We have been drawn away to Sutton Coldfield on the 26th October 2019 in the F.A Trophy!

Tuesday night it is the “old firm” derby. Sadly, not the big event in Glasgow, but the NPL version as Stafford Rangers visit Stalybridge Celtic. Fresh from our “theft” of a point at Scarborough we again attempt to get three points on the board. Those elusive 3 points could have been obtained on Saturday if Sam Coulson’s late header had hit the post and spun in instead of going away from goal. However, had that gone in it would have been daylight robbery, but we would not have minded. It just sums up the poor run of luck we are experiencing.

While we have the 5th best defence in the league having conceded only 12 goals in 10 games it is the fact that we have the worst scoring record, due to no wins which sees us in the relegation places. This is something we need to address quickly, and I know the management team are striving to rectify this as seen buy the loan signing of Bradley Grayson who scored the equaliser on Saturday at Scarborough.

Our away record in the league shows 2 draws and 3 defeats, but the 2 draws came at our recent away games at Morpeth and Scarborough, results that sides near the top would have been proud of. We must take this run and get the 3 points off Stalybridge. Their home record show 3 wins and 3 defeats. The losses came against Atherton, Radcliffe and FC United which potentially could give us some hope as these sides languish in the bottom half of the table. The three wins have been against Grantham, a 5-1 thrashing of Scarborough and last Saturdays win over Bamber Bridge which saw Stalybridge turn around a half time deficit to win.

A Tuesday night is never conducive to a large travelling group but if we can continue our current form, who knows what can happen. Please therefore try to get to Bower fold on Tuesday and let’s see if Andy Fearn can get one over his previous employer. As Andy has already eluded to, we got our first win last season by beating Stalybridge. Come on lightening you can strike in the same place again.

Games payed on October 15th this century

2005 Redditch H 3-3 Conference North
2011 Chasetown A 1-0 Northern Premier league
2016 Coalville H 2-1 Northern Premier League

We have signed Bradley Grayson from Buxton on a months loan.

Welcome to Stafford Rangers Football Club Bradley!

This Saturday we are off to the seaside to play Scarborough at the Flamingo Land Stadium in the
Scarborough Sports Village. We will not dwell to much on last seasons visit, which was our first away game with the new Scarborough Athletic. Historically we had many meetings with the old Scarborough from Seamer Road, which you pass on your way into the town. You will be hard pushed to find its exact location today.

The new Scarborough Athletic joined the main pyramid for season 2013/14, joining step 4 into the Northern Premier League Division 1. Someone at the league must have lost their atlas as Scarborough were placed in the South Division with the likes of Bedworth, Loughborough, Sutton Coldfield, Chasetown, Newcastle, Market Drayton and Kidsgrove. Despite lengthy away fixtures they finished 7th and were then placed into the North Division, where they finished, 6th, 20th, 3rd, and 2nd which gave them promotion into step 3 last season where they finished a creditable 8th.

This season has been a strange one for them result wise as while they have won 2 and lost 4 on their travels all their 5 home games have been draws. They have drawn at home to Buxton, South Shields, Witton, Warrington and Basford with an 89th minute equaliser. Their last game was Tuesday this week when an 88th minute Coulson goal gave them victory over Matlock at Causeway Lane. Matlock however were down to 10 men after 78 minutes. However, it appears they like scoring late goals at the moment.

So, with all their home league games finishing level, and our ability to secure draws, could a draw be on the cards this Saturday. I hope not as it is wins, we need to climb away from the bottom. So hopefully we will get good weather and time for a paddle and stick of rock and come home with the 3 points.

To travelling fans, some things to note. Those travelling by train look out for the very long bench on platform 1. Car drivers the required sat nav is YO11 2JW.

Admission is £12 Adults, £7 Concessions, £5 Youths, Kids aged 11 and undergo FREE with a paying adult.

Games played on 12th October this century

2002 Rothwell H 3-0 FA Cup 3rd Qualifying round
2013 Matlock H 1-3 Northern Premier League