top of the Chasetown cross bar while Lee Evans got down low to save from Gary Hay as chances continued to fall at both ends.
Chasetown made the breakthrough on 27 mins when a corner from Mark Branch caused problems in the Stafford area and Horler smashed the ball home from near the edge of the area. Six minutes later it was 2-0 as Ryan scored from the penalty spot after Craig McAughtrie had brought down Horler.
The tie was all but over by half time. A minute before the break, Gavin Saunders sent in a deep free kick from the Chasetown left which was poorly defended and Ryan was on hand to score from close range.
Stafford had a few chances to get back into the game at the start of the second half. Tom Thorley’s free kick sailed well over before Wellecomme’s header from an Andre Francis cross had Price diving to keep his goal intact. Moments later, Kasiama sent a shot just wide and that was about it as far as the Stafford challenge went.
Ben Steane went close to adding a fourth on 72 mins but Hay wrapped up a comfortable win for the visitors when he hit home the rebound in the 90th minute after Evans had saved from Daniel Smith.
STAFFORD RANGERS:
1 Lee Evans 2 Andre Francis 3 Richard Vauls 4 Tom Thorley 5 Emmanuel Udoji (12 Aaron Lloyd 66m) 6 Craig McAughtrie 7 Levi Reid (15 Joe Rogers 74m) 8 Michael Burns 9 Nick Wellecomme
10 Warwick Alexander 11 Fabrice Kasiama
Unused subs: 14 Tony Dinning 16 Chris Brindley
17 Adam Whitehouse
CHASETOWN:
1 Ryan Price 2 Ross Miller 3 Mark Branch 4 Christopher Slater 5 Gavin Saunders 6 Vaughan Thomas 7 Ben Steane (15 Scott Embrey 74m) 8 John Branch 9 Gary Hay 10 Grant Ryan (14 Gary Birch 81m) 11 Duncan Horler (12 Daniel Smith 57m)
Unused subs: 16 Christopher Horton 17 John Birt
Referee: Kevin Haywood
Attendance: 311
Report by Chris Elsley
Blyth Spartans 2 Stafford Rangers 2 B.S.N. – Saturday 13 FEB 2010
Stafford Rangers picked up another valuable point last Saturday from a highly charged encounter at Blyth.
The game ended with both sides reduced to 10 men and Blyth’s Chris McCabe suffering from a double break to his right leg as the referee became the centre of attention.
For 45 mins, there was little sign of what was to come. Rangers were the better side for half an hour and took the lead on 19 mins when Nick Wellecomme turned in a shot from Tom Thorley after the Blyth defence had failed to deal with a left wing cross from Fabrice Kasiama. Levi Reid had earlier come close to opening the scoring when his inswinging drive was tipped away by Jack Norton.
Blyth had a great chance to level the scores midway through the first half when a slip from Emmanuel Udoji let in Paul Brayson but the former Northwich man fired wide with just Lee Evans to beat. But Blyth were coming more into the game and it needed a brave header from Craig McAughtrie to keep out Ian Graham following Brayson’s free kick. The equaliser came on 43 mins when Richard Pell beat Lee Evans from the edge of the area.
Brayson saw a couple more chances go just off target but the half ended on a sour note after Andre Francis’ challenge on McCabe left the Blyth midfielder with a broken leg. To the anger of the home camp, Francis escaped with just a yellow card.
Within 25 seconds of the restart, Rangers found themselves behind as Graham was allowed time to turn and shoot past Evans from 10 yards out. Less than a minute later, Robert Dale almost added a third when he broke away only for Evans to save with his legs.
Rangers responded with a first time volley from Kasiama that rolled a few inches wide, although Norton had it covered.
But it was Tony Dinning who restored parity on 59 mins when he stabbed the ball home after Reid had pulled the ball back from near the by line.
Pell headed straight at Evans from a Stephen Turnbull corner and put a similar effort over the top not long after while, at the other end, Wellecomme missed a good one on one chance when he fired through the legs of Norton but wide of the goal. It was to be the Stafford captain’s last chance of the afternoon. A couple of minutes later he was sent off for jumping into a challenge with two feet.
Blyth’s one man advantage lasted no more than two minutes. Stephen Harrison fouled Michael Burns in front of the Rangers dug out and as the two players squared up to each other, the Blyth man gestured a head butt towards Burns and he too was sent off. With the referee losing control, Dinning, having already been booked, was lucky to not be the third player sent off following a blatant body check on Michael Tate while Pell also escaped a caution following his foul on Reid.
Blyth penalty appeals in the final 5 minutes went unanswered after Craig McAughtrie’s tackle brought Brayson to the ground, while Rangers had two late chances to win it with Burns firing wide from 20 yards and Graham cutting out Reid’s centre with both Burns and Thorley waiting at the far post.
BLYTH SPARTANS:
1 Jack Norton 2 Stephen Harrison 3 John Brackstone 4 Michael Tate 5 Gareth Williams 6 Richard Pell 7 Chris McCabe (14 Josh Gillies 46m) 8 Stephen Turnbull 9 Paul Brayson 10 Ian Graham 11 Robert Dale
Unused subs: 12 Simon Todd 15 Guy Bates 16 John Alexander 17 Mark Bell
STAFFORD RANGERS:
1 Lee Evans 2 Andre Francis 3 Jon Patrick (16 Richard Vauls 45m) 4 Tom Thorley 5 Emmanuel Udoji 6 Craig McAughtrie 7 Levi Reid 8 Michael Burns 9 Nick Wellecomme 10 Tony Dinning 11 Fabrice Kasiama
Unused subs:
12 Ebenezer Masade 14 Joe Rogers 15 Grant Goodhead 17 Adam Whitehouse
Referee: Mr G Hart
Attendance: 466
Report by Chris Elsley
Stalybridge Celtic 2 Stafford Rangers 2 B.S.N. – Saturday 6 FEB 2010
Goalkeeper Lee Evans was the hero as he saved a last minute penalty to earn Stafford Rangers a point after a thrilling second half at Bower Fold.
There was little sign of what was to come as Stalybridge outplayed the Boro and cruised into a two goal half time lead. But a second half revival saw the men in black and white turn the tables on their hosts – although their hard work nearly came to nothing.
Stalybridge had already gone close through Matty Barlow and Keith Briggs when the latter received a through ball from Joe O'Neill and gave Lee Evans no chance with a crisp finish after just 15 mins.
Rangers struggled to put together any meaningful attacks although they nearly levelled almost immediately when Tom Thorley's deflected shot looped wide with Dave Carnell wrong footed in the home goal. Soon after, Levi Reid – easily Rangers' best outfield player in the first half – cut in from the right but his finish lacked the quality of the build up.
Connor Jennings extended Stalybridge's lead on 37 mins with a simple tap in at the back post following a Cross from Dave Hankin. Hankin was nearly on the scoresheet himself a couple of minutes later but he was thwarted by a good save from Evans.
The interval saw Rangers make the crucial change with Tony Dinning replacing Warwick Alexander as they switched to a 4-5-1 formation. The experience of Dinning in midfield made all the difference and within eight minutes he had delivered a centre for Fabrice Kasiama to pull a goal back.
Rangers were denied a chance to level three minutes later when Tom Thorley broke clear only for play to be halted for an incorrect offside decision against Nick Wellecomme. It was just one of a number of poor decisions by both Assistant Referee's during the afternoon but one that could easily have been over ruled by the man in the middle. Earlier, in the game the other Assistant had set the tone when he flagged a Stalybridge player offside from a throw in.
Rangers were looking increasingly dangerous and Thorley had a couple of chances in a minute but failed to convert either. At the other end, Jennings got the better of Craig McAughtrie but fired over.
Wellecomme missed out on a one on one when he ran clear of Steve Woods but could not beat Carnell in the home goal. Rangers then withstood a Stalybridge attack that saw Dinning block a shot from Warren Peyton and Andre Francis take the full force of two fierce drives from O'Neill while Evans saved twice in almost identical fashion from Jennings headers after successive Stalybridge corners.
Rangers' fightback deserved something and they were rewarded on 79 mins when Thorley received a lay off from Michael Burns and unleashed a shot from over 20 yards out that beat the diving Carnell.
But the drama was not yet over and in the first minute of added time, Wellecomme was penalised for a push on Briggs in the area. Stalybridge sub Graeme Law stepped up but Evans guessed correctly, diving to his right to push away the spot kick and earn his side a deserved point.
STALYBRIDGE CELTIC:
1 Dave Carnell 2 Richard Battersby 3 Andy Smart 4 Steve Woods 5 Warren Peyton 6 Barrie Keeling 7 Dave Hankin 8 Keith Briggs 9 Joe O'Neill (16 Jody Banim 83m) 10 Connor Jennings 11 Matty Barlow (14 Graeme Law 83m)
Unused Subs: 12 Michael Carr 15 Craig Hobson 17 Ryan Moss
STAFFORD RANGERS:
1 Lee Evans 2 Andre Francis 3 Jon Patrick 4 Tom Thorley 5 Emmanuel Udoji 6 Craig McAughtrie 7 Levi Reid 8 Michael Burns 9 Nick Wellecomme 10 Warwick Alexander (14 Tony Dinning 45m) 11 Fabrice Kasiama
Unused Subs: 12 Craig Holland 15 Joe Rogers 16 Chris Brindley 17 Adam Whitehouse
Referee: Mr P Dunn
Attendance: 456
Report by Chris Elsley
Stafford Rangers 1 Southport 2 B.S.N. – Saturday 30 JAN 2010
Stafford Rangers' hopes of extending their unbeaten run were dashed by a last minute winner for visitors Southport on Saturday.
Rangers were without defender Curtley Williams who has returned to the Glenn Hoddle Academy but his absence allowed a return to the starting line up for Andre Francis following his three match suspension. Back in attack after missing the victory over Harrogate with injury was Warwick Alexander.
Rangers started positively playing some good football and Levi Reid went close inside two minutes but a deflection took pass off his shot and allowed Tony McMillan to gather. Craig McAughtrie cleared the danger after Southport had pressed before sending a shot just wide of the visitors' goal following a Stafford corner.
Both sides continued to look threatening in attack and Stafford keeper Lee Evans denied Steve Daly with two saves in three minutes – the second a fine reflex reaction from a close range header. A first time ball from Alexander sent Nick Wellecomme clear but McMillan came out quickly to block the shot.
Stafford were eventually rewarded four minutes before the break when Wellecomme headed in an excellent cross from Levi Reid.
Wellecomme had a great chance to extend the lead a minute into the second half but his shot found the side netting. It was to prove a costly miss. On 49 mins, an error from Emmanuel Udoji resulted in McAughtrie being penalised for handball in the area and Daly levelled the scores from the spot.
After having the better of the first half, Rangers were unable to assert their authority in the second and it was the visitors who created the better chances. Evans tipped over a shot from Ashley Winn and Matty McGinn fired over from the angle.
Southport sub Chris Simm twice went close in the space of a minute but it seemed as though Rangers were going to hold out for a deserved point until Daly scrambled home Southport's winner in the fourth minute of added time.
STAFFORD RANGERS:
1 Lee Evans 2 Andre Francis 3 Jon Patrick 4 Tom Thorley 5 Emmanuel Udoji 6 Craig McAughtrie
7 Levi Reid 8 Michael Burns 9 Nick Wellecomme 10 Warwick Alexander 11 Fabrice Kasiama
Unused subs: 12 Luke Morgan 14 Craig Holland 15 Tony Dinning 16 Joe Rogers 17 Adam Whitehouse
SOUTHPORT:
1 Tony McMillan 2 Kevin Lee (12 Rob Marsh-Evans 60m) 3 Shaun Gray 4 Adam Flynn 5 Earl Davis 6 Bradley Barnes 7 Ashley Winn (14 Paul Barratt 76m) 8 Michael Powell 9 Steve Daly
10 Ciaran Kilheeney (16 Chris Simm 65m) 11 Matty McGinn
Unused subs: 15 Robbie Booth 17 Shaun Lake
Referee: R J Jones
Attendance: 635
Report by Chris Elsley
Stafford Rangers 1 Harrogate Town 0 B.S.N. – Saturday 23 JAN 2010
A second half strike from Tom Thorley was enough to give Stafford Rangers their third win in eight days at Marston Road last Saturday.
Boro manager Chris Brindley was forced to make three changes with Michael Burns coming in on loan from Carlisle, Eugene Francis making a rare start while there was the return of a familiar face at the heart of defence with Craig McAughtrie rejoining the club on loan from Eastwood Town.
Earlier in the season, Rangers had beaten Harrogate 4-1 at Wetherby Road but the visitors showed far greater resilience for the return fixture.
There was less than a minute gone when Boro keeper Lee Evans saw his first action as he parried a drive from Peter Know then had to react quickly as Jason Bradley homed in on the loose ball. It took Rangers 20 mins to create a realistic chance but Nick Wellecomme saw his effort deflected over.
Thorley then sent a 25 yarder just wide but it was Harrogate, lying just one place off the bottom of the table, who finished the half on top. The Yorkshire side had three good openings in the final five minutes but Adam Nowakowski clipped the ball just over from 25 yards before Simon Sturdy slammed a shot against the post and Evans saved from Lee Gregory.
Rangers were still struggling to create a serious threat on the Harrogate goal after the break until McAughtrie headed a Thorley corner into the roof of the net just before the hour but his effort was ruled out for pushing. Curtley Williams then blocked a shot from Peter Knox as Harrogate continued to pose a threat.
But it was Thorley's goal on 76 mins that was to prove the difference between the two sides. The Stafford midfielder picked up possession deep inside the Harrogate half and advanced to the edge of the area before firing past Aaron Ratchford.
Wellecomme was close to adding a second soon after before Rangers withstood a late surge from the visitors with Evans saving from both Simon Yeo and Craig James in the closing stages.
STAFFORD RANGERS: 1 Lee Evans, 2 Curtley Williams, 3 Jon Patrick, 4 Tom Thorley,
5 Emmanuel Udoji, 6 Craig McAughtrie, 7 Levi Reid, 8 Michael Burns, 9 Nick Wellecomme
10 Eugene Francis (12 Luke Morgan 70m) 11 Fabrice Kasiama.
Unused subs: 14 Tony Dinning
15 Craig Holland, 16 Joe Rogers, 17 Adam Whitehouse
HARROGATE TOWN: 1 Aaron Ratchford, 2 Jon Maloney (16 Jimmy Ghaichem 82m), 3 Craig James, 4 Martin Foster, 5 Matt Bloomer, 6 Simon Sturdy, 7 Adam Nowakowsk,I, 8 Lee Gregory
9 Peter Knox, 10 Jason Bradley (15 Simon Yeo 63m), 11 Ben Muirhead.
Unused subs: 12 Stephen Hernandez, 14 Richard Dunning, 17 Ben Chapman
Referee: Mr N Smith
Attendance: 525
Report by Chris Elsley
Stafford Rangers 2 AFC Telford United 0 B.S.N. – Tuesday 19 JAN 2010
Stafford Rangers gave themselves a major boost, beating local rivals AFC Telford United in their rearranged match.
Rangers kept the same side that had beaten Gainsborough Trinity three days earlier and saw both Nick Wellecomme and Levi Reid fire over from just inside the penalty area.
Telford were struggling to make an impact as they failed to force a save of note from Lee Evans in the first half. Instead, it was Rangers who kept probing the Telford goal. Warwick Alexander’s overhead kick just eluded Jermaine Johnson following a free kick from Jon Patrick and a couple
of minutes later, Fabrice Kasiama ballooned one over from close range after Ryan Young had failed to cut out a right wing cross from Reid.
On the half hour, Alexander had an effort blocked on the line while Shane Killock deflected Bobby Wilson’s follow up out for a corner and just before the half time break, Tom Thorley’s 20 yard drive took a deflection of Nick Wellecomme before going wide of the target.
Telford looked more positive after the interval and an away swinging free kick from Sean Newton grazed the outside of Evans’ left hand post a couple of minutes in.
Johnson missed a great chance for Stafford when he put his free header wide following a free kick which Thorley floated over the top of the Telford defence.
Andre Gray and Aaron Brown both failed in front of goal as the visitors created two good chances in the space of two minutes while Gray missed out once more when he was unable to connect with a square ball across the area from Damian Reeves.
It was in bizarre circumstances that Rangers took a 65th minute lead. The situation seemed harmless enough as Telford keeper Young was about to kick the ball upfield but his ‘clearance’ struck the unsuspecting Alexander on the back and rebounded into the empty net, to the delight of the Boro fans.
A slip by Emmanuel Udoji almost led to an instant Telford reply but Reeves chose to shoot from a tight angle with two Telford players waiting in the centre and Evans was able to block with his legs.
Phil Trainer then missed a couple of chances for Telford – the second being cleared off the line by Wellecomme – before Rangers grabbed the all important second goal of the night with 15 minutes remaining. Young needlessly conceded a corner after Wilson shot from distance and from Thorley’s flag kick, Wellecomme somehow managed to squeeze his header in at the back post.
Evans had to smother a deflected shot from Trainer in the final ten minutes but that was about all Telford had to offer as Rangers moved into the top half of the table for the first time since late August.
STAFFORD RANGERS
1 Lee Evans, 2 Curtley Williams (16 Craig Holland 46 mins), 3 Jon Patrick, 4 Tom Thorley,
5 Emmanuel Udoji, 6 Jermaine Johnson, 7 Levi Reid (14 Luke Morgan 86 mins), 8 Bobby Wilson
9 Nick Wellecomme, 10 Warwick Alexander (12 Eugene Francis 80 mins), 11 Fabrice Kasiama
Unused subs: 15 Joe Rogers, 17 Adam Whitehouse
AFC TELFORD UNITED
1 Ryan Young, 2 Aaron Brown, 3 Sean Newton, 4 Chris Nurse, 5 Stuart Whitehead (14 Danny Carey – Bertram 70 mins), 6 Shane Killock, 7 Jon Adams, 8 Andre Gray, 9 Damian Reeves (17 Kevin O’Connor 78 mins), 10 Phil Trainer, 11 Sean Evans (15 Carl Rodgers 46 mins)
Unused subs: 12 Steve Thompson, 16 Adam Dugdale
Referee: Mr N Hobbis
Attendance: 670
Report by Chris Elsley
Gainsborough Trinity 1 Stafford Rangers 3 B.S.N. – Saturday 16 JAN 2010
Stafford Rangers finally got their 2010 programme under way with a trip to Gainsborough Trinity last Saturday and they came back with all three points from their fellow relegation rivals.
The Boro line up saw three changes from the side beaten late on by Telford on Boxing Day with Jake Moult (signed for Alfreton), Ashley Wooliscroft (returned to Fleetwood) and Henrik Ojamaa (returned to Derby) replaced by Emmanuel Udoji, Fabrice Kasiama and Warwick Alexander while there was a surprise return for Luke Morgan on the subs bench. Bobby Wilson was another unexpected face on show as the former skipper prepares to depart for a contract in Australia.
The opening 45 mins was virtually all Gainsborough and only a good save from Lee Evans prevented Lewis McMahon from giving the home side a fifth minute lead. Soon after, Evans came out quickly as McMahon ran on to a flick from Luke Beckett and the presence of the Rangers keeper was enough to keep out the Gainsborough front man.
Gainsborough kept pressing. Josh Davies sent a 25 yarder just over and Beckett somehow failed to connect with a centre from McMahon that flew across the face of the Stafford goal Gainsborough went even closer when Ashley Burbeary pounced on a slip by Curtley Williams but saw his shot come back off the post before Beckett again missed from underneath the cross bar after a header from Mark Greaves had presented an ideal opportunity.
Gainsborough's missed chances were to prove costly and, as if to rub salt in their wounds, Stafford snatched the lead with their first shot on target. A defensive mix up four minutes before half time saw Nathan Peat head away as Philip Barnes came to collect and Levi Reid produced a moment of high quality to control the ball before shooting into the unguarded net.
Stafford could have doubled their lead moments later but Barnes recovered well to block a shot from Nick Wellecomme after his attempted clearance had ricocheted towards goal off Wilson.
Rangers continued to press after the break. Warwick Alexander missed a great chance on the hour but made amends nine minutes later when he scored his first goal for the club after a probing run from Tom Thorley. It was virtually game over three minutes later as Alexander netted his second of the match, deflecting a shot from Thorley past Barnes.
Gainsborough pressed for a way back in to the game but their finishing continued to let them down, although one header from James Hunt did need a goal line clearance from Thorley to maintain the three goal margin.
The home side finally got their reward in the final minute though Beckett's penalty was small consolation.
For Rangers, it was a vital win – their first in six league matches – as they battle to move away from the bottom four.
GAINSBOROUGH TRINITY: 1 Philip Barnes,2 Chris Hall (14 Ryan Semple 72m), 3 Nathan Peat, 4 Mark Greaves, 5 Wes Parker (12 Andrew Boyce 55m), 6 James Hunt, 7 Ashley Burbeary, 8 Luke Beckett, 9 Lewis McMahon (15 Darryn Stamp 64m), 10 Josh Davies, 11 Darren Dunning
Unused Substitutes: 16 Ryan Mallon, 17 Sam Aiston
STAFFORD RANGERS: 1 Lee Evans, 2 Curtley Williams, 3 Jon Patrick, 4 Tom Thorley, 5 Emmanuel Udoji, 6 Jermaine Johnson, 7 Fabrice Kasiama, 8 Bobby Wilson, 9 Nick Wellecomme, 10 Warwick Alexander (12 Luke Morgan 84m), 11 Levi Reid.
Unused Subs: 14 Joe Rogers, 15 Chris Brindley, 17 Adam Whitehouse
Referee: Paul Cook
Attendance: 334
Report by Chris Elsley
AFC Telford United 2 Stafford Rangers 1 B.S.N. – Saturday 26 DEC 2009
For the second successive week, Stafford Rangers saw their hopes of picking up some points on the road dashed by a late goal.
Seven days earlier, it was promotion chasing Fleetwood who snatched the last gasp victory. On Boxing Day, AFC Telford United struck three minutes from time to cruelly snatch the three points.
The afternoon had begun well for Stafford. Seconds after Telford had had a penalty claim turned down by referee M Howes, a good ball from Henrik Ojamaa sent Levi Reid away down the left. The Telford defence stood back, allowing Reid to come inside and pick his spot beyond the reach of Ryan Young to give Rangers the lead with just three minutes on the clock.
Rangers had Curtley Williams partnering Jermaine Johnson at the centre of defence, with Bobby Wilson moving into midfield and the Rangers captain nearly took advantage of his new role when he tested Ryan Young from 30 yards out.
Ojamaa also went close as Stafford looked to press home their early advantage.
Telford were enjoying plenty of possession but shots from John Adams and Liam Blakeman which went well wide were all they had to show for it. It was Blakeman who drew the two sides level on 32 mins with an excellent finish from inside the area after being given time on the ball by the Stafford defence.
Telford raised their game and Steve Thompson missed a good chance to put the home side ahead when the former Stafford striker fired over just before the break.
Apart from a header over from Telford's Damian Reeves early on, neither side had much to show in the opening twenty minutes of the second half, but it was Telford's substitutes who were to prove the turning point.
Telford no 12, Phil Trainer had already had two earlier efforts go wide when he sent a tremendous volley crashing back off the Rangers cross bar. Stafford responded as Ojamaa's glancing header drifted just wide and Jake Moult shot straight at Young.
With four minutes remaining, Rangers looked certain to score as the trio of Reid, Warwick Alexander and Jake Moult all had efforts blocked in a matter of seconds. Telford survived and immediately switched play to the other end of the pitch where Sean Evans flicked the ball on for Andre Gray to fire the winner past Lee Evans.
It was a cruel blow for Stafford who deserved a share of the spoils, if not more.
TELFORD: 1 Ryan Young, 2 Lee Vaughan, 3 Sean Newton, 4 Shane Killock, 5 Stuart Whitehead, 6 Liam Blakeman, 7 Jon Adams, 8 Carl Rodgers (12 Phil Trainer 64m), 9 Damian Reeves (16 Andy Brown 68m), 10 Steve Thompson (15 Andre Gray 76m), 11 Sean Evans
Unused Sub: (Only four named), 14 Chris Nurse
STAFFORD RANGERS: 1 Lee Evans, 2 Ashley Wooliscroft, 3 Jon Patrick, 4 Tom Thorley, 5 Bobby Wilson, 6 Jermaine Johnson (16 Eugene Francis 89m), 7 Levi Reid, 8 Jake Moult, 9 Nick Wellecomme (15 Warwick Alexander 79m), 10 Henrik Ojamaa, 11 Curtley Williams (14 Andre Francis 80m)
Unused subs: 16 Fabrice Kasiama, 17 Adam Whitehouse
Referee: M Howes
Attendance: 2,200 (including 156 from Stafford)
Report by Chris Elsley
Fleetwood Town 2 Stafford Rangers 1 B.S.N. - Saturday 19th DEC 2009
A goal three minutes from time robbed Stafford Rangers of a share of the spoils in the only Blue Square North fixture to survive the big freeze last Saturday.
Fleetwood had the sprinklers on prior to kick off in an attempt to get the pitch playable but it almost had the reverse effect as the ball was frequently held up in the pools of surface water that resulted.
Rangers went into the game without Tony Dinning (injured) and Ashley Wooliscroft (not available) while Curtley Williams was another absentee. There was a recall for Bobby Wilson after suspension and the Rangers captain celebrated his return by heading his side into the lead after 12 minutes when he got on the end of a Jon Patrick free kick.
The earlier play had already seen Levi Reid booked for hauling down Steve Connors and Michael Taylor hit the ball into the side netting from James Mulligan’s free kick as the home side made the early running.
Wilson struck after Nick Rogan had scythed down Tom Thorley just inside the Fleetwood half. The Fleetwood forward was lucky to escape a caution, particularly as the referee seemed happy to wave his yellow card around so freely towards the Stafford players later in the game as a total of five Stafford players were cautioned to none from the home side.
Buoyed by their goal, Rangers went in search of another.Connors blocked a shot from Henrik Ojamma and Craig Dootson came out quickly to block another effort from Nick Wellecomme.
Taylor then threw his body in the path of another strike from Ojamaa as Stafford continued to create the better chances although Andre Francis made an important clearance when heading away a shot from Rogan.
Rogan then fired wide from the edge of the area but Rangers should have extended their lead on 35 mins when Ojamaa was fouled by Shaun Beeley as he ran onto a return pass from Jake Moult. Unfortunately, Reid’s penalty kick was saved by Dootson.
Fleetwood had a more direct approach after the interval and Rogan soon forced Lee Evans into his first serious save of the match. Jermaine Johnson then got himself in the path of the rebound from the Fleetwood man.
Fleetwood pulled the scores level on the hour. Evans saved well once more when keeping out Gareth Seddon but Mulligan was on hand to fire home the rebound.
Rogan went close to putting Fleetwood ahead soon after but Rangers seemed to be holding out for the point until a touchline free kick from Mulligan three minutes from time found its way in at the far post having managed to evade contact in the crowded area.
Too add to Stafford’s misery, Francis was harshly shown a straight red card a minute from time for a foul on Rogan.
FLEETWOOD TOWN: 1 Craig Dootson, 2 Shaun Beeley, 3 Alan Wright, 4 Michael Taylor, 5 Nathan Pond, 6 James Milligan, 7 Steve Torpey (15 Sean Clancy 61m), 8 Steve Connors, 9 Nick Rogan, 10 Gareth Seddon, 11 Jamie Mullan.
UNUSED SUBS: 12 Thomas Cahill, 14 Michael Wilde, 16 John Hills, 17 Danny Hurst.
STAFFORD RANGERS: 1 Lee Evans, 2 Andre Francis, 3 Jon Patrick, 4 Tom Thorley, 5 Bobby Wilson, 6 Jermaine Johnson, 7 Levi Reid, 8 Jake Moult, 9 Nick Wellecomme, 10 Henrik Ojamaa, 11 Fabrice Kasiama.
UNUSED SUBS: 12 Patrick Samba, 14 Chris Brindley, 15 Joe Rogers, 17 Adam Whitehouse
(only four named)
Ref: G I Chapman
Att: 1,120
Report by Chris Elsley
Stafford Rangers 2 Droylsden 2 B.S.N. – Saturday 12 DEC 2009
For the second successive week, Stafford Rangers needed a late penalty to salvage a home point.
Seven days earlier Tom Thorley netted from the spot to force the draw against Blyth Spartans. Last Saturday, with Thorley having already missed an earlier spot kick, it was sub Fabrice Kasiama who made no mistake with the pressure kick as Rangers shared four goals with high fliers Droylsden.
The visitors showed no signs of repeating the 7-1 hammering they inflicted on Rangers earlier in the season as the home side controlled much of the first half. There were few chances in the opening half hour although Boro keeper Lee Evans did have to go low to his left to smother a deflected free kick from Tony Gray on 20 mins.
Rangers were presented with a glorious chance to open the scoring on 36 mins when Henrik Ojamaa was fouled by Alex Brown as he linked with Tony Dinning but Paul Phillips pushed away Thorley's penalty. Droylsden's relief was short lived as just a minute later, Levi Reid pounced to drill the ball into the net from the edge of the area to record only his second goal in 63 appearances.
A header wide of the mark from Mike Byron was as near as Droylsden got as Rangers went in at the break with their lead intact.
The visitors started the second half positively but it was Ranges who created the best chance when Ojamaa put Wellecomme in but Phillips was out quickly to block with his legs.
Rangers went from being ahead to a goal behind in the space of three minutes. A break by Shaun Whalley on 72 mins led to the equaliser as the Droylsden man put the ball past Evans and Jermaine Johnson's attempt to clear the danger only resulted in him slamming the ball into his own net. Three minutes later, Gray flicked on a ball from the left for Droylsden sub Paul Brown to volley past Evans to put the visitors ahead.
Rangers' boss Chris Brindley immediately made three substitutions and it was sub Kasiama's quick throw to Jake Moult two minutes from time that lead to the Stafford equaliser. Thorley was tripped by Steve Halford following a break into the area from Moult and the Congolese man kept his nerve to level from the penalty spot.
Both sides had chances to steal the points in the dying stages with Lee Evans making a fingertip save from Neil Prince in the last action of the match.
STAFFORD RANGERS: 1 Lee Evans, 2 Ashley Wooliscroft, 3 Jon Patrick, 4 Tom Thorley, 5 Curtley Williams, 6 Jermaine Johnson, 7 Levi Reid (12 Fabrice Kasiama 78 mins), 8 Jake Moult, 9 Nick Wellecomme (15 Eugene Francis 78 mins), 10 Henrik Ojamaa, 11 Tony Dinning (14 Andre Francis 78 mins)
Unused subs: 16 Patrick Samba, 17 Adam Whitehouse
DROYLSDEN: 1 Paul Phillips, 2 James Vaughan, 3 Liam Brownhill, 4 Mike Byron, 5 Steve Halford, 6 Neil Sorvel, 7 Tom Field (17 Neil Prince 55 mins), 8 Alex Brown, 9 Tony Gray, 10 Alex Meechan (15 Paul Brown 65 mins), 11 Shaun Whalley (16 Kevin Leadbetter 84 mins)
Unused subs: 12 Lee Roche,14 Colin Cryan
Referee: Mr A D Hutchinson
Attendance: 363
Report by Chris Elsley
Stafford Rangers 1 Blyth Spartans 1 B.S.N. – Saturday 5 DEC 2009
A late penalty from Tom Thorley gave Stafford Rangers a deserved share of the spoils at home to Blyth Spartans on Saturday. Thorley's goal came with just three minutes remaining after Fabrice Kasiama had been tripped in the box.
Rangers went into the game with new signings Curtley Williams and Tony Dinning making their first appearances while there were home debuts for the two front men Warwick Alexander and Henrik Ojamaa who had played in the defeat at Hinckley a week earlier.
Rangers had the better of a fairly quiet opening. A combination of persistence and good play allowed Jon Patrick to drive the ball across the face of the Blyth goal but it was just too far ahead of Andre Francis. Ojamaa was then denied by Blyth keeper Jack Norton after he had pounced on an error from Rikki Bains. The Estonian striker did get the better of Bains again a few moments later but Armstrong wasted the chance to open his account when he badly miskicked from 12 yards out.
It was just before the half hour when Blyth threatened the Stafford goal for the first time. Some good play between Michael Tait and Paul Brayson set up the chance for Mark Doninger but he flashed the ball across the goal mouth and just wide. Ian Graham had a great opportunity to open the scoring on 38 mins when he fired over from 18 yards after a good run while Andre Francis was denied his first goal in Rangers' colours when Norton tipped over his header a minute before the break. Norton was again Blyth's saviour early in the second half when he pushed away a powerful shot from Ojamaa.
It was the visitors who broke the deadlock on 64 mins when Graham received a pass over the top from Blyth captain Gareth Williams and he ran on to fire past Lee Evans.
A good shot on the turn from Alexander nearly brought Rangers level while hopes of a penalty when Ojamaa was tripped by Alex Francis were quashed when the referee awarded a free kick right on the edge of the box.
Rangers were increasing the pressure with attacking substitutes Patrick Samba and Eugene Francis both called into action. Stephen Harrison was felled by his own keeper as the two collided trying to deal with a corner from Thorley and as play continued with the Blyth defender lying injured in the goal mouth, Fabrice Kasiama was tripped by Williams as he broke into the area.
Harrison received lengthy treatment before leaving the field on a stretcher. Thorley kept his nerve to level the scores from the penalty spot. However it still needed a good save from Evans in the closing stages to ensure Rangers got their point when he blocked a shot from Alex Francis.
STAFFORD RANGERS: 1 Lee Evans, 2 Ashley Wooliscroft, 3 Jon Patrick (16 Scott Lycett 80 mins), 4 Tom Thorley, 5 Bobby Wilson, 6 Curtley Williams, 7 Fabrice Kasiama, 8 Tony Dinning, 9 Warwick Alexander (12 Patrick Samba 80 mins), 10 Henrik Ojamaa, 11 Andre Francis (14 Eugene Francis 72 mins)
Unused subs: 15 Jermaine Johnson, 17 Adam Whitehouse
BLYTH SPARTANS: 1 Jack Norton, 2 Stephen Harrison (12 Darren Craddock 86 mins), 3 John Brackstone, 4 Michael Tait, 5 Gareth Williams, 6 Rikki Bains, 7 Mark Doninger, 8 Stephen Turnbull, 9 Paul Brayson, 10 Ian Graham, 11 Alex Francis
Unused subs: 14 Josh Gillies, 15 James Marwood, 16 John Alexander, 17 Mark Bell
Referee: Mr M S Perry
Attendance: 483
Report by Chris Elsley
Hinckley United 3 Stafford Rangers 1 B.S.N. – Saturday 28 NOV 2009
Despite matching their promotion chasing hosts for much of the game, Stafford Rangers troubles continued on Saturday as they slipped to a 3-1 reverse at Hinckley United.
With striker Nick Wellecomme missing through injury, Rangers boss Chris Brindley brought in Warwick Alexander and Henrik Ojamaa on loan from Stoke City and Derby County respectively and both showed the touch of class that Rangers needed.
Rangers had the better of the opening play and after half chances for Andre Francis and Levi Reid, the two new boys combined well for Ojamaa to set up Reid for a great chance but the 2006 Play Off Final hero blazed over from 18 yards.
It was Hinckley who snatched the lead midway through the half when Adam Webster received a return pass from Matt West to centre for Alex Taylor who fired past Lee Evans. It was an undeserved set back for Stafford but the visitors bounced back to level within five minutes. A long ball over the top from Francis sent Ojamaa clear and the Estonian Youth International raced through to record a debut goal.
Jake Moult nearly put Stafford ahead a minute later when he made a good run to get on the end of a deep free kick from Bobby Wilson and Ojamaa missed out on a second goal when he stumbled as he tried to go around Hinckley keeper Chris McKenzie after another ball over the top – this time from Wilson. Evans made a great close range save five minutes before the break to keep out a powerful shot from Webster.
The kick off for the second half was delayed by some 20 minutes as a replacement match official was sought after referee David Plowright had suffered an injury in the first half.
Assistant Philip Astle took charge for the second half and his first decision outraged the home camp - awarding a free kick for Stafford after team mates Moult and Jermaine Johnson had accidentally kicked each other going for the same ball. It was to prove a costly incident for the visitors as Moult's injury forced him out of the game soon after.
Webster should have given his side the lead on 54 mins but he somehow managed to put the ball over the bar from inside the six yard box after Johnson had blocked his initial effort on the line.
Hinckley were beginning to take control of the game but Ojamaa missed out on another chance for Stafford when he dragged his shot across the face of goal on the hour mark.
Hinckley's pressure eventually produced a goal on 67 mins. Andy Gooding delivering the ball back in to the area after a Hinckley corner for Connor Franklin to head home via the underside of the cross bar.
A great tackle from Johnson on Chukki Eribenne and a bad miss from Gooding kept Rangers in touch before Hinckley opened up a decisive two goal lead with ten minutes remaining, Webster getting his head to a cross from Mark Dudley to glance the ball past Evans.
HINCKLEY UNITED: 1 Chris MacKenzie 2 Neil Cartwright 3 Mark Dudley 4 Richard Lavery 5 Paul Lister 6 Connor Franklin 7 Andy Hall 8 Andy Gooding 9 Adam Webster 10 Matt West (12 Chukki Eribenne 62 mins) 11 Alex Taylor.
Unused Subs: 14 Dan Dillon 15 Lee Collins 16 Louis Hamilton
17 James Mace
STAFFORD RANGERS: 1 Lee Evans 2 Ashley Wooliscroft 3 Jon Patrick 4 Tom Thorley 5 Bobby Wilson 6 Jermaine Johnson 7 Levi Reid 8 Jake Moult (16 Fabrice Kasiama (54 mins) 9 Warwick Alexander (12 Eugene Franicis 82 mins) 10 Henrik Ojamaa 11 Andre Francis.
Unused subs: 14 Patrick Samba 15 Joe Rogers 17 Adam Whitehouse
Referee: Dave Plowright
Attendance: 515
Report by Chris Elsley
Blyth Spartans 2 Stafford Rangers 0 - FA Trophy 3RD Qualifying Round Saturday 21st NOV 2009
Stafford Rangers' miserable record in cup competitions continued with a two goal defeat at Blyth Spartans on Saturday.
Ben Mills midweek departure to Blue Square North rivals Alfreton Town gave a recall to Fabrice Kasiama while the suspended Manny Udoji was replaced by Jermaine Johnson who rejoined the club on loan from Derby County.
The first half hour was notable only for its lack of quality. Rangers were the more positive but they had little to show for their efforts apart from a left foot strike from Tom Thorley that skimmed along the ground and just wide of the post.
Blyth ended the half on top. Their first real chance was sliced well off target by Stephen Turnbull while Lee Evans had to claw away an over hit free kick from Gareth Williams that looked to be heading for the top corner.
John Alexander finally beat the Stafford offside trap six minutes before the break to fire past Evans but as he turned away in celebration, the ball struck the inside of the far post and spun across goal before going out of play. In the closing moments of the half, Evans had to beat away another free kick from the Blyth captain, Williams.
Alexander wasted another good chance a minute after the restart when he raced clear but shot wide with only the keeper to beat. Rangers' best chance of the game fell to Levi Reid who was put through by Jake Moult but the former dragged his shot across the face of goal.
Blyth finally opened the scoring after 69 minutes when Paul Brayson was on the end of a ball from Ian Graham and he made no mistake from the edge of the area.
Stafford's debutant sub Patrick Samba missed a good chance to level soon after when he headed wide from close range and his side's hopes received a further blow with ten minutes remaining when Levi Reid was sent off for a second yellow card after clashing with Michael Tait.
Four minutes later Tait sent Brayson clear to make it 2-0 to kill off any remaining hopes for Stafford.
A long range free kick from Williams struck the Stafford cross bar in added time but Blyth had already done enough to progress.
BLYTH SPARTANS: 1 Jack Norton 2 Stephen Harrison 3 Darren Craddock 4 Michael Tait 5 Gareth Williams 6 Rikki Bains 7 Mark Doninger 8 Stephen Turnbull 9 Paul Brayson 10 Ian Graham 11 John Alexander
Unused Subs: 12 Simon Todd 14 Josh Gillies 15 James Marwood 16 John Brackstone 18 Mark Bell
STAFFORD RANGERS: 1 Lee Evans 2 Ashley Wooliscroft 3 Richard Vauls (14 Jon Patrick 31mins) 4 Tom Thorley 5 Bobby Wilson 6 Jermaine Johnson 7 Levi Reid 8 Jake Moult 9 Nick Wellecomme (15 Patrick Samba 71mins) 10 Fabrice Kasiama (12 Eugene Francis 68 mins) 11 Andre Francis
Unused Subs: 16 Joe Rogers 17 Adam Whitehouse
Referee: Mr Hart
Attendance: 442
Report by Chris Elsley
Stafford Rangers 1 Gloucester City 0 B.S.N. – Sat 14 NOV 2009
A goal from Jake Moult after just 8 minutes s was enough to earn Stafford Rangers their first home win since August. Moult pounced to volley home from 16 yards after Gloucester had failed to clear a Bobby Wilson free kick from just inside the visitors’ half.
Rangers went in to the game with an unchanged side for the third match running and had much the better of the first half.
A couple of minutes after Moult had struck he sent Levi Reid clear but the latter badly sliced his shot while Ben Mills was a fraction away with connecting with a cross from Andre Francis. After making a mess of an earlier high ball, Lee Evans redeemed himself with a good low save to keep out Gloucester’s James Palmer but it was Rangers who continued to look the most dangerous with Moult and Tom Thorley both going close.
Rangers looked unsettled after they were forced to make a change on 38 mins when Nick Wellecomme pulled up injured and Gloucester’s Mike Symons had several chances to take advantage but didn’t really test Evans.
The second half was a much more open affair with Gloucester pressing for the equaliser and Rangers looking likely to catch them on the break at any time. Tom Hamblin headed wide for the visitors when it looked easier to score while Stafford sub Fabrice Kasiama saw his shot come back off the cross bar less than 60 seconds later.
Evans went low to his left to smother a shot from Marc Richards then made a fine reaction stop to keep out Lee Smith and at the other end, a snap shot from Moult swung just wide.
Tension mounted in the final ten minutes as chances fell at both ends. Gloucester subs Alex Sykes and Lee Marshall both failed to hit the target when presented with good chances while Reid had two chances to seal it for Stafford soon after but fired wide both times.
Sykes was only a couple of inches away from grabbing a late equaliser but Gloucester’s hopes ended when Palmer was sent off in the 90th minute for picking up his second yellow card.
The sound of the final whistle shortly after brought relief to the Rangers fans as they celebrated a first home win in eight games and only their second clean sheet of the season.
STAFFORD RANGERS: 1 Lee Evans 2 Ashley Wooliscroft 3 Richard Vauls 4 Tom Thorley
5 Bobby Wilson 6 Emmanuel Udoji 7 Levi Reid 8 Jake Moult 9 Ben Mills 10 Nick Wellecomme
(12 Fabrice Kasiama 38 mins) 11 Andre Francis.
Unused subs: 14 Scott Lycett 15 Joe Rogers
16 Eugene Francis 17 Ashley Lunn
GLOUCESTER CITY: 1 Mike Green 2 Neil Mustoe 3 Jack Harris (14 Alex Sykes 67 mins)
4 Marc Richards 5 Tom Hamblin 6 Matt Rose 7 Lee Smith 8 James Palmer 9 Will Morford (12 Jack Pitcher 61 mins) 10 Mike Symons 11 Shaun Sevill (16 Lee Marshall 56 mins)
Unused subs: 15 James Baldwin 17 Adie Harris
Referee: Mr S Durbin
Attendance: 547
Report by Chris Elsley
Alfreton Town 3 Stafford Rangers 1 B.S.N. – Saturday 7 NOV 2009
Stafford Rangers were unable to salvage anything from their trip to Derbyshire on Saturday after being forced to play for an hour with just ten men.
Manny Udoji was the recipient of a red card a couple of minutes past the half hour mark when he tripped Damien Reeves in the penalty area and having awarded the penalty, the referee had no option but to dismiss the Stafford central defender. Anthony Howell put the home side ahead from the spot.
Rangers had gone in to the game with an unchanged starting line up for the first time this season but it was Alfreton who were the most threatening in the opening exchanges.
There was a scare in the first minute as Reeves charged down a clearance from Lee Evans but, fortunately for the Stafford keeper, the ball ran wide.
Evans then made two good saves in a minute to keep out Alfreton’s Paul Clayton, the second of which also saw Bobby Wilson blocking a follow up effort from Reeves.
Rangers began to show and Nick Wellecomme and Andre Francis both went close before Alfreton went ahead through Howell’s penalty.
Wellecomme almost restored parity a minute later after good work on the left by the impressive Levi Reid.
But it was the striker on form who was to bring the scores level seven minutes into the second half. A great ball from Francis found Ben Mills in the inside right channel and he fired a well struck shot past Craig Dootson to record his fourth goal in successive games.
Mills went close again a couple of minutes later but it was an error from Francis in the middle of the park that allowed Clayton to put Alfreton back ahead on 61 mins.
Reid almost created another equaliser for Stafford but sub Liam Hearn found himself in space on 78 mins to notch Alfreton’s third and virtually kill off Stafford’s challenge.
Evans made another good save in the dying moments to tip over a free kick from Ian Ross.
ALFRETON TOWN: 1. Craig Dootson, 2. Matt Wilson (16 Liam Hearn 74m), 3. Andy Todd (12 Josh Law 62m), 4. Aden Flint, 5. Richard Pell, 6. Ian Ross, 7. Kyle McFadzean, 8. Anton Brown (14 Jordan Hall 16m), 9. Paul Clayton, 10. Damien Reeves, 11. Anthony Howell
UNUSED SUBS: 15 Matthew Burke, 17 Dominic Roma
STAFFORD RANGERS: 1. Lee Evans, 2. Ashley Wooliscroft, 3. Richard Vauls, 4. Tom Thorley, 5. Bobby Wilson, 6. Emmanuel Udoji, 7. Levi Reid, 8. Jake Moult, 9. Ben Mills, 10. Nick Wellecomme, 11. Andre Francis
UNUSED SUBS: 12. Fabrice Kasiama, 14. Craig Hulme, 15. Eugene Francis, 16. Joe Rogers, 17. Chris Brindley
Ref: D Benton
Att: 462
Report: Chris Elsley
Stafford Rangers 2 Northwich Victoria 2 - B.S.N. – Saturday 31 OCT 2009
Stafford Rangers came from two goals behind to earn a point in this entertaining match at Marston Road.
For the second successive Saturday, Rangers found themselves 2-0 down inside ten minutes thanks to some sloppy defending. Rangers welcomed back Levi Reid, who missed the midweek win at Ilkeston, in place of Fabrice Kasiama who was unwell.
There were just six minutes gone when Northwich's John Newby found himself in space to fire low past Lee Evans in the Stafford goal and two minutes later, a dreadful header from Stafford's Jake Moult put in Mark Danks to double the visitors' lead.
Stafford responded well and Reid fired over after creating space on the left channel.
Johnny Allen could have added a third for Northwich on 22 minutes before Tom Thorley began the Rangers fight back a minute later when he drilled in a shot from the edge of the area that was beyond the reach of Curtis Aspden in the Vics goal. Allen wasted another opportunity three minutes later and it had proved to be a costly miss as Rangers levelled the scores almost immediately.
Matt Bailey was caught out by Reid as he tried to shield out of play and the Rangers midfielder squared for Ben Mills to notch his third goal in consecutive matches.
Michael Connor fired wide and Allen forced a save from Lee Evans as Northwich looked to regain their advantage while Nick Wellecomme fired into the side netting at the second attempt for Stafford.
The Vics had to play virtually the whole of the second half with just ten men after former Boro loanee Danks was sent off for an elbow on Ashley Wooliscroft just three minutes after the resumption but they refused to settle for the draw as Connor sent another shot just over the Stafford cross bar.
Wellecomme missed out on another opportunity when he was put through by Mills only to lose his footing as he went round the Northwich keeper.
Evans tipped over a left footer from Mike Aspin and Connor shot wide as Northwich began to look favourites and the Cheshire side almost snatched the points six minutes from time when Manny Udoji had to clear Wayne Riley's free kick off the line.
RANGERS: 1 Lee Evans, 2 Ashley Wooliscroft, 3 Richard Vauls, 4 Tom Thorley, 5. Bobby Wilson, 6 Emmanuel Udoji, 7 Levi Reid, 8 Jake Moult, 9 Ben Mills (14 Eugene Francis 87m), 10 Nick Wellecomme, 11 Andre Francis.
UNUSED SUBS: 12 Craig Hulme, 15 Joe Rogers, 16 Chris Brindley, 17 Ashley Lunn
NORTHWICH VICTORIA: 1 Curtis Aspden, 2 Mike Aspin, 3 Ryan Brown, 4 Matt Bailey, 5 Simon Grand, 6 Wayne Riley, 7 Jonathan D'laryea, 8 Michael Connor, 9 Mark Danks, 10 Johnny Allen
11 John Newby.
UNUSED SUBS: 12 Stephen Vaughan, 14 Harry Winter, 15 Nat Kerr, 16 Ian Herring, 17 Sean Taylforth
Referee: Mr O Yates
Attendance: 627
Report by Chris Elsley
Ilkeston Town 2 Stafford Rangers 3 B.S.N. – Tuesday 27 OCT 2009
Stafford Rangers put on a spirited performance to record their first victory in six outings at Ilkeston Town.
Rangers got off to a dream start when an error from Ilkeston’s Josh Burge allowed Nick Wellecomme to knock the ball through for Ben Mills and the recalled striker produced a clinical finish from the edge of the area with just 110 seconds played. Jake Moult then struck a 30 yard drive straight at Dan Lowson in the home goal as Rangers looked to extend their lead though they had a scare at the other end when Lee Evans failed to gather a free kick from Burge and Charlie O’Loughlin headed over.
Wellecomme forced a finger tip save from Lowson a minute later while Evans saved well at close range from Amari Morgan-Smith on the half hour. But it has been poor defending that has proved costly for Rangers this season and once again it was a defensive error that let Ilkeston back into the game on 34 mins. An horrendous header from Ashley Wooliscroft was snapped up by David Graham and he clipped the ball over the stranded Lee Evans to level.
Rangers showed great character to bounce back within the minute. A back heal from Wellecomme put Moult through and he slammed the ball past Lowson. After a good challenge from Richard Vauls had forced Graham to shoot wide, Rangers went in at the break wondering how they hadn’t increased their lead when Wellecomme hit the bar from 8 yards out with the home defence at sixes and sevens.
Luck hasn’t been on the Boro’s side too often this season and it was clearly against them 20 seconds into the second half when only referee R P Newman failed to see Manny Udoji play the ball rather than the man as he tackled Morgan-Smith. The man in black pointed to the spot and Morgan-Smith levelled the scores.
A blunder by Evans nearly proved costly as he picked up a back pass from Fabrice Kasiama. Fortunately the advancing Rangers defence blocked Graham’s shot before Andre Francis athletically headed the spinning ball off the line. Play continued to switch from end to end as both sides entertained. Lowson saved at the foot of his post from Moult while Udoji blocked a couple of shots from Graham and Wooliscroft deflected Paul Demspey’s effort out for a corner.
Wooliscroft saw his free kick plucked out of the top corner by a flying Lowson before Bobby Wilson netted what was to prove the winner on 71 mins, a flick header over the advancing keeper from Tom Thorley’s free kick.
Evans had to go full stretch to his left to prevent Wilson heading one into his own net a few minutes later and Burge and Graham both wasted golden opportunities for Ilkeston in the dying minutes as Rangers held on for a much needed victory.
ILKESTON TOWN: 1 Dan Lowson, 2 Tom Bonner, 3 Alex White (12 Richie Holmes 29 mins), 4 Josh Burge, 5 Charlie O’Loughlin, 6 Luke Waterfall, 7 Jake Beecroft (15 Neal Hooks 73 mins), 8 Paul Dempsey, 9 David Graham, 10 Amari Morgan-Smith, 11 Sam Duncum.
Unused subs: 14 Liam Green, 16 Joe Harris, 18 David Coombes
STAFFORD RANGERS: 1 Lee Evans, 2 Ashley Wooliscroft, 3 Richard Vauls, 4 Tom Thorley, 5 Bobby Wilson, 6 Emmanuel Udoj, 7 Fabrice Kasiama, 8 Jake Moult, 9 Ben Mills, 10 Nick Wellecomme, 11 Andre Francis.
Unused subs: 12 Craig Hulme, 14 Eugene Francis, 15 Joe Rogers
16 Chris Brindley, 17 Tom Harrison.
Referee: Mr R P Newman.
Attendance: 359
Report by Chris Elsley
Corby Town 3 Stafford Rangers 2 B.S.N. – Saturday 24 OCT 2009
It was a familiar story for Stafford Rangers as their defence went missing for the opening ten minutes of this game – and that was long enough for home side Corby to establish a two goal advantage.
Goalkeeper Bill Lumley was a notable absentee for Stafford while there was a debut at right back for Ashley Wooliscroft.
Rangers had a driving wind and rain in their faces at kick off and Nick Wellecomme had already cleared one off the line from Mark Stallard when things got a whole lot tougher for Stafford . The game was only six minutes old when Stallard flicked on a long ball for Leon Mettam to fire past Lee Evans. Four minutes later, Gavin Strachan floated in a free kick from the right and Mettam was unchallenged as he headed into the roof of the net.
It was then that Rangers decided to play. Andre Francis forced a good save from Corby keeper Mark Osborn and Fabrice Kasiama tried his luck from a long way out. Rangers defensive frailties were still too evident and Mettam should have completed his hat trick on 23 mins but instead sent his shot into the side netting.
Tom Thorley sent his 30 yard free kick against the Corby cross bar and Wellecomme was denied by a point blank save from Osborn as Stafford continued to improve. Good footwork from Jake Moult ended with him sending a shot flashing across the face of goal at the start of the second half before Osborn gathered a well struck shot from Levi Reid.
Reid should have done better from 12 yards out when he fired over before Evans saved a deflected shot from Corby sub Jamie McGhee in a rare second half threat from the home side. Sub Ben Mills pulled one back for Stafford with 10 mins remaining after being put through by Wellecomme to an equaliser soon after.
Paul Mayo all but secured the points for the home side in the 90th minute when he fired into the roof of the net from a tight angle.
Wellecomme pulled another back for Stafford in added time but that opening ten minutes was to prove too costly in the end.
CORBY TOWN: 1 Mark Osborn, 2 Dean West, 3 Paul Mayo, 4 Phil Gulliver, 5 Chris Hope, 6 Gavin Strachan, 7 Dave Deeney (12 Philip Watt 66m), 8 Steve Towers, 9 Mark Stallard, 10 Leon Mettam (16 Jamie McGhee 75m), 11 Stephen Diggin (15 Joe Francis 54m).
Unused Subs: 14 Chris Shaw, 17 Jason Lee
STAFFORD RANGERS: 1 Lee Evans, Ashley Wooliscroft, 3 Andy Owens, 4 Tom Thorley, 5 Bobby Wilson, 6 Manny Udoji, 7 Andre Francis (12 Ben Mills 70m), 8 Jake Moult, 9 Fabrice Kasiama, 10 Nick Wellecomme, 11 Levi Reid.
Unused Subs: 14 Richard Vauls, 15 Craig Hulme, 16 Eugene Francis, 17 Tom Harrison
Referee: I Dudley (Nottingham)
Attendance: 475
Report by Chris Elsley
Stafford Rangers 0 Stalybridge Celtic 2 B.S.N Saturday 17 OCT 2009
Stafford Rangers slumped to their third consecutive home defeat in a disappointing game at home to Stalybridge Celtic.
The visitors always looked in control as Rangers laboured away, unable to pose much of a threat to the visiting keeper. The visitors got themselves in front after 13 mins when former Boro loanee Matty Barlow powered a close range header past Bill Lumley from a right wing centre from Dave Hankin.
A shot from Ben Mills forced Paul Phillips low to his right to smother and the visiting keeper had to release a shot from Fabrice Kasiama to avoid taking it over his own goal line but that was as good as it got for first half action as neither goal was threatened.
Stalybridge eased their way to a second goal a minute after the break when Richard Battersby went through the defence to give Connor Jennings a simple tap in via Joe O’Neill’s flick.
Rangers did lift their game. Nick Wellecomme should have hit the target with a 55th min header and Mills forced a save from Phillips a minute later before Kasiama fired over. Stafford sub Eugene Francis found his route to goal blocked as he sought to make an immediate impact but it somewhat typified Stafford’s day that one of their nearest efforts came from visiting defender Michael Carr as he nearly turned the ball into his own net.
As time went on, Rangers looked less likely to get back in to the game and only a couple of good saves from Lumley to keep out Craig Hobson and O’Neill prevented a greater margin of defeat.
In between these two good saves, Lumley was spared embarrassment when Keith Briggs stabbed wide after the Rangers keeper had dropped a corner from Paul Ennis.
STAFFORD RANGERS: 1 Will Lumley, 2 Andre Francis, 3 Jon Patrick, 4 Emmanuel Udoji, 5 Bobby Wilson, 6 Levi Reid, 7 Fabrice Kasiama, 8 Jake Moult, Ben Mills (14 Andy Owens 78m), 10 Nick Wellecomme, 11 Craig Hulme (12 Eugene Francis 63m).
Unused subs: 15 Richard Vauls 16 Joe Rogers, 17 Tom Harrison
STALYBRIDGE CELTIC: 1 Paul Phillips, 2 Richard Battersby, 3 Graeme Law (14 Andy Smart 60 m), 4 Michael Carr, 5 Warren Peyton, 6 John Hardiker, 7 Dave Hankin (15 Paul Ennis 78m), 8 Keith Briggs, 9 Joe O’Neill, 10 Matty Barlow, 11 Connor Jennings (12 Craig Hobson 60m) Unused Subs: 16 Greg Wilkinson, 17 Ryan Morris
Referee: Mr P J Hobday
Attendance: 667
Report by Chris Elsley
Stafford Rangers 2 Hinckley United 3 B.S.N. – Saturday 3 October 2009
There was further misery for Stafford Rangers last Saturday as they slipped to their second home defeat in five days, losing out to Hinckley United by the odd goal in five.
It was an improved opening for Rangers, who had suffered a humiliating exit from the FA Cup by Coventry Sphinx on Tuesday night, but their defensive frailties once again proved to be their downfall. Hinckley nearly caught them out when a quick throw from Neil Cartwright found Matthew West but Jon Patrick bravely headed West's centre clear from inside the six yard box. With the pressure still on, Andrew Hall's shot was blocked on the line and James Mace headed against the cross bar from the resultant corner.
Rangers responded and Nick Wellecomme broke into the Hinckley area but his shot didn't trouble Chris MacKenzie. Soon after Tom Thorley put Ben Mills through but he was denied by the Hinckley keeper. Good play from Mills led to Stafford's opening goal on 23 mins when he won possession to square for Wellecomme who scored from close range.
Chances fell at either end in the closing moments of the half. Jermaine Johnson made just enough contact with the ball to distract West at the far post following a centre from Alex Taylor while Wellecomme missed out on a chance to double Stafford's lead when he blasted over after being put through by Fabrice Kasiama.
Hinckley came out after the break determined to get back on level terms quickly and West thought he had done so on 47 mins when he stabbed home the loose ball after Will Lumley had let a harmless looking shot from Mace slipped through his grasp but the offside flag spared Lumley's blushes. A minute later a shot from Cartwright clipped the cross bar as the Stafford defence hesitated.
Hinckley finally got their reward a minute later when a long throw in from the right was allowed to bounce before Cartwright nodded in a flick from West. Hall then volleyed over for Hinckley before the visitors took the lead on 59 mins. Hall was again in the action as he released West into space and the Hinckley striker made no mistake. Hall should have added to Hinckley's lead before a couple of determined runs from Kasiama sparked some life into Stafford's play.
But Hinckley netted their third of the afternoon on 72 mins via the Stafford nemesis of a set piece. Hall rolled his free kick to Cartwright on the edge of the area and his shot was turned in by Richard Lavery.
Mills sliced a shot wide at the back post before Stafford reduced the deficit with six minutes remaining when sub Eugene Francis slid in to convert a ball from Thorley but it wasn't enough to earn a point for the home side.
STAFFORD RANGERS: 1 Will Lumley, 2 Jermaine johnson, 3 Jon Patrick, 4 Tom Thorley, 5 Bobby Wilson, 6 Andy Owens, 7 Fabrice Kasiama, 8 Levi Reid (12 Jake Moult 32m), Ben Mills (16 Eugene Francis 79m), 10 Nick Wellecomme, 11 Luke Morgan (15 Craig Hulme 79m).
Unused subs: 14 Andre Francis, 17 Tom Harrison
HINCKLEY UNITED: 1 Chris MacKenzie, 2 James Mace, 3 Stuart Giddings, 4 Richard Lavery, 5 Lee Collins, 6 Paul Lister, 7 Andrew Hall, 8 Andrew Gooding, 9 Alex Taylor (15 Lewis Hamilton 90m), 10 Matthew West, 11 Neil Cartwright.
Unused Subs: 12 Dan Dillon, 14 Dan Barker, 16 Stuart Storer
Referee: G Hilton
Attendance: 501
Report by Chris Elsley
Stafford Rangers 2 Coventry Sphinx 3 FA Cup Sponsored by E.on
2nd Qualifying Round Replay Tuesday 29 September 2009
Midland Alliance side Coventry Sphinx finished off the job they came close to completing three days earlier by knocking out Stafford Rangers in what will undoubtedly be one of the competition’s biggest shocks this season.
In many ways, Tuesday night’s replay at Marston Road replicated the previous encounter as Stafford started positively without success before Sphinx struck twice to go in at half time with a two goal advantage. Striker Ben Mills was guilty of the most glaring miss when he volleyed over after taking down a ball from Tom Thorley.
Sphinx then stunned Stafford on 18 mins when Kelvin Phillips nodded in after the ball had looped in from the left wing. Will Lumley saved from Jerome Murdock as Sphinx threatened again while Stafford captain Bobby Wilson saw his well struck free kick from 25 yards kept out by Chris Daffern.
Stafford continued to create openings without testing Daffern but Rangers were undone once more on 34 mins when a burst of pace from Aaron Donaldson took him into the area where he was bundled over by Jermaine Johnson who received a yellow card. Kyle Rhodes struck home the penalty.
Having managed to claw back a two goal deficit on Saturday, Stafford came out for the second half with some hope that they would be able to salvage something from this game and Levi Reid forced a good save from Daffern on the hour mark. A header from Andy Owens was cleared off the line and Fabrice Kasiama hooked a shot wide but Stafford seemed to be lacking the urgency that was needed.
Rangers managed to reduce the deficit with 13 mins remaining when Kasiama ran into the Sphinx area and the ball ended in the net despite the efforts of James Holmes to clear.
But it was short lived hope for Rangers as Murdock restored the visitors’ two goal advantage just four minutes later.
Thorley pulled another back from the penalty spot on 83 mins but it was too little too late for Stafford who were forced to end the game with 10 men after Johnson was sent off four minutes from time after receiving his second yellow card of the match.
STAFFORD RANGERS: 1 Will Lumley, 2 Tom Thorley, 3 Richard Vauls (14 Jon Patrick 57 mins), 4 Andy Owens, 5 Bobby Wilson, 6 Jermaine Johnson, 7 Fabrice Kasiama, 8 Jake Moult (12 Luke Morgan 53 mins), 9 Ben Mills (15 Craig Hulme 75 mins), 10 Nick Wellecomme, 11 Levi Reid. Unused Subs: 16 Chris Brindley, 17 Tom Harrison
COVENTRY SPHINX: 1 Chris Daffern, 2 Craig Goodbody, 3 James Holmes, 4 Kyle Rhodes, Terry Ward, 6 Liam Kay, 7 Thomas Muldoon (12 Jamie McAteer 84 mins), 8 Adrian Fisher (14 Ramon Manak 72 mins), 9 Kelvin Phillips (16 Michael Martin 69 mins), 10 Jerome Murdock, Aaron Donaldson.
Unused Subs: 13 Dave Allen, 15 Andrew Woodall, 17 Marc Smith
Referee: Mr R Bartlett
Attendance: 465
Report by Chris Elsley
Coventry Sphinx 2 Stafford Rangers 2 - FA Cup Sponsored by E.on
2nd Qualifying Round - Saturday 26 September 2009
Stafford Rangers were spared FA Cup embarrassment for the second season running by the skin of their teeth as they clawed back a two goal half time deficit to force a replay against Midland Alliance outfit Coventry Sphinx.
Last season's humiliation at Coalville Town did not look like being repeated as Stafford made a positive start with Ben Mills forcing an early save from Carl O'Neill in the Coventry goal while Nick Wellecomme missed out on a hat trick of chances in the opening quarter of an hour.
The home side gave Rangers a scare when Joshua Ruff sent his back post header across the face of goal but there was still little sign of what was to come. It was Jerome Murdoch who stunned Stafford when he brushed past Emmanuel Udoji to fire past Will Lumley after 28 mins. Lumley then saved from Ruff as Sphinx gained confidence but their hopes took a blow on 33 mins when Craig Goodbody was sent off for a foul on Mills.
But it was Stafford who looked the more unsettled and just a minute later, Sphinx made it 2-0 via some pantomime defending from Stafford. Udoji and Lumley collided on the edge of the penalty area as neither took command of the situation. The ball ran loose into the area but Richard Vauls was there to seemingly clear the danger. Instead he struck the ball against Kelvin Phillips – son of former Stafford manager Brendan Phillips - and it rebounded into the unguarded net.
Sphinx immediately substituted Phillips bringing on a defender in an attempt to preserve their two goal advantage. Meanwhile, a concussed Udoji went off to hospital for precautionary tests.
The half time team talk looked to have done the trick for Stafford as the levelled the scores within 10 minutes of the restart. On 49 mins, Sphinx sub James Holmes bundled Wellecomme over after good play from Fabrice Kasiama and Tom Thorley dispatched the subsequent penalty. Soon after, Mills drilled the ball in to the six yard box and it was deflected into his own net by Jamie McAteer.
Stafford were now favourites to go on and clinch the tie at the first time of asking but they failed to maintain their momentum. As the game went on, it was Sphinx who looked the more likely victors. Jake Moult nipped in to deny Aaron Donaldson at the crucial moment and Vauls recovered well after his initial error had let Murdoch in as the home side pushed on and Stafford will be more than grateful for the second opportunity to progress to the 3rd Qualifying Round where the reward will be a home tie against Bedworth United.
COVENTRY SPHINX: 1 Carl O'Neill, 2 Craig Goodbody, 3 Jamie McAteer, 4 Kyle Rhodes, 5 Terry Ward, 6 Liam Kay, 7 Aaron Donaldson, 8 Ramon Manak, 9 Kelvin Phillips (12 James Holmes 39m), 10 Jerome Murdoch, 11 Joshua Ruff (14 Thomas Muldoon 70m).
Unused subs: 13 Chris Differn, 15 Gary Meade, 16 Marc Smith
STAFFORD RANGERS: 1) Will Lumley, 2 Emmanuel Udoji (12 Luke Morgan 39m), 3 Richard Vauls, 4 Andy Owens, 5 Bobby Wilson, 6 Jermaine Johnson, 7 Fabrice Kasiama, 8 Tom Thorley, 9 Ben Mills, 10 Nick Wellecomme, 11 Jake Moult.
Unused subs: 14 Jon Patrick, 15 Joe Rogers, 16 Chris Brindley, 17 Tom Harrison.
Referee: Mr A R Parker (Derby)
Attendance: 312
Report by Chris Elsley
Harrogate Town 1 Stafford Rangers 4 B.S.N. – Saturday 19 Sept 2009
Stafford Rangers picked up three important points with a comfortable victory away to Harrogate Town on Saturday.
On a bizarre day when all the bottom six sides (including Stafford) won – a feat beyond the achievements of the top six – Rangers once again found their shooting boots in a game that they dominated from start to finish.
Rangers had Emmuael Udoji (centre half) and keeper Will Lumley making their debuts but it was home keeper Stephen Hernandez who was the busier.
Ben Mills had already fired just wide when Hernandez denied the Stafford front man with two good saves in a split second.
Brian Dutton sent a header over in what was to be a rare opportunity for the home side as Stafford remained in general control.
A poor touch from Mills cost him another chance before Nick Wellecomme shot wide from the edge of the area. But Wellecomme was not to be denied for too long and on 31 mins he fired Rangers ahead when he got on the end of a Mills flick following Steve Thompson's centre.
Wellecomme should have doubled Stafford's lead a couple of times early in the second half before Jermaine Johnson placed his header inside the far post on 61 mins after the home side had failed to deal with Tom Thorley's corner. Two minutes later, an error from Hernandez as he came out to clear a deep free kick from Thorley left the Harrogate keeper stranded and Bobby Wilson headed into the empty net to make it 3-0.
Lumley was finally called upon to make a save in the 68th min when he had to keep out a Rory Coleman shot but the Stafford keeper was beaten six minutes later when he could only push the ball against Dutton after a dipping centre from Chris Emms and the ball rolled into the net to give Harrogate some hope.
Wellecomme was only a fraction away from Stafford's fourth soon after but it was Johnson who made sure of the points with a fine goal in added time. Picking up the ball on the edge of the Stafford area, the centre half ran half the length of the pitch and exchanged passes with Levi Reid before continuing round Hernandez to net his second of the game.
HARROGATE TOWN: 12 Stephen Hernandez, Simon Harrison, Simon Sturdy (17 Chris Emms 46m), Michael Wood (14 Zeph Thomas 29m), Simon Weaver, Matt Bloomer, Warren Burrell (16 Luke Durham 46m), Dave McTiernan, Jon Maloney, Brian Dutton, Rory Coleman.
Unused subs: 1 John Lamb, 15 Ollie Ryan
STAFFORD RANGERS: Will Lumley, Emmanuel Udoji, Jon Patrick, Tom Thorley, Bobby Wilson, Jermaine Johnson, Fabrice Kasiama, Ben Mills (12 Craig Hulme 77m), Steve Thompson, Nick Wellecomme, Levi Reid.
Unused Subs: 14 Joe Rogers, 15 Eugene Francis, 16 Richard Vauls, 17 Tom Harrison
Referee: B Gordon
Attendance: 339
Report by Chris Elsley
Stafford Rangers 3 Eastwood Town 3 - B.S.N. Saturday 12th Sept 2009
Rangers and high flying Eastwood Town fought out a thrilling 6 goal draw at a sun drenched Marston Road.
Rangers were yet again forced into changes from the side beaten at Southport in midweek with Lee Evans, Jake Moult and Richard Vauls unavailable through injury or illness.
Into the team came Danny Allen, Andy Owens and Jon Patrick. With Eastwood in second place in the table, Rangers expected a tough afternoon and the visitors were first to show when Nwadike headed wide from a Brown cross.
Rangers introduced a potent attacking weapon with a long throw from Owens causing panic in the Eastwood defence.
Eastwood took the lead after 14 minutes when Brown was given too much space down the left and his cross was partially cleared by Bobby Wilson. The ball fell invitingly to Nwadike whose volley evaded the outstretched arms of Danny Allen and tricked over the line. Rangers equalised four minutes later. A corner from Tom Thorley was headed on by Wilson and Steve Thompson stroked the ball home at the far post.
Rangers took the lead on 34 minutes with a goal of real quality. André Francis and Tom Thorley combined well down the Rangers right before passing the ball inside to Thompson. The Port Vale youngster looked up and placed a perfectly weighted ball into the path of Nick Wellecomme at the far post and Rangers’ leading scorer powered his header into the net. Rangers’ third goal came 6 minutes before the break. Thorley took a free quick on the left hand side and Andy Owens, unmarked in the area, looped his header over keeper Turner into the net. Rangers continued to press home their advantage as the half-time whistle approached with Wellecomme and Kassiama having chances to extend the lead.
The game appeared to turn on 50 minutes with the introduction of Eastwood substitute Marc Smith. The former Harrogate striker added significant height to the Badgers attack and Eastwood used his presence to full advantage. The equalising goal came on 54 minutes. A free-kick from Eastwood was poorly defended by Rangers and after Allen had made a smart point blank save from Hulme the ball rebounded to Smith, unmarked in front of the net, and he made no mistake. Eastwood should have equalised on 65 minutes when a long clearance from keeper Turner was flicked on by Smith. Meikle got the wrong side of Owens but with Allen beaten, he pushed the ball past the post.
The equaliser duly came after 72 minutes and it was another poor one for Rangers to concede. A free-kick was floated into the box by Martin Foster where Bobby Wilson headed the ball into his own net. Both sides had chances to win the game with the best opportunity falling to Tom Thorley but his header was well saved by Turner.
Rangers: Allen, A. Francis, Patrick, Owens, Wilson, Johnson, Kassiama, Thorley, Thompson, Wellecomme, Reid
Subs (unused): Alexander, Hulme, Francis, Rogers, Brindley
Eastwood Town: Turner, M. Foster, Clarke, Nwadike, Hulme, Robinson, Brown (Riley 50), A. Foster, Holmes (Smith 50), Holland (Whitehurst 62), Meikle
Subs (unused): Knox, Chambers,
Referee: G Law (Leicester)
Attendance: 507
Report by Ken Hunt
Southport 4 Stafford Rangers 2 B.S.N. Tuesday 8th Sept 2009
A hat trick from leading scorer Ciaran Kilheeney put paid to Stafford Rangers’ hopes of bringing anything back from a rain swept Southport.
Rangers, who had Derby loanee Jermaine Johnson making his debut in the centre of defence, began positively with a couple of long range efforts from Levi Reid causing problems to the home side.
Evans saved well from Kilheeney on 11 mins while Jake Moult should have finished better after working his way deep into the Southport area but it was Southport who struck the opener on 13 mins when Kilheeney steered Paul Barratt’s corner past Evans with his thigh.
Rangers bounced back quickly and a fiercely struck free kick from Bobby Wilson four minutes later took a slight deflection off Nick Wellecomme as it whistled past Tony McMillan. Rangers then stunned the home side by taking the lead ten minutes later. A long ball from Andre Francis was flicked on to Steve Thompson by Wellecomme and he held off the defender to stab the ball past McMillan.
After deservedly holding a 2-1 half time lead, Rangers faced more determined Southport side after the break. Steve Daly missed a great chance to level when he sliced his shot after Kilheeney had flicked on a centre from Barratt but Earl Davis made no mistake with his header from another Barratt
centre on 64 mins.
Davis struck the bar and Johnson made a superb clearance from Alan Moogan before Southport regained the lead on 70 mins, Kilheeney glancing home a long throw from Zac Aley. At the time, Rangers were a man down as Bobby Wilson was off the field having been treated for an injury in the preceding build up.
Shaun Gray recovered from an earlier error to deny Thompson the chance of a late equaliser for Stafford but Kilheeney made certain of the points for the home side in added time when he ran clear of the Rangers defence to complete his hat trick.
Southport: Tony McMillan, Kevin Lee, Shaun Gray, Adam Flynn, Earl Davis, Alan Moogan, Paul Barratt, Michael Powell (14 Bradley Barnes 57m), Steve Daly (15 Ashley Winn 74m), Ciaran
Kilheeney, Zac Aley (16 Dan Lloyd 89m)
Unused Subs: 12 Chris Lever, 17 Damian Eastham
Stafford: Lee Evans, Andre Francis, Richard Vauls, Tom Thorley, Bobby Wilson, Jermaine Johnson, Fabrice Kasiama, Jake Moult (12 Darren Alexander 63m), Steve Thompson, Nick Wellecomme, Levi Reid (14 Jon Patrick 70m)
Unused Subs: 15 Joe Rogers, 16 Darren Brunt, 17 Danny Allen.
Referee: S Copeland
Attendance: 606
Report by Chris Elsley
Droylsden 7 Stafford Rangers 1 - B.S.N. Saturday 5th September 2009
Rangers suffered their heaviest defeat for many a year with a comprehensive defeat at the hands of Droylsden at the Butcher’s Arms. Rangers went into the game with Lee Evans making his long awaited debut and with Ben Mills missing through injury, Steve Thompson, on-loan from Port Vale, also made his bow.
Rangers were the first to show with Fabrice Kassiama very much in the game. After 11 minutes, Levi Reid tricked his way to the by-line but his cross was cut-out by the Droylsden defence. The Bloods began to take control and Beck had a shot blocked before they opened the scoring after just 13 minutes. Francis was caught out of position on the Droylsden left and Gray took advantage, cutting inside before beating Evans at his near post. Darren Alexander headed wide from a Tom Thorley corner before Rangers’ defence was again on the backfoot as Yeo caught Francis out of position but his cross was wasted with Beck in acres of space in front of goal. Droylsden doubled the lead on 28 minutes. Gray was given too much time and space on the right and his low cross was controlled by Yeo before finding its way to Sorvel who sidefooted home.
It was now one-way traffic and Rangers could not contain the rampant Bloods. Sorvel and Yeo both went close before the lead was extended on 37 minutes. Rangers’ attempt at an offside trap was exposed by a long ball from Brownhill. Yeo raced clear, one-on-one with keeper Evans and finished with consummate ease. Gray went close to a fourth for Droylsden with two stunning free-kicks. The first from 35 yards skimmed the bar while the second from 10 yards nearer the goal went over the angle of post and bar with Evans beaten.
The second half started quietly but what chances there were fell to Droylsden with Gray and Whalley shooting straight at Evans. Gray should have made it four after 63 minutes. A free-kick from Byron was controlled well on the left by Brown and his inch perfect cross fell to Gray who inexplicably volleyed wide. Gray turned creator a minute later as Droylsden did get their fourth of the afternoon. Gray beat Moult with a sublime piece of skill before sending Brown clear. The Droylsden sub cut inside Francis, picked his spot and caressed the ball into the bottom corner. Rangers pulled a goal back after 74 minutes through the perseverance of Nick Wellecomme. The Rangers target man shrugged off the challenge of two defenders before hitting the back of the net.
Rangers’ comeback was short-lived and the game ended with a glut of goals. With nine minutes left, Jon Patrick upended Brown in the box and Meecham made no mistake from the spot. Four minutes later, Brown clipped the ball over Evans and Sorvel was on hand to apply the finishing touch. The rout was completed after 87 minutes when the impressive Brown shot low to Evans’ right and the ball beat the debutant keeper’s despairing dive.
A miserable afternoon for Rangers against an excellent Droylsden side.
Droylsden: Mawson, Roche, Brownhill, Byron, Halford, Sorvel, Beck, Lloyd (Williams 68), Gray, Yeo (Meechan 55), Whalley (Brown 55).
Subs (unused): Cryan, Woodyatt
Rangers: Evans, Francis (Brunt 77), Vauls (Patrick 56), Thorley, Wilson, Alexander, Kassiama (Hulme 72), Moult, Thompson, Wellecomme, Reid
Subs (unused): Rogers, Allen
Booked: Whalley (Droylsden), Francis, Wilson, Alexander (all Stafford)
Referee: M Duncan (Warrington)
Attendance: 419
Report by Gary Hazlehurst
Stafford Rangers 2 Solihull Moors 3 – B.S.N. Monday 31 August 2009
Stafford Rangers lost out to Solihull Moors by the odd goal in five at Marston Road on Monday afternoon.
Ross Davidson was missing from the Rangers starting line up after picking up an injury against Vauxhall Motors on Saturday but Levi Reid, making his third return to his hometown club, replaced him.
There was drama from the kick off as Nick Wellecomme missed a second minute penalty for Rangers following a foul on Fabrice Kasiama by Liam Daly. Wellecomme’s spot kick was saved by Dan Crane and Theo Street blocked the follow up effort from Ben Mills.
Rangers’ disappointment lasted only two minutes. Another foul by Daly, this time on Ben Mills earned Rangers a free kick on the left hand side and Tom Thorley’s delivery glanced off the head of Bobby Wilson to put Rangers in front.
Solihull responded quickly and Jake Edwards scored twice in four minutes to put the visitors in front, firing past Danny Allen after Rangers had failed to clear a free kick (10 mins) and then glancing in a Darren Stapleton corner (14mins ).
Darren Alexander headed wide for Stafford a minute before Ben Mills brought the sides level with a perfectly timed run to get his head on the end of a deep centre from Kasiama. Crane saved well from Wellecomme while Allen did likewise to keep out Junior English at the other end as the sides ended the first half all square.
Both sides went close early in the second half – Allen tipped over a header from Edwards and Crane kept out a powerful header from Jake Moult. Kasiama and Reid also went close for Stafford but the longer the game went on the less likely the home side looked of scoring.
Alex Price fired across the face of goal for Solihull before Junior Brown and Tim Gould both had efforts blocked in the matter of seconds. The Solihull winner came nine minutes from time as Stafford failed to deal with yet another dead ball situation and Stapleton’s free kick was headed into the roof of the net by Daly.
STAFFORD: Allen, Francis, Vauls, Thorley, Wilson, Alexander, Kasiama, Moult, Mills (Brunt 46), Wellecomme, Reid (Hulme 82)
Unused Subs: Patrick, Rogers, Evans
SOLIHULL: Crane, Midworth, Stapleton, Street, Daly, English, Faulds (Price 66), Downes, Edwards, Dempster (Brown 71), Gould
Unused Subs: Pugh, Rachel, Davies
Referee: R L Johnson
Attendance: 583
Match report by Chris Elsley
Vauxhall Motors 2 Stafford Rangers 2
Rangers will wonder how they only returned home with one point after missing a hatful of chances at Rivacre Park. Rangers made one change from the side that drew with Farsley, Darren Alexander replacing the injured Andy Owens.
After a cagey opening, Rangers went close to opening the scoring after 7 minutes. Fabrice Kassiama and Nick Wellecomme combined to create an opening for Jake Moult but his shot was brilliantly saved by Danzelle St Louis-Hamilton. Kassiama tried his luck from 30 yards but his shot just clipped the bar with the Vauxhall keeper backpedalling. Rangers skipper Bobby Wilson was shrugged off the ball by Hine who cut inside and forced Danny Allen into a fine save. Two minutes later, Allen was again forced to save at full stretch from Noon who curled a left footer from 25 yards. Rangers broke the deadlock after 17 minutes. Ross Davidson played the ball down the line to Ben Mills who beat his defender and crossed low into the box to the waiting Nick Wellecomme who blasted into the roof of the net.
Rangers should have doubled their lead after 22 minutes. Kassiama drove at the Vauxhall defence and played an inch perfect ball into the path of Mills but with the goal at his mercy he managed to shoot straight at St. Louis-Hamilton. Rangers were made to pay almost immediately. A deep cross from Holmes was headed back into the box by Noone and the unmarked Booth was on hand to bundle the ball over the line. With half-time approaching Allen saved well from a Moogan free-kick. The impressive Wellecomme teed up Moult at the other end and his rasping shot rebounded off the angle of post and bar. With Rangers feeling hard done to, Vauxhall’s response saw them take the lead. Karl Noon found himself in acres of space inside the Rangers penalty area, picked his spot and placed the ball past Allen
Vauxhall almost snatched a third at the beginning of the second half when Wilson was caught in possession by Noon but Allen was on hand to save the effort. Rangers drew level after 49 minutes. A deep free-kick from Wilson was headed down by Mills into the path of Wellecomme who finished clinically. Vauxhall should have regained the lead when a Moogan effort was deflected past the post by Lane with Allen beaten. Wellecomme was a real thorn in the side of the Vauxhall defence and on 64 minutes he was thwarted first by Dames clearing off the line and then by the post as his shot looked to be heading in. Vauxhall failed to clear their lines and Wellecomme was twice thwarted by St. Louis-Hamilton. Moult was next to try his luck but the giant keeper continued to foil Rangers. When Vauxhall did attack, André Francis reacted quickly to clear a header from Egerton off the line.
Rangers continue to create plenty of chances and on another day would have won the game comfortably.
Vauxhall Motors: St. Louis-Hamilton, Holmes, Dames, Lane, Moogan, Holden (Wilson 57), Egerton, Booth, Noon, Hine (Furlong 60), Noone (Davies 66).
Subs (unused): Smith, Swash
Rangers: Allen, Francis, Vauls, Thorley, Wilson, Alexander, Kassiama, Moult, Mills (Brunt 86), Wellecomme, Davidson
Subs (unused): Patrick, Hulme, Rogers, Evans
Attendance: 195
Report by Gary Hazlehurst
Stafford Rangers 2 Farsley Celtic 2 - B.S.N. – Saturday 22 August 2009
A game that could have gone either way eventually saw both sides take a fair share of the spoils at Marston Road.
A glance at the pre match league table would see Farsley occupying bottom spot but a 10 point deduction for going into administration disguised the fact that they, like Stafford, had won their previous two games.
Rangers made a couple of changes to the side that beat Redditch in midweek with injury to Tom Harrison meaning that Danny Allen made his first league start while Andy Owens returned in defence in place of Darren Alexander.
Rangers made an ideal start when Fabrice Kasiama fired in a left foot shot from just outside the area to give his side the lead on 6 mins. Farsley looked troubled at the back as Ben Mills and Nick Wellecomme both went close – the latter being denied by a brave save from Piotr Skiba.
Allen comfortably held on to a free kick from Liam Shepherd in Farsley's first real effort on goal but it was still Rangers in control as Wellecomme, Owens and Mills all had chances to add to the score.
The missed chances proved costly when Farsley levelled on 23 mins when Matthew Young fired home after Rangers had failed to clear a corner.
The sides were level for just four mins. A lovely ball in from Mills found Wellecomme in space and he netted his first of the season to restore Stafford's lead. Wellecomme turned provider soon after but Mills' glancing header was just off target.
Allen made a good stop to keep out Gareth Grant before Owens made a crucial challenge to keep out Lee Ellington while a powerful shot from Jake Moult just before the break went straight to Skiba.
After a bright first half it was a different show in the second as Farsley were the team in greater control.
Mills headed a Dominic Krief free kick off the line and Young hit the post before Ellington levelled the scores on 55 mins after a great run from full back Ryan Serrant.
Rangers nearly responded moments later when Tom Thorley's shot looped off Ellington, forcing Skiba into a fingertip save. Allen saved from Ellington while Skiba pushed away a header from Stafford captain Bobby Wilson as chances fell at either end.
Shepherd fired over for Farsley before Allen made a good double save denying Krief and Young in a matter of seconds before both sides seemed to settle for the draw.
STAFFORD RANGERS: Allen, A Francis, Vauls, Thorley, Wilson, Owens, Kasiama (Hulme 81), Moult, Mills, Wellecomme (E Francis 90), Davidson (Alexander 75).
Unused subs: Rogers, Patrick
FARSLEY CELTIC: Skiba, Pickering, Serrant, Syers, Jackson (Radcliffe 72), Liburd, Young, Krief, Ellington, Grant, Shepherd (Bambrook 86).
Unused subs: Claise, Evans, Bell
Referee: W D Smallwood.
Attendance: 515
Report by Chris Elsley
Redditch Utd 1 Stafford Rangers 2 - B.S.N. Tuesday 18 August 2009
Stafford Rangers made it two wins in four days as they came from behind to defeat Redditch United.
Rangers made two changes from the side that beat Workington with Andy Owens and Luke Morgan being replaced by debutant Darren Alexander and Fabrice Kasiama respectively.
It was the men in black and white who began strongest and they could have taken the lead inside two minutes after a nice touch from Jake Moult put Ben Mills through but Redditch keeper Daniel Lewis was able to block the shot. Nick Wellecomme fired across the face of goal from a tight angle as Rangers continued to control but it was the home side who opened the scoring on 18 mins.
Rangers failed to clear the danger when they had the chance and were made to pay as Gary Hay slipped the ball into the path of Jamie Sheldon who fired home.
However it was a short lived lead for the Worcestershire side who are still searching for their first point of the season. Just five minutes after their opener, Tom Thorley struck home a 25 yard free kick with Lewis rooted to the spot. Both sides traded efforts on goal without seriously threatening but a significant moment came ten minutes before the interval when Boro keeper Tom Harrison went to collect a harmless looking bouncing ball and was caught on the foot by Hay. Harrison resumed after lengthy treatment but with his foot heavily strapped.
Hay created a good chance for Sheldon on the stroke of half time but the Redditch goalscorer was unable to repeat his earlier achievement and fired wide.
Harrison didn’t appear for the second half – instead sub keeper Danny Allen took his place in between the sticks and Redditch looked to have adopted a shoot on sight policy as they tried to put pressure on the young keeper. Allen got down low to save from Hay and Jack Byrne sent a shot just wide, but any nerves Rangers may have had were eased just four minutes after the restart when they got
themselves in front. Jake Moult tried to get on the end of a right wing centre from the excellent Andre Francis and although he didn’t get a touch, his presence was enough to distract the Redditch keeper and defence and Chris Dickinson could only bundle the ball into his own net as he tried to clear. A quick free kick from Thorley dipped just over and Wellecomme fired wide under pressure as Stafford looked to extend their lead although there were warnings at the other end as both Richard Ball and Hay sent shots just off target.
Redditch continued to look for an equaliser but Allen was only called upon to make one further save of note, diving to his right to palm away a 30 yard drive from Byrne.
Mills and Wellecomme could have netted late on for Rangers but at this stage they will be pleased to have seen their side move into the top half of the table.
REDDITCH: Daniel Lewis, Chris Dickinson (Aaron Daniels 85), Asa Charlton, Lucan Spittle, Liam Francis, Jamie Sheldon (James Cooper 62), Jack Byrne, David Bridgewater, Gary Hay, Richard Ball, Joe Clarke.
Unused Subs: Jordan Street, Mike Hegarty, Brad Bullimore
STAFFORD: Tom Harrison (Danny Allen 46), Andre Francis, Richard Vauls, Tom Thorley, Bobby Wilson, Darren Alexander, Fabrice Kasiama, Jake Moult, Ben Mills, Nick Wellecomme, Ross Davidson.
Unused Subs: Craig Hulme, Eugene Francis, Joe Rogers, Chris Brindley
Referee: Mr M Dexter
Attendance: 294
Report by Chris Elsley
Stafford Rangers 2 AFC Workington 0 - B.S.N. Sunday 15 August 2009
Rangers finally got their League campaign up and running with an impressive victory over Workington at a sun drenched Marston Road.
Rangers made two changes from the side beaten by Corby Town with fit again Richard Vauls in for his debut and Andy Owens available to replace the injured Nick Amos. The visitors almost took a shock lead after 6 minutes when a header back to keeper Tom Harrison from Andy Owens forced the keeper into a flying save. Harrison also had to react quickly to block the follow up from Hardman with his feet. Neither side had gained the ascendancy when Rangers opened the scoring after 18 minutes. Ross Davidson won the ball, played it into the path of Ben Mills whose shot was deflected into the net past the wrong-footed Caig by centre-back Andrews.
His first goal in Rangers colours seemed to give Mills confidence and Caig was forced into a last ditch clearance off the foot of the big striker. Mills and Morgan then combined to set-up Nick Wellecomme but the chance went begging. Rangers should have doubled their lead after 30 minutes. Davidson did well to beat Casson down the left and crossed to the waiting Wellecomme. His backward header found Mills who nodded the ball back to his strike partner but Wellecomme failed to find the target. Rangers had another glorious opportunity 5 minutes before the break when Wellecomme turned provider for Moult but with the goal at his mercy he hit his shot against the upright.
Rangers continued to dominate in the second half but the second goal seemed to elude them. The impressive Mills shrugged off two defenders but his shot was parried by Caig. Shannon had a decent chance for the visitors but screwed the ball wide. Rangers substitute Kassiama was next to test Caig who parried his left footed drive. Rangers had André Francis to thank for keeping parity when his challenge thwarted Shannon after the Reds striker had rounded Harrison.
Rangers clinched the points with a second goal with 7 minutes left on the clock. Moult fed Thorley in the inside left channel. The former Stoke City youngster beat keeper Caig and laid the ball perfectly into the path of Kassiama who finished with aplomb.
Rangers’ improved performance fully merited the three points and gives Chris Brindley’s side a platform to build on.
Rangers side: Tom Harrison, André Francis, Richard Vauls, Tom Thorley, Bobby Wilson (captain), Andy Owens, Luke Morgan (Fabrice Kassiama 45), Jake Moult, Ben Mills (Eugene Francis 85), Nick Wellecomme, Ross Davidson
Subs (unused): Craig Hulme, Joe Rogers, Danny Allen
Attendance: 452
Report by Gary Hazlehurst
Stafford Rangers 0 Corby Town 2 - B.S.N. Tuesday 11 August 2009
An improved second half performance wasn’t enough to earn Stafford Rangers their first points of the season.
After a fairly uninspiring opening, Rangers nearly opened the scoring on 16 mins when Nick Amos stabbed the ball wide following a free kick from Tom Thorley. This chance seemed to ignite Rangers and Dean West had to clear for the visitors after Fabrice Kasiama and Luke Morgan had combined well for Stafford.
A foul just outside the penalty area by Bobby Wilson on 20 mins gave Corby a free shot at goal and Gavin Strachan curled the free kick beyond the reach of Tom Harrison. Corby’s Mark Stallard struck the foot of the post on the half hour before Leon Mettam made it 2-0 after 35 mins.
Ben Mills failed to connect with a right wing centre from Morgan just before the break. The former Leek man got his head to a cross from Andre Francis seconds later but it was an easy gather for Corby keeper Mark Osborn.
Rangers were more positive after the break but found themselves up against a stubborn Corby defence. Mills managed to get in a shot that was easily smothered by Osborn while Morgan volleyed well over after some encouraging play from Ross Davidson and Mills in the approach.
Nick Wellecomme and Kasiama both fired wide for Stafford either side of a shot over the top by Corby’s Stephen Diggin. Morgan eventually forced the first meaningful save by Osborn with 10 mins left and Rangers were left still searching for their first points and goals of the season.
Stafford: Harrison, Francis, Kasiama, Thorley, Wilson, Amos, Morgan, Moult, Wellecomme, Mills (Proffitt 74), Davidson
Unused Subs: Rogers, Hulme, Brindley, Allen
Corby: Osborn, West, Jaszczun (Deeney 80), Gulliver, Hope, Strachan, Turner, Towers, Stallard (Defty 64), Mettam (Diggin 57), Mayo.
Unused Subs: Watt, McGhee
Referee: J M Law
Attendance: 531
Report by Chris Elsley
Hyde United 1 Stafford Rangers 0 - B.S.N. Saturday 8th August 2009
The Blue Square North season saw the return of the British Summer as Rangers opened their campaign on Tameside against Hyde United. Rangers gave league debuts to six players including midfielder Ross Davidson, signed on-loan from Port Vale in midweek. There was a familiar face in the Tigers line-up with David McNiven, last year’s leading scorer, taking the captain’s armband.
Manager Chris Brindley chose to play a 4-5-1 formation to shore up a defence that had been leaking goals throughout pre-season with Ben Mills acting as the lone striker. With so many debutants on both sides it was no surprise that there was little pattern to the early exchanges. Rangers were too reliant on the long ball while Hyde were trying to use the pace of Arnold and McNiven but offside flags were all too frequent. In fact, neither keeper was called into action until a few minutes before the break. A cross from left back Lynch was volleyed over the bar by Manship before man of the match Nathan Arnold cut-inside André Francis but his shot was straight at Tom Harrison in the Rangers goal.
Thankfully, the second half began brightly with both sides keen to start the season with maximum points. Danger man Arnold, shrugged off a challenge from Bobby Wilson but Harrison reacted quickly to smother the ball at the feet of the Hyde winger. Noth Smith and McNiven failed to hit the target with headers as the home side pressed.
Good work by Davidson saw the ball played into the path of Mills but his shot was well blocked by keeper Jones. Hyde immediately responded with Harrison saving well at the feet of Mooney. Hyde should have scored when Scott Mooney beat his defender to set up Tom Manship in front of goal but, with the target beckoning, he screwed the ball wide. Rangers’ response was immediate with Morgan having a shot blocked by the Hyde defence.
Rangers almost broke the deadlock midway through the half. A wonderful cross into the near post by Luke Morgan was flicked goalwards by substitute Nick Wellecomme but his attempt was blocked by Jones. Rangers continued to press with Davidson crossing for Morgan but his shot was again blocked by a desperate Hyde defence. Hyde drove straight back at Rangers and Harrison was forced into a flying save to thwart Mooney.
The only goal of the game came on 74 minutes. Lynch won the ball with a superb challenge on Davidson on the left touch line. Scott McNiven picked up the ball and sent a long raking pass into the path of Nathan Arnold. With Rangers appealing for offside, Arnold took one touch and fired low past Harrison into the bottom left hand corner of the net.
Rangers continued to search for the elusive goal but Wilson blazed wide when in a good position. Andy Owens almost drew Rangers level but his shot was hacked off the line by Stott.
Rangers’ final chance of the game fell to Nick Wellecomme but his volley from a Dorryl Proffitt knock down was high, wide and not very handsome.
Rangers will be disappointed not to have shared the spoils but at least they were creating chances.
Rangers side: Tom Harrison, André Francis, Fabrice Kassiama, Tom Thorley, Bobby Wilson (captain), Andy Owens, Luke Morgan, Jake Moult (Nick Wellecomme 63), Ben Mills (Dorryl Proffitt (76), Ross Davidson, Nick Amos.
Subs (unused): Craig Hulme, Joe Rogers, Danny Allen
Attendance: 401
Report by Gary Hazlehurst
Stafford Rangers 0 Port Vale 1
Port Vale brought a strong squad to Marston Road for this friendly match. Manager Micky Adams split his squad sending the other half to play at Crewe behind closed doors..
Chris Brindley included a few new faces in his line up. Two of those included were from the Glen Hoddle Academy, centre half Andy Owens and midfielder Luke Morgan.
Stafford started brightly with Morgan soon in the thick of action providing a shooting opportunity for Nick Wellecomme. The play was end to end and a Vale free kick was curled into the Stafford box by Thornton but Gareth Owen was unable to convert.
Former Boro loan player Anthony Griffith fouled Jake Moult but the ball ran loose into the Vale box and another former Boro loanee Stuart Tomlinson, playing in goal for Vale did well to stick out a foot and prevent Nick Wellecomme from putting the home side in front.
Stafford skipper Bobby Wilson broke down a Vale attack to put his side on the offensive again, but this time Ben Mills was denied by Tomlinson.
Vale next tested Rangers' 'keeper Lee Evans with a low, stinging drive from Loft, Evans getting down to block with his left hand.
Vale could have taken the lead with half time approaching when Thornton stroked the ball into the path of Glover on the Vale right. He crossed but the advancing Marc Richards, could not get a foot on the ball.
The home side came out the stronger at the beginning of the second half and went close again when defender Andy Owens got up highest to meet a right wing corner to plant a firm header against the substitute keeper Chris Martin's crossbar.
Evans was called in to action twice in quick succession, saving a tame header from Richards and 30 seconds later saving at full stretch to his left to keep out a placed shot from Richards.
Both sides made a number of substitutions in the second half, and this seemed disrupt the flow of the game.
On 85 minutes Vale scored the only goal of the game when Thornton received the ball inside the box and slotted home past Evans. Thornton appeared to be in an offside position but the assistant kept his flag down.
This was an entertaining game and Rangers certainly deserved something out of the match. Chris Brindley must have been pleased with the performance of his side, but disappointed with the result against a strong Vale squad.
Rangers side: Lee Evans, Andre Francis, Richard Vauls, Tom Thorley, Bobby Wilson (captain), Andy Owens, Luke Morgan, Jake Moult, Nick wellecomme, Ben Mills, Dorryl Proffitt.
Subs: Craig Hulme, Joe Rogers, Christian Miller, Ashley Hill, Ashley Page, Tom Harrison, Danny Allen
Attendance: 608
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