Rangers recorded their second draw in 4 days with a 0-0 result against an in form Warrington side. Rangers keeper problems continued as midfielder Levi Reid had to don the keepers jersey early in the second half.
Match report to follow
Evo-Stik Northern Premier League
Saturday 10 March 2018
For the third time in four home games, Rangers threw away a two goal lead as a late show from Lancaster earned the visitors a point.
The Boro were dealt a blow shortly before kick off when it was decided not to risk keeper Adam Whitehouse, who reported in with a back strain, giving Brad Caswell his first appearance since November. Otherwise it was the same line up that lost to Coalville in mid week.
On a greasy surface Lancaster made the better start as Sam Bailey’s corner caused some problems then Paul Jarvis fired over, all inside three minutes. Bailey then put Tom Kilifin through on the right. He slotted the ball past Brad Caswell only to see it roll wide of the far post under the watchful eye of Kieran Morris.
In between, Levi Reid set up brother Izak but he couldn’t quite find a way past Lancaster keeper Elliot Wynne.
Robert Thompson-Brown is rapidly earning himself a reputation with his deadly free kicks and he was at it again on 31 mins when he put Rangers ahead via the underside of the bar.
Lancaster’s best chance of a first half equaliser fell to Kilifin who got goal side of Dan Vann but hit a tame shot at Caswell.
As with the first half, Lancaster were first out of the blocks in the second and it needed a good block from Kyle Perry to keep out a close range effort from Craig Carney while Kilifin headed wide at the near post.
But Rangers soon settled and enjoyed the better of the play without causing Lancaster too many problems although Joe Thomas almost scored with a spectacular diving header.
But Rangers got more assertive and Wynne had to tip away a dangerous corner from Thompson-Brown. It was from the following flag kick that Stafford made it 2-0 on 62 mins, Kieran Morris heading in from Thompson-Brown’s centre.
Perry could have made it three but it was a double substitution for Lancaster that proved to be pivotal. Charlie Bailey and Joshua Gregory were heavily involved as the visitors sought a route back.
The latter volleyed wide then Caswell saved well from Carney, going low to his left to turn the ball for a corner.
Both Gregory and Bailey missed good chances before the latter scored what appeared to be little more than a consolation two minutes into added time, driving his shot past Caswell after being given space in the area.
But Lancaster had other ideas and two minutes later they grabbed a dramatic equaliser when Gregory forced the ball home after Steven Williams’ header had bounced down off the bar.
Rangers: 1 Brad Caswell, 2 Dan Vann, 3 Kieren Westwood, 4 Kieran Morris, 5 Jordaan Brown, 6 Josh Craddock, 7 Izak Reid, 8 Levi Reid, 9 Kyle Perry (14 Tyrell Waite 86m), 10 Robert Thompson-Brown, 11 Joe Thomas (17 Osebi Abadaki 81m). Unused subs: 12 Massiah McDonald, 15 Sam Griffiths, 16 Jack Sherratt
Lancaster: 1 Elliot Wynne, 2 Simon Wills, 3 Paul Dugdale, 4 Billy Akrigg, 5 Adam Anson, 6 Steven Williams, 7 Sam Bailey (14 Mamadou Djabi 46m), 8 Craig Carney, 9 Tom Kilifin (15 Joshua Gregory 71m), 10 Ryan Winder (12 Charlie Bailey 71m), 11 Paul Jarvis. Unused subs 16 Richard Mercer, 17 Adam Sumner
Cautions: Dugdale (Lancaster)
Referee: Richard Price
Att: 406
Report by Chris Elsley
An unbelievable come back by Lancaster scoring twice in added time deprived Rangers of 3 points. Rangers looked to be in cruise mode as the board went up showing 2 added minutes but it was not to be.
Full match report to follow
Club Captain Mat Bailey has left the club to join Leek Town. Mat who recently lost his place in the side due to injury. We thank him for his efforts whilst at Stafford and wish him well at Leek Town.
Lancaster at home this Saturday 3pm K.O.
Yet another important 6 pointer as Lancaster lie just above us in the table. It is some time since we last played Lancaster, and we visit their Giant Axe Stadium in a few weeks.
Your support is needed!!
In the meantime can you think of any past players who have played for both teams?
Answers in a few weeks!
